A few extra steps & being in the moment: Tania Bromley-Patchett on movement for mental health

We’re keeping up the momentum this Mental Health Awareness Week with a catch up with Tania Bromley-Patchett , a beloved Client Executive in our busy Corporate team.

Tania has a hectic schedule helping some of our larger clients with their insurances, always finding time to meet their needs with diligence and care. Tania’s just as energetic outside of work, and enjoys keeping active as much as possible, whether it’s in the gym, walking with her dogs or dancing to her favourite 80’s tunes. So, let’s get into it and find out what getting moving means for her!

What exercise do you like to do?

"I do various forms of exercise, typically cardio, being either Elliptical (cross trainer), Stairmaster or Treadmill.?I also enjoy a good walk- there's nothing better than taking the dog out through the lovely Surrey countryside.

More recently, I've done some Barre Pilates, which is quite hard but rewarding in terms of technicality and muscle strength/tone.?I also never thought I could run any real distance, but found my running legs at 54, regularly running between 5-10km!

On top of this, kitchen dancing with friends or just when no one else is around is just good for the soul!"

For someone with a very busy routine, how would you suggest they find time to move more?

"It’s very easy to be sedentary in our jobs when we’re all so busy, but a 20-minute walk around the block can make you feel refreshed enough to avoid that afternoon slump.?Also, just getting up from your desk, walking around while the kettle boils, taking the stairs not the lift, walking from a station to a meeting instead of taking the train/tube – all these little things help!"

Do you feel like regular exercise and movement are beneficial for your mental health?

"Absolutely! Exercise forces me to be in the moment, be it being on cardio equipment and not wanting to fall off or doing strength training/Pilates where I have to concentrate on the movement itself. It also allows me time to process thoughts and problems, decompressing after a stressful day.

Walking with friends, chatting and laughing is a great way to bring perspective and just being in the fresh air, listening to the birds or a podcast or my favourite music. The release of endorphins that exercise brings is so beneficial to our overall wellbeing."

Any advice for someone looking to become more active?

"Sometimes it’s easier to say "I haven’t got time", "I’m too busy" or "I don’t have confidence to go to the gym". We’ve all put it off or simply said "I’ll do it tomorrow", but just those few extra steps a day, making time for yourself, taking a breath and stretching those muscles, elevating the heart rate with some gentle exercise can be so beneficial. It'll help enormously from a mental wellbeing perspective, boosting self-confidence as well. I promise it’ll be worth it."

Thanks so much for sharing an insight into your routine, Tania! It’s great to see that even for those of us with very full-on schedules, the little changes we can make day-to-day can really add up, making a huge difference for our mental health.

Well done on the newfound love for running, too – it really goes to show that it’s never too late to try something new!