Mental Health Wellbeing with Diana Vita

October 7 — Maryville Lions Club were honored to host Diana Vita, Lifestyle & Wellness Coordinator of Shannondale of Maryville (and longtime Rye YMCA wellness leader), for a practical, uplifting talk on Mental Health Wellbeing. Diana emphasized that small, consistent habits—done daily—build resilience just as reliably as big life changes.

Key takeaways

• Move a little, often: Aim for short “movement snacks” (5–10 minutes) throughout the day to reduce stress and improve mood.

• Protect sleep: Keep a wind-down routine, dim lights/screens an hour before bed, and keep a steady sleep/wake time.

• Connect on purpose: Schedule quick check-ins with a friend or family member; social connection is protective.

• Breathe & ground: Try a 4-6 breath (inhale 4, exhale 6) for 2–3 minutes, or a quick grounding scan (notice 5 things you see/4 feel/3 hear/2 smell/1 taste).

• Boundaries help: Limit doom-scrolling and set “off” hours for email/news—give your brain room to recover.

• Ask for help early: If stress, anxiety, or low mood linger, reach out to a primary-care provider or counselor.

Diana Vita, recommended Tia Chi as an excellent low-impact exercise that provides both physical and mental well-being

Local & general resources

• Primary care & counseling referrals through your insurer or clinic.

• Community centers/faith groups for movement classes, support groups, and social connection.

• Simple self-care toolkit: journal, brief walk, breathing timer app, gratitude note.

Diana reminded us that wellbeing isn’t a finish line—it’s a daily practice.

Thank you, Diana, for the tools we can use right away at home, at work, and in service. Lions who want a one-page summary of exercises or to suggest a future speaker, please email maryvillelions@gmail.com