Mental Health Awareness Week 2024: Moving for mental health

It's Mental Health Awareness Week from 13-19 May, it happens every year and is a time for people to think about mental health.

This year the theme is around how moving can help to make you feel good.

The Mental Health Foundation says keeping active doesn't always have to be doing sport and intense exercise.

It says: "Going for a walk in your neighbourhood, putting on your favourite music and dancing around the living room, chair exercises when you're watching television - it all counts!"

What's happening this year?

Some schools will hold events to talk about the subject and people might wear a green ribbon or green clothes.

There will be a BBC Live Lesson with Paralympian Ade Adepitan at 11am on Monday 13 May available through CBBC and BBC Teach.

It's important to remember that if you are feeling worried or stressed you should talk to an adult you trust, like your parent or a teacher.

If you're not sure who you would like to talk to, visit Childline, or ring them on 0800 1111, they'll be able to help you with how you are feeling.

What is mental health?

Mental health describes our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing.

It affects how we think, feel, and act but also helps shape how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

Sometimes people can experience mental health problems, which can affect their thinking, mood, and behaviour.

Some people who have never had mental health issues before can also develop them if they have had a very stressful or traumatic experience.

How does moving help your mood?

When you exercise your body releases feel good hormones called endorphins.

Exercising also helps people keep fit and healthy which can have a positive impact on their wellbeing.

What can people do to improve their mental health?

Moving more isn't the only way to improve your mental health, you could also try:

• Talking to someone you trust about how you are feeling

• Getting out in nature

• Doing breathing exercises

• Mindfulness

• Getting enough sleep

• Eating well and getting enough fruit and vegetables in your diet

Advice for people who are feeling stressed or down