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As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week (13th-17th May 2024), it's essential to embrace this year's theme: Movement.

Prioritising physical activity not only enhances your physical health but also significantly boosts your mental well-being. At Priority Recruitment, we understand the importance of a balanced, healthy lifestyle for our team and community. Here are six evidence-based ways to incorporate more movement into your daily routine and improve your mental health.

1. Morning Stretch Routine

Starting your day with a gentle stretch routine can awaken your body and mind, preparing you for the challenges ahead. Research indicates that stretching can enhance flexibility, reduce stress, and improve mood (Harvard Health Publishing, 2021). Incorporating movements such as yoga or simple stretches can be a beneficial way to transition from sleep to wakefulness.

2. Walking Meetings

Breaking the monotony of traditional meetings by turning them into walking meetings can stimulate creativity and reduce stress. A study from Stanford University found that walking boosts creative output by an average of 60% (Oppezzo & Schwartz, 2014). Fresh air and a change of scenery can significantly enhance mental clarity and focus.

3. Desk Exercises

For those spending long hours at a desk, integrating short, regular desk exercises can be incredibly beneficial. Simple movements like leg lifts, seated marches, or desk push-ups can increase blood flow and reduce tension (Mayo Clinic, 2020). Setting a reminder to take a break every hour to stretch or move around can help maintain physical and mental well-being.

4. Lunchtime Walks

Using your lunch break as an opportunity to get moving can be a refreshing way to break up the day and clear your mind. A brisk walk around the block or a nearby park can boost mood and energy levels, making the second half of your workday more productive (British Heart Foundation, 2019). Exposure to natural light and fresh air can significantly improve mental health.

5. Active Commutes

Making your commute more active can have substantial health benefits. Consider walking or cycling part of the way to work, or even the entire distance if feasible. For those who drive or take public transport, try parking further away or getting off a stop earlier to add some walking to your journey. These small changes can increase your daily physical activity and contribute to overall health (NHS, 2020).

6. Fitness Breaks

Incorporating short fitness breaks into your daily schedule can significantly elevate your heart rate and mood. Whether it’s a quick home workout, a few minutes of jumping jacks, or a dance session to your favourite song, these mini workouts can be highly effective. Studies have shown that even short bouts of physical activity can improve mental health and cognitive function (American Psychological Association, 2019).

The Benefits of Movement for Mental Health

Engaging in regular physical activity offers numerous benefits for mental health. It can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve sleep quality, and boost self-esteem and cognitive function (Mind, 2018). Movement helps release endorphins, the body's natural mood lifters, which can help you feel more positive and energetic.

At Priority Recruitment, We Move Together

At Priority Recruitment, we encourage our team and community to embrace movement as a tool for enhancing mental health. By integrating these small but impactful habits into your daily life, you can experience a significant improvement in your overall well-being. This Mental Health Awareness Week, let’s commit to moving more and supporting each other on our journey towards better mental health. This week, we'll also be particularly thinking of our charity partner, Manchester Mind. Feel free to donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/priority-recruitment-manchester-mind

Remember, every step counts. Let’s move together for a healthier, happier life.

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Sources:

• Harvard Health Publishing. (2021). Benefits of Stretching.
• Oppezzo, M., & Schwartz, D. L. (2014). Give Your Ideas Some Legs: The Positive Effect of Walking on Creative Thinking. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition.
• Mayo Clinic. (2020). Desk stretches: How to ease muscle tension.
• British Heart Foundation. (2019). Physical activity and mental health.
• NHS. (2020). Benefits of cycling.
• American Psychological Association. (2019). Physical activity is good for the mind and the body.
• Mind. (2018). Physical activity and mental health.