Mental Health Awareness Week ‘Movement’: Moving more for our mental health

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Posted:

15 May 2024

The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week this year is ‘Movement’ and the importance of moving more for our mental health. One of the most important things we can do to help protect our mental health is regular movement. Moving more can increase our energy, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost our self-esteem. Our bodies and our minds are connected. Looking after ourselves physically also helps us prevent problems with our mental health. This is especially important during exam season. Regular exercise releases brain chemicals key for memory, concentration, and mental sharpness at the same time as lifting our mood, and lowering stress and anxiety all of which contribute to brain health. Even a short burst of 10-minutes’ brisk walking can boost our mood and increase our mental alertness and energy.

If you’d like to improve your mental health by moving more the Mental Health Foundation has lots of tips: Boost your mental health by moving more | Mental Health Foundation

However you choose to get moving, the best option is usually the one you enjoy the most.

As we get older, we sometimes forget that movement can be fun! Instead of thinking of exercise as a chore, embrace your inner child and find the joy in movement. Fun and laughter alongside movement will increase motivation and the psychological benefits.

Play games like tag with friends or maybe go for a picnic in the park and play a game of rounders.

Upcoming events

Walk around Cambridge

We have many beautiful spaces to walk in Cambridge. As part of our ‘Sharing Hobbies and Interests’ project, Trinity Hall Porter Pawel is leading a leisurely walk around the heart of Cambridge this Wednesday 15 May at 3.30pm. Why not join him and learn some interesting facts about Cambridge history. Meet at Central Site Porters’ Lodge.

Dance workshop

There will also be a Dance Workshop with Shell and Siam on Monday 20 May at 5.15pm in the Aula Café. You can sign up for either of these events by emailing wellbeing@trinhall.cam.ac.uk

Gardening

Gardening is another way of connecting with nature. You can still volunteer to join our Gardening Team on Tuesdays, just email gardens@trinhall.cam.ac.uk to let them know you are interested.

Pets as Therapy

Perhaps you prefer your interaction with nature to be of the more furry kind! In which case you can meet the Pets as Therapy dogs who will be joining us on Saturday 18 May at the Wychfield site from 11am to 1pm outside the Sports Pavilion.

Book a Pets as Therapy slot

The Cambridge University Active Students’ Team also continues to offer free activities for anyone wanting to try something new Give it a Go: Free, weekly activities for Cambridge students! | Sport at Cambridge. These sessions are for anyone, including complete beginners, and all equipment is provided.

And finally, there is a garden games box at Wychfield Sports Pavilion that is available for you to enjoy in our beautiful grounds.

However you do it, we encourage you to find some time to increase your movement each day and reap the benefits!