This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and the theme this year is physical movement. Being active can provide a great boost for your mood, it can help reduce anxiety and stress and improve your sleep.
The physical activity guidelines for adults are 150mins of moderate (or 75mins of vigorous) activity per week – moderate intensity activity is where you might be breathing harder but not getting out of breath e.g. brisk walking.
In the U.K. currently only 70% of men and 59% of women meet these activity guidelines, but it’s important to remember that any increase in activity no matter how small can provide benefits, the most important thing is that you find something you enjoy! Activities that are social and take place outside are particularly beneficial for our mental health.
The University provides lots of support and signposting around mental health and physical activity, more information about these topics and the training and events we deliver can be found at our Health and Wellbeing SharePoint page.
You can find information about staff fitness memberships and facilities available from Southampton Sport on the website.
If you are currently suffering with your mental health there is support available to you. The University has a network of First Aiders for Mental Health and also in the moment support with our Employee Assistance Programme which can be contacted by phone UK Freephone: 0800 316 9337, WhatsApp and SMS: Text ‘hi’ to 07418 360 046.