OCTOBER: HEALING THE BODY AND THE MIND!
In October, the Be Active Year invites people to focus on supporting mental and social health through physical activity.
Being healthy does not just mean being free of disease. Health is made up of physical, mental, as well as social well-being.
When people talk about the benefits of exercise, the first associations that usually come to mind are related to the improved physical well-being that comes with exercise – a normal weight and fit body, a strong heart, and more stamina. But whether movement becomes a natural part of our daily lives depends more on what happens to our minds and mental well-being when we move.
WALKING ROUTES
Walking is one of the easiest and most accessible forms of exercise, requiring no special skills or equipment. Even a short walk in fresh air reduces stress and tension, improves concentration and work performance, boosts mood and confidence, helps to make healthier dietary choices, and provides a better night’s sleep. During a walk, you can unravel in your head some of the problems that seem difficult to solve at first glance, or that are more easily solved by putting them aside for a while and coming back to them with a ‘fresh mind’.
During the Be Active Year, create a daily walking route and invite your friends and family to join in from time to time.
If it is difficult to walk alone, Kõnnime Koos (Walk Together) walking groups have been set up all over Estonia to support people in the easiest way possible to develop and maintain a regular exercise habit while providing an opportunity for social interaction.
The Kõnnime Koos walking groups can be found all over Estonia, see the website for more details: www.konnimekoos.ee
Walking groups meet once a week, walk at a moderate pace for an average of one hour at a time, and are led by group leaders.
There are benefits to guided walking in a group:
- motivation is higher: you are expected and it is fun to be together;
- it comes with a responsibility: you have made a commitment to yourself and others to take part in the walk at the agreed time and place;
- safety is guaranteed: the group leader chooses the right route and pace, there is mutual support, and if there is a concern about a possible health problem, your companions are attentive and the group leader is there to help;
- it facilitates socialising: you can chat about topics of interest, broaden your horizons, make a friend or even a group of friends;
- you do not have to think about where you will be walking: the group leader will choose an itinerary that takes you to places and trails in the countryside that you have never been before;
- The Kõnnime Koos walking groups are free: join a group and enjoy the fun of walking!
WORKOUTS FOR THE BODY AND MIND
In October, several sports clubs are raising awareness of the importance of mental health alongside physical activity. Exercise will focus on peaceful, both physically and mentally healing exercises for the body and mind: yoga, pilates, bodybalance, back training.
The workouts focus on developing balance, mobility, and muscular resistance at low heart rates, relying on breathing techniques. The trainings are suitable for everyone – regardless of age, gender, or previous experience.
Mental Health Tuesdays at MyFitness clubs
MyFitness invites you to take part in Mental Health Tuesdays. Every Tuesday in October, MyFitness clubs in Tallinn, Tartu, Viljandi, and Narva will host special ‘body and mind’ workouts for beginners.
Two additional workshops will take place on 24 October:
- At 6 p.m. at the MyFitness Tallinn Viru Club, trainer Maarja Jõgi will talk about yoga exercises and conscious breathing in home practice and everyday life.
- At 6 p.m. at the MyFitness Tartu Kesklinn Club, trainer Maarja-Liis Loo will talk about how yoga and conscious breathing support mental health.
All trainings and workshops of Mental Health Tuesday are at a special price of €5 for non-members and free of charge for MyFitness members. Find out more here.
Mental Health Vitamins at the University of Tartu Academic Sports Club
Throughout the month of October, you can find mental health vitamins – little tips and advice on how to maintain and boost your mental health every day – at various locations in the University of Tartu Academic Sports Club. In October, the Sports Club invites you to try a free body and mind workout and get your body and mind in shape for a whole week at a reduced price. See more here.
On 19 October at 6.30 p.m., friends from peaasi.ee will be visiting the club for a truly liberating and spirit-lifting mental health improv workshop. I will be fun, but at the same time, a friendly and caring workshop, both for yourself and others. Find out more and register here.
MOVEMENT WORKSHOPS DURING ADULT LEARNERS’ WEEK
Mobility skills can be learned and developed at any age. This year’s Adult Learners’ Week will include a series of workshops where you can try out different movement activities and learn movement skills. See the events of Adult Learners’ Week here.