Walking is great for your mental health but for even more benefits try and get active in a green space if you can. Studies have shown that exercising in nature can reduce stress and boost wellbeing.
Sedentary lifestyles can have a negative impact on our mental and physical health. If you sit down in front of a computer for work all day, try and break up long periods of inactivity, with short burst of movement. A brisk walk at lunchtime is perfect, and will leave you feeling more energised in the afternoon.
Put on some of your favourite tunes and boogie in your bedroom, or have an after dinner kitchen disco.
Whether you enjoy a kick about with the kids in the garden, a bike ride in the countryside, or a Zumba class at the gym is more your style, make some time to get active in a way that brings you most joy.
It’s not always easy to make lifestyle changes, make sure you recognise how well you’re doing and give yourself a mini reward when you keep it up!
Team up with a friend or family member to motivate each other, or join a sport or physical activity club or group to connect with others. If you are struggling with your mental health, you might find it beneficial to find a class aimed at people struggling with their mental health (see below for some suggestions).
Think Active support groups are physical activity sessions in Lincolnshire for people living with low-level mental illness or with a history of poor mental health. The sessions allow participants to meet with like-minded individuals and encourage them to engage with conversations about mental health.
Run Talk Run aims to make accessible mental health support through running & walking peer support groups. There are Run Talk Run groups all over the world. In Lincolnshire the Lincoln group meets weekly.
Lincoln & Mablethorpe
Team Talk is Lincoln City Foundations mental health programme for men over the age of 18. Team Talk football session is a mixed ability open session for men who may be struggling with their mental health and wants to come and enjoy a game of football with their peers.
Gainsborough
This session, organised by Gainsborough Trinity Foundation, takes place every Wednesday morning at the Roses Sports Ground.
Boston
This programme run by Boston United Community Foundation helps to engage adults who are experiencing mental health issues through using the positive power of sport.
Run by MENtalk Lincs, who work to support mental health in Lincoln and surrounding areas, this session allows you to run walk or talk at your own pace.
Mind have some helpful advice for getting started and utilising activity to support your mental health.
You can also find some useful advice and inspiring stories on the We are Undefeatable website.
