We sometimes treat physical fitness and mental health as separate. However, research shows that physical activity has a positive effect on mental health.<\/p>\n
Additionally, destigmatizing conversations around mental health can encourage people to seek therapy and other treatment.<\/p>\n
As a result, promoting mental health awareness in business has become increasingly important in recent years. In this guide, we offer actionable strategies for applying this to your business. We\u2019ll discuss:<\/p>\n
Physical fitness and mental health are intertwined. Research proves that physical activity can improve your mental health, and poor mental health can manifest physically.<\/p>\n
Additionally, the mind-body connection is no secret. Exercise increases oxygen to the brain and releases dopamine, which is responsible for pleasure, mood, motivation, pain processing, and more.<\/p>\n
When we exercise, our brains release certain chemicals and neurotransmitters<\/a>, including endorphins and endocannabinoids. These are responsible for the positive feelings and sense of calm you may experience after a workout.<\/p>\n Research from around the world<\/a> reveals that regular physical activity may also improve:<\/p>\n As a fitness business owner, you\u2019re in a unique position to help people improve their physical and mental health simultaneously.<\/p>\n Elevating mental health awareness starts with a candid look at your existing practices. Here\u2019s what that might look like:<\/p>\n Step 1:<\/strong> Get feedback from employees and clients on what types of support they need. Use straightforward methods that encourage honesty, like:<\/p>\n Step 2:<\/strong> Examine your brand values. Make mental health a core part of everything from your social media to client interactions.<\/p>\n Step 3: <\/strong>Do you offer mental health programs or classes? If not, reach out to local professionals and organizations to develop sessions on mindfulness, stress reduction, and more.<\/p>\n Step 4:<\/strong> Assess your resources. Provide contact information for mental health clinics and crisis hotlines on your website, mobile app, and in marketing emails.<\/p>\n Most importantly, commit to a safe and open environment. Openness destigmatizes mental health conversations and builds a supportive community for clients and staff.<\/p>\n Combating stigma should be at the core of your efforts. As Patrick Corrigan, Psy.D., once said<\/a>, \u201cThe stigma of mental illness is as big a problem as the symptoms themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n Education is your most powerful tool for fighting that stigma.<\/p>\n You can educate your community through mental health literacy training<\/a>. These sessions should cover:<\/p>\n Working with mental health professionals and organizations to delve into these topics will make your business more mental health aware. Here are some to consider:<\/p>\n By properly educating your team and clients, you\u2019re building a community that values mental health just as much as physical health.<\/p>\n To seamlessly blend mental health awareness into your existing programs, start with these tips:<\/p>\n Other wellness businesses are championing mental health too. SoulCycle hosted The Voices of SoulCycle, a panel series with open conversations around identity and mental health, and mindfulness. This initiative spotlighted important topics and boosted SoulCycle\u2019s inclusive brand image.<\/p>\n CorePower Yoga partnered with Yoga Foster<\/a> to promote mental wellness in the classroom. They wanted to help kids handle stress and develop coping strategies. They worked with educators to bring mindfulness breathing and calming exercises to kids across the U.S. The initiative boosted their brand image and helped them reach an all-new demographic.<\/p>\n Both examples highlight the business and community potential of centering mental wellbeing. You can create your own mental health packages by:<\/p>\n Every May, businesses in all sorts of industries launch campaigns and host events for Mental Health Awareness Month. Here\u2019s how to organize yours:<\/p>\n Some of the most effective policies you can institute for your employees\u2019 mental health are:<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to encourage a culture of openness. However, privacy is also a key part of client and employee wellbeing. Remember, employees have a right not to share information about their mental health conditions. So be supportive and respectful if anyone confides in you.<\/p>\n Incorporating mental health initiatives into your business is an ongoing effort. You\u2019ll need to develop a system to monitor progress and identify gaps.<\/p>\n Dive deeper into promoting mental health awareness within your fitness business with these hand-picked resources.<\/p>\n The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Mental Health America (MHA)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n The Mental Health Coalition<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Stamp Out Stigma<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Bring Change to Mind<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n The Stress and Resilience Institute<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Mental Health Literacy<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Mind, Body, Green<\/strong><\/a>: A comprehensive site dedicated to wellness, including mental health.<\/p>\n Psych Central<\/strong><\/a>: Articles, quizzes, and tips on mental health and psychology.<\/p>\n TED Talks<\/strong><\/a>:<\/strong> On-demand talks on depression, identity, the brain, and more.<\/p>\n Calm Business<\/strong><\/a>:<\/strong> Mindfulness solutions and services for employers, from the makers of the Calm app.<\/p>\n Psychology Today<\/strong><\/a>: A popular media organization that gives guidance on various mental health topics.<\/p>\n From understanding the intrinsic link between physical fitness and mental health to implementing supportive policies, we hope your path to promoting mental health awareness is now clearer.<\/p>\n The work doesn\u2019t stop here. Society has a long way to go in terms of destigmatizing mental health. Take it one step at a time, and remember, the WellnessLiving team is here to help take the stress out of running and growing your business.<\/p>\n Our all-in-one solution includes a range of business management features. You can keep track of staff schedules, and offer flexible hours and mental health days through our staff management solution<\/a>. Or you can use FitVID on Demand<\/a> to offer virtual on-demand meditation and mindfulness classes.<\/p>\n\n
Assessing your business\u2019s current mental health initiatives<\/h2>\n
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Educating your team and clients<\/h2>\n
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Integrating mental health into your services<\/h2>\n
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Launching awareness campaigns<\/h2>\n
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Implementing supportive policies and environment<\/h2>\n
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Privacy and mental health<\/h3>\n
Monitoring progress and making adjustments<\/h2>\n
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Additional resources<\/h3>\n
Mental health organizations<\/h3>\n
Online mental health resources<\/h3>\n
Books<\/h3>\n
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Articles<\/h3>\n
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Mental health awareness with WellnessLiving<\/h2>\n