Did you know that this week is National Suicide Prevention week?

Each year, about 44,965 Americans die by suicide. If we as a community can reduce that number by even one person as a result of caring for each other and opening the conversation, we've done our part.

Whether you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or not, it is important to find an outlet that relieves stress and makes you happy. For many, fitness can act as this outlet due to the endorphins that a good workout releases, and the connection between both the mind and the body that it creates.

In 2017 Shape Magazine conducted an interview with Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer, and survivor, Michele Santiago. In the article titled “Finding Fitness Brought Me Back from the Brink of Suicide Michele stated that she “loved the challenge of trying new things. But most of all [she] loved how a good sweat turned off the noise in [her] brain and helped [her] find a moment of clarity and peace in what had become a very tumultuous life…[she] didn't have to worry about [her] failing marriage or anything else. Nothing had changed at home—in fact, things had gotten even worse…yet at the gym [she] felt empowered, strong, and even happy.”

While all forms of fitness can be helpful in fostering a positive relationship with yourself, yoga is specifically connected to positive mental health benefits. Ashley Turner of the Yoga Journal states that “through yoga, you get to know yourself and cultivate a more nonjudgmental relationship with yourself. You are building self-trust. You exercise more and eat healthier, because your unconscious mind tells you, ‘I'm worthy of this me time, this effort.’ At the end of the day, everything comes down to your relationship with yourself.” This is one of the many reasons that as Fit Factory has grown, we have placed such a large emphasis on our Mind & Body Studios. It is important to us for our members to have a space where they can really connect with themselves and focus on strengthening not only their bodies, but also their minds.

At Fit Factory, we care. If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide please know that you are not alone, and that you matter. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers an incredible 24-hour free “lifeline” service that you can call to get help at (800) 273-8255.

This week and always remember to be kind to both yourself and others – life can be hard, but you’re strong!

Read the original Shape article here: https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/finding-fitness-brought-me-back-brink-suicide

5 ways yoga benefits your mental health: https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/5-ways-yoga-is-good-for-your-mental-health

Free and helpful resources for those that are struggling: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/help-yourself/