Introduction

May is Mental Health Month!

Movement for Mental Health: Why It Doesn't Have to Look Like Exercise

Movement is an important tool for supporting well-being, but sometimes it can be hard to get going.
Importantly, movement doesn't have to mean exercise, and it doesn't have to be all-or-nothing!
Finding ways to move that you enjoy, even if they feel small, can make a big difference in supporting
both your mental and physical health.

Overcoming the mental block to movement

It’s no secret that moving your body is good for your mental health. Movement offers proven benefits,
including feeling calm, reducing stress, boosting mood and connection with others, helping with pain,
and fostering inspiration and creativity. So why don’t people do it more? When most people think of
“movement,” thoughts of running or going to the gym are the first things that come to mind. Those
things can feel overwhelming to fit into busy schedules or to do if you aren’t used to exercising.

Sometimes, a mental block can make it difficult to get moving. This can be especially true when you are
living with a mental health condition like depression, where symptoms like brain fog or anhedonia can
make it harder to feel motivated. Dealing with mental blocks is hard, but it is possible to overcome them.

It can help to think about how you will feel after you move or how you’ve felt in the past after movement.
This can help you push through the block and get started.

Remember that movement doesn’t have to look a certain way, and what works for one person may not
work for another. It is important to explore which forms of movement feel good to you and best fit your
unique needs and circumstances.

Celebrating the ways you already move

When considering movement for well-being, it’s worth celebrating the physical activity that is already
part of your routine. You may be surprised to learn that you are more active than you realize.

Every bit of movement you do counts! Normal things like standing or walking during a work shift,
carrying a baby or toddler, or using the stairs instead of the elevator are all forms of movement. You
probably also don’t give yourself credit for how many times you lift 10-15 pounds while carrying
groceries, taking out the trash, or bringing laundry up and down the stairs.

You can support your current movement habits by drinking water throughout the day, using a
pedometer on your phone, watch, or an app to track your steps, or wearing comfortable shoes.

Celebrating what you already do helps support a healthy perspective and mindset. As you consider
enjoyable ways to add movement to your life, take time to praise yourself for the ways you are already
moving in your day-to-day routine.

Finding opportunities to move when it feels difficult

Many factors that affect our health are beyond our control. Even when we can’t change everything,
noticing what we can influence is important for our well-being. In the face of difficulties — whatever they
may be — remember, movement is not an all-or-nothing thing.

What you do for yourself doesn’t have to look like what someone else does. For example, if you live with
chronic pain or limited mobility, you could reach out to your doctor or physical therapist to discuss
moves or stretches that you can do. This may even help with pain and offer moments of mindfulness.

There are also many things that you can do inside that count as movement, such as cleaning, moving
while watching TV, or dancing, if being outside isn’t a safe option.

Remember that even when things feel challenging, you have the power to take small steps toward
improving your health and well-being. Finding ways to move that feel good to you can be one of
those steps.

If having good days feels hard, know that help is available and that you are not alone.
Check on your mental health with a free, quick, anonymous test at mhascreening.org. 

Explore additional resources and tools for more good days at
mhanational.org/may.

Movement for mental health: Why it doesn’t have to look like exercise

Planning for a Secure Retirement

Being able to retire when you want and how you want is important to many people. Planning ahead can put you in a position to live comfortably during your retirement.

The objective of this course is to help you with your planning for retirement. Each of the ten modules within this course provides information that can be valuable in answering the questions you need to consider as you make your plans. The modules include specific goals, activities to complete, and sources for more information.

Learn More

Local Reminders & Updates

Shooting Sports Range Meetings Begin 

Shooting Sports range meetings begin on April 8 at 6:30pm! See schedule below:  

The range dates are as follows:  

• April 8, 14, 22, 28 
• May 6, 12, 20, 26 
• June 9, 17, 23 
• July 1 

Competition: Friday, July 17th at 9am at the Bennington Shooting Range. 

Become a 4-H Club Leader

• Create a welcoming environment
• Lead club meetings
• Collaborate to support youth success
• Make a lasting impact in your community