Mental Health Awareness Week
13th – 19th May
Movement: Moving more for our mental health
As Mental Health Awareness Week approaches it’s important to reflect on the steps that have been made in understanding, supporting, and advocating mental well-being. This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week will take place from 13 to 19 May and focuses on the theme of “Movement: Moving more for our mental health”.
Move your way
Movement is important for our mental health but so many of us struggle to move enough. We know there are many different reasons for this, so this Mental Health Awareness Week we want to help people to find moments for movement in their daily routines.
Despite the evidence that keeping physically active can promote good mental health, we know there are barriers preventing us doing so, like accessibility, time, money, body image, lack of open space, or the negative connotations we might commonly associated with ‘exercise’ itself.
Movement doesn’t need to look like going to the gym, running a marathon, or taking part in a team sport – and it doesn’t need to cost the earth. It can be as simple as stepping off the bus a stop early, moving a 1-2-1 meeting to a walking call, giving your child a push on a park swing after school, or dancing in your kitchen while you cook dinner – it all counts!
Overcoming Barriers to movement
There can be numerous barriers to being physically active and moving such as low energy, lack of confidence, or financial constraints. It’s likely all of us will face one or more of these barriers at some point in our lives – rather than be hard on ourselves, it’s important to recognise their validity and find what works for each of us.
By raising awareness of mental health, we create supportive communities who encourage prioritising self-care to create a world where everyone feels valued, supported, and able to thrive. Join us in embracing mental health as a journey – moving together, we can make a difference.