Why Mental Health Ain't Optional

AuthorAuthor

Chris Grimes & Stephen Bird
April 02, 2025

Let’s talk real talk. Most guys, especially the 30-60 crowd, will hit the gym before they ever hit a journal.

We’ll stretch, sweat, slam protein shakes, and count macros like Wall Street brokers. But ask how our head is doing. “I’m fine. Just tired.”

But here’s the truth: Mental health isn’t a soft topic.

It’s a foundational one. Neglecting it can mess with every other thing you’re trying to improve.

What Mental Health Actually Impacts:

  • Sleep quality

  • Workout recovery

  • Appetite and metabolism

  • Motivation and focus

  • Blood pressure and heart health

You can bench 225 pounds and still carry the weight that doesn’t show up on a scale.

Read more about how mental health impacts your physical health here!

Start Small:

  • Get outside daily — 20 minutes of sun and no screen.

  • Talk to someone you trust — doesn’t have to be deep, just honest.

  • Journal or voice memo — get it out of your head.

  • Track your mood like your workouts — patterns are powerful.

If you master the small things, you can move on to better mental health tracking metrics. And try picking at least one of these things to start:

  • Buy a journal: You can get one at Target, TJMAXX, or Ross for about 10 bucks. There are no excuses!

  • Mood tracking: Monitor and record your moods throughout the day or at specific intervals (morning, afternoon, evening).

    • Use: Mood scales, emojis, or a simple diary to note your emotional state. 

  • Identify triggers: Note events, situations, or thoughts that affect your mood. 

  • Track related factors: Record sleep patterns, diet, exercise, and medication use as they can influence mood. 

  • Coping mechanisms: Observe and record your strategies to manage challenging emotions. 

And if you want to follow the “start small” philosophy for the rest of your life, we get it!

You wouldn’t let your truck run without changing the oil or wiper blades or rotating the tires.

Please don’t treat your mind like it’s built for punishment without maintenance. This ain’t weakness—it’s strategy.