How is it May already? This year is going so fast! There were many national awareness days we shared over the month of April, but something which is important to us every May at Coast and Country, is raising awareness over Mental Wellbeing.
Every May we like to discuss our mental health and remind you of Mental Health Awareness week. This year it is starting on the 13th May and lasts until the 19th. The theme could not be more relevant for us here at WALX Coast and Country. The focus this time round is movement, and how we encourage moving more for our mental health.
We want you to find daily movement which can be introduced into your daily routine. It doesn’t have to be a scheduled exercise session, but something to get you moving more to protect your mental wellbeing.
We mention the benefits of moving the body a lot in our newsletters. Everything from energy levels, reduced stress, mental clarity, and focus. Reducing anxiety and improving your confidence and self-esteem.
We know you are conscious of your physical health and enjoy the social aspect to our walks. The majority of the time, people start walking with us to focus on their physical health, but it is always great to hear how you find the positive impact walking has to your mental wellbeing.
Here are a few ideas of how you can get involved this month.
Let’s remind others of how important it is to move the body, not only for our physical health but our mental health too. You can get involved by reminding family or friends, invite them on a walk, sign up to the campaign or donate online.
We encourage you to wear green on your walks over the 13th – 19th May and make a donation as part of the awareness week. The official ‘Wear It Green’ day is Thursday 16th May but you can get involved any day over the week. Green is the awareness colour. You may notice people wearing green ribbons over May.
As well as wearing green, we want you to move more. The Mental Health Foundation want everyone to move daily by using your ‘waiting’ time. Everyone has a moment in their day where they are waiting. Waiting for the kettle, at a bus stop or for a dentist appointment. Every time you notice you are waiting, you could stretch, march on the spot, complete some squats, any form of movement. Try use up your waiting time with daily bursts of physical activity on top of your usual exercise time.
We would love to hear about your most random spots! Share how you get on over the WhatsApp groups. We can’t wait to see you out and about in green.
As a reminder, we have qualified Mental health champions at Coast and Country. Should you need any guidance or support. Feel free to contact us directly.
If you would like to donate to the campaign directly. You can find the details here on the Mental Health Foundation website www.mentalhealth.org.uk/get-involved/ways-donate/donate-mental-health-foundation