Where’s Your Head At ?
Believe it or not, CrossFit isn’t all about PRs and building muscle but creating a sense of well-being and maintaining good mental health. We have all felt a sense of “WTF” when we look at whiteboard or hear about the workout but how pleased do we feel after we have completed it in the company of fellow CrossFitters who so often provide much needed encouragement?
How much harder would that WOD be if you were on your own, no one to push you or motivate you. Without those elements our head game wouldn’t be as strong and focused.
It’s said there are five steps to mental wellbeing; connect, be active, keep learning, give to others and be mindful. I believe that these reflect CrossFit and our BECC Community perfectly. We are always learning new skills from the coaches. We communicate and connect with those around us especially when we complete workouts with a partner. We encourage, are mindful of and give to each other constantly, particularly when things get tough. There is banter, shit talk, friendly competition and challenges. Who doesn’t enjoy the pre and post workout chats with people who have become our friends? Hands down our Community is very Organic and I for one am proud of it.
I only speak for myself but when I started CrossFit in 2006, it was to recover from a physical injury, as time went on I found it helped out with a much larger issue, one that I really wasn’t aware of and had ignored, my mental health. Almost 15 years in the military with deployments had, and from time to time “does” take a toll on me mentally. CrossFit however has given me the focus to keep moving forward, the workouts to keep me distracted and focused and most of all the Community to keep me going.
“I choose to keep my demons and problems by my side instead of them hiding behind me, it’s easier to give them a reality check if they’re within reach” (Romeo Sierra Delta)
So what’s my prescription for daily mental health and clarity? A daily coffee, good friends, community support and regular profanity laced WODs! 🙂