Move for Mental Health: Taking Steps Toward Well‑Being This May

Walking Club at Lillian S. Besore Memorial Library in Greencastle

May is a powerful month. It’s Mental Health Awareness Month and Physical Activity Awareness Month, reminding us that caring for our minds and caring for our bodies are deeply connected. This year, we’re launching Move for Mental Health—a month‑long invitation to come together as a community and take intentional steps toward well‑being.

When life feels heavy, movement can be a meaningful way forward. And when we move together, the impact grows even stronger.

Why Movement Matters for Mental Health

Movement isn’t about training for a race or achieving perfection. It’s about connection—connecting with our bodies, our surroundings, and each other. Research and lived experience alike show that physical activity can:

• Reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression

• Improve sleep, mood, and focus

• Build confidence and a sense of accomplishment

• Strengthen social connections and reduce isolation

Even small amounts of movement can make a difference. A short walk. Stretching between meetings. Dancing in the kitchen. Playing outside. It all counts.

What Is Move for Mental Health?

Move for Mental Health is not a competition—it’s a collective effort to:

• Raise awareness about the connection between movement and mental well‑being

• Reduce stigma by encouraging open conversations about mental health

• Increase awareness of local resources that support mental health & well-being

• Build a culture of care that lasts beyond the month of May

Whether you participate once or build a new habit, you’re part of the movement.

How Community Members Can Get Involved

Everyone has a role to play in Move for Mental Health—and there are many ways to participate during May and throughout the year.

Join us locally by:

• Attending the Franklin County Commissioners Meeting on May 6, 2026 at 10am in the Commissioners meeting room located in the Administration Building as the Commissioners officially proclaim May 2026 as Mental Health Month, recognizing the importance of mental well‑being across our community.

• Getting moving with walking. Join an existing walking group through the Franklin County Library System, or start your own with coworkers, friends, neighbors, or family members.

• Exploring community movement opportunities through your local YMCAs, parks and recreation programs, and running, walking, and cycling clubs—many offer inclusive options for all skill levels. Check out the Move Your Way in Franklin County walking guides (English and Spanish)

• Participating in the Franklin County Library System’s Move for Mental Health BINGO program throughout the month of May. Complete physical and well-being activities and learn about local resources and supports at your own pace, and earn chances to win prizes along the way. Download the free Beanstack app (instructions available in English and Spanish) and create an account. Search for your local library (example Coyle Free Library) to access the Franklin County Library System’s Beanstack program(s). 

• Visiting the Healthy Franklin County Move for Mental Health webpage to find local events, resources, and mental health supports available in our community.

You can join for one activity—or make movement part of your routine year‑round. Every step matters.

How Employers Can Support Move for Mental Health

Workplaces play a powerful role in supporting mental health. Move for Mental Health offers employers a flexible framework to promote well‑being in ways that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable.

Employers can engage by:

• Exploring the Move for Mental Health Employer Toolkit, which offers ideas and tools to start or enhance employee well‑being—whether you’re building a program from scratch or strengthening what already exists.

• Encouraging movement during the workday, such as walking meetings, stretch breaks, or step challenges that focus on participation rather than competition.

• Promoting participation in the Move for Mental Health BINGO program as an optional, low‑pressure way for employees to engage in movement and self‑care throughout May.

• Supporting or starting workplace walking groups or wellness committees that can continue beyond Mental Health Awareness Month.

• Sharing mental health resources and reinforcing a culture where it’s okay to talk about stress, burnout, and balance.

By investing in employee well‑being, employers help create healthier, more engaged workplaces—and stronger communities.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Moving 

Movement can open the door to conversations we need to have more often—about stress, resilience, connection, and care.

This May and beyond, we encourage everyone to:

• Check in on coworkers, friends, and loved ones

• Listen without judgment

• Share resources and encouragement

• Normalize talking about mental health

• Carry the spirit of Move for Mental Health throughout the year

Mental health affects all of us. Together, we can keep reducing stigma—one conversation and one step at a time.

Join us in Move for Mental Health—because when we move our bodies, we strengthen our minds, and when we move together, we build healthier, more connected communities.