how movement impacts mental wellness

Have you ever noticed how certain activities can shift the way you feel? That’s because our moods, behaviors, thoughts, and physicality (or physical abilities) are interconnected. So when we make positive changes to one, we can see a domino effect in others . Research suggests moving our bodies regularly (whether through physical activity or exercise) improves our mental and physical health.  

Dayton Children’s behavioral health and sports expert, Linh-Han Ikehara, says all forms of movement have nourishing benefits for our bodies and minds regardless of the level or duration.  

“Oftentimes, when we think about exercising, we might think of it as a high sweat workout at the gym. The idea is to focus on building consistency of healthy behaviors through movement, and there are many ways we can do this daily. There’s no one-size-fits all approach,” says Linh-Han.  

 Studies show that movement benefits your body and mind by:  

• Improving mood and ability to focus 
• Increasing positive classroom behavior and academic achievement for children 
• Creating a stronger sense of self 
• Increasing the ability to manage and adapt to stress 
• Improving heart and brain health 

Now that we know movement can improve our mental wellness, here's how you can be constructive and make movement a nourishing part of your lifestyle. 

building a positive relationship with movement 

The first thing you should do is make it fun!  

“We’re more likely to engage in movement when it makes us happy and creates connection with others,” says Linh-Han.  

Find simple ways to move every day and involve the whole family. Here are a few ideas: 

• Go for a walk or bike ride. Bring the family dog if you have one! 
• Have a hula hoop competition. 
• Choose an animal and pretend to move like it. Try cheetah, elephant, and rabbit to start.  
• Train for a 5K with a meaningful cause.  
• Engage in a daily strength challenge of doing more jumping jacks or pushups.  
• Create your own month-long family challenges (here is a 31 Day Move Your Body Family challenge to start with)  

Next, it’s important to let go of the idea you have to be perfect! Remember that some movement is better than nothing at all. Shift the focus from checking exercise off of your to-do list to discovering how moving your body makes you feel. And, if your schedule becomes busy, be flexible and realize there are many options to get movement in each day.  

staying mentally fit

By encouraging kids to move each day, we can empower them to remain physically and mentally fit.  

That’s why during Mental Health Awareness Month in May, we’re on a campaign to focus on being mentally fit, what that means and how you can achieve it for yourself while also supporting the kids in your life. Read more about staying mentally fit here.