Maybe you tried exercising for a while. Maybe you went two or three times and still pay for an unused gym membership.

The benefits of going to the gym and getting in a routine are advantageous not only physically but also mentally. Psychology Today, by Sarah Gingell Ph.D, said, “Increasingly robust evidence suggests that exercise is not only necessary for the maintenance of good mental health, but it can be used to treat even chronic mental illness.” It has been proven that depression and anxiety are at their highest record levels in countries such as India, China, the U.S., and the U.K. (Psychology today). Students struggle with this problem in their day to day and the possibility that they can feel and look better is amazing.

Belhaven University senior Brent Webber said, “Working out has benefited me emotionally and mentally cause it causes a regimen for me, its easier for me to get up in the morning and do things better in my daily routine.” Going to the gym even three days a week can help anyone feel better, which leads to a better life. Once that routine begins, anything can happen. When Belhaven University graduate assistant Alec Miller was asked if he thinks exercise is good for mental health, he said, “Absolutely!”

Of course, everyone needs that push to begin a routine to start feeling better. Belhaven University sophomore Charity Williams decided she “wanted to feel better and have more energy” so she started gradually working out more and more to boost her mood. Williams became motivated to work out for her mental and emotional health. “It makes me feel better in so many different ways than just physically,” said Williams.

Many people give up because they don’t see results, or they’re not satisfied with what they are doing. But it takes time, this is not a fast process. Miller has further insight in seeing people’s physical and mental progression, “As a trainer you get to see the whole day to day process, you get to control the day to day process. You get to see those little increases of performance, maybe not on a daily basis but definitely over a long period of time. Just those little improvements that people don’t always see. Its always exciting to see the person you’re working with to see those improvements as well.”

If you find yourself wanting to give up, don’t, its not worth it. Miller said, “Whenever someone wants to give up, you tell them that its not an option.” Miller believes that giving up on working out is just as bad as if you were on a sports team and gave up in the middle of a game on all your teammates and coaches. Skipping one day can turn into three days, then weeks, then months, it’s a slippery slope. Giving up is not a choice for Webber because he tries to be great at every aspect of his life so working out is not something taken lightly “I believe a better workout life is a better life in general.”

Ultimately, exercise and mental health go hand in hand. It can be hard dealing and adjusting to both of those things but eventually it happens. Of course there are other things one can do to feel better inside and out but exercise can be one of the most helpful. You just have to find what works for you so you can live a good, happy life.