Researchers found a 50% reduced risk of a life-limiting disability (health span) for those that were physically active and a 20% reduced risk of survival (life span) among those who were not physically active.
But what about the positive impact of movement on our mental health? This area of study has often been overlooked.
As little as 15 minutes of movement a day has been shown to positively impact mental health (although the more often we move, the bigger the benefit).
Positive effects of physical activity range from improved mood, reduced anxiety, lowered inflammation and stress, better memory and concentration, boosts in confidence, improved sleep and even increased social connectedness.
Moving more also reduces the risk of long-term physical health conditions, which – in turn – also lowers the risk of poor mental health.
Considering the many benefits of moving, I wonder what other single thing could have the same mental health benefits on us.
Movement is one of the few proven routes to prevent poor mental health and that is why it is referred to by many as as 'a miracle cure’, due to the great many illnesses it can prevent and help treat.
This Mental Health Awareness Week, we will be looking to engage people from every community to consider how they can find their moment for movement.
We want to reclaim movement from being seen as something reserved for fitness fanatics, to something that is for all members of society.
But what is stopping us moving?
Our research found that while 82% of UK adults knew that movement was important for their mental health, only 25% were happy with the amount of physical activity they did.
Too many of us do not believe that physical activity is for us and, as a result, we are struggling to overcome psychological, environmental or physical barriers.
Issues like poor weather, stress, low confidence, associated costs or lack of time are keeping us from moving more.
Our research also showed us that these barriers are higher for those with a disability, for parents and for young people.
Naming these issues is an important first step, but we want to use the week to explore how to lower them.
The power of kindness
We also want to ask how we can support each other to build movement into our lives and we will be taking our message to the Parliaments across the UK during the week to remind our politicians of their role to create more opportunities for movement.
And there’s more!
We'll also be using these days to empower people to get the most mental health benefits from the movement they do.
Movement itself is not a magic wand for our minds, but being kind to ourselves while we are active will be better for our mental health than moving with a critical mindset.
Similarly, setting realistic goals and connecting with nature or friends can increase movement’s psychological benefits.
So, join us as we find our #MomentsForMovement and experience that coveted peace of mind we all need so much in this busy world of ours.
