Let’s Talk About Mental Health: Harmony in the digital age of fitness 

Striking a balance between tech and wellness  

By Eileen Coil GUEST COLUMNIST 

In today’s dynamic fitness and sports training landscape, technology plays a pivotal role in aiding athletes and health-conscious individuals in their quest for peak performance. From state-of-the-art tracking apps to advanced wearables like watches and heart rate monitors, there’s an abundance of data available to fine-tune training regimes and gain a competitive edge. However, as we embrace the digital revolution, it’s important to meld technological advancements with mindfulness, focusing on listening to one’s body, prioritizing mental well-being and reconnecting with nature.  

Reflecting on my journey training for a triathlon a few years ago, technology was crucial in helping me reach my physical training goals. However, I experienced a pivotal moment during a run with a friend when I forgot my watch, which I relied on for maintaining ideal training zones. I unnecessarily stressed myself out about accurately tracking my speed, heart rate and distance in my training log. One of the benefits I hoped to gain from training was managing stress, not adding more to my life. This experience has shown me how much I prioritized data over simply enjoying the run. The consistent pressure I put on myself to adhere strictly to training parameters, monitor heart rate, track sleep cycles, and use a metronome for pacing wasn’t always beneficial for my mental well-being.  

“Paralysis by analysis” is a concerning trend in sports training today, especially with the abundance of technology available. For athletes and enthusiasts alike, it’s easy to get bogged down by data overload from wearables, video analysis and other tools. Instead of focusing on the joy of performance or the camaraderie during activities like hiking with friends, we risk getting lost in a sea of numbers.  

Take skiing, for example. Setting a goal to beat your previous vertical record can be exciting, and tracking progress can be motivating. But constantly checking stats can pull us away from the sheer pleasure of skiing—taking in breathtaking views or sharing a warm hot chocolate moment with friends. While technology can be a great motivator and keep us accountable, finding a balance is key. It should complement our experiences, not dominate them. Taking breaks from technology to fully immerse ourselves in the joy of skiing, riding, hiking or running is vital for our mental well-being.  

After successfully meeting my goals and completing the triathlon, I set aside my heart rate monitor and redirected my attention towards overall health and wellness. I prioritized listening to my body and engaging in activities that brought me joy. This change in mindset resulted in a deeper connection with nature, increased awareness of my surroundings, and a newfound sense of grounding after exercising. It also highlighted the importance of nurturing social connections in my life.  

Exploring practices like forest bathing, also known as “shinrin-yoku” in Japanese culture, where one immerses oneself in nature mindfully, can significantly reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance cognitive function. Originating in Japan in the 1980s, it has gained worldwide recognition for its therapeutic benefits. Dr. Qing Li, a Japanese physician and researcher, is renowned for his extensive work on Shinrin-yoku and its positive effects on human health. His studies have demonstrated its ability to reduce stress levels, boost immune function and elevate mood.  

As the seasons change in Big Sky, there’s a palpable excitement among locals and visitors alike as they gear up for summer adventures, including summiting peaks and participating in events like the Big Sky Community Organization’s Fourth of July 5k, The Biggie and The Rut. In addition to preparing for these events, there’s a plethora of weekly recreational opportunities to connect with nature and engage with fellow fitness enthusiasts of all activity levels.  

BSCO is gearing up to host a range of outdoor fitness classes and community activities this summer, including Hike Big Sky, Bike Big Sky and Run Big Sky. These weekly outdoor programs are designed to be social and emphasize non-competitive fun, highlighting Big Sky’s beautiful parks and trails.  

BASE Community Center offers indoor activities that promote wellness and encourage social connections. Participating in dynamic fitness classes like indoor cycling, kickboxing or Zumba, embracing relaxing yin yoga sessions, or joining a pick-up sport can significantly enhance your mental well-being, especially during the offseason when trails may be muddy.  

One of the most rewarding aspects of organizing classes and activities at BASE is witnessing the vibrant community spirit as participants socialize and form relationships after classes. It’s truly uplifting to see everyone connect and build meaningful bonds, which greatly contributes to our community’s overall wellness.  

Eileen Coil is the recreation and wellness manager for BSCO. She participates in Big Sky’s Health and Wellness Coalition and Be Well Big Sky’s Navigator Network. Visit BSCO.org or contact eileen@bsco.org to learn more about BSCO’s spring and summer activities.