Here at Roehampton, we are excited to join the movement towards better mental wellbeing during Mental Health Awareness Week 2024, which runs from 13 – 19 May. This year’s theme is Movement: moving for our mental health.

Physical activity is great for both our body and mind, allowing us to stay fit while maintaining good mental health. Exercise can significantly reduce stress, as well as alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. When we talk about exercise, this doesn’t have to involve high-intensity workouts. We want you to move your way, which can include everyday activities such as walking or cleaning, or more intensive activities such as running or playing a sport. Keep reading for some tips on how you can incorporate movement into your everyday life whilst at Roehampton.

Visit Richmond Park

At Roehampton, we are really lucky to be so close to Richmond Park which is only a 10 minute walk away from Froebel College. Whether you take a walk, run, or cycle, Richmond Park is a great place to move your body. It also provides the opportunity to connect yourself to nature, with over 2,500 acres of grasslands, woodland gardens and lakes, as well as the famous red and fallow deer roaming freely. The Mental Health Foundation UK has shown in research that being in nature generates happy emotions including calmness, joy and creativity, as well as reduces feelings of being anxious or worried.

Take a walk around our campus

You might not always have time to visit Richmond Park, but there is plenty of space on our campus to explore. The beautiful 54 acre parkland is a great place to explore in between classes, where you can enjoy woodland walks, views over the lake and grassy lawns. Even a short 10-minute walk can boost your mood and increase your mental alertness and energy, so take every opportunity you can to go outside and move your body.

Start a new activity

Our Sports and Active Communities on campus provide many physical activity clubs for students to take part in, from competitive sport to recreational turn-up and play sessions. Not only is this a great opportunity to start moving more, but making new social connections can be beneficial for our mental health and wellbeing. These sessions usually take place during term time and are open to all students. If you want to find out what is on offer and how to join, contact sportandactive@roehampton.ac.uk.

Movement looks different for everyone, and the most important part is to move your way, so remember to be kind to yourself and don’t worry about what others are doing. Regardless of how you choose to move, any movement that gets our heart pumping and muscles moving will release the “feel good” hormones, which relieve the feelings of stress and anger. And don’t forget to celebrate your achievements! Make sure you congratulate yourself for taking care of your body and mind, recognising your progress is an important part of moving for your mental health.

You can find more information on the wellbeing support available at Roehampton on Nest.