How Gen Zs take care of their physical and mental health

IT is no secret that exercising keeps the body strong and healthy. Coupled with a balanced diet, this leads to improved physical well-being. However, another reason why people dedicate a few hours of their day to stay active is to take care of their mental health.

One of the best ways to take care of yourself is to pay attention to your mental and physical health. However, physical exercises can be intimidating and daunting to people who are not used to them, making it difficult to pick up the habit.

The less you move, the more these activities get out of reach. So, what kind of physical activities do Gen Zs usually do? How did they start? What made them start? And how can others do the same?

Republicasia asked four college students to share their insights and experiences with people interested in exercising their bodies and minds.

Gen Zs on the go

Rinrei of the Far Eastern University has been doing yoga since seventh grade, with her routine varying from doing it daily to just light exercises every other day, depending on how busy she is with her academics.

“At first it was because of my physique. However, the emotional and mental benefits of yoga inspired me to commit to this kind of physical activity,” she said.

Angelo of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila has been actively exercising since 2021. He’s been exercising six times a week recently for athletic training for basketball as well as the occasional weightlifting.

“I started working out because I feel like I needed it during that time. I was obese and I am ashamed of myself because of my physical appearance. I am also tired of my past routine and the way it affects my mental health that’s why I decided to enroll and get a gym membership,” he said.

Angelo B. of Cebu Institute of Technology – University engages in jogging and badminton once to thrice a week. He started exercising around the neighborhood, making use of a badminton court nearby sometime last year also because of his father who loved tennis, and his grandmother who loved walking. He added that his desire to bulk up influenced his decision to exercise.

Lanz is a BSIT student from Lyceum of the Philippines University Manila who goes to the gym to do weightlifting once a week. He started in March 2024 because of a decision he made about his health.

Boost in mental agility

The students noted that after exercising, there was a definite improvement in their mental state. Rinrei said that she became more aware and able to identify her emotions better, as exercising allows her to move more easily and to clear her mind. She said that it also helps to have a certain time of the day dedicated to taking care of herself.

“In yoga, there are self-reflections and affirmation that is being left to those who participate, like saying ‘I am strong’ or ‘Everything will be okay.’ This makes me feel more empowered and optimistic in facing my day,” she said.

Angelo B. said he felt good and sociable, with his exercises giving him a “better heartbeat, and control over my emotions.” He enjoys focusing on his activities as it helps him give himself some “me time.”

Lanz said he felt “morale boosts” every time he exercised, adding that his mental health would feel slightly better after moving his body.

Angelo said that his time at the gym gives him the ability to perform better in his sport and feel better about his health, adding that “working out helps a lot.”

“My confidence soars through the roof. I can help others, too. I feel better with myself and the way I think about certain things got better. My understanding with people also got better. Basically, almost every aspect of my life got better because of working out and I am proud of myself for that one,” he said.

Struggles and inconsistency

They shared that they did not become consistent with their exercises immediately. They all had difficulties keeping up with their routines at first due to it being a sudden addition to their lifestyle.

For Rinrei, there were occasions when she would feel burnt out and lazy to do her routine. According to her, “After stopping, I would notice that I feel more lethargic and unmotivated. Eventually, I picked it up again because I want to regain my confidence and manage my emotional and mental health.”

Angelo also felt burnout, saying that during the times he would stop exercising, he would feel like he was not himself or not in his best state. He said that there was a realization that made him accept that he needs to commit to this lifestyle of being consistent with his physical activities for the better.

Angelo B. took breaks from playing badminton because of personal reasons like frustrations related to a friend, and a lack of budget to join jogging or marathons.

Lanz, on the other hand, was unable to continue at times due to time constraints but restarted because he would feel his body “itching to do it again.”

First step is often the hardest

Physical activities are daunting in the beginning but once you get the hang of it, it only gets easier.

According to Lanz, “Just take your time to plan it out. It’s difficult to start since the first part of it all is knowing what you’re doing. It would be best to go and talk to those who have experience doing those exercises.”

He said that once you start exercising, you just need to find ways to motivate yourself to be consistent and committed. He added that it was alright to take breaks occasionally as long as you get back to your routine.

“Just start. There is no better time to start than today. Change comes from yourself. Yes, it is hard, intimidating, and sometimes discouraging. But if you won’t push yourself beyond your limit, how would you know?” Angelo said.

He added that the person who will benefit the most from working hard is yourself and that it is ultimately your choice whether to push yourself to start exercising.

For those who do not have neighborhood sports facilities, or do they have the equipment or budget to go to gyms, Rinrei said, “You don’t have to be in a gym and avail membership. You only need your body; you don’t need fancy equipment. Search! The Internet is vast and very helpful. Don’t mind what other people might say, don’t let their words control you.”

Exercising is hard but Angelo B. pointed out that it “is an investment. The more you do now, the less you need next year.”

With reports from Prince Bryan J. M. Marquez