Barry Lloyd, Rethink

"Being active doesn’t have to feel serious or boring, and it definitely doesn’t have to feel like it’s a chore!"

In this blog, Barry from Rethink Mental Illness explains how physical activity can help your mental wellbeing and give you time to recharge.

Take a moment

We understand that as a carer taking a moment for yourself can be really difficult. However doing this is so important for your own wellbeing and can help you to recharge. This can benefit both yourself and the loved one(s) that you care for. Being active is a great way to do this and take a moment for you.

Make it fun

Being active doesn’t have to feel serious or boring, and it definitely doesn’t have to feel like it’s a chore! There are so many ways you can move more while genuinely enjoying what you’re doing.

Trying things you have enjoyed in the past could be a great starting point. Things like gardening, team sports like walking football, running or even things that help you relax whilst keeping fit like yoga or pilates might be just what you’re looking for. You might even be surprised about what you end up enjoying the most once you have given a few different activities a go.

Whatever works

Every movement counts whatever way you choose to move, it’s all good for your health and wellbeing. If structured activity isn’t for you, try to build more movement into your day by doing small things like taking the stairs and walking more. Step counters are great to see what a difference this can make.

Reach out

Whist being active has numerous physical health benefits it is also proven to benefit your mental health and wellbeing. It can help to manage anxiety and depression and is proven to boost your mood. With that said it can be really difficult to find the motivation to exercise, so finding what works for you is key. That might mean reaching out to local carers centres or other local services to find out if they run any physical activity groups. Moving more with others with similar experiences can be a great way to meet people and make things more fun, it also helps keep you on track.

If you would like to help the person you care for be more active. Exercising could also be something that you choose to do together. There are so many guides and tools available to be active at home which might be the what works for you. Or if you’d prefer supported inclusive activity sessions there may well be some local to you. Check online or ask a family member or friend to help you find out.

For more information about Rethink Mental Illness, please visit www.rethink.org/