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Tai Chi

Session 2: Exercise & Mental Health

Overwhelming evidence supports exercise as a powerful tool in supporting mental health, but it is one of the most difficult behavioral changes for clients to incorporate consistently into their lives. Many people are broadly aware of the link between physical activity and "endorphins," but lack specific awareness of the processes and benefits specifically benefitting mental health. This presentation aims to increase participant's motivation to engage in regular exercise by illustrating how and why the nervous system benefits from physical activity. The suggested Occupational Focus addresses cost as a common barrier to participation in fitness by providing information and resources for accessing free/reduced-cost fitness programming in the local community.

Neuroscience Concepts​

  • Begins with a basic anatomy orientation (cells, tissue, organs, CNS, PNS)

 

  • Briefly explains events at the synapse, focusing on neurotransmitters as chemical messengers in the brain

 

  • Identifies the neurotransmitters that produce positive mental/physical states

    • Many individuals have pre-existing general awareness of  exercise's relationship to "endorphins" and appreciate more specific information on this subject.

    • While the chemical structures look intimidating, participants often enjoy them when paired with understandable information.

      • Legitimacy is not to be underrated in patient education. "This is complicated-looking for me, too."

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  • Examines the evolutionary link between physical activity and survival/ sympathetic "fight or flight" response, which is responsible for releasing beneficial neurotransmitters

 

  • Offers specific, evidence-based, information on the effectiveness of aerobic exercise at 80% max HR at achieving mental health benefits in as little as one 30-minute session

 

  • Cautions all participants to consult with medical providers for medical clearance before engaging in aerobic exercise

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Occupational Focus: Local Fitness Resources

 

Cost is a common barrier to accessing comprehensive fitness programming and equipment. To address this, printed information on local opportunities for reduced cost/ free fitness participation was distributed at the end of the session:

  • YMCA financial assistance application (English & Spanish versions) - available for download on each location's website.

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