Mental Health Awareness Week: The Benefits of Moving for Mental Health
In 2024, Mental Health Awareness Week runs between May 13th – 19th, with the theme of “Movement: Moving More for Our Mental Health”. The week, led since 2001 by the Mental Health Foundation, aims to bring individuals and organisations in the UK together to focus on looking after mental health and wellbeing.
How Can Movement Support Wellbeing and Mental Health?
Forms of movement such as exercise have been shown to release “feel-good” chemicals known as endorphins which can help to lower stress, reduce pain levels and boost your mood, factors which can support an improved sense of wellbeing, and in turn, have a positive impact on mental health.
According to a 2024 report from the Mental Health Foundation exploring the role that movement can have on mental health and issues that may prevent individuals from increasing their physical activity, such as stress, lack of time and tiredness, 82% of UK adults acknowledged the importance of movement for mental health and overall wellbeing. Similarly, 45% of adults felt that their mental health could be improved by physical activity.
With that in mind, here are some ways to help you look after your wellbeing and discover the benefits of movement this Mental Health Awareness Week.
Remember That Movement Doesn’t Have to Mean Strenuous Exercise
Movement can mean different things to every individual, and it’s important to remember that not everyone will enjoy the same activities, whether that is running a marathon, swimming, or strolling in a park. Instead of comparing yourself to others, learn what forms of movement you enjoy and make the most of them. You may want to try a new dance class, or simply dance around your kitchen. For those who enjoy walking but may feel overwhelmed or anxious by the idea of walking in a busy area, you may wish to walk somewhere you feel comfortable and familiar with such as around your neighbourhood, or use a treadmill or walking pad at home if you are able to do so.
Set Small and Achievable Goals
All levels of movement can have a positive impact on physical and mental wellbeing, and by setting smaller goals for yourself, you are more likely to be able to stick to and achieve them. If you do not move much on a daily basis, why not try setting a goal of making sure you move for at least 20 minute each day, and increase this as you are able to do so.
Make Movement Interesting
Movement and exercise particularly can feel like a chore, with almost 1 in 5 people stating that they do not enjoy exercise according to a 2023-2024 UK Fitness Report from PureGym, and 45% of adults who exercise saying that they find it boring and only do so to socialise with friends according to research from Zumba. It can be hard to change perceptions around movement, however one way to make it more enjoyable is to distract your mind with content you enjoy such as music, podcasts or even television.
Try creating playlists of songs that always make you feel happy or energetic, explore podcasts on topics that interest you, or if you are moving at home, try doing so in front of the TV, so you can watch a programme or part of a film while you exercise. Trying these tactics can help the time pass by, and help you associate movement with other enjoyable activities. Depending on your preferences, you could also opt for a team sport such as netball or football which can be great for making new friends and keeping you motivated.
Make the Time for Movement
It can be difficult to dedicate set hours to move when you have a busy lifestyle, the possibility of a commute, childcare, pets or any of the other many factors that can make daily tasks a juggle. Rather than trying to find one whole chunk to focus on movement, why not incorporate small amounts throughout the day?
Whether it’s getting up from your desk to walk and get some water, doing some stretches while you wait for a kettle to boil or a delivery to arrive or finding fifteen minutes to go for a walk at the end of the day to decompress, small moments can add up and help you include movement where you may least expect it. Or you could swap your car for your bike or a pair of roller blades on your commute, improving your health and saving money and the planet at the same time!
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