Mental Health Awareness Week: Kelly, How Exercise Transformed My Mental Health
This Mental Health Awareness Week, the theme is ‘Movement.’ And for good reason! Our Lead Therapist at Rainford Hall, Kelly, has experienced first-hand the transformative power of physical activity on mental well-being. It’s not just about getting fit; it’s about feeling better, both inside and out.
Kelly Watson
“I discovered around 20 years ago the importance of getting up and moving, I experienced a life changing event which impacted on my mental health, leaving me feeling unloved, low in confidence, low in mood and not feeling enough for my children. This was the time I realised that when my mental health is negative, I have no appetite and do not want to leave the house.
With a push from a friend, I started getting up and going for walks, I’m fortunate I have lots of green space near my home. Incorporating this change to my daily routine, I noticed I added healthy snacks. My small 10–20-minute walks soon became a daily activity, I added my favourite music to my phone, along with podcasts and audio books, my healthy snacks soon turned into daily breakfasts.
One day I liked how I was feeling and pushed myself to add a run, this was 2-minute walk, followed by a 30 second slow run, after a week I had joined a gym, this allowed me to not use the English weather as an excuse, I was soon attending 4 times a week, feeling I was worth being around, especially for my children. I noticed my appetite had returned, my energy levels had increased and for the first time in what felt like an eternity I could see hope for my future.
Fast forward 20 years, I have run 10k events, attend the gym 4 times a week, incorporating strength and endurance workouts, workout with a PT on a regular basis. When I can I still walk everywhere, even on holiday, which I used to comment on people doing such a thing.
My mental health always improves once I move, if that be in nature or a gym, the act itself is simple, just put 1-foot in front of the other, it’s not always easy, but I can say with true confidence that I have never felt worse for moving my body each day.”
This Mental Health Awareness Week, Kelly encourages you to explore the power of movement. Whether it’s a brisk walk in nature, a yoga class, or a dance party in your living room, find something that makes you feel good, both physically and mentally. You might be surprised at the positive impact it has on your overall well-being.
