It’s no secret that exercise is good for our bodies, but do you know moving is good for our minds too? In fact, exercise can help significantly in preventing mental health problems, increasing positive emotions, and enhancing our overall sense of well-being. Sadly, however, 80% of Hongkongers do not achieve the World Health Organisation’s most basic recommended physical activity levels; 34% of Hong Kong adults reported that they rarely exercise or do no exercise at all.
But, all is not lost! The local mental health charity, Mind HK, is encouraging everyone to move more in 2022 and get off to an active start by joining their 5th annual “Move it for Mental Health 2022” (MoveItHK2022) challenge and completing 280,000+ steps in a stepathon challenge during February. Get your friends, colleagues, and families involved, too!
Participants can take up any physical activity they like such as walking, running, rope skipping, jogging, and hiking in order to complete approximately 10,000 steps per day. The programme is supported by Here to Be, lululemon’s social impact programme and Laureus Sport for Good. All the “movers” who successfully complete 280,000 or more steps between 1 and 28 February 2022, will be eligible for a reward. Companies can also participate as teams to create a greater sense of motivation.
Together with the stepathon challenge, Mind HK is also co-organising several online mental health workshops with InspiringHK Sports Foundation and KELY Support Group. These will target mainly youth aged 13 – 24 years. The workshops will be hosted by clinical professionals, so participants can gain a good understanding of the relationship between physical exercise, lifestyle, and mental health.
Are you ready to join the “Move it for Mental Health 2022” Stepathon Challenge? You can sign up for the Challenge online. Registration closes on 19 February 2022. Let’s get stepping!