Doreen
Doreen built up her strength to be active with a lung condition.
For Chris, knowing his triggers and looking after himself helps him manage his depression. He starts every day with a dip in the sea, living by the motto ‘Win the Morning, Win the Day’.
In the past, I have really struggled with my mental health. I now know my triggers and try to look after myself the best I can so I can stay on top form.
Hearing the quote ‘Win the Morning, Win the Day’ inspired me to do something to set my day upright. I set up a group, named after the quote, with the idea that we would meet up early in the morning, walk for a couple of miles and finish with a dip in the sea. I know that doing exercise is great for our mental well-being and in my mind, if you start your day right you are setting yourself up to succeed. The way I see it, you can’t help everyone but it’s the little things that make a difference and I can help as many people as possible.
I’m not like “I’m Chris Reeves, I’m amazing”. I am trying to better myself daily and I think that’s what I would say to other people. You’re in charge of your own mind and actions. I don’t like getting up in the morning extra early and I hate the sea and cold water. But I know it’s important to challenge yourself daily. I’m getting more comfortable getting into the sea now as I have gotten used to it.
I have to surround myself with good people and keep exercising to keep myself going.
There is a lot of science behind why exercise is good for the brain with positive endorphins and things, but for me, it’s all about setting my day up right. I know what my triggers are, what impacts my mental health and depression. If I’m not exercising, or if I’m eating bad and drinking too much then my mental health suffers. I have to surround myself with good people and keep exercising to keep myself going.
I’m still human. Sometimes I have bad days. At the moment everything has gotten a bit much. Since Win the Morning, Win the Day has taken off I get a lot of messages and people reaching out to me. It’s great and I want to help others, but I have to also look after me. I switched my phone off for three hours the other day, just to have some me-time.
Helping us tackle inactivity to boost health and happiness
