Meters For My Mind

Before I understood what depression, anxiety, and frankly the concept of mental health were, I knew I felt the best when I was moving my body. As a college student in the early 2000s, the first time I went to a therapist I remember feeling shame, embarrassment, and weakness. For a long time when I went to my therapist’s office, I avoided other’s gazes. I felt like I was being perceived as compromised.  

As a child of the late 80’s, the baby boomer mentality of ‘be strong, you’re a man’ was instilled early on with sports, family, and adult figures. I eventually was prescribed anxiety medication for my depression and anxiety. I remember this was viewed as weak and like something was wrong with me by a close family member. I spent a lot of energy lying to roommates or friends when I was really going to therapy and remember a college girlfriend using the word ‘shrink’ in an attempt to belittle me (we didn’t last long, don't worry).  

The biggest turnaround I had during my collegiate years surrounding my mental health was when I dove into running and somewhat classic bodybuilding or lifting (absolutely skipped leg day at the time). My former self might be sad to learn that preacher curls are out and long ski tours are in, but 20 years later, the principles of pushing myself and being consistent still holds weight in how I am able to navigate the world mentally. These days, I'm open about my own struggles, and I try to be the kind of friend or coworker who makes others feel comfortable sharing their big challenges or small ones. After all, life hits us all in different ways, and it is important we have outlets and people we can lean on. 

As I have grown, I’ve been able to back off the feeling of ‘needing’ to do a hard workout or a big bike ride, and can feel great with consistency in getting miles of dog walks in a week, or most recently the April Fools’ Challenge (Don't sleep on this challenge, days 9-15 are no joke). I chase elevation goals in uphill skiing, hiking, or cycling off the Erg. On the Erg, I hit a few lifetime PBs on the BikeErg going into my 38th year of life on this planet and am getting curious about chasing down some of my fastest times pre-30. 

I share all this for two important reasons. One, I cannot overstate enough how important exercise or movement has been for me in my life, especially for my mental health. Two, I also am proud to work for a company that wants to put the spotlight on Mental Health Awareness and raise money for various charities supporting mental health efforts. Concept2 is putting on the May Mindful Meters Challenge for the first time, with the goal of raising $20,000. When individuals row, ski, or ride at least 1,000 meters for 10, 15 or 20 days we will donate $1, $3, or $5. To learn more about the challenge and the mental health charities we are supporting, read more here: Concept2 Logbook | Mindful May Meters 

Written by Jameson Halnon from the Concept2 Marketing team. If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis, consult with a trusted loved one, or dial 988 to reach the national suicide and crisis hotline.