The Studio (MDR)'s leading lady talks about how setbacks can help you get ahead.
Okay people, I’m just warning you … this isn't going to be a light and airy love letter, as it has been quite a challenging month for me. I watched one of my closest friends go through the death of her sister, a suicide, and it was beyond what this studio owner could fathom. All I want to do is wave a magic wand and take away the pain and suffering of this beautiful, tight-knit family that I have come to know well over the years, and bring back their beloved. Of course, I can’t do that, and it makes me feel helpless.
Helplessness is a place in which I do not function well, especially when I care so deeply about people. And just like I care about my friends and family, I hope you know that I care deeply about each and every one of you at The Studio (MDR). That’s why I believe that we have the power to help one another avoid getting to dark, vulnerable places -- places where taking one’s life appears to be the only option, where self harm, an eating disorder, anxiety, or depression becomes the norm. I am a big believer that coming to The Studio (MDR) or doing any form of exercise, no matter where you are in the world, can be a soothing balm to sufferers of major depression, low self-esteem, and a ton of other ailments. In fact, it has been clinically proven that depression symptoms improve with exercise. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise eases depression in a number of ways:
- It releases feel-good brain chemicals (neurotransmitters and endorphins)
- It reduces immune system chemicals that can worsen depression
- It increases body temperature, which may have calming effects
Exercise has a ton of amazing psychological and emotional benefits, too. It can help you:
- Gain confidence. Meeting exercise goals or challenges, even small ones, can boost your self-confidence. Getting in shape can also make you feel better about your appearance.
- Take your mind off worries. Exercise is a distraction that can get you away from the cycle of negative thoughts that feed anxiety and depression.
- Get more social. Exercise may give you the chance to meet or socialize with others. Just exchanging a friendly smile or greeting as you walk into The Studio (MDR) can boost your mood.
- Cope in a healthy way. Doing something positive to manage anxiety or depression is a healthy coping strategy. Trying to feel better by drinking alcohol, dwelling on how badly you feel, or hoping anxiety or depression will go away on its own can lead to worsening symptoms.
So, my Studio (MDR) family, let’s give ourselves a collective reality check. I’d love for each and every one of us to privately assess our current mental state and answer a couple hard questions: “Am I okay? Do I like myself?” If the answer is “no” to either one of those questions, then set a course of action that includes exercise and make an appointment for counseling. Then, do the best deed ever: Pose the same questions to your family, friends, and loved ones. And be there for them as you let them know that you care about them and want to help.
Let’s MAKE A DIFFERENCE in a whole new set of ways. See you at The Studio (MDR), where we’re building state-of-the-art minds to accompany our state-of-the-art bodies.
An extra hug,
Lisa