Health and Fitness / Mental Health Awareness Week
Walking for wellbeing
As Mental Health Awareness Week begins, local charity Milestones Trust are calling for people to try some gentle exercise, meet new people and have conversations about mental health and wellbeing.
Based on this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme, body image, the ‘Be Active – Take Notice’ walk is encouraging people to get outside to improve mental health, while at the same time enjoying the physical benefits of exercise.
The event takes place on Tuesday, May 14, meeting at 1.30pm for a 2pm. Starting outside M Shed, the walk will meander around the Harbourside before heading back the M Shed cafe for refreshments and a chance to get to know other people from the walk.
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Anyone wanting to take part in the walk can simply arrive on the day. Beth Hendry, division director for mental health at Milestones Trust says: “Negative body image is one of many symptoms of poor mental health and is often linked to isolation.
“Exercise can have an enduring and overwhelmingly beneficial effect on one’s state of mind. It helps release endorphins which can make you feel more alert and create a feeling of contentment. It can also help to reduce the physical responses to feelings associated with stress and worry.”
Glen, 56, lives in supported accommodation in Knowle and is helped by Milestones Trust. He lives with obsessive compulsive disorder and has a history of self-harm but discovered that exercise significantly improved his mental state, saying: “I was in a really bad way to be honest. And because of my condition I can find preparing food incredibly difficult, so I was turning to junk food and ready meals just because that was the easiest option. With my support worker’s help, I’ve discovered lots of fresh and healthy alternatives. Combined with regular exercise, this has made a huge difference to my life.”
Glen, who lives in south Bristol, has discovered the positive effect that running has on his mental health
Glen’s enthusiasm for running has led to partaking in several marathons, completing three in 2018 and two during May 2019 alone.
“Along with exercise, eating well makes me feel so much better,” says Glen. “My medication can make me feel doped up at times, but running and healthy food really helps to combat that, giving me my energy back and basically making me feel alive again.”
Glen admits that says he still struggles with negative feelings about his own body but being outdoors and exercising help him battle these challenges. He encourages anyone who wants to better their own mental wellbeing to take up exercising and to take part in the Milestones Trust’s ‘Be Active – Take Notice’ walk.
The ‘Be Active – Take Notice’ walk starts at 2pm on Tuesday, May 14 at the M Shed. Participants can arrive from 1.30pm. For more details go to www.facebook.com/events/432023750692074
Photos courtesy of Milestones Trust
Read more: Ten ways to get involved with Mental Health Awareness Week in Bristol
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