Move
Even 20 minutes of daily activity has been proven to aid with a variety of mental health issues, including: Depression, anxiety, eating disorders, addictions, grief, relationship problems, dementia, bipolar disorders, and even schizophrenia and personality disorders. Getting active also alleviates conditions like bad moods, stress, chronic pain and chronic illnesses. Moving your body, whether it is for 5 minutes or 1 hour, can have countless benefits.
The best part - you have options! There are endless routines and ways to enjoy moving, even at home.
Activations
Go for a walk of your desired length
No-Equipment Cardio | Kayla Itsines
Simple Stretches | Allison Warrell
Video (10min) - Yoga for the Classroom (yoga for all ages)
Move with a friend! Establishing weekly exercise sessions with a friend helps with accountability and consistency. This partnership is also a great way to improve/strengthen relationships and build communal ties. Science has shown this to be linked to increased longevity, as well as improved mental, physical and spiritual health.
At some point in the day, put on your favorite dancing song and dance like nobody's watching!
Resources
Videos
Video (20min) - Unwind Full Body Stretch Routine
Articles
Article: Exercise Treatment for Major Depression: Maintenance of Therapeutic Benefit at 10 Months
Article: Alzheimer's disease: Can exercise prevent memory loss?
Article - Why Movement Matters
Article - 5 Surprising Benefits of Walking
Others
Women’s Fitness Community - Tone It Up
Walk & Talk - Take your phone calls while walking & getting fresh air!
Have body restrictions? Visit: Move more with MS
Need Help Now? Call or text 988 or text ‘HOME’ to 741741 for support
If you’d like insight on these mental fitness tools or to connect with someone on the Inspiring Children and #NotAloneChallenge team please fill out our submission form here.