It has long been known that movement is good for our physical health. But did you know that movement is also essential to our happiness?
We’re excited to introduce our newest skill, Movement for Happiness. This skill is all about engaging in regular physical activity that brings you joy, helping you to enhance your overall wellbeing. Whether you’re a parent, educator, autistic person, or someone looking to improve your mood, Movement for Happiness can help you reap wellbeing benefits by incorporating more joyful movement into your life.
Science tells us that frequent movement improves physical health and leads to higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. Those with learning, intellectual, and/or developmental disabilities experience additional benefits of regular movement, such as improved cognitive functioning and increased feelings of social inclusion. Whether it’s a quick dance in the kitchen, a refreshing walk in the park, or going to kickboxing class, moving your body can contribute to long-term mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing.
The goal is to find movement practices that bring you innate joy–moments when moving doesn’t feel like a chore but a source of pleasure and happiness. Getting started with Movement for Happiness is simple and can fit into your daily routine:
- Reflect on What You Love: Think about the types of movement that have brought you joy throughout your life. Whether it’s dancing, hiking, swimming, or playing a sport, identify the activities that make you feel good.
- Set a Movement Goal: Aim to engage in at least 150 minutes of joyful movement each week. That’s about 25 minutes a day! Choose activities you look forward to, and don’t be afraid to mix them up to keep things interesting.
- Create a Movement Snack Jar: Fill a jar with slips of paper suggesting quick and fun activities, like “Do 25 jumping jacks” or “Dance for 4 minutes.” Whenever you need a mood boost, pull a slip from the jar and get moving!
- Make It a Family Affair: Encourage your family members to join you. Movement is more fun when shared with others, and it’s a great way to bond and support each other’s happiness.
Movement for Happiness is also a fun (and simple) skill to teach in the classroom. And with back-to-school in full swing, it’s the perfect time to integrate regular movement breaks into your classroom schedules. It doesn’t have to be something big – even just a 2-minute dance party, quick stretch, or a short break to do jumping jacks can do the trick (check out our classroom resources for more inspiration). Engaging in regular movement practices not only improves physical health, but also enhances students’ ability to focus, learn, and enjoy their school day.
Ready to get moving? Visit our website to explore resources, videos, printable guides, and lesson plans. Let’s make movement a key part of our lives and our communities, enhancing happiness for all.
