The positive relationship between physical fitness and mental wellness has long been established. President John F. Kennedy even once said, “Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.” This was over 60 years ago but it is no less true today. Physical fitness can play a critical role not only in general health but also in addiction recovery.

The importance of physical fitness in achieving mental well-being is often overlooked. However, It’s an essential ingredient in any holistic mental health program.

Here at Clearview Girls Academy, we pride ourselves in being able to offer a program that includes some of the best resources for physical activity to enhance your daughter’s recovery. 

The Connectivity of Mind and Body

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has reported extensive research on the relationship between physical fitness and mental health. The findings show “that even small amounts of physical activity can immediately reduce symptoms of anxiety.” 

The department also found that physical fitness has been linked with improving depression. The department noted that “research suggests that increased physical activity, of any kind, can improve depression symptoms experienced by people across the lifespan. Engaging in regular physical activity has also been shown to reduce the risk of developing depression in children and adults.” Ultimately, activating the body can activate a healthier and more positive mindset.

Many of the students who come to see us have more on their minds than participating in physical activity. When struggling with their mental health, it can be hard for them to think about anything else but those challenges. That is why we aim to slowly incorporate a program of physical activity into your daughter’s individualized program. We can then begin to help heal her emotional state in tandem with her physical being.

The Emotional Benefits of Physical Fitness

The former South African President and civil rights activist, Nelson Mandela, once said that “Exercise is the key not only to physical health but to peace of mind.” That is one of the great benefits physical activity can offer our mental health. This activity allows us to stop focusing on our mental state and gives us a momentary reprieve from our negative thoughts.

Whether it be hiking, skiing, horseback riding, or swimming, these activities absorb our attention, thus allowing us to quiet those racing thoughts that can overwhelm us at times. To quiet the mind is a beautiful thing.

Also, let us not forget that the literal bodily aspects of physical activity can greatly aid in self-image. Exercise can lower stress and blood pressure, which are often under siege when struggling with our mental health. Ultimately, when we strengthen the body, we strengthen our resolve, and eventually, we strengthen our emotional balance.

The Unique Activity Offerings at Clearview Girls Academy for Recovery

Here at Clearview Girls Academy, we are blessed to be located in one of the most beautiful settings the country has to offer. Here on our ranch, we can see the mountains right from our windows as they beckon us to get outside into the Montana countryside.

During the summer, our students may be found horseback riding or biking in our vast Montana Landscape. They may be found hiking on one of our many mountain paths. They may also be found utilizing Lake Pend Oreille for aquatic exercise and fellowship.

In the winter months, you may see our students snowboarding on Schweitzer Mountain or you may find them snowshoeing or sledding at our lodge. Of course, if it’s too cold out, we have plenty of activities and team sports that can be played indoors. This not only encourages physical fitness but connecting with a group as well.

Total Wellness: Connecting Mind, Body, and Spirit

There is a saying in many 12-Step programs that goes “move a muscle, change a thought.” This means that when we get stuck in a mental rut, we have the choice to either wallow in it or move away from it. When we adjust one aspect of our lives, the other aspects tend to follow.

Our mind, body, and spirit live a sort of symbiotic existence. When we increase our physical activity, we can lower our stress levels and begin to see past the anxiety that sometimes overwhelms us. This is especially true in adolescents.

Getting out and active in nature doesn’t just work our bodies, but it also exposes us to something bigger than ourselves. Connecting to something greater than ourselves has been shown to greatly increase a person’s chances of recovery.

Certainly, you are not considering a boarding school or treatment facility because you feel that your daughter is not physically active enough. You have more important concerns on your mind. However, we do want you to know that physical fitness can help your daughter with her recovery, and we are proud that we can offer this on a grand Montana scale.

It has long been hypothesized that there is a positive link between mental health and physical activity. There have been multiple studies that now show that hypothesis to be true. Engaging in physical activity can help relieve stress, encourage teamwork, and encourage a positive self-image. Clearview Girls Academy is unique in that we have multiple resources to help your daughter increase her physical activity. She will learn to appreciate how a program of physical fitness can improve her struggles with mental health. She will also have fun doing so. We offer many outdoor activities in our beautiful Montana setting that will take the chore out of physical fitness. For more information, contact Clearview Girls Academy at (888) 796-5484.