Influencer Anna Quinn’s Mental Health Tips

There isn’t a “magic pill” for a healthy mindset. Just like physical fitness, maintaining a healthy mind is an ongoing process. Since May is Mental Health Month Awareness Month, we asked social media influencer Anna Quinn, a member of the 24 Hour Fitness #FitSquad24, to share her top tips to keep you mind as strong as your body. Here’s what she had to say.

1. Focus on preventative mental health. When you aren’t in the best place mentally, the last thing you want to do is work on yourself. So when you are feeling good, when life’s a little easier to manage … focus on strengthening your mind. Dig into the issues of your past you might want to avoid. Read a book in an area where you could use improvement (recently I read one on how to set boundaries with people). See a therapist; meditate; get outside in the sunshine (it’s proven to make you feel better). Build healthy habits when you’re “okay,” to strengthen your mind so that when life happens, you’ll be a little bit more prepared.
2. Write down your thoughts. Often when we’re struggling, we just need someone to listen to us … but speaking to people about our personal problems can be really hard sometimes! Writing a note on your phone or just putting pen to paper and writing down what’s going on in your brain can be a great way to process what you’re going through and “vent” … without actually venting to anyone!
3. Keep working out! When you work out, the production of “feel good” neurotransmitters in your brain (called endorphins) is increased. In other words, your body releases happy hormones. Sometimes when our mind isn’t right, we don’t want to work out, so it’s important in these times to find some accountability. Ask a friend to work out with you, hire a trainer, or call your mom and tell her you owe her $50 if you don’t workout 3 times this week. And then follow through! I promise you won’t regret it!

Follow Anna Quinn @annaquinnfitness on Instagram for more of her tips.

Photo credit: Anna Quinn