Wellbeing

Mental Health Month

This week, as part of our annual Mental Health Month activities, we continue to learn about the 5 Ways to Wellbeing by focusing on "Being Active". 

We know that being active is important for our physical health, muscle strength and body function, but did you know that being active is also an essential element of improving and maintaining our mental health too?

Our body and mind are connected, and what you do with your body can have a powerful effect on your mental wellbeing. Evidence shows regular physical activity can:

• Cause chemical changes in the brain that positively impact our mood.
• Help prevent and reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress.
• Help achieve and maintain a healthy weight and can contribute to an increased self esteem
• Strengthen your heart, lungs, bones and muscles for increased energy and strength.
• Help improve your quality of sleep, add brain cells and build new connections between those cells throughout your life.
• Increase blood flow and oxygenate the brain.

Being active doesn’t mean you need to spend hours in the gym or spend lots of money.  It can be something simple like walking, riding a bike, playing some music you enjoy and having a dance.  Find physical activities that you enjoy and think about how you can do them every day:

• Start Simple
• Do what is enjoyable
• Make time everyday 
• Switch off the screen and move

Fresh Fruit Friday