May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time when various groups and individuals focus their efforts on highlighting the importance of addressing mental health issues. For her contribution, our friend Sarah Swallow just kicked off the One-Hour-A-Day Challenge, which runs all month and invites everyone to join her in getting out moving for 60 minutes a day between May 1st and 30th. That might be spinning the pedals, walking, hiking, or whatever else gets you out of the house. Signing up is easy, and the physical and mental benefits of getting outside for an hour each day are well documented.

Introducing the challenge, Sarah wrote, “I ride my bike for my mental well-being. Moving my body outside helps me move through unhelpful thought patterns by grounding me in the present moment and in my body. It’s an act of self-love; it feels good, increases my cognitive clarity and self-confidence, and affirms my strength and commitment to my physical and mental health.”

To participate, simply register for the challenge on Ride with GPS, then get out and move for at least one hour daily this month, and share your progress online in whatever way feels good to you. You can post updates on social media with the hashtag #onehouradaychallenge, and keep up with Sarah’s rides on Instagram. That’s it!

In addition to opening the conversation about mental health and getting people out enjoying the benefits of regular outdoor activity, Sarah is seeking to raise $5,000 for the Trevor Project through this year’s One-Hour-A-Day Challenge. The Trevor Project is a US-based non-profit organization that offers information, resources, and counseling to LGBTQ youth in need of mental health support. You can support Sarah’s fundraising effort by making a donation of any amount here.

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