Mental Health Awareness Week: Movement

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and the theme set by the Mental Health Foundation is "Movement: Moving For Our Mental Health." In honour of this week, we asked the team at TeamJobs about the importance of exercise and it's positive impact on their mental well-being.

• Exercise has been proven to reduce anxiety and depression, and it can also help prevent physical illnesses. Research shows that 56% of people found regular exercise helps alleviate stress and prevents burnout.
• There are numerous barriers to being physically active, such as low energy, lack of confidence, or financial constraints. We all face these obstacles at some point in our lives, so instead of being hard on ourselves, it’s important to recognise their validity and find what works for each of us.

To explore the impact of physical activity on mental health, we asked some of the team at TeamJobs how regular exercise has influenced their mental well-being and what works for them individually....

Melissa Dickinson who works in our Industrial division says "Running is an excellent way to support mental health, offering more than just physical benefits. It significantly enhances my mental well-being by clearing my mind and helping me focus on the present moment. Additionally, experiencing a runner's high is an incredible feeling! Running also positively impacts your social life by allowing you to meet other runners, which is crucial for mental well-being."

Hollie Clark who works in our Commercial division says "Running and Pilates benefit my mental health by reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing mood, improving sleep quality, boosting self-esteem, and increasing focus in my daily life. Both activities release endorphins, promoting relaxation and overall well-being. Incorporating these into your daily routine can help maintain a balanced lifestyle for everyone. Taking time away from your thoughts can improve how you manage mental health, deal with situations, and process feelings and emotions. I highly encourage everyone to embrace movement for improved well-being."

Patrycja Mackiewicz (Suska) who works in our Strategic Accounts division expresses "Staying active has always been a top priority for me. As a mum and a woman, staying active helps me feel good and gives me the energy to do things with my children. This, in turn, makes me feel more proactive and positive. Any form of physical activity benefits me immensely by boosting my energy levels and improving my overall well-being. During my downtime, I enjoy going for walks, heading to the park, riding my bike or even walking to the shop for ice cream. These activities completely changed my mindset and mood and not just because of the ice cream! Additionally, engaging in more intensive workouts like yoga and circuit training challenges me physically and positively impacts my body and mood. Although it can be tough at times, the feeling afterward is incredibly rewarding."

Our Operations Director, Natasha Hall participates in weekly sea swims with Mark Masters and You Are The Media and she shares how the early morning swims leave her feeling energised and refreshed for the day ahead. This routine boosts her energy and offers numerous mental health benefits and physical advantages.

If you're not feeling completely okay and need someone to talk to, the Samaritans have a 24/7 helpline. There's always someone available to offer support even if it is a simple chat. Alternatively, visit their website here .