When Exercise Becomes an Obsession: The Impact on Mental Health

Exercise is often seen as a way to cope with poor mental health, but for some, it can actually trigger anxiety and lead to obsession. According to new data from mental health charity Mind, many women are put off from being physically active because it feels too competitive or because of negative experiences in PE at school. Mind is partnering with sports brand ASICS to help people overcome these barriers and enjoy physical activity for the way it makes them feel, rather than focusing on weight or shape. Two individuals, Adam and Biola, share their experiences of how they have changed their mindset around exercise to prioritize their mental well-being. Adam, who struggled with anxiety and depression, used to believe that exercise was only worthwhile if he saw physical changes. He now reframes exercise as ‘being active’ or ‘positive movement’ and has taken the pressure off himself by removing his smart watch and exploring new walking routes. Biola, who turned to cycling as a coping mechanism, realized the importance of focusing on the joy of the activity rather than achieving specific goals. She now measures her workouts by feel and perceived effort, rather than numbers. Rachel, who runs Mental Health Swims, emphasizes the need for a diverse range of bodies and abilities in the exercise space to make everyone feel comfortable and encouraged to try different ways of moving. The key is to find what feels good to each individual, without the pressure of societal expectations.