Move for your Mood

Winter can put a damper on our moods. The season’s colder, darker and shorter days can sap our energy and leave us feeling unmotivated and even down. But there’s a simple way to start feeling better: get moving!

Stay tuned for more information about the Move for your Mood challenge coming in January 2024!

What is Move for you Mood?

A teenage girl in a swimming cap and bathing suit smiling in pool

Move for your Mood is all about getting active for your mental health, especially during the chilly and dark winter months. Whether it’s walking, wheeling, yoga or sports, physical activity can help reduce stress, boost moods and promote happier feelings.

How physical activity affects mental health

When you get active, your body releases endorphins, dopamine and serotonin – feel-good chemicals that reduce feelings of pain and increase feelings of pleasure, literally boosting your mood! Getting the recommended 150 minutes of heart-pumping physical activity per week also reduces the levels of stress hormones – cortisol and adrenaline – circulating in our bodies. Plus, physical activity can help reduce physical tension, improve our ability to cope with stressful situations, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and even increase self-esteem and feelings of self-worth.

Research also shows that physically active people are more satisfied with their lives and that exercise itself is strongly linked to happiness. In fact, within just five minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, you’re likely to experience mood-enhancing effects.

All of the above makes physical activity an essential part of our mental health tool kits!

Key mental health benefits of physical activity

Boosted mood
Reduced stress
Improved mindfulness
Increased self-esteem

5 tips to help you move for your mental health

Pick activities you enjoy

Whether it’s walking, wheeling, jogging, swimming, dancing, yoga or sports, do activities that truly bring you joy, because the best types of physical activity for mental health are the ones that you’ll stick with.

Get active outdoors

Studies show that exposure to nature is linked to many benefits, including lower stress levels, boosted moods and even upticks in empathy and cooperation. Going on a short walk, wheel or jog during your lunch break is an excellent way to start.

Use physical activity as a stress-relieving tool

Whenever you feel anxious or stressed, try going for a walk, wheel or jog around the block, or engage in a relaxing yoga session. Getting active can not only act as a temporary distraction but also be a great way to clear your head and decrease tension.

Make physical activity a habit

Consistency is the key to reaping the mental health benefits of physical activity. Try sneaking movement into your daily or weekly schedule and make an effort to follow through with these appointments to help make it a habit.

Make it social

Join group fitness classes, sports teams, walking groups or online communities where you can connect with like-minded people who are interested in physical activity. Like movement, social interaction and connection makes your body release additional feel-good chemicals that can help you further boost your mood and feel less isolated.

Make physical activity a habit

Consistency is the key to reaping the mental health benefits of physical activity. Try sneaking movement into your daily or weekly schedule and make an effort to follow through with these appointments to help make it a habit.

Make it social

Join group fitness classes, sports teams, walking groups or online communities where you can connect with like-minded people who are interested in physical activity. Like movement, social interaction and connection makes your body release additional feel-good chemicals that can help further boost your mood and feel less isolated.