Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 | News

Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event that aims to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health issues. This year, the theme is "Movement", which encourages people to engage in a physical activity and movement as a way to boost their mental well-being. 

Why movement?

One of the most important things we can do to help protect our mental health is regular movement. Our bodies and our minds are connected, so looking after ourselves physically also helps us prevent problems with our mental health. Exercise releases “feel good” hormones, that reduce feelings of stress and anger. It also helps us feel better about our bodies. It can improve our sleep too. If it involves other people, like being part of a team, a class or group we see regularly, that can also boost our mental health.

Despite these benefits, 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. 

How to Participate?

There are many ways to participate in Mental Health Awareness Week and move for your mood. Here are some suggestions: 

• Join a virtual or in-person event organized by a local mental health organization, such as a walk, run, bike, yoga, dance, or fitness class. 
• Set a personal goal to move more during the week, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking or biking to work or school, or doing some stretches or exercises at your desk or during breaks. 
• Invite your friends, family, or colleagues to join you in a movement challenge, such as a step count, a dance-off, or a scavenger hunt. You can use social media or apps to track your progress and share your achievements. 
• Try a new activity that you enjoy or that challenges you, such as hiking, swimming, skating, martial arts, or gardening.
• Make movement a part of your daily routine, such as waking up with some stretches, taking a walk after lunch, or doing some relaxation exercises before bed. You can also use reminders, alarms, or calendars to schedule your movement sessions and stick to them. 

 

Mental Health Awareness Week is a great opportunity to celebrate and promote mental health and well-being for yourself and others. By moving for your mood, you can not only improve your physical health, but also your mental health, happiness, and quality of life. So, what are you waiting for? Get moving and join the movement! 

See below some useful tips, inspiring stories and blogs from our trust members:

• Find a Moment for Movement in Springfield Park
• Get moving this Mental Health Awareness Week
• Patients find road to recovery through boxing
• The Importance of Movement 
• I’m proud of the holes in my trainers!’ - Lu’s running journey
• 'Prescribed exercise improves mental health - I will explain how!'
• Mental Health Awareness Week 2024: Building health and breaking stigma 
• Moving more for our mental health