Movement and Mental Health

I am going to be 100 percent honest. Back in the spring, during the first few weeks of the stay home orders and quarantine, I was not okay.

Many of us were not okay. It was an abrupt departure of normal life into what felt like a tailspin of unknowns. 

If you think back to those first few weeks of quarantine, around spring break, the weather was gross. It was cloudy and cold for several weeks and most of us were stuck inside. We had very limited movement of our bodies during a time of constant change with our mental space.

We all know that fitness and moving our bodies is good for our health. During these recent months of quarantine and the phasing back this summer, it has become crystal clear how crucial movement can be toward our mental health. 

Life has changed this summer; one silver lining for my family has been the gift of time. Time to do things and see things in a different way.

Without as many summer camps and sports this summer, my family has had more time to explore. We take simple bikes rides in the subdivisions around our neighborhood. I have driven these same streets to drop kids off a million times, but it’s crazy the new things you can discover that you just didn’t have time to notice before with all the hustle. 

Our bike rides have taken us to the trails a lot in recent months too. Again, these trails are right in our backyard in Lee’s Summit but we have had more time to explore creeks and little “cliffs” with a new mindset. 

It’s been a double victory for me, exploring new places with the kids, but also helping us with more of a positive mental space. A little less time stuck inside with tantrums and kids fighting, a little more time outside moving our bodies with a happier headspace and memories. Happy summer to you all! ■

Written by: Erin Little

Meteorologist Erin Little starts your day off with a smile and the forecast each morning on KCTV5 News This Morning. With over a decade of experience forecasting the weather in Kansas City, she understands it’s not all about the weather, but how it will impact our busy lives. Erin is thrilled to be raising her three young children in her hometown of Lee’s Summit. You can find her Monday through Friday, 4:30 a. m. to 7:00 a.m. on KCTV5 News. Connect with Erin: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @erinkctv5.