Imagine if the focus on fitness was concentrated more on MENTAL HEALTH rather than how one looks. I fell down an interview rabbit hole with actor Jonah Hill yesterday when he said his entire relationship with health, food and even his mother would have been better if the motivation to workout was focused more on the emotional benefits of exercise rather than appearance. This came right after I told my husband that I just wanted to start my day happy ... I feel so much better if I can exercise before the kids gets up .. and not because I ate too many cookies yesterday but because I'm a better wife and mom when I do. I read again that the mental benefits of exercise are a reduction in anxiety, depression and negative mood. I reminded myself that it improves self esteem and cognitive function , it increases energy and it improves the ability to cope with stress. While I work out each week, I think the shift of mental health first, even in two days, has made it easier to get out of b...