Moving for our mental health

For this year's Mental Health Awareness Week, the theme is Movement: Moving more for our mental health.

It's no secret that movement can do wonders for our mental and physical health. Mental Health UK found that 56% of adults said exercising regularly helped them manage stress and burnout (1). However, approaches can often be restrictive and exclusionary, albeit unintentionally.

Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, we must encourage people to get moving in a way that works for them.

 

The science of movement and wellbeing

Keeping physically active and incorporating even a little movement into our day can boost our mental and physical wellbeing.

When we move our bodies, dopamine is released in the prefrontal cortex. This is the part of our brain that helps us manage intense emotions, which can be vital during periods of ill mental health, such as depression (2).
Adults who participated in fifteen minutes of daily exercise had a reduced risk of developing depression by 26% (3).

Are you ready to move this Mental Health Awareness Week?

We're thrilled to share our exclusive Empower Half Hour resources to help enhance and support your Mental Health Awareness Week wellbeing activities.

The resources provide simple and mostly free activities that connect mental and physical wellbeing, promote colleague connections, and encourage wellbeing throughout the week and beyond.

 

Download Empower Half Hour Resources

 

The benefits of movement

Physical activity and movement impact our mental wellbeing; 46% of people reported poor physical health as contributing to the risk of burnout (1).

Positive impacts include (4):

• Improved sleep cycles
  Taking part in regular moderate-vigorous exercise can reduce sleep onset (The time it takes for us to fall asleep) and reduce tension.


• Reduce our risk of ill mental health
  Numerous studies have highlighted that physical activity can reduce your risk of depression by up to 30%.


• Improve mood and reduce stress
  Movement can release endorphins that are associated with a positive mood.


• Reduce stress and anxiety
  Physical activity releases cortisol, which helps us manage stress; it gives your brain something to focus on and can be a positive coping strategy for difficult times.


• Increase self-esteem
  The sense of achievement people get from moving or learning a new skill can help them feel better about themselves and improve their mood.


• Improve social connections
  Physical activity can allow you to connect with more people and make new friends.

 

What does MHFA England do for movement?

Remember: Intense physical exercise is not the only way to get moving for your wellbeing.
 
It’s more important to build movement into your working day where possible and do it in the best way for you. To help celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week 2024, MHFA England® staff have shared ways they move for their wellbeing.
 

“I try and go swimming weekly; It always clears my head and makes me feel so refreshed afterwards” - Fiona P

“Yoga has been something I’ve continued to do since lockdown no matter what I’m feeling - it can wake me up or slow my mind down after a busy day at work” - Georgia H

“Getting outside and walking in nature is essential for my wellbeing. It’s a fantastic way to disconnect and decompress from life’s stresses.” - Elli H

“I enjoy team sports because it’s always fun to catch up with everyone, laugh, and exercise. A mixture of ages, abilities and backgrounds makes for a great blend of competitiveness and fun.” - Ben P

“Even when I am working from home, I like to ‘walk to work.’ I put on my trainers, walk around the block, and ‘go to work.’  I find it a really easy way to ensure that I don’t sit in front of a screen all day!” - Karen H

“For me, it’s walks and yoga; the spiritual side of yoga and breathing properly is something that appeals to me."- Usha R

Learn more about supporting yourself and others through our workplace training.

Our expert guidance and training give people the skills to spot signs of poor mental health, the confidence to start a conversation, and the knowledge to signpost to support.

Learn more about our mental health first aid courses


Sources:

(1) Mental Health UK, Help and Information, Movement

(2) Harvard Health Publishing, More evidence that exercise can boost mood, 2019

(3) YouTube, What happens in your brain when you exercise? Moving your body can help you get out of depression, 2019

(4) Mind, Sport and physical activity for people with mental health problems: a toolkit for the sports sector