“Our brains hear music as an invitation to move.”
— Kelly McGonigal —
For Your Family
Movement for Happiness Calendar
- Try scheduling your family’s movement practices for the next month — aimed at increasing happiness. If possible, be specific and realistic about when and how you want to engage in your type(s) of movement, and include a variety of types to cover everyone’s preferences. Which day(s) can you fit in a long hike, a yoga class, or a dance party? When might you try adding a booster — nature, music, friends? Planning out your Movements for Happiness in advance can help motivate and empower you to stay active and make movement a routine.
Movement Snack Jar
- Many of us enjoy several types of movement that bring us happiness. As a family, create slips for all the different types of Movement Snacks (frequent, short bursts of movement) you enjoy. Then, create a Movement Snack Jar that you can pull from when someone needs a quick Movement Snack. Consider incorporating the Movement Snack Jar into regular routines — to start the day, before a meal, etc.
For Your School
Movement for Happiness Meetings
- When’s the last time you took a walking meeting? Started a meeting with a short dance party? Took a meeting outside? There are many ways to incorporate joyful movement into your school environment — and boost both productivity and happiness along the way. Try pausing your next meeting for a short movement break and see what happens.
Movement for Happiness Challenge
- Create a schoolwide Movement for Happiness Challenge where you spend the day engaging in different types of movement activities. Consider creating different movement stations — maybe one classroom is the dance room, another a yoga session, and outside is tag games. Get creative and add a variety of options so everyone can find something they enjoy!
Movement for Happiness Newsletter Spotlight
- Consider spotlighting different types of Movements for Happiness in your school newsletter. Briefly describe each movement and suggest ways to practice it regularly.
For Your Community
Movement for Happiness Bulletin Board
- Create a space in your community for people to share their Movement for Happiness success stories! Make it fun with movement suggestions, slips to post their favorite Movement for Happiness practice, and even some grab and go “Movement Snack” ideas. This bulletin board will serve as a reminder to your community that movement can inspire joy!
Host a Movement for Happiness Event
- Is there a specific type of movement that brings you joy that you want to share with your community? Maybe you’re a yogi who wants to host a community yoga class. Perhaps you love running and want to add some fun competition by hosting a 5k. Or maybe you want to coordinate a Movement for Happiness “field day” of sorts. Whatever it is, make a plan to host an event that is bound to boost everyone’s wellbeing!