Whether world pain or personal setbacks: people get into crises.
Apart from practical solution strategies that specifically address the problem, regular exercise can help. Because: The mental effects of physical training prevent a loss of courage and strength as soon as new worries arise.
Think of the mind as a muscle that gets stronger with exercise. Like one disciplined trained biceps: that grows.
“Sport is all-encompassing. It’s not just about physical exercises to increase physical performance,” says Dr. Michel Gleich (41). “Sport primarily means working with discipline on individual goals. A positive and self-motivating attitude is essential.”
Michèl Gleich is a fitness expert, author (“Yesterday you said tomorrow”), ex-bodybuilder, doctorate in education and personal trainer for professional athletes.
The same was twelve years in the Bundeswehr, has trained managers, among other things
Athletes can motivate themselves even during tough times, such as after a long-term injury. Equal: “Each training goal achieved is a step that has taught you that you get ahead if you remain disciplined.” Experiences that they have ahead of “normal” people and from which they benefit in all areas of life.
It is out of the question for a footballer to give up the game after conceding a goal. On the contrary: Substitutes are often sent like warriors into long-lost battles. Nevertheless, they are mentally strong enough to continue to give everything in their power.
“Sport trains the mind, promotes discipline, gives us motivation and strength – for all the tasks that life throws at us,” summarizes Gleich.
Whether professional or amateur athlete: after training, the world feels lighter. The reason for this is the altered brain chemistry and, to put it simply, the release of endorphins.
This is how sport preserves positive thinking. “Anyone who manages to integrate regular training into their everyday life is more relaxed about life as a whole,” says the former elite soldier.
The type of active movement is irrelevant. It doesn’t even have to be fun to think about, but it helps to find a sport to become friendly with.
▶︎ Important: stay realistic! The goal of being an active walker is easy to achieve – the desire to become a successful ski jumper in your mid-40s, on the other hand, will remain unfulfilled.
First of all, joy is secondary. In the foreground is the confrontation with one’s own laziness. Euphoria comes by itself at the latest with the first successes.
As soon as growing mental strength becomes noticeable – in a conflict at work, in an argument with your partner or when dealing with strokes of fate – we store it in our heads: Sport takes a lot of effort, but the effort is never in vain.
How’s it going?
- You sit down achievable goals, short, medium and long term. A short-term athletic goal could be to jog for 15 minutes twice a week. Medium term: three times 30 minutes. Long-term: three times 60 minutes.
- Literally tick off achieved goals by typing a training diary to lead. This allows you to visualize what you have already achieved and what steps still lie ahead of you.
- Never lose that Believe. A mantra of professional athletes is: “You are strong and you can do it. Only you have to move. No one will come and do it for you.”
- Find yourself sports friends or coachesto stay motivated.