I used to think of physical activity as a solo journey. A personal responsibility. A box to check. I’d lace up my shoes, put in my earbuds, and power through a workout as if it were just another task on my to-do list. But over time, I’ve realized movement is more than just steps, reps, or minutes—it’s connection.

Some of my most meaningful conversations happen on a walk with a friend. Some of my best stress relief comes from a group class where we’re all pushing through the last few reps together. Movement has a way of bringing people into our lives in unexpected ways, turning exercise from a chore into something shared and something joyful. It’s about finding our people, our village, and using that network to support not just our physical health, but our mental health, too.

Movement in a Time of Disconnection

Our work environments have changed drastically over the past few years. Many of us are working remotely or in hybrid settings, spending more time in front of screens and less time in shared spaces. It’s easy to feel disconnected and isolated. Research shows that more people are reporting feeling loneliness than ever before. The U.S. Surgeon General has declared loneliness and social isolation a public health epidemic. As our social and work lives shift, our mental well-being can take a hit. During these times, physical activity is often the first thing to slip, even though it’s one of the most effective tools we have for managing stress, lifting our mood, and regaining a sense of balance.

That’s why movement matters more than ever. When your to-do list is packed, stepping away for a walk, a workout, or even a stretch can feel like a luxury rather than a necessity. That’s exactly when we need it most. Movement is a way to reconnect with our bodies, our breath, and the people around us. The real challenge is making it part of our lives in ways that feel realistic, energizing, and sustainable.

Building Your Village

The good news? You don’t have to do it alone. Building a community around physical activity makes it more enjoyable and easier to maintain, and it helps combat feelings of isolation. Here are some ways to get started:

• Find a movement buddy: Having a friend or colleague to walk, stretch, or attend a class with makes all the difference. Accountability and companionship go hand in hand.
• Start a walking group: Whether it’s a 10-minute lap around the building or a full lunch-hour walk, invite coworkers or friends to catch up and refresh. Socializing doesn’t have to be sedentary.
• Join a virtual group: Look for online fitness communities, challenge groups, or social media groups focused on movement.
• Make meetings more active: Walking meetings or stretching breaks during virtual calls can help normalize movement in professional settings.

Move Your Way

Movement doesn’t have to look the same every day or for every person. Some weeks you might be energized and ready to try something new. Other days, you might prefer a walk to clear your head or stretching between tasks. The most important thing is tuning in to what your mind and body need—not what a fitness plan says you should do.

Letting go of rigid expectations and embracing flexibility can turn movement into a form of self-care rather than just another obligation. When we move in ways that support our mental state, it becomes less about performance and more about feeling better, inside and out.

Resources to Get You Moving at UI

If you’re looking for ways to integrate movement and community into your life, here are some campus resources that can help:

• liveWELL Programs: Register for the upcoming Campus Walking Scavenger Hunt and invite others to join.
• Physical Activity Resource Library: Explore campus walking routes or follow along with guided stretches for midday breaks.
• Recreational Services: Join group fitness classes or intramural sports.

Movement as a Connection Point

Physical activity isn’t just exercise. It’s finding support, creating shared experiences, and building a network. In a time when disconnection is easy, movement offers us a way to come back to ourselves and to each other.

So, who’s in your village? If you don’t have one yet, maybe it’s time to start building. And if you do, invite someone new. After all, you might find that movement is better when we do it together.

Photo by Sweet Life on Unsplash