I’ve made no secret of my love for running. It’s a factor in my happiness. The exercises helps me to destress, ponder what’s been going on in my life, and even have conversations with God. It’s one of the ways I find my center, my balance.

So having an entire month dedicated to physical exertion is brilliant. Action for Happiness’ Active April reminds us that:

“Movement is a medicine for changing our physical, emotional and mental states.”

Carol Welch

It’s not a magic bullet by any means. Being active is as likely to make us happy as a million dollars or fame or a magic lamp with limitless wishes. Happiness is something that must come from within. Things like activity and money might ease other worries and stresses that heighten our anxiety levels, but they can’t alter our emotions; only we can do that and only by making the choice (hence the choose in Choose Joy).

Like medicine though, movement can help aid us in our journey. I’m not naturally athletic, so my movement tends to be running with some hiking thrown in during the warmer months. However, changing it up wouldn’t be a bad idea. Maybe throw in some Zumba or swimming or yoga, you know, explore movement.

So here’s my challenge to you:

• Download the calendar and pick a few suggestions to try.
• Add a different type of movement to your repertoire (and I’m pretty free with the definition: play piano? Movement).
• Take advantage of the spring and do some of your movement outside.
• Eat healthy foods that inspire you to move. I find that refined carbs make me fell dull, listless, and unmotivated.

Be more active this April whether it manifests in adding a thousand steps to your daily total or taking up a new athletic hobby. It helps manage stress, and that helps manage depression. Be happy,

And Choose Joy.

—A