Embracing movement this Mental Health Awareness Week

Blue Mental Health BMHSE MHAW 2024 Blog

May 16, 2024

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and the chosen theme this year is the importance of moving and physical health. Evidence suggests that exercising frequently has extreme benefits for mental health. Mental Health Awareness Week is an important reminder of the crucial role we play in nurturing the mental well-being of children. At Blue Mental Health Support, we advocate not just awareness but action, especially when it comes to addressing the early signs of mental health issues in children. Our online mental health course is designed for teachers and is focused on a whole school approach as we believe every adult can be an ally to children, in regards to mental health.

In a world where screens often dominate young minds, the importance of physical activity cannot be overlooked. Movement isn’t just about staying fit; it’s a powerful tool for emotional regulation and cognitive development. It has been proven that regular physical activity can decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression in children.

Simple practices like brain breaks, outdoor playtime, and incorporating physical activities into lessons can make a huge difference to children at school. One of our colleagues says:

Movement in play or exercise are extremely important to the mental and physical health of children. Mind and body are inseparable in terms of wellbeing.

A parent who attended one of our mental health forum stated, in regards to the theme of moving:

We talk so much about how exercise helps us as adults with our mental health, surely the same has to apply for children too? Kids have so much energy, they need to be able to release it in a healthy and safe way which movement can provide.  We are designed to move so if we don’t, it affects us physically and mentally. I can see a huge difference in my child when he has been out in the fresh air, bounced on a trampoline or even just jumped about play-fighting on the bed.  He is so much more relaxed and happier to do the things he needs to do such as getting dressed etc than when he’s been still for a while (in front of the TV or a screen).  I think there is a balance and as a parent, it’s a constant juggle. But I definitely believe moving supports wellbeing.

Our online course is designed for teachers to spot early signs of mental health in the classroom. The course can be stopped and started whenever you want, providing flexibility around teachers’ already busy schedule. The content includes real-life examples and ideas that comes from evidence-based practice, created by therapists with over 70 years of experience.

Let’s use this Mental Health Awareness Week as an opportunity to prioritise movement in our schools and communities. By embracing the power of physical activity, we can empower our children.

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