By Kirsten Rose, Physiotherapist & Health Coach.

This was the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week this year. It reminds us of the importance of social support and connection with others in order to foster not only our mental wellbeing, but our wellbeing as a whole. As a species, humans are wired for connection but in this modern age, despite the hyperconnectivity that technology allows, many people  still feel lonely and isolated. 

I was at a conference recently and one of the speakers presented on the theme that physical activity is like social glue. He talked about how we feel about exercise being more important than what we think about it (and hence the reason why just because we know it’s good for us doesn’t always translate into doing it!). We need to feel positively connected to that exercise to give us a compelling reason to do it. There is also mounting research that shows that people coming together to be active ramps up the benefits to their wellbeing, far exceeding the benefits of the exercise itself, and hence giving us that compelling reason to do it! For those of you who know me from the clinic, you’ll understand when I say I was just fizzing about this topic. 

On a personal level this resonates so deeply with me. Team sports have been a huge part of my life since I was a kid. As an adult, Crossfit has truly been my social glue for the past decade. Being a part of that community has helped me ride through many a storm - moving back to Auckland after many years away, helping me to maintain both my physical and mental health through the wild ride of becoming a parent, those ridiculous covid years, and all the other curveballs that life regularly throws at our way. Yes I love it as a form of exercise, but it’s the people that make it extra special and have helped me to stay consistent over all this time. I’d also say that over the years I’ve recognised it’s importance for my mental health and fitness, not just for the physical or aesthetic gains. 

Amongst the team here at AP, it’s a common theme. Whether it’s running, triathlons, multisport, pilates, yoga,  tramping, dancing, team sports…we all value the social connection and headspace that our chosen form of exercise gives us. It’s why we can relate to our clients when pain, illness or injury gets in the way of taking part in these activities. Because it’s not just exercise buzz that we miss is it? 

What we miss is something that’s called “collective effervescence” - the energy that comes from being in a group with a shared purpose. The feeling that you get from the supportive scaffolding that those people provide, so even on a bad day, you know you can turn up and 99% of the time leave feeling so much better! 

So what do you do when you can’t be part of your chosen community for a while? 

Especially if you notice that you’re starting to feel the negative mental effects of less regular exercise and social connection then we need to be proactive…

Firstly let’s talk about that word “can’t” cos as humans we’re pretty good at black and white thinking. I know I’m not alone with the “if I can’t do it in the way that I want then I won’t do it at all” story. Yep I see you nodding as you read this. Is there another version of that story that might actually be more true? Perhaps a reframe like this might be more helpful… “I could go and I’ll be slower/need to ask for help/have to modify a few things but I could still be there”.

If you really can’t do it then there’s two things we need to consider:

Firstly, you’re allowed to feel like that sucks, make some room for those emotions. Being unwell and/or injured often isn’t fun. It can be frustrating, stressful and for sure it can rob you of some of the joys of life for a while. You don’t need to pretend like that’s not happening. However, ruminating and getting stuck in those negative thought loops isn’t helpful so onto the next consideration…

What are the opportunities that this injury/illness might be providing you? Not in a toxic positivity way, but in a realistic and optimistic way, as there is often room for growth in times of adversity. 

Maybe if your injury is only in one part of your body, you can focus your training elsewhere to tidy up that technique or strength difference you’ve been meaning to address for ages. Maybe there’s now time available to learn something new - for many of us exercise is our best tool to manage stress, but could this be a chance to learn more about what breathwork, mindfulness or a creative pursuit could do for your stress as well? 

Here at AP, we‘re passionate about ensuring that our clients can be supported along their whole recovery journey. We can be your community when you need us. 

That might look like starting with one of our physiotherapists and progressing to one of our physio-led group classes to get you back on track, then working with our Health Collective team of pilates instructors, personal trainers and massage therapists to keep you well. And there’s the option of Health Coaching anywhere along that journey to support you with making those mindset shifts so your new routines and habits are both successful and sustainable. 

I’d like to leave you with this wonderful quote from Vivek Murthy, the US Surgeon General…

“We succeed and thrive best when we work together and support each other. 

When we struggle alone, that’s when the struggle can seem impossible” 

So don’t go it alone. Reach out and let us help you. We’re experts in making better lives possible. 

If you would like to learn more click on our Health Coaching page or book a complimentary call with Kirsten HERE.