Improving Mental Health through Physical Activity and Meditation in the Community of Tulangan District
Keywords:
mental health, physical activity, meditation, community serviceAbstract
This community service program aimed to improve mental health among adults in Tulangan District through psychoeducation, light physical activity, and guided meditation. A total of 30 participants aged 35–45 took part in the intervention, which was designed to introduce accessible strategies for stress reduction and emotional regulation. The program integrated three components: (1) mental-health awareness education, (2) low-intensity movement exercises, and (3) simple mindfulness-based practices. The results indicated a notable increase in participants’ understanding of everyday mental-health issues, including the recognition of stress symptoms and the importance of emotional balance. Physical activity generated immediate physiological benefits such as reduced tension and improved mood. Meditation further enhanced these effects, enabling participants many of whom had no prior experience to achieve rapid calmness and mental clarity through techniques like paced breathing and body scanning. The combination of movement and meditation produced a synergistic impact, making relaxation easier and more sustainable. Participants showed high engagement throughout the session and expressed strong motivation to continue applying the practices independently. Several even proposed forming community-based practice groups, suggesting potential for long-term behavioral change. Overall, the findings demonstrate that simple and low-cost mind–body interventions can effectively support mental well-being in community settings. The program underscores the value of accessible mental-health strategies and highlights the role of universities in promoting public health through practical, culturally relevant initiatives.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Eka Kurnia Darisman, Harwanto Harwanto, Suharti Suharti, Luqmanul Hakim (Author)
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