Boost Your Mood, Reduce Stress, and Feel Better
Looking for a quick, easy way to lift your mood and reduce stress? You don’t need a gym membership, fancy routine, or even rhythm—just a few minutes of movement and a willingness to let go.
May 14 is National Dance Like a Chicken Day—and while it may sound silly, this lighthearted observance highlights a serious truth: physical movement and laughter are powerful tools for mental and physical wellness. At Healthy Connections and Evolve Behavioral Health Services, we believe that wellness starts with the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—and sometimes, the first step forward is a chicken step.
Movement and Mental Health: A Proven Connection
When life gets busy—balancing work, family, and daily stress—it’s easy to forget your own wellness. But even a short burst of movement, like a quick dance, can offer significant benefits. Research shows that physical activity can:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Boost energy and mood
- Improve focus and sleep
- Increase endorphins and reduce cortisol
- Support long-term mental and emotional health
Even five minutes of joyful motion can positively shift your mindset and improve your overall well-being.
No Dance Floor Required—Just Move
Whether you’re flapping your arms in your kitchen or tapping your feet in traffic, the point isn’t how you move—it’s that you do move. Movement paired with laughter helps release dopamine and serotonin, the brain’s natural feel-good chemicals, while lowering stress hormones like cortisol.
You don’t need to be a great dancer. You just need to show up for yourself. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck, our providers are here to support you. Whether it’s therapy, routine medical care, or something in between, we have your back.
Supporting Your Whole Health, Together
At Evolve Behavioral Health Services, we offer:
- Individual, couples, and family therapy
- In-person and statewide telehealth counseling
- Support for anxiety, depression, trauma, and more
At Healthy Connections, we provide:
- Primary care for all ages
- Women’s health, pediatrics, and addiction treatment
- Preventive services, chronic care, and wellness
Our teams work together to ensure you receive coordinated, compassionate care tailored to your life and your goals.
Take the First Step—Even If It’s a Chicken Step
This #WellnessWednesday, give yourself permission to be silly, to move, and to feel better—one step at a time. Whether you’re dancing in the kitchen or reaching out for support, you’re doing something good for your health.
“Dance like no one is watching. Live like it’s heaven on Earth.”
– Attributed to William Purkey
You don’t have to be perfect to start feeling better. And you don’t have to do it alone.
Visit www.healthy-connections.org or call 888-710-8220 to connect with a medical provider.
Visit www.evolvebhs.com or call 800-409-6250 to schedule a confidential therapy appointment.
