Clinical Contributors to this story:
Jessica Yao, M.D.
Community First Chief Medical Officer
Mary H. Garcia Holguin, MD
Community First Medical Director
Welcome to part 2 of our Mental Health Awareness Month blog series about moving your body for improved mental health. Read part 1, about the power of connecting with others, here.
Physical activity is fantastic for our minds (and bodies). The mental health benefits of getting up and moving around are well known. Simply being a little more active can reduce anxiety and depression.
Moving your body can also release endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals in your brain that fight pain and can make you feel happy.
Do what feels good
While all exercise can improve your mood, it doesn’t have to be difficult or boring. Choose something you already enjoy, like dancing, swimming, or taking a walk in the park. When you choose to move, you can do something fun and not too challenging.
You have to start somewhere, and small bursts of activity are helpful to boost your mood.
If you have physical restrictions on how you can move, consider gentle movement, such as chair yoga or tai chi. If you can be a little more active, try a free Community First Zumba class online or in person. You don’t have to run a marathon to feel the benefits of exercise.
Add movement to your daily routine
You can add physical activity to something you already do regularly. For example, when cleaning the house, play some music and take short dance breaks.
If you work at an office, use a bathroom farther away from your desk instead of the closest one, or take a walk around the parking lot for some sunshine and exercise. Anything that gets your heart pumping and blood flowing helps release endorphins and can bring happy feelings.
An article by Harvard Health highlights this mind-body connection with this note:
“And while your brain is the master control system for your body’s movement, the way you move can also affect the way you think and feel.”
Everyone’s mental health journey looks different, but adding healthy habits to your day, like journaling, getting plenty of sleep, and staying active, can help you feel better.
From May 5 to June 30, Community First Members can earn a FREE Smart Sports Bracelet by participating in our Healthier You! Mental Fitness Member Activity and sharing how you care for your mental health.
Mental Health Support for Community First Members
Community First offers several resources for Members of all ages in need of mental health support. Members do not need a referral for mental health or substance use services.
Counseling/Therapy
Community First offers access to many contracted outpatient mental health professionals. You can search for a mental health provider by using our online directory or call Member Services at the number listed on your Member ID card for help making an appointment. If you have a Case Manager or Service Coordinator, you can also contact them directly.
Community First Health & Wellness Programs
Community First Members can join our focused Health & Wellness Program, Healthy Mind: Behavioral Health Program, at no cost, for help finding the right mental health professional and for other help and resources.
Behavioral Health & Substance Use Support Lines
Community First Members can also call our toll-free Behavioral Health & Substance Use Support Line, available 24 hours a day/7 days a week:
| STAR KIDS/STAR+PLUS Members | All Other Health Plan Members | 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline |
| 1-844-541-2347 | 1-877-221-2226 | 988 |
Sources
Pillay, S. (2016, March 28). How simply moving benefits your mental health. Harvard Health Blog. Health.Hardvard.edu/How-Simply-Moving-Benefits-Your-Mental-Health-201603289350. 4/17/2025.
Wisner, W. and Graves, K. (2025, March 31). Exercise for Mental Health: A Comprehensive Guide To Improving Mental Well-Being. Health.com. Health.com/Exercise-For-Mental-Health-11700013. 4/17/2025.
Movement: moving more for our mental health. Mental Health Foundation. MentalHealth.org.uk\Explore-Mental-Health\Movement. 4/17/2025.