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Running from 13 to 19 May, this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme is moving for our mental health.
We all know about the benefits of being active for our physical health, but did you know it can also support your mental health too?
Exercise is a powerful tool for promoting a healthy mind. Getting active can not only reduce stress and anxiety but can also boost your confidence and self-esteem.
Exercise is widely known to have a major impact on your quality of life and finding ways to incorporate exercise into your routine can improve your mental health too.
“Our mental health is determined by a range of factors, impacts every aspect of our life and is intrinsic to our wellbeing,” explains Dr Naomi Humber, Head of Mental Wellbeing at Bupa Health Clinics
“There are many reasons why we should endeavour to routinely engage in strategies to stay resilient.”
Some activity is better than none
In fact, it is recommended we get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week.
This might sound like a lot, but you can do this in short blocks of time – such as 10 or 15 minutes.
Whether it is a brisk walk, a yoga session, or a kickabout in the park with the kids. Remember, doing some physical activity is always better than none.
Dr Humber continues: “Having self-awareness and knowing what is helpful to maintain our own personal wellbeing is an integral component of effective self-management.”
But an improvement on an individual’s mental health is not the only benefit exercise can have on the brain. It’s been shown that exercising can also:
- Improve the quality of your sleep,
- Help you be more sociable and connect with people ,
- Improve the way your brain works, which could reduce the chances of developing dementia.
Be proactive
Dr Humber concludes: “Within the workplace, utilising your health benefits and employer’s wellbeing initiatives are an excellent way to help to maintain mental wellness.
“Being proactive and trying to prevent issues before they arise is particularly key to successfully managing our health.”
Mental Health Awareness Week is a chance to make sure we’re being proactive with protecting our mental health.
If you would like more information on mental health, the benefits of exercise and what it means for businesses, visit the mental health awareness week 2024 business toolkit.