Walking for Wellbeing

In today’s fast-paced world, stress often takes centre stage, impacting our mental health and overall well-being. If we neglect self-care, daily life can become even harder to manage, especially when juggling busy schedules.

Common Pressures We Face

• Feeling Stressed: Balancing work, family, and other responsibilities can leave us feeling stressed and tired.
• Dealing with Anxiety: Worries about the future or our health can make it hard to relax and enjoy the present.
• Feeling Tired: Trying to do too much without taking time for ourselves can leave us feeling exhausted.
• Struggling to Sleep: Racing thoughts at night can make it hard to get a good night’s sleep, leaving us feeling even more tired the next day.

Understanding Self-Care

Self-care means taking time for activities that make us feel good mentally, emotionally, and physically. It helps us find balance and strength in our daily lives, reducing stress, improving mood, and boosting overall health. Here are some simple ways to take care of yourself:

• Hobbies and Loved Ones: Spending time on hobbies and with loved ones can boost our emotional well-being.
• Mindfulness and Journaling: These practices can help calm your mind.
• Supportive Relationships: Being around friends and family who support you can make a big difference.
• Physical Health: Ensure you get enough sleep, eat well, and drink plenty of water.
• Outdoor Time: Spending time outside can help you feel calmer and more grounded.
• Spiritual Well-Being: Engage in meditation, prayer, or simply make time for yourself.
• Joyful Activities: Dedicate time to activities that bring you joy and help you relax.
• Setting Boundaries: Learn to say no to things that drain your energy and make you feel overwhelmed.

This Mental Health Awareness Month make self-care a priority in your daily routine. With warmer and longer spring days, it’s the perfect time to embrace movement and focus on our mental well-being.

Embrace Movement and Mental Well-Being

National Walking Month

Celebrate the joy of walking and its benefits for health and happiness. Living Streets (https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/walk-to-school/) offers tips to help you integrate walking into your daily routine. From May 20th-24th, Walk to School Week encourages children to get active and learn about the benefits of walking for themselves, their community, and the planet.

Mark Lloyd’s Inspiring Story

Mark Lloyd, known as Lloydy, understands the power of movement better than most. As the owner of Brawd, a fitness business in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, Mark’s journey shows how exercise can improve mental well-being. After leaving a stressful job in 2013 and becoming a parent, Mark found solace in exercise. He believes that movement is the best way to improve your mood and change how you feel. Whether it’s going to the gym or just taking a walk, movement can make a big difference.

BBC’s Mental Wellbeing Season: A Comprehensive Guide

The BBC is launching its Mental Wellbeing Season, focusing on mental health and well-being. With a range of programs and resources, including workouts from fitness coach Joe Wicks, the BBC aims to raise awareness and support those struggling with their mental health. From TV shows to radio programs and digital content, there’s something for everyone (https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2024/bbc-mental-wellbeing-season). 

Movement for Mental Health Event

The local NHS invites people and groups across Bexhill and East Sussex to “Movement for Mental Health,” a special drop-in event to mark Mental Health Awareness Week from May 13th to May 19th. The event, held on Tuesday, May 14th, from noon to 6 pm at The Pelham in Bexhill, will showcase community projects and activities, offering insights into mental health services and the benefits of physical activity.

At the event, you can:

• Meet advocates who share the benefits of physical activity on mental health.
• Take a virtual walk-through of the new Combe Valley mental health hospital.
• Share experiences with mental health professionals and service users.
• Learn about the role of Occupational Therapists and mental health physiotherapists.
• Discuss training and career opportunities in mental healthcare and construction.
• See resources from The Lighthouse Club, a charity supporting construction workers and their families.
• Meet the team at The Pelham and RunningSpace, which hosts walk-to-run groups to strengthen mental and physical well-being.

For more details, visit Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s prioritise movement and self-care to nurture our mental health and foster a sense of well-being. Together, we can embrace the magic of movement and embark on a journey of self-discovery and resilience.

References 

Mental Health Foundation (2024). Fitness community in Barry helps parents’ mental health: Lloydy’s story. Available from: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/blogs/fitness-community-barry-helps-parents-mental-health-lloydys-story 

BBC (2024). Joe Wicks to deliver mood-boosting workouts as the BBC launches pan-BBC Mental Wellbeing season. Available from: https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2024/bbc-mental-wellbeing-season 

Scofield, P (2024). The Step in the Right Direction Hull Blog – Make May ‘a Month of Movement’. Available from: https://news.hull.gov.uk/01/05/2024/the-step-in-the-right-direction-hull-blog-make-may-a-month-of-movement/

InYourArea (2024). Local community invited to Movement for Mental Health Day. Available from: https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/local-community-invited-to-movement-for-mental-health-day/