Mental Health affects 1 in 4 people in the UK. It can affect people in many ways, but there’s a lot of ways to combat it.
One way is through Sport.
Playing Sport, whether it be recreational or performance, helps release chemicals like serotonin and dopamine that is able to improve your mood.
It also reduces stress and anxiety.
Many organisations such as Sport England and the Mental Health Foundation heavily encourage to take part in Physical activity.
Sport BU staff member, Victor Haynes, said: “Sport to me is a form of escaping from the realities of life”.
He also said that: “It’s a way to benefit all aspects of life”.
“Not just Mental Health but also physical and mental wellbeing”.
Haynes said that Sport, particularly the gym, also massively helped his self-confidence that he didn’t have before going.
“Me getting into the gym and bulking up help me gain confidence I thought I never had and helped me gain clarity on things”.
Many other celebrities, such as Ellie Goulding and Demi Lovato, have also said that Sport and Physical Activity has helped their mental health.
A survey posted on social media asked Bournemouth locals whether they believe that physical activity is beneficial to your mental wellbeing.
Results of a survey submitted by Bournemouth locals, proving the relation between mental health and sport
If you do feel like you need to speak to someone at any time, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123, or the NHS helpline on 111.
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