A Body in Motion Tends to Stay in Motion

Hot Girl Walk, Ocean Swimming or Bike Riding: The Options Are Endless

By Gabi Drobot, Assistant Editor

With February halfway done and many New Year’s resolutions already broken, now is the time to include a new resolution into students’ lives: moving their bodies..

Recent studies have revealed that many mental health issues can be treated by simply going for a walk or moving your body. College students tend to struggle with mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, and being in these states does not make exercise enticing. Also, finding time to incorporate any exercise into everyday life can be challenging for students who are juggling academics, work and personal lives. 

However, movement and the mind are directly connected. Incorporating minor forms of moving your body throughout daily life can produce proven benefits. Some of those include decreasing overall stress levels and improving circulation, which allows the brain to process, retain and remember information more efficiently.

When our bodies are too sedentary for too long, our mental health tends to decrease due to a lack of a release for our emotions. Students at Lynn University explained this, and how moving your body daily benefits mental health.

“When I get in a funk and don’t go for a walk or workout in a few days, I find myself more irritable and lash out much easier,” said Kate Filiaci, a sophomore.

Moving your body does not mean you have to run a marathon or have a strict gym regimen. Walking or going for a swim is enough. Importantly, making daily movement a habit can decrease mental health struggles and the development of mental disorders drastically over a long period.

“Even though some days can be hard and exhausting, overall, moving my body every day has made me a lot healthier and stronger,” said sophomore Tara Boyd.

If going for a scheduled walk seems daunting, that is OK! Minor changes can increase the amount of daily movement you have, like walking to class rather than driving. Minor changes like that can have positive, long-lasting impacts.

Another reason that tends to steer many away from getting up and doing something active is the fear of doing it alone. Do not worry, though; you are definitely not the only one feeling this way!

Groups are continuously being formed to defeat this ongoing feeling many have, such as a walking group in Fort Lauderdale. This group has even gained a respectable social media following and goes by the name of Hot Girl Walk Club Ft. Lauderdale.

“Moving every day takes stress off your back and you even look better,” said sophomore Shane Streibel. “It’s free therapy and holding yourself accountable to something leads to being able to achieve goals.”

One small change can make a huge difference in your mental health, so get your blood flowing!