Why movement is magic for your mental health

It’s Mental Health Awareness week. And this year, the theme is all around Movement: moving more for our minds. From helping you feel more energised, reducing stress to getting those mood-boosting endorphins flowing, we’re big advocates for the power of exercise: big or small. From those little lunchtime strolls in the sun, to sweating it out at your favourite class. To help you find more #MomentsForMovement, we’ve pulled together some of our favourites:

1. Go getting and goal setting There’s nothing more motivating than working towards something. Big or small, you’ll feel amazing when you eventually smash that 5km, lift that weight or nail that yoga pose. Track your progress, stay accountable, and enjoy the journey.
2. Volume up Music is a great way to get the energy and motivation up. Build a playlist and enjoy all your favourite songs as a soundtrack to whatever form of movement you opt for.
3. Self Care It can be easy to see exercise as a punishment. But done in the right way, it couldn’t be further from it. Try and see movement as self care and a way to show your mind and body some love.
4. Do what you love Hated PE at school? It’s time to put some enjoyment back into exercise and make movement something you want to do, not something you have to. Figure out when in the day movement works for you, and what feels the best. We promise there’s something for everyone.
5. Get outdoors Movement is magic, but pair that with fresh air and green spaces and you’re onto a real winner. Research shows outside activities as significantly more beneficial for your wellbeing than when done inside – it’s a no brainer.
6. Shake it up One of the best things about exercise is that you’ll never run out of ways at move. From steps classes to reformer, to sessions at the local track, why not make 2024 the year you find your new favourite form? 
7. Take a break We all know spending nine hours staring at a screen isn’t good for anyone, but it can be hard to remember to get up and move when you’re deep into work. Try setting a calendar reminder or alarm every few hours as a reminder to get a few steps in, or a quick stretch before you get back to it.
8. Everything is more fun with friends Combine your usual catch up with a walk, run or class and encourage others to move more with you.

Take part in the campaign by sharing your #MomentsForMovement, and let us know your favourite ways to move for your mind on social media.