“To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” – Buddha
Routine physical activity is not always possible for those living with a mental health or substance use condition. However, when it is possible, we have seen the impact that moving your body makes on improving your mind and overall wellbeing. The latest research now suggests that simply moving a lot throughout the day is just as healthy over the long-term as rigorous exercise.
At MHC, program participants who engage in regular physical activity see decreased levels of stress, improvement in self-confidence, and often begin to seek to incorporate other positive changes in their life such as eating healthier and engaging in more social activities.
A fantastic guide on the benefits of exercise, how it specifically benefits certain conditions like depression or PTSD, and how to overcome obstacles when struggling with mental health condition, can be found at HelpGuide.org.
Evidence that supports the long-term benefits of movement has existed for years. Scientists see exercise as a powerful tool in the treatment of preventing and combating stress and emotional distress. As noted in the HelpGuide article:
“Exercise is a powerful depression fighter for several reasons. Most importantly, it promotes all kinds of changes in the brain, including neural growth, reduced inflammation, and new activity patterns that promote feelings of calm and well-being. It also releases endorphins, powerful chemicals in your brain that energize your spirits and make you feel good. Finally, exercise can also serve as a distraction, allowing you to find some quiet time to break out of the cycle of negative thoughts that feed depression.”
Last year, when Mental Health Connecticut celebrated its 110th anniversary, we asked, “What moves you?” We meant this question both literally and figuratively. In other words, what is that “thing” in your life that moves you to spend time on being healthy – this could be spending time with family like our friend and supporter Willy, and another multitude of ways such as comedy, running, dancing, and so much more.
This year, we are expanding our ways to get out there and move about and we’d love it if you’d join us!
Here are some upcoming events:
- MHC Kickboxing Charity Event @ Strength in Numbers, May 10, 7:00 p.m.
- Sunset Hike and Sip @ Mt. Tom, Washington Depot, CT, May 11, 3:30 p.m.
- NAMI CT Walk @ Bushnell Park, Hartford, CT and Sherwood Island State Park, Westport CT, May 18, 9:00 a.m.
- 5K Run/Walk for Mental Health @ Riverfront Plaza, Hartford, CT, 6:30 p.m.
- Eversource Hartford Marathon (MHC is an official Silver Charity – join our team!), Bushnell Park, Hartford, CT, October 11
- Annual IC (Independence Center) Walk, Waterbury, CT, October 10
What moves you to support your mental health? Tell us about it!
Use the hashtag #31DaysofWellness and #whatmovesme and tag us at @mentalhealthCT on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
