While Mental Health Awareness Month may be coming to a close, taking care of ourselves both emotionally and physically should continue to be a top priority. We hope you will be able to incorporate some or all of the following information into your everyday life!
How Physical Activity Promotes Wellbeing
Exercise has been found to alleviate and ease symptoms of various mental conditions, as well as to "to enhance mood, improve energy levels, and promote quality sleep" (verywell mind). A study published in JAMA psychiatry provides "strong evidence that being physically active, whatever your genetic makeup, can help protect against depression" (New York Times). And as Srini Pillay, MD explains, regular aerobic exercise can reduce anxiety and can even "be as effective as medication and psychotherapies." Moreover, moving in synchrony with someone else has been found to improve self-esteem.
Of course, the effects of physical activity will be different for every person. It is ultimately up to you to find out which activities work best for you, your body, and your overall wellbeing.
Stretches for Self-Care
We hope you will find the following moves and exercises helpful, and that they might even inspire you to seek out a new routine!
Friendly reminder to be kind and patient with your body, and to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise plan.
- Toni Melaas, CEO of Hatch NYC, designed this series of seven poses for balancing emotional wellbeing.
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A post shared by Toni Melaas (@tonimelaas)
- Yoga with Adriene is a personal favorite of mine. Each of her yoga videos (which you can find on her Youtube channel), whether you are moving for 10 minutes or over an hour, focuses on taking the time to connect with yourself.
I recommend checking out here newest series "BREATH - A 30 Day Yoga Journey".
- In case you missed it, watch our Summer Series kick-off event Stretch Sesh with Step Up x REVOLVE ACTIVE. Led by fitness instructor Alexis Moore, this session stretches your body (and mind!) through a low-impact 30 minute low impact stretch session.
What are some ways you practice self-care in your life? We would love for you to share your tips in the comments!
