Get active and complete at least 30 minutes of any form of movement EVERY day throughout January 2022.

That’s the message from mental health charity Dorset Mind which has launched its New Year challenge.

It follows the success of ‘Move Your Mind’ this year when participants took part in a wide range of online classes and activities.

Feedback to the charity included:

• “I had a much better January than usual”
• “The challenge definitely helped improve my mood and reduced my anxiety”
• “I felt happy, calm and slept better at night.”  

The theme for January 2022 is ‘Move your body, to free your mind’.

It will emphasise the positive benefits of physical exercise on mental health and wellbeing.

Restrictions permitting, the charity aims to organise walks in person, every weekend, at various locations across Dorset as part of its varied January timetable.

The charity points out that regular physical exercise can help anxiety, stress and intrusive thoughts by releasing cortisol, which helps manage stress.

It’s also known to reduce the likelihood of experiencing a period of depression.

Importantly, says Dorset Mind, by concentrating on your body and movement, it gives your brain something else to focus on and can be used as a positive coping strategy.

Marianne Storey, Dorset Mind’s Chief Executive, pictured left, said: “January is notoriously tough after the financial stresses and strains of Christmas time.

“Move Your Mind offers people taking part a fun way to follow the evidence-based ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’ and improve their mental wellbeing.

“Getting active also gives people opportunities to connect with others taking part.

“We hope people will enjoy the challenge of incorporating 30 minutes of activity into their daily routine whilst fundraising for local mental health.

“We’ve seen considerable improvement in our entrants, staff and volunteers due to this initiative and we’re extremely keen to build upon its success.”

Dr Andy Mayers, Dorset Mind Patron and Principal Academic at Bournemouth University, pictured right, added: “I am delighted that we are running ‘Move Your Mind’ again.

“The benefits of activity and exercise on physical and mental wellbeing are well known.

“This is also a great opportunity to raise awareness about mental health, which can often take a hit just after Christmas.”

Registrations are open to everyone across the county, however mobile you are.

As last year, it’s free to enter with the opportunity to either donate or fundraise a suggested minimum £31 (equivalent to £1 per day).

Donations received will help the charity continue to provide its life-changing 1-2-1 and group support for adults and young people across Dorset.

This year, more than £6,000 was raised which could help support and educate two schools, reaching up to 5,000 young people, parents and teachers.

Entrants will be encouraged to share their stories, efforts and progress on the dedicated Instagram account and tag their posts with the key Dorset Mind social handles and #My30Mins hashtag.

It’s hoped this will help inspire others taking part and spur them on too.

The charity aims to repeat the success of its previous activity-based campaigns and expand its online wellbeing community.

Further resources can be found and downloaded by clicking here.

There is also an opportunity to pre-order branded merchandise to support the charity’s vital work across Dorset and your wellbeing plans alike.

To help encourage participants to fundraise for Dorset Mind, the charity is appealing to local businesses to help sponsor the challenge, help promote it and donate fundraising incentives themselves.

If your organisation wishes to help support the charity, please email Hannah at fundraising@dorsetmind.uk.