Each week, ICBA’s Jordan Bateman reflects on what we’ve learned as we participate in ICBA’s Workplace Wellness Program. This program is free for all ICBA members – check out icba.ca/wellness for details.
This month, ICBA Wellness looks at the link between mind and body, and how our physical health can impact our mental health.
The 250,000 men and women who are building this province every day are amazing people. They work hard and often deal with physically demanding tasks.
So it’s a little counterintuitive that our ICBA Wellness program includes a Toolbox Talk on physical fitness. But the link between regular exercise and mental health is so well-established that it was impossible for our team to ignore.
Exercise does a lot for our minds:
- Decreases stress hormones like cortisol
- Increases endorphins, which make us feel good
- Helps get us thinking about things other than our problems
- Often includes social interaction
- Can build “immunity” against future stress
So go for a walk today – or throw the ball around with your kid. Or hit the pickleball court. Or go for a hike or pump iron or aquacise (seeing if you’re paying attention!) or whatever you need to do to get your body moving. It’s good for your body, your mood, and your mental health.
ICBA’s Workplace Wellness Program is helping more than 50 companies, and thousands of construction professionals, better understand mental health. The program is free for ICBA members — see icba.ca/wellness.