Activity Proposal: Mental Wellness Through Movement

Western Leyte College of Ormoc\ College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences A. Bonifacio St. Ormoc City, Leyte 6541, Philippines Tel. Nos. (053) 561-5310 / 255-8549 **ACTIVITY PROPOSAL** **TITLE:** Mental Wellness Through Movement: Exercise Therapy in Psychiatric Care **TARGET PARTICIPANTS:**...

Western Leyte College of Ormoc\ College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences A. Bonifacio St. Ormoc City, Leyte 6541, Philippines Tel. Nos. (053) 561-5310 / 255-8549 **ACTIVITY PROPOSAL** **TITLE:** Mental Wellness Through Movement: Exercise Therapy in Psychiatric Care **TARGET PARTICIPANTS:** Center Behavioral Science **PROPOSED DATE:** January 23, 2024 **VENUE:** Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center **PROPONENTS:** Group 4 I. **OBJECTIVES:** Specific Objective: - To improve the mental and emotional health of psychiatric patients through structured movement exercises, helping them manage symptoms like anxiety, depression, and stress while promoting physical well-being. General Objective: - To integrate movement and physical activity into psychiatric care, creating a holistic approach to mental wellness that supports emotional balance, strengthens the body, and enhances overall quality of life. II. **RATIONALE:** Engaging in movement and exercise can significantly enhance both physical and mental well-being. In mental health care, physical activity has been found to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress by increasing mood-boosting chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin and endorphins. Practices like yoga, dance, and aerobic exercise not only strengthen the body but also encourage mindfulness, which plays a key role in managing emotions and maintaining mental stability. By integrating movement into mental health treatment, individuals can benefit from a more holistic approach to healing those nurtures both the body and the mind. This not only helps them better manage their mental health challenges but also empowers them with a sense of achievement and greater control over their well-being. III. **MATERIALS NEEDED:** IV. **PROPOSED PROGRAM:** 1\. Warm-Up (10-15 minutes): Gentle Stretching: Focus on stretching key muscle groups to improve flexibility and prepare the body. Breathing Exercises: Teach deep breathing to calm the nervous system and focus attention on the present. 2\. Main Exercise Routine (20-30 minutes): Low-Impact Aerobic Exercise: Activities like walking, slow-paced cycling, or light cardio to boost cardiovascular health and reduce stress. Strengthening Exercises: Simple bodyweight exercises (e.g., squats, lunges, modified push-ups) to build strength and endurance. Mindful Movement: Yoga, Tai Chi, or dance movements to encourage body awareness, relaxation, and emotional release. 3\. Cool-Down (10-15 minutes): Relaxing Stretches: Slow, gentle stretches focusing on releasing tension. Progressive Muscle relaxation: A guided practice to relax the muscles, starting from the feet and moving up the body. Mindful Breathing: Focus on deep, slow breathing to ground and calm the mind. 4\. Group Reflection (Optional): After each session, provide a brief period for patients to share how they feel physically and emotionally, fostering social connection and insight. V. **FACILITATOR ROLE:** Guiding and Encouraging: The facilitator should create a welcoming, safe space where all patients feel supported and encouraged to participate. Adaptation and Personalization: Ensure exercises are tailored to the individual needs of each patient, offering modifications for those with physical or emotional challenges. Fostering a Non-Competitive Environment: Encourage progress and self-expression rather than competition, helping patients feel valued for their effort, not their performance. VI. **CONSIDERATIONS:** Physical Limitations: Be mindful of patients with mobility or health issues, adjusting exercises to suit their needs. Mental Health Sensitivity: Understand that some patients may have trauma histories or experience mental health fluctuations, requiring flexibility and care in the approach. Gradual Progression: Start with less intense exercises and gradually build intensity as patients grow more comfortable with the routine. Creating a Supportive Atmosphere: Ensure the environment feels calm, free from judgment, and conducive to personal growth and relaxation **VII: EXPECTED OUTCOMES:** **Prepared by:**