Mental Health Awareness Week to focus on movement

Mental Health Awareness Week, which takes place between 13-19 May 2024, will this year focus on movement and its impact on mental wellbeing.

The campaign’s theme, ‘Movement: moving more for our mental health’, will highlight the importance of regular physical exercise while acknowledging how common it is to struggle in achieving movement goals.

“We know there are many different reasons for this,” says the Mental Health Foundation, organizer of the campaign, “so this Mental Health Awareness Week we want to help people to find moments for movement in their daily routines. Going for a walk in your neighbourhood, putting on your favourite music and dancing around the living room, chair exercises when you’re watching television – it all counts!”

The charity adds that getting the blood pumping and the muscles working can enhance wellbeing through increased energy, reduced stress and anxiety, improved sleep and boosted self-esteem, and it represents ‘one of the most important things we can do to help protect our mental health’. “Our bodies and our minds are connected. Looking after ourselves physically also helps us prevent problems with our mental health. Even a short burst of ten minutes’ brisk walking can boost our mood and increase our mental alertness and energy.”

Among its recommendations are: ‘finding moments for movement’ while waiting for the kettle to boil; setting small, achievable goals to push beyond each day; taking a break from sitting and listening to music to inspire your body to move; ’embracing your inner child’ to find the fun in everyday movements; connecting with others to move your bodies together while resisting the instinct to compare yourself with those around you; spending time in nature to amplify the benefits of movement; and planning things to look forward to, such as a dance class with a friend or a family walk in the countryside to instill ‘a sense of hope and excitement for the future’.

The Mental Health Foundation has made a number of resources and initiatives available to assist its mission: posters and social media asset downloads are available to help businesses spread awareness in their communities; schools and workplaces can participate in Wear It Green Day which aims to ‘turn the world green for good mental health’ and raise money to support vital mental health services; individuals can take part in an Around the World challenge using running app Strava; and the ‘green ribbon’ collection encourages people to #PinItForMentalHealth in a show of support for the cause.

Six tips for self-care

Superfood brand Organic Traditions recommends six ways to support mental health:

Prioritize self-care: Focus on a real, whole foods diet and incorporate brain-boosting adaptogens. Remember to breath. Do exercise that you enjoy. Try to get eight hours of sleep a night.

Get outside: Step outside, breathe in the fresh air and soak up some sunshine. Nature has a calming effect on the mind and mood.

Connect: Whether it’s a phone call or a coffee date, prioritize spending time with friends and family.

Start a hobby: Dedicate time to a hobby that is unrelated to your 9-5, brings you joy and allows you to express yourself freely.

Stop negative thoughts: Use outlets like journalling and meditation to cultivate mindfulness, observing your thoughts without attachment or judgement.

Consider therapy: If you’re feeling overwhelmed despite your efforts to cope, don’t hesitate to seek support. There’s no shame in reaching out. You don’t have to face your struggles alone.