Mental Health Awareness 2024: Move Your Way
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week. The theme, as set by the Mental Health Foundation, is “Movement: moving for our mental health.” This year, we want you to move your way by finding something that moves your body and mind.
Why movement matters
Being physically active is great for our bodies and our minds.
Exercise has been proven to reduce anxiety and depression, and it can help us to prevent physical illnesses. Sadly, people living with mental illness die on average 20 years younger than the general population, often from avoidable physical illness. This group is more likely to develop preventable conditions like diabetes, heart disease, bowel cancer and
breast cancer.
Our own research shows that 56% of people found that exercising regularly helped them to alleviate stress and prevent burnout in their lives.
Move your way
Despite the evidence that keeping physically active can promote good mental health, we know there are barriers preventing us doing so, like accessibility, time, money, body image, lack of open space, or the negative connotations we might commonly associated with ‘exercise’ itself.
This Mental Health Awareness Week, we want you to ‘move’ for your mental health.
Movement doesn’t need to look like going to the gym, running a marathon or taking part in a team sport – and it doesn’t need to cost the earth. It can be as simple as stepping off the bus a stop early, moving a 1-2-1 meeting to a walking call, giving your child a push on a park swing after school, or dancing in your kitchen while you cook dinner.
Read some tips below, from the Mental Health Foundation, to help you get started moving more to improve your mental health.
Find moments for movement every day
Life gets busy and it can feel like we don’t have time to spend on activities to improve our wellbeing. But, finding moments for movement throughout the day might be easier than you think.
How often do you find yourself ‘waiting’ throughout the day? Waiting for the kettle to boil; for your children to come out of school; for a bus to arrive; or for a delivery. These moments can add up. If you use the time to get moving, that will add up too. You could march on the spot, do some stretches, or try some chair exercises.
Why not find out more about our Wellbeing Walks! Our Wellbeing Walks invite you to explore nature, nurture your health, and build connections – step by step. Find out more here.
Set small, achievable goals
When you’re beginning to move more for your mental health, set yourself small goals. It might be walking to the end of your street. Then you can push yourself a little further each day.
Perhaps keep a movement journal so you can track your progress and how it makes you feel. Your goals are personal to you, and as you make progress you will create positive feelings that can boost your confidence and mood.
Need some advise? As a member at Magna Vitae, you are entitled to a Personal Programme FREE of charge. Our qualified Lifestyle Consultants will create a 12-week plan for you to follow to help you stay on track and keep motivated! Get in contact with you local venue here.
Take a break from sitting
Many of us are sitting for long periods during the day: working at desks, driving, sitting down to browse the internet or scroll through social media, watching our favourite television show or reading a book.
Research shows that it’s unhealthy to be sitting or not moving for long. If you are sitting for large periods of time throughout the day, set a timer to take regular breaks to stand up, walk around and stretch your body.
Take a break and browse the wide range of exercise classes we have to offer at our venues! Classes are included with all of our memberships or you can pay on a ‘pay as you go’ basis. See more.
Find the fun
However you choose to get moving, the best option is usually the one we enjoy the most.
We sometimes forget that movement can be fun! Instead of thinking of exercise as a chore, find the joy in movement. Fun and laughter alongside movement will increase your motivation and the psychological benefits.
You could enrol in our swimming lessons with your child? Or even our Adult Swimming Lessons, or why not enjoy our Aquacise classes. You can have fun in all of our pool activities available at all of our venues.
Content from Mental Health Foundation & Mental Health UK.
Move More with Magna Vitae!
We have a diverse range of activities that you can get involved with here at Magna Vitae. We have a selection of different membership options and also run FREE community activities throughout East Lindsey.