Welcome to the first episode of The Happier Life Project 2024! 

January is often associated with cold weather and short, dreary days. And there are many reasons why we might struggle. The financial aftermath of all the Christmas costs, if you're self-employed the dreaded tax return, trying to set New Year's resolutions when you're not sure what you want the new year to have in store, the pressure to embark on dry January, the feeling you have to diet after all the Christmas feasting... and the misery of believing you have to set your alarm to get up extra early (when it's still dark!) to hit the gym, or a class, and punish your body for cutting loose in December. 

According to the IHRSA, the Global Health & Fitness Association, 12% of all gym sign-ups happen in January, while the rest of the year accounts for an average of 8.3% of sign-ups. And 80% of people who sign up for a gym membership in January will cancel their membership within five months... welcome to the January gym rush!

So why do so many of us fall off the workout wagon? Dan Hancock, aka the mental health PT, is pretty confident he knows the answer. Frustrated by the lack of mental health support available for gym goers, Dan took it upon himself to create the world’s first Mental Health & Exercise Coaching Certification for Personal Trainers, which is revitalising the health of millions across the U.K. 

In this episode of The Happier Life Project Dan shares why so many people struggle to sustain the abundance of 'new year, new me' fitness and diet plans. Dan also discusses why the gym floor is so cathartic and how exercise plays such a vital role in our mental health. The mental health PT offers tips on how to seek out the right personal trainer to meet your individual needs, and explains why PT's need to be better equipped and educated to help a person with their overall health, including mental and emotional support. And best of all, Dan will get you excited to move!

For more on the Mental Health Exercising Coaching program: https://mymhec.com/

To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast