You can read a lot on health and wellbeing and we recognise that some people struggle on their journey trying to go alone. This is a topic always raised at the Couch to 30 minutes and in previous couch to 5km programmes. You get so far and find it hard to continue, so you give up. We have found that sharing your journey with others makes a big difference and provides encouragement when the going gets tough or challenging. Just lately we have some members doing the programme on their own but find the chat group really helps and supports them. Good relationships are so important for your mental health and wellbeing. They can help you to build a sense of belonging being part of a group with the same interests. It gives members a chance to share positive experiences and provide emotional support to other members. Having a safe place such as the “RunTalkRun” or “WalkTalkWalk” sessions provides a safe haven. It’s not a therapy group but it provides the space for members to open up.
Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness, but also helps improve your mental wellbeing by raising your confidence and building your self-esteem. It helps you to set goals or challenges and work to achieve them. Completing any goal at any level really gives you that sense of achievement. Ask the members of our couch group about this, it is amazing no matter how small or big the achievement is, and you will see a positive change to your mood and feel happy about yourself. Research shows that learning new skills can improve your mental wellbeing by boosting your self-confidence, building a sense of purpose and helping you connect with others. We certainly see this happening in our couch to 30 minute group.
Acts of kindness can help improve your mental health wellbeing and the feel good factor goes along way.
Just saying thank you, well done or just recognising small achievements will make someone feel a hundred feet tall. We find that running buddies develop within the group and new friendships emerge, which also becomes a talking point on our activities, Encouragement face to face or in the social media space forms strong bonds and makes everyone feel equal no matter if you are fast or slow. The group is open to everyone no matter what your ability is, we have something for everyone. There is no such thing as being last, which is always a worry for new people joining and when we finish our activities, it’s always with a stretch down and a look forward to the next session. If you want to join us, we meet on Tuesday and Thursday at 5pm and follow a structured programme. Come a long for a taster session, you won’t regret it!
