Newsletter

In honor of National Wellness Month

“Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it.” -Plato

As a time to make self-care a priority, national wellness means emphasizing how physical activities support mental health. In fact, making improvements with physiology is connected to positive change psychologically. The body and brain define overall wellness where physical healing also makes a difference mentally.

Leah Lovan, MSW, is an outpatient counselor and ARTS clinician but also a personal trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She says, “I believe there is a massive connection between your physical state and your mental state. If one is not doing well, it is going to affect the other… If I don’t physically feel well, then I don’t have my reserve to handle my day-to-day stressors like I would so there is a huge connection and in order to take care of one you need to take care of the other.”

She understands that exercise is an example of a physical activity with mental health benefits. Leah says, “I’m very big on exercise because number one if you have any issues with anxiety, exercise in and of itself actually [and] naturally puts you in fight or flight. So in and of itself exercise becomes exposure therapy for anxiety because you are constantly putting yourself and having to breathe your way through it and compensate for putting yourself into fight or flight… Those same things we are trying to teach people in the office for anxiety disorders, exercise releases serotonin which is our happy neurotransmitter and it also kicks in endorphins which are natural pain killers. There are so many benefits. If nothing else, exercise creates a distraction. If you have something you really just can’t get off your mind that is worrying you– go exercise till you got no energy left. If you are angry about something–go exercise until there is not one ounce of anger left. If you are scared–go exercise until you have no energy for any fear left in you.

Leah counsels her clients to view exercise as a worthwhile activity. She believes in helping them find the benefit in their daily life to understand why to spend time on it. One good reason is having a fun activity to do with friends. She states, “if you are somebody who needs that encouragement and motivation, find an exercise buddy, to go to take classes together. If you are not in class, the coach is going to be ‘where are you at?– I missed you in class.’ If you love dancing, there are plenty of dance places. Water aerobics is a good way if you have any physical limitations. And great places like the YMCA where you can do income-based type stuff. But there are so many ways to get out there and Roanoke is great for having recreational leagues whether it is for softball, kickball, volleyball. There are adult exercise leagues all over the place, and we’ve got some great yoga [and] Pilates studios around here too. To me it needs to be something you enjoy because if it is something you are going, ‘UGH! I have to do this again,’ you’re not going to do it.”

Nutrition is a part of the substance abuse treatment program. Dimension 2 is about biomedical conditions which covers physical health and the facilitators talk about the different vitamins and nutrients from different food sources. It is important in recovery because active addiction depletes their body out of so many vitamins and minerals. Leah says, “so when I’m in here and meeting with them that is one of the things we are talking about is trying to build nutrition after years of substance use disorder [where they] may have not gotten the best nutrition while actively using or homeless. Also ways to rebuild our nutrition [and] ways to rebuild our bodies and replenish ourselves after addiction. So to me it’s even more important there and to even help to develop healthier ways of coping with life than using drugs and alcohol.” Specifically, different foods have a different impact on mental health. Leah explains, “I try to eat foods that fuel me and fuel my body [like] high protein that are rich in colors so fruits, vegetables all those vital nutrients, vitamins and minerals that you find in fruits and vegetables. Things that are going to replenish the brain power that we’re exerting every day in the office. Things that are very high in carbohydrates have a tendency to create a blood sugar crash.”

Overall, exercise and nutrition are a good foundation for wellness in celebrating national wellness month for several reasons. Exercise is physical exertion that creates mild stress where you need to breathe to compensate for coping with the stress. Motivation for exercise is finding an activity that is enjoyable to look forward to. Nutrition helps replenish vitamins and minerals after addiction and the best foods are the ones that are rich in color and high in protein.

💡NRV SPOTLIGHT 💡

Outdoor Puppy Yoga

If you’re looking for a fun way to relax and support a good cause, check out the Puppy Yoga Class at Hairapy in Christiansburg on Sunday, August 9, from 4 to 5 p.m. The event is hosted by Sweetgrass Yoga, Hairapy, and Little Big Dog Rescue, with all donations going to help the rescue.

The outdoor class is beginner-friendly, so anyone can participate, even if they’ve never done yoga before. During the class, rescue puppies from Little Big Dog Rescue will be there to play and interact with participants. Some of the puppies will also be available for adoption, giving visitors a chance to meet a future pet.

Yoga is a great way to reduce stress and clear your mind. It encourages people to slow down, focus on their breathing, and relax. Spending time with animals can also improve your mood and help lower stress, so combining yoga with puppies creates a fun experience that supports both physical and mental health.

If yoga isn’t for you, you can still stop by to meet the puppies and learn more about Little Big Dog Rescue. Children of all ages are welcome to visit the puppies, while those ages 10 and older can join the yoga class.

Little Big Dog Rescue is a local nonprofit that works to save dogs from area shelters and help owners who need to surrender their pets. The group also promotes responsible pet ownership and helps find loving homes for rescued dogs.

The event was originally planned for July 12 but was postponed because of bad weather. It will now be held at Hairapy, located at 103 College Street, Suite A, in Christiansburg. Whether you want to try yoga, spend time with adorable puppies, or support a local rescue, this event is a great way to spend a summer afternoon.

To view event flier, visit: https://res.cloudinary.com/du5lfb5z3/image/upload/v1784833719/743425323_1020330110745730_3634332326943395542_n_yvy4ze.jpg

Birthdays

Autumn H.

Christina J.

Tahriana (TK) K.

Service Awards

Lorenzo I. – 5 Years

Melissa L. – 3 Years

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