Movement for Mental Health Challenge

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we’re inviting you to join something simple and energizing, our Movement for Mental Health Challenge.

As a station rooted in music and community, we care about your wellbeing and believe that all movement - especially when paired with music - can be a powerful tool for feeling better. Whether it’s walking with your favorite playlist or dancing in your kitchen, it all counts!

Why movement matters for Mental Health:

 Regular movement can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while improving mood, sleep, and energy. Some research suggests prolonged inactivity may be as harmful as smoking, but even small amounts of movement can make a real difference.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends:
150 minutes of moderate movement per week
(about 30 minutes 5 days a week OR 21 minutes 7 days per week)

How the Summit FM Movement for Mental Health Challenge Works:

• Goal: 150 minutes of movement per week during the month of May
  • Easy tracking:
    • Track your daily movement using whatever free, phone app works for you (examples: Applehealth, Googlefit, Strava, Garmin)
  • Fill out our quick weekly check-in form sent every Sunday to be entered into a raffle, sign up to receive these emails here
  • Optional: Join our club on Strava to share inspiration, playlists, and healthy recipes:
    • On the Strava App- follow Sarah Swirsky or Andrew James for extra challenges and motivation, but this isn’t necessary
  • What counts? Walking, yoga, dancing, gardening, biking, stretching, chair movement, and more—choose what works for you!

Incentives: 

• Weekly prize drawings for those who fill out the weekly form and meet the goal
• Bonus shout-outs for creativity, consistency, and community spirit
• Curated movement playlists and wellness inspiration from The Summit all month long

No pressure, no perfection, just a gentle invitation to move in a way that feels good to you, supported by your Summit FM community!

Sign up for the challenge emails here!

Any questions can be directed to Sarah@thesummit.fm

Opportunities to Move With Us This Month:

Kick off the challenge: Tuesday, May 5 | 5:30–6:30 PM, 309 Woolf Avenue, Akron, OH, with a casual gathering walk at The Summit FM, on the Ellet CLC track, then join in on a chair yoga session with Sarah set to a curated Summit FM playlist. Whether you’d want to walk or need a chair-based movement, there is a movement activity for you! Note: this can also be a time to ask questions about the challenge.

Friday, May 8 | 6-7:30, 762 Elma St, Akron, OH
 Join us for a Rhythm Circle at the Expressive Arts Jamboree.

Saturday, May 16 | 10–11 AM, 1795 Steese Rd, Green, OH
 Music + Movement Drum Circle at the annual Change of Art.

We’ll wrap up the month with a group hike & optional yoga session. A chance to connect, move, and celebrate together. Date TBD (weather dependent), so stay tuned!