Move for Your Mental Health

Welcome to PMH Moves – a year-long Health Promotion series shared through PMH Communications. Each month, we’ll highlight a different way movement supports health across the lifespan — from boosting mood and focus to strength, walking, healthy aging, and staying active through the seasons.

While the topics will change, the message stays the same: every bit of movement counts — and it all adds up. Take what works for you and leave the rest.

This month’s article highlights how movement can support mental health by boosting mood, reducing stress, and improving overall well-being.

Movement is one of the simplest ways to support your mental health. It can boost mood, reduce stress, and help you feel more energized—no matter how you choose to move. This month, we’re exploring easy, enjoyable ways to get started.

As the seasons change, spring offers a natural opportunity to refresh routines and spend more time moving outdoors. The sun is shining, days are stretching out, the earth is waking up.  Spring is a time of fresh beginnings for nature as trees and flowers sprout new leaves and animals come out from a winter of hibernation.  Use nature as your cue to start moving for your physical and mental health.  

Being physically active looks different to everyone but can be as individual as each person. If you have not been active recently, start small.  Choose simple exercises, 10-minute periods of time and a place where you are comfortable. Choosing activities you enjoy will increase motivation to exercise. 

Yoga movements are low impact with a focus on mindfulness and breathing. Benefits of yoga include reducing stress, increasing oxygen flow to the brain and improving flexibility. Videos are available for at-home practice as well as in-person sessions in many communities with classes in chair yoga, and for beginner to advanced skill levels. Tai chi and Pilates are other forms of mind and body exercise worth trying.

Walking is simple, can be purposeful and accomplished virtually anywhere.  Sleep improves with walking, especially outdoors in fresh air. Other aerobic activities such as swimming (including aquasize exercise classes) provide low-impact movement for the body. 

Dancing in the comfort of your home or with a group is sure to put a smile on your face.  Allow your body to move to music without rules.

Gardening counts as exercise. Muscles are engaged as holes are dug, weeds are pulled and the harvest is carried away. This activity has bonus benefits of time outdoors, connecting with the earth, seeing and smelling flowers, and the feeling of accomplishment in harvesting vegetables.