.png)
This Mental Health Awareness Week, we're spotlighting a critical yet often overlooked aspect of adolescent wellbeing: the profound impact of physical activity on mental health.
The Challenge: Why Aren't Young People Moving?
Statistics reveal a concerning trend: many young people, particularly those not engaged in education, employment, or training, spend excessive amounts of time sedentary. A report from the Mental Health Foundation indicates that 25% of young people feel anxiety inhibits their physical activity—10% more than the general population. Common barriers include gym intimidation, body confidence issues, and cultural constraints.
The Benefits of Movement
Engaging in physical activity, even briefly, can dramatically enhance one’s mental state. Benefits include improved sleep quality, increased focus and motivation, and significant stress reduction. These effects underscore the necessity of incorporating regular physical activity into daily routines, especially for our young people.
Practical Tips to Encourage Movement
Here, we shares several strategies to motivate young people to embrace a more active lifestyle:
Lead by Example: Adults can significantly influence young people's habits through their own behaviours. Whether it's a parent going for a walk with their child or a mentor incorporating physical activities into sessions, leading by example is powerful.
Explore New Activities: Encouraging young people to try new forms of exercise can help them discover enjoyable activities that they are more likely to continue.
Socialize Through Sport: Making physical activity a social event can increase motivation. This could be as simple as walking with a friend or joining a local sports team.
Affordable Options: Highlighting low-cost or free options for exercise, such as YouTube fitness videos or community sports facilities, can alleviate financial barriers to entry.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of mental health, particularly among our youth, it is crucial to foster environments that encourage physical activity. Not only does it have a direct impact on health, but it also builds resilience and social connections that are vital for mental wellbeing. This Mental Health Awareness Week, let’s commit to moving more for mental health, not just for a week, but as a lifelong commitment to our youth’s future.
You can watch : 4YoungMinds Talks: Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 - Movement for Mental Health
You're all invited to join us for our free workshop:
Supporting Young People with Their Mental Health
Workshop Details:
Theme: Supporting Young People to Move for their Mental Health
Date: Thursday, May 16th
Time: 6:00 PM GMT
Duration: 30 minutes, followed by a 15-minute Q&A session
Host: Denise Brown, founder of 4Young Minds and an experienced facilitator of wellbeing workshops across London
Comments