Exercise helps improve both physical, behavioral health – options available on West Lafayette campus

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), exercise has been researched and validated for treating a variety of mental issues and mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, addictions, grief, relationship problems, dementia and personality disorders.

“We all know the many physical benefits of exercise: weight control, lower blood pressure, reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, increased energy and many more,” said Lindsay Bloom, health coach at Purdue Fort Wayne. “But we don’t often talk about the link between exercise and mental health. Exercise has many mental benefits as well, including easing symptoms of depression and anxiety, keeping your memory sharp, enhancing mood, managing stress and improving sleep.”

As warmer weather becomes more of the norm, opportunities for exercising outdoors increase. On and around the West Lafayette campus, Purdue faculty and staff members can enjoy a variety of activities that will benefit both the physical health and behavioral health pillars of the Healthy Boiler Program, including:

• Walking/jogging on campus: The Purdue Arboretum highlights scenic routes to explore the campus. Check out the tree trails, landscape tours and more. 
• Walk with a health coach: In order to help employees stay as healthy as possible, the Center for Healthy Living on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus offers walking health coach appointments. Employees can schedule appointments with one of the health coaches at the center, and instead of sitting in an exam room discussing wellness goals, the appointment takes place during a walk around campus. Health coaching appointments – walking as well as in-office – are available during normal center hours (7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday). Contact the center to schedule an appointment with a health coach by calling 765-494-0111 or schedule one via the patient portal. 
• Walking trails near campus: There are several nearby locations to explore, including the Celery Bog Nature Area, Happy Hollow Park and Prophetstown State Park. More information on ways to explore nature (Lafayette/West Lafayette area) is available here.
• Cycling: For those who enjoy bike riding/cycling, there are opportunities to ride:
• The Wabash River Cycle Club is holding a free 2023 New Rider Callout Saturday (May 20). This callout is targeted to people who don’t cycle much and who aren’t familiar with the active, varied activities of the club. The 45th annual Wabash River Ride, which offers rides from 16 to 102 miles, takes place August 26.Riding on campus. Purdue University is a bicycle-friendly campus. Learn more about riding on campus here.

“Exposure to sunlight systemically triggers the production of serotonin, sometimes referred to as the ‘happy hormone,’” said Amanda Hathcock, behavioral health counselor at the CHL.

And for those days when being outdoors isn’t ideal or someone wants to utilize exercise equipment like weights, treadmills, etc., there are indoor options, too.

• A.H. Ismail Center for Preventive and Lifestyle Medicine, located in Lyles-Porter Hall, offers a relaxed exercise environment and modern, state-of-the-art equipment.
• France A. Córdova Recreational Sports Center, known as the CoRec, has a variety of options, including a climbing wall, basketball courts and more.

“Our physical health and our mental health are more connected than we realize,” Bloom said. “Stress can cause illness, and illness can cause stress. So better physical health can promote better mental health and vice versa. Improving health with exercise can boost immunity and protect against minor illnesses now but also prevent lifestyle-related diseases in the future.”

Employees are encouraged to explore the exercise options available on the West Lafayette campus that can help improve their physical and mental health simultaneously.

Additional mental health resources

To assist faculty and staff

Faculty and staff can review the Mental Health Resources webpage for a variety of available resources, which support the behavioral health pillar of the Healthy Boiler Program, as well as information on Purdue’s health plan coverage for mental health and substance abuse. 

To assist students

Faculty and staff who work with students or have a student at home can direct them to the resources below for behavioral health assistance. Note: United Healthcare Student Resources (UHCSR) – medical plan provider for students and graduate students – offers 292 unique mental health providers serving at various locations that are in-network with UHCSR within Tippecanoe County. The list is available here. Additionally, students have access to HealthiestYou, which provides virtual access to mental health care as part of UHCSR’s plan. All services are free for students covered under the UHCSR insurance plan.   

Office of the Dean of Students

• Continuous Network of Support
• Services and Information
• Presentations & Trainings
• Student of Concern Reporting link

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)

• Therapy Services at CAPS
• Self-help Resources
• Group Therapy
• CAPS YouTube channel
• NAMI On Campus – A free, virtual support group on campus
• Thriving Campus – Service that provides students a way to search for mental health providers in many areas, locally and across the country
• Welltrack – Interactive, self-help therapy app for students