How can we move more daily to benefit our mental health? 

Mental Health Awareness Week is recognised between Monday 13th May and Sunday 19th May 2024.  

It’s an annual event that aims to raise awareness about mental health issues, reduce stigma, and promote mental well-being. This year, the focus is on Movement and how moving can positively impact our mental health. 

Moving helps improve mental health through various physiological and psychological mechanisms. Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters that promote feelings of well-being and reduce pain perception. 

 Additionally, exercise reduces levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, leading to a decrease in feelings of anxiety and tension. Engaging in regular physical activity can also improve sleep quality, boost self-esteem, and provide a healthy distraction from negative thoughts and worries.  

Furthermore, activities that involve social interaction can enhance feelings of connectedness and support, further benefiting mental well-being.  

Overall, incorporating movement into daily life can have profound effects on mental health by promoting relaxation, improving mood, and fostering a sense of overall well-being. 

But how can we incorporate moving more into our daily routines? Here are our top 5 suggestions to get you moving more daily for your mental health. 

  1. Walk Whenever Possible: Choose walking over driving for short distances whenever feasible. This could mean walking to nearby stores, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or walking during phone calls. 
  2. Incorporate Movement into Daily Tasks: Look for opportunities to add movement to everyday tasks. For example, do squats while brushing your teeth, or incorporate lunges while waiting for the kettle to boil. 
  3. Choose Active Hobbies: Replace sedentary hobbies with active ones. Instead of watching TV, consider activities like gardening, dancing, or playing a sport.
  4. Make it Enjoyable: Find activities you genuinely enjoy making moving more enticing. Whether it’s hiking, dancing, cycling, or playing a sport, choosing activities you like increases the likelihood of sticking with them.
  5. Involve Others: Incorporate movement into social activities by inviting friends or family to join you for a walk, bike ride, or workout session. Exercising with others can provide motivation and accountability. 

By implementing these strategies, you can gradually increase your daily movement and reap the physical and mental health benefits of a more active lifestyle. 

 

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