Finding What Moves Us
November is here, with it the university’s Move-ember initiative, a time to embrace movement in its many forms. Move-ember is a wellness campaign celebrated nationwide, focusing on the benefits of incorporating movement into our daily lives, especially during the academic year’s most demanding months. This initiative encourages students and faculty to prioritize physical activity, through exercise classes, walking meetings, or simply taking the stairs instead of the elevator. By promoting a healthy lifestyle, Move-ember aims to improve overall well-being and productivity within the university community.
Move-ember encourages physical activity which can seem daunting in itself, but physical activity can be much more than just a workout. Many studies link physical movement to improved mental health, reduced stress, and increased productivity—benefits that resonate with students facing exams and deadlines. Engaging in activities such as brisk campus walks, yoga, or stretching breaks between classes can refresh your mind, enhance concentration, and provide a much-needed break from screen time. By incorporating movement into your daily routine, you not only improve your physical health but also reap the mental benefits that come with staying active. Taking small breaks to move throughout the day can help you stay focused and energized, ultimately leading to a more successful academic experience.
Concordia offers a range of resources through independent routines or group-based activities. The university’s recreation center, in Ralph King, is open to students interested in improving their physical and mental health. Additionally, Move-ember aims to include all forms of movement, even those as simple as practicing mindful breathing and engaging in brief mobility stretches that keep the body active without leaving the classroom.
There’s also a focus on using Move-ember to promote mental health. The university’s Wellness Center is another available resource that shares ways to incorporate mindful movement practices, such as stretching and breathing exercises, which can easily fit into a study session or work break.
One important aspect of Move-ember is that it encourages personalizing the activity. High-intensity workouts or traditional forms of exercise may not resonate or be accessible to everyone. Instead of doing things that don’t work for you, try to identify what works best with your lifestyle, whether it’s a dance break in your dorm, a morning jog, or finding time for social activities that promote movement.
Embracing movement in November not only improves physical well-being but also gets you away from your screen and encourages community interaction. Students from diverse departments can connect through activities like group study sessions that include movement breaks or outdoor campus walks.
This Move-ember, let’s take the initiative to move in ways that support both body and mind. From promoting healthier habits to creating connections, Move-ember encourages us to discover what moves us. Whether that’s through independent reflection or group activities, everyone on campus has a chance to find their own path to a more active and balanced lifestyle.
