Activity Action Plan for Mental Health Awareness Week 2024: Move & Thrive

Welcome to our Activity Action Plan for Mental Health Awareness Week 2024! This year's theme, "Move More for Mental Health," aims to highlight the incredible impact of physical activity on our emotional well-being. This free downloadable resource empowers children to reflect on their exercise habits and explore opportunities to incorporate more movement into their daily lives.

Research demonstrates the positive effects of exercise on mental health, from reducing stress and anxiety to enhancing mood and self-esteem. By encouraging children to build more exercise into their week, they are taking steps to improve and prioritise their physical and mental health.

Resource Overview:

Our activity action plan prompts children to assess their current level of physical activity and consider ways to increase their exercise time. Recommended exercise for children aged 5-18 is 60 minutes a day, encompassing activities such as walking, swimming, cycling, and even playing at the park. Through reflection and planning, children can identify opportunities to engage in more movement and reap the benefits for their mental and physical health.

Key Components:

1. Self-Assessment: Encourage children to reflect on their current exercise habits and consider whether they are meeting the recommended guidelines of 60 minutes of daily activity. They can assess the types of activities they enjoy and how often they engage in them.
2. Exploration: Encourage children to explore the different forms of exercise and physical activities that they can incorporate into their daily routines. From walking and cycling to swimming and playing sports, the possibilities are endless!
3. Goal Setting: With a better understanding of their exercise habits and preferences, children can create their weekly action plan, setting achievable goals for increasing their physical activity. This may include scheduling regular exercise sessions, trying new activities, or finding active hobbies they enjoy.

Why It Matters:

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining good physical health and promoting positive mental well-being. By encouraging children to move more and make exercise a priority, we empower them to take control of their health and build lifelong habits that support their overall well-being.

Download this resource now for this year's Mental Health Awareness Week and encourage children to move more for mental health!