Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California’s First Partner and co-chair of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-being, kicked off Mental Health Awareness Month with a Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind event at the California State Capitol. The event aimed to highlight the significance of daily mindfulness and movement in enhancing mental health and overall well-being.
During the event, Siebel Newsom shared her own practices for maintaining mental wellness, including nature walks, meditation, pilates, and yoga. Participants engaged in various physical activities to understand the benefits of regular exercise on mental health and overall health. The event emphasized the importance of slowing down, spending time in nature, and connecting with others for better mental well-being.
Regular physical activity is not only beneficial for brain health but also aids in weight management and reduces the risk of disease and chronic illness. As a mother of four, Siebel Newsom stresses the importance of parents modeling healthy behaviors for their children. She encourages daily mindfulness and physical activity, even if it’s just a simple walk around the block or light exercises like sit-ups and push-ups.
Speakers at the event included Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi and Drew Robinson, a former San Francisco Giants player who survived a suicide attempt. Robinson now advocates for mental health awareness and emphasizes the importance of seeking help for those struggling with depression. He highlights how daily movement can be an essential aspect of mental health maintenance, citing both emotional and mental benefits that come with physical activity.
In conclusion, California’s First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom started Mental Health Awareness Month by organizing an event focused on daily mindfulness and movement as essential components of mental well-being. The Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind event highlighted these elements’ significance by showcasing various physical activities that promote overall wellness.