Physical activity has a positive impact on mental health and emotional wellbeing. While poor mental health and/or physical health can prevent women from engaging in physical activity, getting moving is the best prevention and cure. Regular exercise, balanced nutritious diet, and creating a structured physical activity programme, which allows strong social networks to be developed, and create a sense of community is one of the best ways to promote wellbeing.
It is not just physical exercise which promotes mental health. Tom Daley, who won his first Gold Olympic medal in Tokyo is often seen knitting by the side of the pool. While watching a diving event from the stands he knitted a sweater for Izzy the Frenchie. You can check out what else Tom has been creating here.
If you want to get into crafting and feel the therapeutic benefits for yourself, check out our Shop.
Gender equality is an important point to consider when we talk about sport and mental health. Women’s sports are underfunded and underappreciated meaning barriers to women engaging in sport are not address and can even be exacerbated. Lack of self esteem and body confidence is one of the biggest barriers to physical activity for women. We should also consider the issues of safety of the streets, public transport and near sports venues meaning accessing sport and engaging in physical activity can even be dangerous for women.