For Caitlin, staying active has become closely tied to friendship, routine and finding ways to switch off after work.
Her evenings often involve a walk with friends or a dance class, activities she says help her leave the pressures of the day behind.
“After a long and tiring day at work, my favourite ways to unwind are catching up with friends to go for a walk, or dancing. Being active with my friends in the evenings always helps me feel better and end the day with a smile,” Caitlin said.
Her experience is being shared as part of Multicultural Health Week, which runs across NSW from August 31 to September 6 and this year focuses on the role physical activity can play in supporting mental health and wellbeing.
Caitlin began attending weekly dance classes four years ago and says the community she found there became one of the reasons she kept returning.
“I started attending weekly dance classes four years ago and was quickly welcomed into a supportive community that celebrates one another. Through dancing, I have met some amazing people and made lifelong friends,” she said.
“When I first started attending classes, it was my friends and our shared community who encouraged me to keep showing up for myself each week.”
Dance has since become a regular part of her life and a way of creating a clear break from the demands of work.
“Now, dancing is the highlight of my week. It has been a great way to manage stress, as I can leave my worries at the studio door and forget about them for a couple of hours. Moving my body to music always puts me in a good mood,” she said.
On other days, Caitlin and her friends walk around their neighbourhood, while weekends can involve longer hikes through national parks.
“We love discovering new places together and challenging ourselves with different walks. Spending time outdoors surrounded by nature always helps me slow down and clear my mind,” she said.
“I feel refreshed, peaceful, and carefree when I am walking among the trees and taking in the scenery.”
Those outings do not always have to involve long distances. Caitlin said maintaining the social connection was often more important than the scale of the activity.
“When life gets busy, we do our best to prioritise making time for each other, even if it is just a short walk around the neighbourhood,” she said.
“What motivates me most to stay active is how showing up for myself and moving my body makes me feel, both during and after the activity.”
She said regular activity had also brought benefits beyond stress relief.
“Whether I am dancing in the studio or hiking with friends, I feel more connected, happy, and confident. An added benefit is that I sleep better on the days I have been active,” she said.
“I am so grateful for my friends and the communities I have found through physical activity. They have made such a positive impact on my life.”
Caitlin’s willingness to try new activities has also grown since she first walked into a dance class as an adult.
“After walking into my first dance class as an adult and having such a positive experience, I now seek out opportunities to try new activities. Recently, I have taken up rock climbing and gymnastics, and I am loving the challenge of learning new skills,” she said.
“Exploring different types of physical activity has helped me learn a lot about myself and discover the activities I enjoy most. Now, I can’t picture my life without being regularly active.”
Her story reflects a central message of this year’s Multicultural Health Week campaign, which encourages people to find forms of movement that fit naturally into their lives, whether through walking, dancing, sport, gardening or other everyday activity.
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