Put Mental Health First
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. And we couldn’t be ready to enjoy a bit of self care. This annual reminder comes at the perfect time of year. It’s especially helpful during this busy spring season after a cold and dark winter.
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we invite you to treat yourself to some mental health-promoting experiences right here at Rookwood Commons and Pavilion. You may already love to indulge in some retail therapy at our shops, but there are two retailers you must make a part of your regular self care routine starting this month. So grab a comfy pair of shoes and your favorite athleisure and head on down to Rookwood Commons and Pavilion.
First, find balance at Club Pilates.
Pilates is known for its incredible impact on muscular strength and length. (There’s a reason ballerinas love this workout method.) But did you know that every pilates class helps you mentally, too?
Studies show that fitness classes that promote a strong mind-body connection help a person’s brain cells grow faster and the nervous system function better. These benefits come standard in every Club Pilates class because attendees focus on proper breathing technique and mindfulness with every move. This combination of actively thinking while moving sharpens our mental strength as we boost physical strength. While incredibly beneficial during class, pilates practitioners enjoy lasting benefits outside the studio. Club Pilates students see a reduction in stress, fatigue and anxiety, and can expect an improvement in everyday mood, daytime concentration and nightly sleep. With perks like these, whose mental health wouldn’t improve?
Every person of every age and fitness level can begin to improve their physical and mental health with Club Pilates’ Intro to Pilates class. This 30-minute, full-body session is a great opportunity to learn about their equipment, the Rookwood studio, the workout style and their amazing, highly trained staff.
After a great body and mind wellness session, it’s time to enjoy small-batch, locally-made chocolate from Maverick Chocolate Co.
There is nothing like the full sensory experience at Maverick Chocolate Co. Here, you can see and smell the handcrafted chocolate being made. The immersive experience alone will surely boost your mood! But to get the most out of your visit to Maverick Chocolate Co., you’ll need to sample one (or more) of their chocolates. Aside from being a naturally mood-boosting, nostalgia inducing treat, savoring Maverick chocolates is good for you in more ways than one:
- Studies show that there is a positive correlation between eating chocolate and improved cognitive health as it protects the brain from free radical damage. This is due in part to the photochemical and flavonoids found in cacao beans, which act as powerful antioxidants.
- Chocolate has naturally occurring caffeine. Caffeine is known to be a central nervous system stimulant that helps you stay alert as it increases blood flow to the brain. This is a delicious pick-me-up we can get behind.
- There’s a reason you feel happy while eating chocolate – it’s scientific! Chocolate also has phenylethylamine, which is responsible for stimulating the release of dopamine and other feel-good hormones.
- Plus, you can feel good indulging at Maverick Chocolate Co., knowing that you’re supporting a local Cincinnati business and that their products are ethically sourced.
Your mental health day doesn’t need to stop there. Keep the mental health care going and enjoy our open-air shopping experience. Avoid shopping with a specific mission, Meander the shops without a particular motivation. If you can, avoid checking your watch. Instead, just enjoy simply being in the community. Make an effort to connect with other shoppers. You’ll see that a smile goes a long way for all.
So go ahead, Cincinnati — treat your mental health at Rookwood Commons and Pavilion.