This year, Mental Health Awareness Week runs from Monday 13th May – Sunday 19th May. At Rounders England we are constantly striving to raise awareness of the importance of looking after our bodies and minds. This Mental Health Awareness Week, we want you to consider the benefits of team sports on your mental wellbeing.
There is a significant correlation between mental health and exercise levels
It has been widely proven that regular exercise has a positive effect on a wide range of mental health illnesses, with many GP’s now prescribing exercise to assist some mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
According to mentalhealth.org.uk 50% of mental health conditions are established by the age of 14 and 75% by age 25*
Although this is a staggering statistic, it is shocking to learn that 70% of adolescents who experience mental health problems have not received appropriate interventions at a sufficiently early age. Work is being done to reach those more vulnerable within our communities, such as the £8.2m Sport England have invested in mental health projects. According to its recent statement on mental health, Sport England is working with the government’s Sporting Future strategy, which has mental wellbeing at its heart and are investing in projects across the country – from small community programmes to regional and national pilots.
Motivation and consistency is the key
Knowing is one thing, doing is something else!
“When beginning your exercise journey, it can be very daunting,” says Dr Alex Cohen, leading expert in mental wellbeing.** “Exercise should be something you enjoy; otherwise, it will be hard to find the motivation to do it regularly. Share your journey with others for extra motivation.”
And motivate we must! So what can you do?
The NHS reports that we should try and complete 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week, yet most of us struggle to motivate and commit to even half of that target. We believe it all hinges on our support network. Although many find solace and refreshment in a walk or a run, we as human beings, are hard-wired for connection and so joining a sport in which you can play with a network of like-minded, supportive friends can only increase your chances of sticking with it, and gaining new friends with shared interests.
Rounders England’s mission is to connect people through rounders.
We provide an inclusive, entry level sport that can be brilliant for those struggling and seeking mental wellbeing.
It is important to remember that you are not alone and if you feel like you lack a strong supportive network, we can be your rounders family.
You can read more about our mission here.
*www.mentalhealth.org.uk/statistics/mental-health-statistics-children-and-young-people
**More about Dr Cohen can be found here >
www.centreforglobalmentalhealth.org/dr-alex-cohen
www.sportengland.org/our-work/mental-health/why-we-invest-in-mental-health
Since 2000, Ok Rehab have promoted inclusive addiction treatment, giving everyone the support they need to turn their life around, no matter how complicated their current situation may be. OK Rehab is a drug and alcohol rehab provider in the UK whose helpline is staffed by people who have faced addiction in their own pasts.
