exercise and mental health Archives - Creative Mental Wellness

May

This month especially, take care to inform yourself and others about mental health. You can keep an eye out for local events sponsored by mental health non-profits and other organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). NAMI holds walks in major metro areas, a convention, and great social media campaigns that you can participate in from your living room! There are numerous companies and organizations working to provide helpful information this month – here are some that we think you should check out:
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
National Institute of Mental Health
Mental Health America
American Psychiatric Association
National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Giving a Warm Welcome to Summer

Physical activity tips to beat the heat

As the semester draws to a close and summer vacation approaches, it is becoming increasingly hotter across the United States. Because of the heat, it can be more uncomfortable and difficult to exercise, especially if you lack access to an indoor gym. There are a myriad ways to beat the heat and keep your physical health in mind this summer though!

Hydration is of course the most important thing to keep in mind as you sweat or spend time in the sun. Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise and outdoor activities. It can also be beneficial to consume electrolyte-replenishing drinks and foods, like pickle juice and bananas. Even swimming uses your body’s water stores, so plan to be drinking a lot of water as you stay active this summer.

Timing your outdoor activities can help you avoid the hottest parts of the day. Early in the morning is typically the coolest part of the day, and also touts the lowest UV index, so you can worry less about getting sunburnt as well. There are many weather apps and websites that can show you the temperature and UV index by the hour, so you can plan out your day based on the given information; it may not be entirely accurate, but these weather apps give you the best chance for minimizing heat and UV exposure.

Indoor workouts are also a great option, even if you do not have access to equipment. There are so many great Youtube videos for workouts tailored to a variety of different needs, whether they are no equipment, limited mobility, or “beginner friendly.” Pilates and yoga can be great starting points. If a certain video or “influencer” doesn’t fit your physical or mental needs, look for some that do! It is important to find exercises that motivate you, make you feel good, and are good for your wellbeing.

It is great to keep your body moving and to keep physical exercise in your life when possible, but as the seasons change, our bodies and mindsets change. It is okay to change your workout routine, and we recommend keeping hydration, timing, and alternative exercises in mind in the coming months.

DAISY’s Random Acts of Kindness

These are some ways DAISY is spreading kindness this month

Helping a friend clean. DAISY helped her friend do some Spring cleaning! Cleaning with a friend is not only quicker, but more fun!
Picking up litter. When DAISY goes for a walk and sees a piece of trash, she safely disposes of it! She put in extra effort this month to pick up more litter when she is out of the house. Remember: safety first. Wear gloves when picking up litter, and be extra careful with any glass.
Donating the clothes she no longer wears. DAISY’s spring cleaning made her realize she has some clothes that no longer fit her or her her style. She has no ideas to “upcycle” or alter these items to help fit her life currently, so she is going to donate them to a local secondhand shop.

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation has some other great ideas, and they even have a calendar with a different act of kindness every day!

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Your friend,