HEALTH experts are encouraging people in Craven to get out into the area's parks and open spaces and 'move more' as part of national mental health awareness week, which runs from Monday, May 13 to Sunday, May 19.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, the UK’s leading charity for everyone’s mental health, a short burst of 10-minute brisk walking can boost our mood and increase our mental alertness and energy.

Dr Junaid Azam, GP, in Bradford and Associate Director of Primary Care at Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership, said: “We know there are a number of benefits to moving more, not just for our physical health but also our mental health. You can go for a walk, avoid sitting down for long periods of time, if you do, try to stand up and stretch as well as walking around the room. Listen to music as this will get you moving, swimming, climbing stairs or hills. You can also visit the green spaces across the district, as this will have a positive effect on your wellbeing.”

Dr Azam, continued: “By moving more, it can also help reduce our stress levels, as well as our anxiety. Regular physical activities can help improve the quality of our sleep.

“There are also a number of health benefits to moving more, by undertaking regular physical activity it will lower your risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes, bowel cancer, breast cancer in women, early death, osteoarthritis, hip fracture, falls, depression, and dementia.

Naomi Holdsworth, operations service manager for NHS Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies at Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Moving more is a great way to keep your anxiety and stress levels low however we know that some people may still need additional support. If you do, please reach out to Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies, the service is for people aged 16 and over, who have anxiety and depression, and are registered with a GP in Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale or Craven.

“We offer a range of options to suit individual needs, including phone advice or one-to-one course at a range of locations across the district.”

To access Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies, please visit www.bdctalkingtherapies.nhs.uk or email talkingtherapiesadmin@bdct.nhs.uk or call 01274 221234 (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays).

If you need support with your mental health, please visit the Healthy Minds website www.healthyminds.services providing mental health information, advice and support in Bradford District and Craven.