13.05.13
Mental Health Foundation launches guidance on exercise
Exercise has a tremendous impact on mental wellbeing as physical health, the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) is emphasising in Mental Health Awareness Week.
Its new report, ‘Let’s Get Physical’, sets out how exercise can reduce stress levels, boost wellbeing, improve body image and act as both prevention and treatment for various mental illnesses, including depression and anxiety.
However, a recent survey showed only a third of the population meet the UK’s physical activity guidelines, with many people lacking time or motivation to exercise.
The MHF recommends that employers develop a workplace culture which supports and motivates employees to exercise, for all health practitioners to be fully informed about the mental benefits of physical activity and provide accessible information for people looking to take up sport.
Dr Andrew McCulloch, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation, said: “It’s worrying that many people would rather do their housework or some other mind-numbing activities rather than put their trainers on. It is startling to see that only a minority say the main reason why they exercise is to improve their general mental health and wellbeing when our research shows that even small increases in levels of activity can improve people’s wellbeing and mental health.
“With this in mind, for Mental Health Awareness Week we are aiming to change the way we view physical activity ; to see it not as something we have to do, ‘should do or ‘out to do’ for our health but as something we do because we personally value its benefits. It doesn’t need to be strenuous, cost a lot of money or be time consuming. To help the nation get started, we have produced a handy pocket guide filled with useful ideas and tips for including physical activity as part of daily life.”
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