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Mental Health Awareness Month on the Butler Trail

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Mental Health Awareness Month

5 Ways to Support Your Mental Health on the Butler Trail

The Butler Trail has always been a mental and physical well-being center in Austin. Whether you’re looking for movement, mindfulness, or community, the Trail is your go-to space for a mental health refresh, so here are 5 ways to get started!

1. Move Your Body: Run, Walk, or Jog

It’s number one on the list because it’s true, movement is one the most powerful ways to improve your mental health—and the Butler Trail is one of the best places in Austin to get active. With 10 miles to explore, set yourself a challenge: aim to walk, jog, or run the entire Trail by the end of May. Not only will you feel great physically, but you might just find your new favorite route.

Planning ahead can help reduce stress, especially if it’s your first time on the Trail. Check out our Trail Maps to find your ideal path and locate nearby amenities like restrooms, water fountains, and parking spots.

2. Join a Fitness Class (For Free!)

Building a fitness routine on your own can be daunting. Fitness classes help by providing a structure, but an unfamiliarity with the class and cost commitments can feel intimidating too. That’s exactly why TTC created our TrailFit program, which offers free fitness and wellness classes open to all, no experience required.

Pilates has been all the buzz recently. Want to try it? Come out to Auditorium Shores on May 5 for our free TrailFit Pilates Class with TruFusion and see if it’s for you!

3. Create Mindful Moments in Nature

We spend so much time inside and looking at our screens, but stepping into nature can spark real improvements in mental health. Connecting with the outdoors has been shown to increase happiness and foster a sense of meaning and purpose in life. 

Not sure how to start? Try one of our upcoming events:

4. Set a Goal (And Make It SMART)

Getting started can be hard when you don’t even know where you’re going! Setting goals is a great mental health tool that provides structure, purpose, and motivation. When setting goals, keep them SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. And remember—goals can evolve. Tune in to your progress and adjust as needed.

Want an idea for your first goal? Sign up for Maudie’s Moonlight 5K Fun Run this June! Whether you walk, jog, or sprint, this no-stress event is all about celebration. It’s a fun, friendly finish line to reward your hard work—with a fiesta waiting at the end!

5. Lean into Community

Mental health is often strengthened by connection. Whether it’s waving to fellow trail-goers, joining a group workout, or attending a volunteer event, the Trail offers countless ways to feel part of something bigger. Explore our programs and find a new way to connect with the Trail today.

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The Trail Conservancy is a non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Tax ID: 87-0699956.