HEADSPACE + MENTAL HEALTH WEEK
HEADSPACE DAY + NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH WEEK
Headspace day took place on Monday 9 October 2017, as part of National Mental Health Week. This national day of awareness aims to educate young people on the importance of taking care of their mental health, and preventing issues early on before they become more serious.
The statistics around mental health in Australia are important for us to all be aware of:
- Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia. On average, 1 in 4 people – 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men – will experience anxiety.
- 3 million Australians are living with depression or anxiety
- Men are less likely to seek help than women, with only 1 in 4 men who experience anxiety or depression accessing treatment.
- Over 75% of mental health problems occur before the age of 25.
Whether it's pounding the pavement on a daily run, punching some boxing bags, flowing through some Downward Dog, those who make a habit of exercise often say one thing that helps them stick at it is that it simply makes them feel good.
Dr Nicola Burton, senior research fellow in the University of Queensland's school of human movement studies, says when it comes to exercise "we're not only talking about preventing poor mental health or treating it, but promoting good mental health. Even if you don't have depression or anxiety or a serious mental illness that you want help managing, you can enhance your wellbeing and vitality."
Exercise can boost mood, concentration, alertness, and even your ability to look on the bright side of life. So look for something that you love doing, and make it a habit.
As part of Headspace Day the crew here at Fitness Ring held some training sessions for lovely people at Hays Recruitment, running lunchtime sessions of HIIT and Boxing in support of their charity partner, Headspace.
#headspaceday