Thriving Together: The Power of Group Activities in Enhancing Well-being
In this fast-paced world, it is easy to feel isolated. For marginalised communities like the LGBTQIA+ community, these feelings can be even more acute. However, one powerful solution often overlooked is group activities' role in enhancing physical and mental well-being.
Group activities offer far more than just an enjoyable experience — they provide essential opportunities for connection, community, and personal growth. Research has consistently shown that engaging in group exercises or communal projects can significantly reduce loneliness and increase overall life satisfaction. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, group fitness was predicted to be among the top three fitness industry trends in 2020. For a good reason: nearly 40% of regular exercisers prefer group settings over solo workouts.
The Benefits of Group Activities
Participating in group activities brings a range of mental and physical health benefits. For example, individuals in group exercise settings often experience improved moods and reduced stress. Exercise sessions with friends, whether at the gym, in a park, or even over Zoom, make the experience more enjoyable and reinforce the motivation to keep moving.
Group activities are also impactful beyond the physical benefits. Exercising with others can foster a strong sense of community and social connection, key factors in combating loneliness. As The Conversation highlights, knowing others who exercise regularly can lead individuals to perceive physical activity as more positive and attainable, helping to build long-term, healthy habits.
How Get Out is Making a Difference
Recognising these benefits, Get Out has designed various group activities to foster social bonds and improve members ' well-being. These range from local running groups and 'Stitch 'n Bitch' knitting groups to the more relaxed 'lazy book clubs' and adults-only drag story time sessions. Through these diverse activities, Get Out creates opportunities for people to connect over shared interests while promoting both mental and physical health.
For instance, our group hiking events encourage people to enjoy nature together, fostering friendships while staying active. Similarly, our community gardens project will provide a unique way for individuals to work toward a common goal while finding joy and camaraderie in shared outdoor spaces. As Live Science notes, exercising with others builds friendships and can turn challenging activities into enjoyable experiences, making participants more likely to continue long-term.
Looking Forward: Building a Healthier, Happier Community
While Get Out is just beginning its journey, we're already seeing the potential impact of our group activities. It's not just about the activities themselves, but the sense of belonging and purpose they instill in each participant. By encouraging members to join these activities, we're helping build a community that supports one another through shared experiences and mutual respect.
As we continue to grow, we invite everyone to explore our calendar and find a group that speaks to their interests. Whether you're seeking a workout buddy or simply looking for some good conversation, we're here to help you make connections that can last a lifetime. Together, we can thrive, supporting each other and building a healthier, more connected community.