Move More, Feel Better
This year, Mental Health Awareness Week runs from Monday, May 13th, to Sunday, May 19th, and focuses on the benefits of being active and moving more for our mental health. There is a strong link between physical activity and mental wellbeing. You don’t need to be a fitness fanatic or hit up the gym—simple daily exercises can boost your mood and mental health.
Reduce Anxiety and Depression
Engaging in physical activity releases endorphins, our body’s natural feel-good hormones that can relieve pain, reduce stress and improve mood.
Regular exercise also helps regulate the body’s stress hormones, like adrenaline and cortisol, further lowering anxiety levels. Even short bursts of exercise, like a 10-minute walk, can give immediate, beneficial results.
Improve Your Sleep
Exercise can be a natural remedy for sleep problems, helping to reset our sleep-wake cycle. People who engage in regular physical activity often report better quality sleep and feel more rested in the morning.
Boost Your Brain Power
Regular physical activity improves blood circulation, sending more oxygen and nutrients to the brain. The increased blood flow helps improve cognitive functions and encourages the growth of new brain cells. Exercises like walking or jogging can help brain areas involved in memory and learning, potentially slowing cognitive decline.
Power Up Your Self-Esteem and Confidence
Setting and achieving fitness goals, no matter how small, boosts self-esteem. Reaching a target positively reinforces our self-perception. Additionally, as we see ourselves becoming fitter, it can lead to improvements in the way we perceive our body image, and this further boosts our sense of self-confidence.
Social Interaction and Happiness
Joining exercise groups or sports clubs broadens our social circle and can alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness. Being around others while exercising offers a double bonus: our bodies naturally produce hormones and neurotransmitters associated with feelings of wellbeing when we physically act or socially interact in a positive way.
OMH Partner Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership (SASP) offers opportunities for everyone to get together and improve their health in a socially and physically enjoyable way. With groups and activities aimed at men, women, younger and older people, there is something for everyone. Check out SASP’s programme of things to do and get fit while having fun and making new friends.
Exercise Doesn’t Need to Be Difficult
You don’t need a gym membership or costly equipment to start improving your fitness. Here are a few simple activities that can make a difference to your mental health:
Walking: is free, simple, and can be done anywhere. A daily walk around your neighbourhood or local park can lift your spirits.
Stretching: Start your day with some light stretches to wake up your body and mind.
Dancing: Put on your favourite music and dance around your home for a quick, fun way to get your body moving.
Gardening: can be a soothing and rewarding way to stay active, connect with nature, and enjoy being outdoors.
Yoga: Combining physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, yoga is excellent for stress relief and relaxation.
OMH partner Somerset Council has a page of valuable resources for MHAW to help get you moving in the right direction. Take a look and discover what’s available, or check out the Somerset Moves activity calendar. For a simple programme of chair exercises to support strength and wellbeing, visit our Move More With Bands page.