As well as improving physical health and fitness, being active can also improve our mood and overall mental wellbeing, and decrease stress, depression and anxiety.

These benefits are increased when we get outside.

Being active with others can help us feel more connected and motivates us to build new habits. Being active does not have to mean going for a run. Do what you can to move your mood. Any form of physical movement can be beneficial –find something that you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness.

Think about how you could move or stand more at work – build habits to bring more active movement into your work day.

  • To celebrate Mental Health Awareness week the University has agreed to fund free access to the online Wellbeing classes at The Edge for both staff and students up until the end of June. Please do take advantage of this and be kind to yourselves.
  • Check out the resources here: "Get up offa that thing", take James Brown at his word and convert 'sitting time' to 'standing time'.
  • Many of us will be working with workstations that are not as ergonomically sound as we have in our offices. The Health and Safety Executive has produced a video giving tips on setting up your workstation for temporary home working. A key way of keeping aches and strains at bay is to take frequent screen breaks; this advice is even more important if working at a temporary workstation. Big Stretch is a free app that monitors time spent at your workstation, reminds you to take regular breaks and gives you a range of desk based exercises.
  • The Mental Health Foundation has produced a pocket guide How to look after your mental health using exercise to show the positive impact that physical activity can have on your own mental wellbeing, including some tips and suggestions to help you get started. They also have many more how to guides that you may find useful to support your mental health.
  • NHS Choices has a number of tools to help you Get active your way. This includes strength and flexibility videos, advice on taking up new sports, and advice on getting started with walking.