We all have emotional and physical needs!

But are we meeting our basic needs as human beings?

Well there’s no denying that the pandemic has made it even more challenging to do this effectively.

Our partner, Suffolk Mind, categorises our needs as:-

• Achievement
• Attention
• Community
• Control
• Emotional Connection
• Food and Drink
• Meaning and Purpose
• Movement
• Privacy
• Security
• Sleep
• Status

But it’s important to understand that mental health is on a continuum that applies to us all. The World Health Organisation agrees and defines mental health as:-

a state of well-being in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.

We are not either mentally healthy or ill. Our mental health falls on a continuum, ranging from excellent mental health to severe symptoms such as panic attacks or major depressive episodes.

Movement and mental health

It’s also important to note that ‘Movement’ supports many of our needs – helping us to stay physically healthy but mentally healthy too.

• Better sleep and happier moods
• Gaining in fitness, strength or flexibility can give us a huge sense of control over our bodies.
• A way to manage stress, anxiety or racing/upsetting thoughts
• Moving can also help us to feel more in control of our lives.
• Reduce your risk of depression
• Increased confidence, self-belief & self-esteem making us feel achievement
• More time to relax, reflect and daydream
• New ways to connect with people
• Going for a walk, run or cycle ride provides time to ourselves for a better sense of privacy
• Movement and exercise brings structure to our day

Information from our partners

Read more about the benefits of movement and mental health and request a copy of a handy sized z-card from the Keep Moving Suffolk website via the link below.

Or read more from Ezra Hewing, Head of Mental Health Education at Suffolk Mind – link below.