In May we observe National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Since 1983, each President has publicly recognized and promoted the importance of physical activity to good overall health. This year, President Biden issued a Proclamation commemorating this year’s observance, saying, “We can all come together, feel better, and live longer if we stay active, exercise, and keep moving.”
The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) is highlighting the important relationship between physical activity and mental health this year. For people of all ages, leading an active lifestyle not only enhances physical fitness but also contributes significantly to mental well-being. Physical activity can help reduce feelings of anxiety, improve sleep quality, and more! Additionally, incorporating physical activity into your daily routine can boost self-esteem, and participating in organized sports can foster a sense of belonging and social connection that is essential to good mental health.
Given these incredible benefits, we encourage you to celebrate National Physical Fitness and Sports Month with us by finding ways to move more this month! You can also look for opportunities to spread the word about the benefits of being active. ODPHP has great resources to help individuals and communities take steps (literally!) towards better overall health and mental well-being.
- Follow ODPHP at @HealthGov and the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition at @FitnessGov on Twitter/X.
- Celebrate National Physical Fitness and Sports Month by encouraging people in your community to find a way they like to get moving. Get started by sharing our Move Your Way resources.
- Visit our Move Your Way microsite for videos, fact sheets, inspirational stories, and interactive tools including a customizable Activity Planner.
- When you share your posts about physical activity, use the hashtags #MoveInMay and #MoveYourWay (and feel free to tag us!).
- Sign up for email updates so you can get notified when we post new information and resources related to physical activity. Then you can share with your family, friends, and community members!
Sample social media posts:
- #MoveInMay with the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition! See how members of @FitnessGov prioritize activity in their busy lives: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kqjs8c4FGaA. What’s YOUR move?
- Sports can help youth improve fitness and develop social skills. Celebrate National Physical Fitness & Sports Month by encouraging your kids to find their own way to #MoveInMay [basketball emoji] [golfer emoji]. Learn more about the benefits of #YouthSports: https://go.usa.gov/xu8BF
- #DYK? Physical activity is safe during pregnancy and can even help reduce symptoms of postpartum depression. Celebrate National Physical Fitness & Sports Month by encouraging new parents and parents-to-be to get active! Share this resource to get started: https://go.usa.gov/xu8Bf
- It’s National Physical Fitness & Sports Month! Physical activity has big benefits. It can help #teens reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression. Encourage teens in your life to #GetActive and #MoveInMay by sharing these videos: https://bit.ly/3xJRlJv
- #Sports are a great tool to support youth mental health. Check out 10 tips from the National #YouthSports Strategy to help youth thrive: https://odphp.health.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/Youth%20Sports%20Infographic_2022.05_508c.pdf
