THE development manager of Reading’s charity Sport in Mind speaks of the mental benefits exercise has on our minds. Laura Brooks, writes:

For many people staying at home and self-isolating or feeling the strain of having their outdoor time severely limited, presents a very difficult and challenging time.

During these uncertain weeks ahead, it will be more important than ever to look after your mental health.

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Sport in Mind, the nationally acclaimed Reading formed charity, whose mission is to use sport and physical activity to improve the lives of people experiencing mental health problems, knows this more than most. Staying physically active is essential for maintaining both physical and mental wellbeing.

The physical health benefits of being active are widely recognised, as it can help people maintain a healthy weight and prevent a number of serious physical health problems.

The mental health benefits, although not as widely recognised, are equally as important as being active is highly effective at improving our mental well-being, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, building confidence and self-esteem, and improving concentration and sleeping patterns to name just a few.

The biggest challenge today is how to keep active with our opportunities now somewhat limited. Whether you were exercising regularly before lockdown or could benefit from moving a little bit more, it’s never been more important to try and get active.

With all of us being limited in what we can do at the moment, it’s important to know there are still lots of options out there. There are huge numbers of online sessions running through You Tube, Zoom, etc...

Or if you’re bored of going online, there are lots of other things you can do too - a simple mindful walk, contemplating whether surroundings have changed since lockdown, listening out for the birds singing as there’s less background noise at the moment.

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Or if you are not able to leave your home, you could walk in your garden or up and down the stairs whilst listening to your favourite music.

If you have social media, let @sportinmind know how you’ve been staying active in these difficult times as what you’ve been doing really could inspire others.

Why not join the 2.6 Challenge from Sunday, April 26, to help our charity in these difficult times. The aim of the challenge is to do something active that includes a 2 and 6 - maybe skipping 2.6 km around your garden, 26 star jumps or 26 step ups.

Visit www.twopointsixchallenge.co.uk to set up a fundraising page for us and then get promoting to all your friends! Thank you for your support.

For more information about Sport in Mind visit www.sportinmind.org.