Somy Ali, a social activist and founder of a US-based NGO that helps victims of domestic violence, believes that staying healthy is essential not only for physical well-being but also for mental health. As someone who has a degree in psychology, she understands the deep connection between our minds and bodies and emphasizes the importance of exercise in maintaining good mental health.
For Somy, exercise is not just about staying in shape but also a means to cope with the stress and trauma that she encounters through her work. She admits that she hates cardio but has found lifting weights to be an effective way to build muscle and burn fat simultaneously. She also avoids sugar, bread, and rice as much as possible, as she believes that they are enemies when it comes to staying in good shape.
However, Somy also understands the importance of indulging in our favorite foods now and then, and therefore allows herself a cheat day on the weekends. She believes that it’s essential to prioritize exercise, even if it means walking for just 30 minutes a day, as it can have significant benefits for our mental health.
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Somy’s emphasis on the importance of exercise is backed by science. Numerous studies have shown that exercise can help alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, which can improve mood and reduce stress. It also increases the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports the growth and survival of brain cells and plays a crucial role in maintaining good mental health.
Apart from the physical and mental health benefits, exercise can also be a great way to connect with others and build social support networks. Somy believes that it’s essential to have a community of like-minded people who can provide emotional support and encouragement on our fitness journey.
Somy’s NGO also prioritizes the mental health of the victims of domestic violence they help. They start by providing therapy sessions to help the victims cope with the trauma they have experienced. They also encourage victims to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, such as eliminating unhealthy meals from their lives and going on short walks. Somy believes that exercise can be a powerful tool to help victims of trauma cope with their experiences and regain control over their lives.
Somy Ali’s fitness tips emphasize the importance of exercise for maintaining good mental health. Exercise can have numerous benefits, including reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, improving mood, and building social support networks. While it’s essential to prioritize exercise, it’s also crucial to indulge in our favorite foods now and then and not be too hard on ourselves. As Somy says, “Have a cheat day, but always prioritize working out.”
