Governor Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind Event Emphasizes Importance of Mindfulness and Physical Activity for Mental Health
California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom kicked off Mental Health Awareness Month by hosting the Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind event at the California State Capitol. The event highlighted the importance of daily mindfulness and physical activity in improving mental health and overall well-being.
As co-chair of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-being, Siebel Newsom organized the event to emphasize the interconnectedness of physical and mental health. During her speech, she shared her personal practices for maintaining mental wellness, including nature walks, meditation, pilates, and yoga. Participants at the event engaged in various physical activities designed for both children and adults while also learning about the numerous health benefits associated with regular exercise.
Siebel Newsom encouraged parents to model the behaviors they wish to instill in their children by incorporating daily mindfulness and physical activity into family routines. She stressed the importance of slowing down in today’s fast-paced society, spending time in nature, and building connections within the community. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), routine physical exercise not only enhances brain health but also aids in weight management and decreases the risk of diseases and chronic illnesses.
Key speakers at the event included Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi and former San Francisco Giants player Drew Robinson. Robinson shared how daily movement greatly benefits his mental health, emphasizing the emotional and mental gains over physical ones. He urged others facing similar challenges to seek assistance and prioritize their mental well-being after surviving a suicide attempt. By openly discussing his struggles with depression, Robinson hoped to inspire others to do the same.
Overall, Siebel Newsom’s Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind event highlighted how integrating daily mindfulness and physical activity into our lives can significantly enhance our mental health and overall well-being.
