ALT “It’s good to get the body moving. It’s an achievement. It might not be a big achievement for some people, but it is for me. Simply by being able to do it.”  Dave, 55, lives with chronic arthritis and other health conditions which affect his mental health. Cold-water therapy and short walks, when he can, helps him cope. 

ALT “Some days it is a struggle to get out of bed and you just know it’s a bad day, so you have to work what to do to get through it. For me, that’s the cold tub, or a walk on the dog with the beach. But it’s a balance, some days I’ll walk too far, and pay for it that night because the pain is too much to sleep.  But it’s a trade-off. It’s going to get worse and my mental health will suffer if I don’t move, so I have to move.” 

ALT “Even though it’s hard sometimes, and I maybe end up hypo (low blood sugars), and occasionally crying in the kitchen eating jelly babies, I think not moving would make things worse, both mentally and physically.” Christina lives with Type 1 Diabetes, and seven other auto-immune conditions. While this makes exercise difficult, she finds it’s essential to support her mental and physical health. 

ALT “I couldn’t manage my mental health without exercising. I ran a 10k a few years ago and the feel-good hormones after running are the best! Sadly, I’ve now got osteoarthritis in my knee now so can’t run. But I’m walking and using the cross-trainer, and strength training. I’m also a big fan of some Yin Yoga.”

ALT Purple graphic with the text: Use the time you spend waiting to move more. Waiting for the kettle to boil; for your children to come out of school; for a bus to arrive; or for a delivery. These moments can add up – and so will your movement!

ALT Purple graphic with the text: Get more from the movement you’re doing already. Often, we do a lot of movement without realising, for example, housework, grocery shopping, and walking to work. Recognise when you’re moving – and celebrate your moments for movement, big and small.

ALT Purple graphic with the text: Try something new and fun! This week when you’re finding moments for movement, why not try something new? Opening yourself to new experiences can boost your mental health.

ALT Purple graphic with the text: Get outside and enjoy nature. Nature can also boost your mental health. So if you can, try to take your movement outside and enjoy the benefits of green spaces.