One of the best things you can do for your mental health is acknowledging what you are feeling and allowing yourself to feel it. There have been many times where I’ve gone through a workout and a rush of overwhelm or sadness has taken hold of me. Rather than stuff it down, I allow myself to feel it. I breakdown. I cry. I get mad. And I no longer shame myself for feeling the way that I do.
Of course, it may be a bit tougher to lean into your feelings in a public setting, but it is possible. If you aren’t comfortable, you can always grab a mat and drop down into child’s pose and take a few deep breaths there. You can also take a break from your workout and let yourself feel what you need in the locker room or bathroom.
Feeling what you need will help you cope, overcome, and release those tough feelings that weigh on you a lot quicker than if you were to suppress or be ashamed. You are tougher than your toughest of days.
-Michelle Kalinski