Mental health is heavily affected by the way we look and therefore by the gym and social media.

I find myself happier since going to the gym as I am more motivated and productive. Going to the gym has improved my work ethic when completing essays and this, in turn, has contributed to me feeling less stressed in the day-to-day.

The reduction of stress has improved my sleeping pattern, which has had a positive effect on my mood and increased my productivity even further.

However, going to the gym can result in self-obsession and this would have a negative effect on an individual’s mental health because individuals fixate on the physical results rather than the other benefits which are something I try not to do.

There are many pages on social media which can give you support and are helpful for tips and advice on staying healthy mentally which advice exercise. A top Facebook page to follow for advice and to take part in their marathon to help others which I am very interested in is with the mental health foundation; https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthfoundation/ and there is also a Facebook page specifically for students of the University of Brighton that I find interesting; https://www.facebook.com/peaceofminduob/

Since joining the gym my self-esteem has also improved which has contributed to the positive effect on my mental health. This is because my perception has improved of the way I see myself and by knowing I am working to improve has improved my feeling of self-worth.

Bibliography:

Facebook.com. (2018). Mental Health Foundation. [online] Available at: https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthfoundation/ [Accessed 13 Mar. 2018].

Facebook.com. (2018). Peace of Mind: UoB Mental Health Society. [online] Available at: https://www.facebook.com/peaceofminduob/ [Accessed 13 Mar. 2018].

Mental Health Foundation. (n.d.). How to look after your mental health using the exercise. [online] Available at: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-to-using-exercise [Accessed 12 Mar. 2018].