Being a fully formed adult is quite marvellous. You know those floor protectors for chairs you saw on Temu that look like cats? Being an adult means you can just buy them, even if you don’t have floors that need protecting and prefer beanbags over stools. Being an adult means you can sleep when you want, unafraid of enforced timeouts because you side-eyed an aunt. Unfortunately, it also means that you can shower whenever you feel like it, and some people may take this a bit too far. Come on guys, bath time is eternally on the cards.
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But, alas, there is also the overwhelming burden of being responsible for everything because you’re a grown-up. Like that mass family braai on the 26th of December. You finally thought you were free of all commitments until cousin Jack, who always needs to be kept entertained, decided a boxing day party at your house would be quite nice. Nice for who Jack?
There you are, arms full of grocery bags that were ten to falling apart, mentally checking off a list of dietary preferences, drinks, and, oh yes, the firelighters. Don’t forget the firelighters. As you schlep through the aisles, fighting the urge to nap in the nearest display of doggie beds, it hits you: this season of joy feels suspiciously like a marathon of meetings on a work day after an impending sense of doom, nothing to eat and locked jaw from grinding your teeth all of the night before.
THE HOLIDAYS AND MENTAL HEALTH
The holidays are the time of year we wait for most. They’re filled with friends, laughter, family and finally being able to stay up late so that you can truly invest in 30 seconds night without having to leave before you got the chance to roll a zero. But they also bring along a few uninvited guests: stress, anxiety, and the gnawing sense that if you hear Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas” one more time, you might burst into tears and pull at your hair. If you’ve ever found yourself feeling this way, it’s not just you. Many of us tend to park our mental health during this time and forget that taking care of our mental wellness makes room for truly experiencing more joy.
COME HIT THE REFRESH BUTTON FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
Whenever you feel like you’re at the centre of the storm, better yet, when you have that sneaking suspicion that a whirlwind of commitments is about to knock you off your feet, just take a moment and make the healthy decision of coming to a Virgin Active gym.
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS
When we say wellness gets real, we really mean it, and we want to take care of every part of you. Set your selfcare clock to rejuvenate and reset by taking a dip into the pool for a leisurely swim – everything is peaceful underwater.
Need more of a nervous system jolt? Hit the ice bath. Tons of research has shown that even 30 seconds in the freezing cold can dissolve anxiety and spark those happy hormones.
If you’re in the mood for something that moves you a bit more “movement with a mental health mission,” settle into a Sound Bath – we won’t play Mariah Carey, promise. Just need to take yourself out on a date? Come through for a coffee, a fresh juice or soothing smoothie. Staring blankly into space while enjoying your nourishing solo snack-time is also ok.
We are your oasis of calm that gets you away from the chaos of shopping lists, family gatherings and never-ending invasive questions you don’t have answers to.
TIPS TO HELP MENTAL HEALTH
Here are a few science-backed mental health tips and strategies (and yes, they actually work) to help you stay balanced and present this season. (And also prevent you from throwing things or setting found items on fire).
- Physical acts of kindness: Even a small amount of exercise releases endorphins—those handy little hormones that act as nature’s mood enhancers. Think of them as your internal elves who are there to mend you and cheer you on. A quick 10-minute session on the treadmill—whether it’s a brisk walk or interval sprints—can make a big difference.
- Put breathing on your mind: Own those intermittent moments by focusing on deep breathing. It’s not just for yogis; it’s like giving your brain a mini spa day. Don’t panic about the fruit punch you made with that rotting paw-paw out of sheer desperation. Come breath out the bad thoughts at a yoga session, or try one of our online meditation sessions.
- Boundaries aren’t just for brick walls: “No” is a full sentence. Don’t overthink it. Deciding that the best thing for you would be to skip out on the beach where half your day is going to be spent finding somewhere to park is not a crime, it’s an act of self-preservation. No one gets a medal for ignoring their mental health.
- Prioritise Sleep (Yes, even now!): Nothing keeps you more cool-headed than a good night’s sleep. Getting some good Z’s in is the superpower you need to deal with the family gossip and auntie’s expectations. Save your strength for that stress- relieving strength and conditioning class.
- Stay connected, your way: Do whatever you want in whatever way makes you feel most at peace. Your way is more than okay. Opt for some quality alone time in the sauna over the quantity of the outside world, every time.
BONUS TIP: The holidays aren’t about getting everything “perfect”—they’re about finding moments of joy in the mess. And things will get messy. Don’t panic about those charred cookies. Throw in the towel, take it easy and visit your local bakery. Does gift-wrapping presents leave you with sleepless nights laced with dread and anxiety? Use newspaper. It rips off just as well. Better even.
Turn trudge along into march along. Swap the madness for some “me time” and take care of your mental health. Give yourself the best gift you could give yourself, your wellness. And enjoy the festivities by being really peaceful, truly happy, and very you.
Are you looking to enjoy the mental health benefits that come with a gym membership? Put your wellness first. Join your nearest Virgin Active gym today.