How Movement Benefits your Mental Health
Did you know that just 5 minutes of movement a day can decrease your feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression?
Balancing your academics, social life, part time job, and overall personal growth can be overwhelming during your university years. Mental health is an important part of your overall health and incorporating movement into your daily routine is one of the easiest tools to improve or help manage your well-being. In this post we will explore simple ways to incorporate movement into your busy lives!
Mental health challenges affect many university students due to the pressure of social expectations, assignments, exams, and costs of housing and food. Finding a way to move that you enjoy is a powerful way to proactively support your mental health. If you are starting to find that your coping strategies aren’t working, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional. A 2022 study by Pearce and colleagues indicates that engaging in physical activity is strongly associated with improved mental health and a reduced risk of depression. Movement can help both set you up, and deal in the moment.
Open Recreation and Intramurals help me focus, reduce my stress, and allow me to sleep better. I’ve also made lots of friends on the court!
Positive impacts of movement on your mental health:
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Increases endorphin levels – those feel good chemicals in your brain that kick in about an hour after exercise. They help ease pain, reduce stress and make you feel better overall.
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Boosts heart health – exercise helps your heart stay healthy and gives you more stamina to get through the day.
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Improves sleep – regular exercise can help you sleep better. Just a few workouts a week (around 150 minutes) can cut down on insomnia and boosts your mood.
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Sharpens focus – a good workout boosts mental clarity, keeping you sharp and ready to take on classes, assignments, tests and exams.
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Great way to build social connection and find belonging on campus!
(Everyday health article Why Exercise Boosts Mood and Energy)
Make movement part of your everyday routine:
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A quick walk between classes or study sessions – walk to your classes or do a lap of ring road between study sessions. Movement is great and so is fresh air and sunshine!
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Stretching – whether you are at your desk or at the gym, this can relieve tension in the body.
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Dance – put on your favourite song and boost your mood!
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Sports – join intramurals for movement and socializing
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Drop-in recreation – did you know that open rec time at Athletics and Recreation lets you play how you want – whether you are shooting hoops, smashing birdies, swimming laps, skating on the rink, hitting the gym, or playing pick up games in the field house. Come play your way – no pressure, just good vibes!
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Move while you study – visit one of the many active study desks we have across campus
Intramurals and recreational sports have been helpful for my mental well-being and ability to focus. Being active helps boost my mood, and as a result, also benefits my productivity.
Not sure where to start?
Write down some goals and if it feels motivating, track your progress. Joining groups can help with accountability and motivation or even finding a friend to exercise with!
Movement isn’t just about staying physically fit – it is about taking care of your mental well-being too. It is free and accessible to incorporate a dance to your favourite song, a walk around the block, or some stretching in between classes. All of which have a positive impact on your stress levels and overall well-being.
Curious about ways to get moving here on campus? Check out Warrior Recreation!
