8 Keys to Mental Health Through Exercise

March 7, 2016
Clinical psychologist Hibbert (Who Am I Without You?) has created a useful and supportive exercise guide aimed at helping readers with mental health problems. She begins with a reminder that mental illness affects many people and often goes undiagnosed, as well as an explanation of the link between mental and physical fitness. As Hibbert makes clear, she has not written a workout regimen or weight-loss how-to, but a guide to using exercise to become both mentally and physically stronger. This book is divided into three parts containing eight “keys” in total: part one focuses on understanding what exercise offers, part two primes the mind for success, and part three details how to develop and adhere to an exercise program. Specific topics include “Improve Your Self-Esteem with Exercise” and “Exercise as a Family” in part one, “Change How You Think About Exercise” in part two, and “Implement Your Vision and Flourish” in part three. Sprinkled throughout Hibbert’s compelling and easily comprehensible facts are self-assessment “reflection questions.” This is an enlightening and empowering instrument for people who have struggled with mental illness.