MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Pickleball 10 REASONS TO PLAY by L eo T yska , J r .
SHIFTING CARE At One Mind’s convening of over 60 leading scientists from academia, industry, and government institutions last September, the participation of our Lived Experience Journey of One Mind (Continued from page 8)
I admit it. I have a pickleball problem. It’s addicting – and right about the time I’m ready to go home, someone says, “One more game (OMG).” When you first start to
Council shifted the conversation con- structively toward strategies to design innovations from “the ground up,” enabling true per- son-centered care. Many of the lead- ers present sponta- neously promised
play pickleball, you just try to get the ball over the net. Then, you learn how to aim and you begin to strategize about how to beat the other team. It’s very strategic just like chess. If you Google mental
Brandon Staglin and Garen Staglin auction singer Martina McBride’s guitar at the 29th One Mind Music Festival.
to incorporate lived experience guidance in their ongoing programs. The advent of this kind of partnership hails a new era in mental health system design. Understanding that this shift is underway makes me smile! Learn more about how you can get involved with One Mind by visiting our website at www.onemind.org. Working together, we can improve lives throughout our communities.
health benefits to exer- cising/playing pickleball, you will find a lot of great information. Here are a few benefits:
Pickleball is mind good, mind clearing.
1. Exercise, including pickleball, helps lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and releases endorphins, which are mood elevators. 2. Physical Activity increases function to the brain, improving memory and focus. The strategic aspect challenges the brain, keeping it sharp and engaged. 3. Frequent Exercise has been shown to reduce symp- toms of anxiety and depression. It also can provide a mental time-out from daily stressors. 4. Physical Activity distracts you from negative thoughts and emotions. 5. If you achieve a fitness goal or get better at a sport like pickleball, it can enhance confidence. 6. Pickleball is often played with a partner. This encour- ages teamwork and camaraderie. 7. The social interaction of pickleball helps combat feel- ings of loneliness and isolation. 8. Exercise provides a buffer against stress. 9. Exercise helps regulate sleep and can help you fall asleep easier. 10. Learning a new skill or handling a challenging match can build mental toughness. Activities like pickleball and exercise in general promote good mental health by combining physical activity, social interaction, and mental stimulation. If you decide to try pickleball for the first time, just warning you, it’s fun and addicting.
Brandon Staglin is Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer and Co-Founder, One Mind. He can be reached at brandon.staglin@onemind. org and 707-963-4038.
Warning Signs (Continued from page 9)
issue with my heart. They plan to start with very simple steps, walking, pool workouts, nothing straining. I have an appointment coming up with a local therapist who special- izes in stress, anxiety, and deep breathing techniques. But the last 10 days have been sleeping, napping, and resting. It feels good… If this article can help even one reader pay attention to their bodies and physical warning signs, I am thrilled! Check it out immediately with your doctor if this happens to you. AFIB is not a joke…and it affects much young- er people today. Wishing you all a most HEALTHY and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Leo Tyska, Jr., is Vice President, Client Solu- tions, BioPharm Communications. He can be reached at Leo.tyska@biopharmcommunications. com or 847-971-9860 (c).
Peggy Dougherty Marcus is retired and a proud Co-Founder of the HBA, residing in Sarasota, FL. She can be reached at mspegy@gmail.com or 808-341-9793.
MARCH 2025
THE EXCHANGE 11
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