10 Tips for Moving More to Boost Your Mental Health

Prioritising physical activity is more important than ever for maintaining our mental health and overall wellbeing.

Incorporating movement into our daily lives not only improves physical fitness but also has profound benefits for our mental health, reducing stress, boosting mood, and enhancing cognitive function.

If you’re looking to move more and reap the mental health rewards, here are ten tips to get you started:

1. Start Small:

Begin by setting realistic and achievable goals for yourself. Whether it’s taking a ten minute walk during your lunch break or doing a quick stretch routine before bed, starting small helps to build momentum and establish a consistent habit of movement.

2. Find Activities You Enjoy:

Explore different forms of exercise and physical activity to find what you truly enjoy. Whether it’s dancing, swimming, cycling, or yoga, choosing activities that you find fun and engaging increases the likelihood that you’ll stick with them long-term.

3. Make it Social:

Invite friends, family members, or coworkers to join you in your movement pursuits. Whether it’s joining a sports team, taking a group fitness class, or simply going for a walk together, exercising with others adds a social element that can make movement more enjoyable and motivating.

4. Mix it Up:

Variety is the spice of life, and the same holds true for exercise. Mix up your routine by incorporating a variety of activities, including cardiovascular exercise, strength training, flexibility exercises, and balance work best. Not only does this prevent boredom, but it also ensures that you’re engaging different muscle groups and reaping a wide range of health benefits.

5. Set Realistic Goals:

Set specific, measurable, and achievable goals for your physical activity. Whether it’s increasing the number of steps you take each day, improving your flexibility, or completing a certain number of workouts per week, setting clear goals gives you something to strive for and helps track your progress over time.

6. Schedule it in:

Treat exercise like any other appointment on your calendar and schedule it into your day. Whether it’s first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or after work, carving out dedicated time for movement helps prioritise it and ensures that it doesn’t get overlooked or pushed aside.

7. Listen to Your Body:

Pay attention to how your body feels and adjust your activity level accordingly. It’s important to push yourself outside of your comfort zone at times, but it’s equally important to respect your body’s limits and give yourself permission to rest and recover when needed.

8. Make it Convenient:

Remove barriers to exercise by making it as convenient as possible. Whether it’s keeping a pair of walking shoes by the door, setting up a home gym space, or finding online workout videos that you can do from anywhere, making exercise easy and accessible increases the likelihood that you’ll stick with it.

9. Celebrate Your Progress:

Celebrate your successes and milestones along the way, and maybe treat yourself. Whether it’s reaching a new personal best, completing a challenging workout, or simply showing up and putting in the effort, every step forward is worth acknowledging and celebrating.

10. Be Kind to Yourself:

Finally, remember to be kind to yourself throughout your fitness journey. Progress is not always linear, and setbacks are a natural part of the process. Instead of beating yourself up for missed workouts or perceived failures, practice self-compassion and focus on the positive steps you’re taking towards improving your mental and physical health.

Incorporating more movement into your daily life is one of the most powerful things you can do to boost your mental health and wellbeing. By following these ten tips and finding ways to make movement a regular part of your routine, you’ll not only feel better physically but also experience the mental and emotional benefits that come with an active lifestyle. So, lace up those trainers, grab a friend, and get moving towards a healthier, happier you!

The 13th to the 19th May marks Mental Health Awareness Week, with the 2024 theme Movement: moving more for your mental health, for more information visit https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week