Awareness Week focuses on movement for good mental health

This week it’s Mental Health Awareness Week and the theme is ‘movement: moving more for our mental health.’

The purpose of mental health awareness week is to increase people’s understanding of mental health and breakdown any barriers about getting help for their mental health.

Movement is an important part of good mental health. Research has shown that regular physical activity can make us happier and healthier.  Our bodies release feel-good hormones when we’re active that can reduce anxiety and stress, helping us to sleep better. By building movement into our working day, we can have a positive impact on productivity and focus. 

There are other activities we can also introduce to improve wellbeing at work.  For example, taking a half hour break for a change of scenery or activity can boost energy levels and help to focus the mind.  Take a look at the Empower Half Hour Poster for more inspiration.

Mental Health First Aiders England have created an Empower Half Hour Toolkit where they share ideas on a range of themed, simple and mostly free activities to embrace during Mental Health Awareness Week and beyond. Click here and be inspired by reading the Empower Half Hour Toolkit