As part of our Mental Health Awareness Week campaign, we're signposting to the relevant support and resources.
To fit in with this year’s theme of 'Movement: Moving more for our mental health', we thought it would be nice to also include some feedback from our EDI Network members, and some of our Mental Health Champions and First Aiders, and what they do to incorporate some form of movement into their daily and/or regular routines.
Cheryl Madden, OD and Learning Consultant – HR / Mental Health Champion Lead and Chair of the Health and Wellbeing EDI Network
"I love to spend as much time outdoors as possible, so I usually go for a quick walk or jog in the morning before I start my work day. I also diarise taking my lunch break away from the screen and go for a quick walk around the local park, which always helps to boost not only my mood but I find I'm usually more productive after taking a short break.
"We've recently got a new pup, so I'm enjoying going on family walks or meeting up with friends for a hike at the weekends- it's even better when the sun makes an appearance! Here's a pic of one of my favourite spots 'Holcombe Hill' in Ramsbottom."
Labisi Brimah, Lead Employment and Training Consultant: Substance Misuse – Employment / Embrace EDI Network member
"Early morning gym helps me set out for the day with the right mind set, a smile during the day and checking in with at least 2 people each day, encouraging one another on general mental well being, late night meditation and listening to my body helps, as well as cooking for family and friends as food always bring a good laugh."
Finlay Callender-Wood, Business Development Executive – Centre for Assessment / Mental Health First Aider / Mental Health Champion
"I started running in lockdown to clear my head and it still plays the same role in my day-to-day routine. I'll try and get to the gym before I start for the day or alternatively, go for a run in the evenings if I don't get out in the mornings (it happens)! I find it often helps me reset and feel refreshed, especially in the evenings after finishing work for the day. Even just going for a walk with a podcast or audiobook can make a big difference!"
Amanda Lyons, PA to MD BSBF / Mental Health First Aider and EDI Network member
"Now that Spring is arriving, I walk my sausage dog to the local park on my lunch hour and after work, and at the weekend I like to visit the local reservoirs. I also join two separate monthly 'Pack Walks' with fellow dog owners which provides an opportunity not just to get some exercise, but also to meet new people."
Nick Williams, Key Account Manager – MIDAS / Co-Chair Veterans & Reservists Network
"I am a big advocate for physical exercise and being outdoors and have been for the majority of my life, as a Physical Training Instructor in the Army (where our motto is ‘Mens Sana in Corpse Sano’ translating to ‘A healthy mind in a healthy body’).
"I am responsible for maintaining a soldier’s physical and mental fitness, from first hand experience I can say the two are intrinsically linked. Working out each day helps me maintain my energy levels and provides me a distraction from everyday stresses as well as teaching me the importance of setting goals and being disciplined.
"I find exercise to be meditative, giving me a space to relax, feel and process whatever is on my mind. I also run a monthly hiking group bringing together people from all walks of life which has served as a cornerstone for many people in my social group to make new friends, exercise, socialise and even learn a new language. I find regular exercise and fresh air is imperative for living a healthy and happy life."
Mike Fielden, Employment Advisor – Employment / Mental Health Champion
"I have recently started running and next week I plan on entering the ballet for the next London Marathon (if I get in) this gives me 12 months to be marathon ready so a lot of work ahead with only a few runs behind me. I will aim to complete a 10K race soon followed by a few more challenges before this. I find running clears my head so much as I struggle to concentrate and sit still! My daily routine now consists of either a morning run or an hour in the gym strength training before work."
Anushka Parekh, OD Advisor – HR / Mental Health First Aider / Mental Health Champion / EmbRace and Women's EDI network member
"I start the day with 20 minutes movement, sometimes its a HITT, pilates or weighted workout which sets my day and makes me feel relaxed, motivated and empowered. I realise physical and mental health are both intrinsically linked and makes such a huge difference to my gut health when I don't exercise.
"I also attend weekly Bollywood dance and afrobeats classes, where I get to channel my inner sass and diva! I also run a choreography service for weddings and events. Movement isn't always physical, I also do eye and laughter yoga which my grandma has done for years, very relaxing and refreshing."
Nikki Brown, Content Manager – Marketing Manchester / Mental Health Champion
"I love to get outdoors and go for long walks where I can, it's a great way of exploring new places but also feeling closer to nature which always slows down my thoughts and relaxes me. When I can't get outdoors but feel like I need to move my body and destress, I use a free app called FitOn for pilates lessons.
The videos are really quick and easy to follow without having to build up the confidence of going to a class. The app also has stretching and yoga, HIIT, dance, barre, meditation and even boxing videos so there's something for everyone and all abilities."
Chris Jones, Executive Director – Centre for Assessment / SMT sponsor - Health & Wellbeing EDI Network
"I schedule my lunchbreak away from my desk/computer. During this time I make an effort to get outside for at least 20 minutes for a quick walk. There is a small park near my office which provides a great destination but even when I'm in Manchester I try to get outside and explore a bit around Lee House. I find the time away from work, even if it's short, helps me put things into perspective. I also like to hike, solo or with my family at weekends."
Billie Kemp, Partnership & Integration Manager – Employment / Co-Chair LGBTQ+ EDI Network
"I think its really important to prioritise spending at least 15 minutes per working day to go outside and switch off from work responsibilities and just breathe and take in the day. When working from home, we can get so caught up in our working tasks that we forget to carve time out for ourselves and I think its vital we encourage our colleagues, friends and family to at the very least fit in a short walk so you can refocus and feel re-energised."
Stephanie Boyle, Senior Events & Engagement Manager – Corporate Services / Member of Women's EDI Network
"Exercise is a huge part of my week. I go to crossfit 5 x a week and find that it isn't just the exercise that helps me with my mental health but the community of likeminded people there. It is an hour of the day where I can focus on mind and body and it gives me so much more energy.
"Now that the weather is slowly improving I've also started to run again. the best thing with running is it can be a last minute decision to do it. So if I'm sat at home feeling anxious I can throw on my trainers and hit the pavements. even just 30 minutes of running completely transforms my mental state and gives me those amazing endorphins."
Leah Watson, Project Management Executive / PA – GM Business Growth Hub / Mental Health Champion
"To ensure that I keep active, I go to the gym most mornings, and often attend classes in the evening. I also run a pet sitting and dog walking business alongside my job at GC, where I spend my lunch break walking dogs 5 times a week. I also walk dogs at the weekend and in the evening, as well as visiting local country parks etc to keep it interesting, so I always get my steps in every day.
"I have also recently taken up running and I'm currently training for a charity 10K race in May for Mind. Being outside with the dogs is a great way to clear my mind, get some fresh air, and also make sure I am keeping fit."
Emma Simpson, Personal Wellbeing Keyworker – Employment, Lancashire Personal Wellbeing / Mental Health Champion
"I enjoy keeping active but find it very hard to fit in as a busy mum with several roles! When I get chance I enjoy cycling, swimming (in the outdoors particularly - see picture of the beautiful Wyresdale Lake in Scorton near Lancaster) and dancing.
"I have also just re-started the Couch to 5k programme having last run a 5k in 2018. I'm currently up to Week 4 - Run 1, so pretty pleased with my progress! I'd like to build up to going to my local Park Run on a Saturday morning as I've heard such great things about the Park Run community. I am aiming to do a long distance swim in the lakes in the summer this year, but haven't signed up to one yet. I find that having an event I'm aiming at is a really good motivator for me.
"On a smaller level, I asked my manager for a walking KIT this month and we had a lovely wander around Winkley Square in Preston whilst checking with my workload and work life balance etc. So that's highly recommended for adding a bit of activity in the work day - walking meetings when possible."
Hannah Morris, Marketing Executive – Corporate Services / Member of Women's EDI Network
"To keep active, I make sure I do at least 20 mins exercise per day, whether it be on the treadmill, core workouts or the rowing machine. I also try to incorporate this into my lunch as I feel that it helps me regain a fresh mind and I am able to come back to my desk feeling revitalised and rejuvenised.
"I also like to go on big walks every Sunday with my partner, we try and alternate between different places around our area as a change of scenery. Finding the time to spend outdoors is so important, I always feel much better about myself once I have spent some time outside amongst nature and fresh air."
Matthew Gale, Compliance Officer – Employment, EDI network member
"I like to cycle as much as I can down the canal and Outwood Country Park to stay active and explore new areas recreationally , in addition I travel to work and go for a walk around the area, this makes me feel healthier and more happy instead of being remotely working all the time."