May is not just another month—it is Mental Health Awareness Month. This annual observance is a crucial time to spotlight mental health issues, combat stigma, and foster an understanding of how mental health impacts everyone.

The world is constantly changing—for better or for worse—and dealing with changes and challenges can be overwhelming. While society is getting more comfortable discussing mental health, it can still be hard to know where to start getting help when it comes to taking care of individual well-being.

Moving More for Mental Health

Get ready for Mental Health Awareness Week 2024, themed around the power of movement. The 2024 theme is Movement: Moving More for Mental Health. It’s a call to action for everyone to prioritize physical activity for their mental well-being.

Physical activity is a game changer for mental health. Just 30 minutes of movement daily can work wonders for the human body, sleep, and overall well-being. Even if it isn’t possible to hit the gym, finding a few minutes for physical activity each day can make a significant difference. Prioritizing fitness can also inspire healthier choices in daily life.

The following are a few simple ideas for movement:

• Walk or jog in place or on a treadmill at home or at the office.
• Take advantage of nice weather days in the neighborhood by riding a bike or  taking a brisk walk.
• Put music on and dance.
• Chair exercises and stretching while watching television.
• Play with pets using a ball or stick.
• Get out in the garden.

Being active and having a balanced diet greatly impacts individual mental health. Also, getting rid of bad habits like smoking and cutting down on alcohol and caffeine can have a positive effect on mental health.