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This week (13 to 19 May) is Mental Health Awareness Week and this year’s theme is all about movement for your mind.

Regular physical activity is known to improve mental health, quality of life and wellbeing. It also helps prevent and treat heart disease, stroke, diabetes and breast and colon cancer, and more.

Our bodies and our minds are connected, so looking after ourselves physically also helps us prevent problems with our mental health.

Movement is a great way to enhance our wellbeing – even a short burst of 10 minutes’ brisk walking can boost our mood and increase our mental alertness and energy.

Here’s our top tips to help you get more active this Mental Health Awareness Week:

• Set small, achievable goals and keep a movement journal to track your progress
• Find the fun! However you choose to get moving, the best option is usually the one you enjoy the most
• Moving in nature can have greater positive effects on our wellbeing compared to indoor activities. Go out for that lunchtime walk or join a walking group.

The Mental Health Foundation has been hosting Mental Health Awareness Week since 2001 and has lots of hits, tips and resources to help you get moving on their website.

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, Thursday 16 May is Wear it Green Day. Help turn the world green for good mental health by wearing green.

South East London Mind are also inviting people to get involved in their campaign to walk some mindful miles in their seven day step challenge - #20MindfulMiles challenge. You will also find resources on being active across South East London and an open walk in Greenwich Park.

Get moving…

What are you doing this week to improve your mental health? Share your #MomentsForMovement this #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek – don’t forget to tag @OxleasNHS.