Movement: Moving more for our mental health

Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 will take place from 13th to 19th May, on the theme of “Movement: Moving more for our mental health”. Following this theme from the Mental Health Foundation, the Editorial Team has come together to share how movement improves their mental health.

- Student Minds Blog Editorial Team

Movement will always be important for our mental (and physical) health but so many of us struggle to move another. This Mental Health Awareness Week, we want to encourage people to add movements to their daily routine as we understand that often this isn't too easy for so many reasons. Taking a walk, dancing around your bedroom or simply doing an exercise in your chair all count!

⭐ How does movement help you?⭐

• Taylor: Doing something small for your mental health like moving is so easily forgotten as we're swept up in the busyness of life. Going for a walk (especially as the evenings get lighter and golden hour shines through) is my favourite way to move! Not only can I get my steps in, but it's also a stress-free way to clear my mind and ground myself in the present.

• Emily A: As a woman with a late ADHD diagnosis, I'm still getting to grips with how my body, and mind, work differently in terms of my activity levels and ways to organise my routine. On top of this, I've recently started a new job working entirely from home...so you can imagine how that's worked out! I find getting out into new spaces really helps my mind to focus and allows me to feel productive in a different space. Whether it's continuous movement that keeps you engaged, or simply moving into a new space, think about how your surroundings might be impacting your thoughts, feelings, and drive!

• Madeleine: Whether it's an in-person yoga class to help me fully focus on my body and not my thoughts, or simply having a dance around the kitchen, movement has always helped me get out of my head and into the present moment. This helps prevent me from getting overwhelmed by my to-do list or my thoughts that day. Movement helps me stay mindful and clears my head of stress or worry.

• Emily T: Even during busy periods, I always try to clear some time in my schedule each day to take a walk. Rain or shine, alone or with friends! I find that walking to my favourite coffee shop in particular recharges my batteries and provides a reset after a stressful day of sitting at my desk and studying.

How are you getting involved during Mental Health Awareness Week? Share with the team - we'd love to hear from you!

Find out how you can get involved with the Student Minds Blog and the Mental Health Foundation this Mental Health Awareness Week.

Written by the Student Minds Blog Editorial Team.