Physical activity has been shown to have a tremendous impact on our mental health, and this is the reason RED January was started in 2016. January can be a tough month to get through, but taking part in RED January will give you something to aim for, and a way to beat the January blues.
The aim of RED January is to encourage people to support their own mental wellbeing, as well as to raise funds for
Sport in Mind to help them support others. The idea is to take part in some form of physical activity every day throughout January. The activity can be anything; walking, cycling, yoga, swimming, running. It’s entirely up to you, as long as you make sure to get yourself moving.
Studies have shown that regular physical activity helps to improve our mental health, and January is a month where it is common to struggle with mental health issues such as depression. Regular exercise also helps to alleviate stress, as well as being good for you physically. Even a small amount of movement a day can make the biggest difference to your overall health.
Taking part in RED January can also help you to build a habit, one you will hopefully carry on once the month is over. It is important to choose an achievable goal so you don’t become discouraged; make sure to think about how much activity you can fit in, and on busy days only aim to do 5 minutes - if you manage more, then that’s a bonus.
To sign up, go to the website
join.redjanuary.com
When signing up, you can set a personal fundraising goal, and add some details about your motivation in joining. Then you are able to track your progress throughout the month, as well as connect with others who are taking part.
It is important, now more than ever, to be looking after our mental health, and this is the perfect way to start. Make it a part of your New Year’s Resolutions to move every day in January and see how much better you feel. Even 5 minutes of activity a day can make a huge difference to your mental health.
Thank you for reading.
