Healthy Lifestyles Program Brings Physical Fitness into Mental Wellness

This semester, some students who visit the Counseling Center may also find themselves in the Campus Recreation Center.

These two entities in the Division of Student Affairs have joined forces to develop “Healthy Lifestyles for the Mind and Body,” a new program that incorporates physical activity into mental health solutions for some students.

“Various types of depression, anxiety, and stress can be alleviated through physical activity, exercise, and social connections with other students,” said Ruperto Perez, director of the Counseling Center. “Coupled with group or individual counseling, students may receive a combination of benefits — physical, psychological, and social. This program aims to help the whole student.”

Students who visit the Counseling Center may be referred to this program, at which point they meet with Christie Stewart, who oversees healthy lifestyle programs at the CRC. Together, Stewart and the student talk through his or her current activity level, goals, potential barriers, and interests in various CRC offerings.

“We don’t want them to be forced into doing something that isn’t a good fit,” Stewart said. “We just want them to find something that will help them attain a healthy lifestyle. Our goal is to help them find an activity they look forward to doing.”

Students may choose to try personal training, group fitness, or taking a trip with Outdoor Recreation Georgia Tech, among other options. Many don’t know about all the CRC offers until they consult with Stewart, or they think only “athletic” people use the facility and its programs, when in reality there are programs available for students of all skill and fitness levels.

The potential for social interaction is another perk of the program that can help students both academically and emotionally.

“Physical activity and social connection with others have direct effects on brain and body chemistry,” Perez said. “These benefits can allow students who are in counseling to think more clearly about their concerns, to gain a clearer awareness of their circumstances, and to experience relief from their depression, anxiety, or stress.”

The program is still in its infancy, but so far Stewart, Perez, and participating students have voiced positive feedback about the partnership. The program will continue as a pilot throughout the rest of the year. For the future, Perez plans to evaluate and assess its effectiveness for students and their concerns and, long-term, examine what impact it has on quality of life, retention, and graduation.

“We’ll keep the program going as long as it’s helping students,” Stewart said.