The Feel Your Personal Best campaign is all about finding ways to get moving so that you can benefit from a difference in mood and energy levels. Physical activity is central to good mental health, but often it can be difficult to make time for your own wellbeing. Each one of the partners, SAMH, sportscotland and Public Health Scotland, want to show, through this campaign, the mental health benefits of physical activity.
Robert Nesbitt, Head of Physical Activity and Sport at SAMH said, “We all know that being active is good for us, but when we’re struggling with our mental health, it can be harder than ever to take those first steps. "Feel Your Personal Best is all about inviting people to take that first step together – whether it’s going for a run or cycle, joining a club or class in your local area, or even just choosing to walk to the shops or work. ''Little changes can have huge benefits, like reducing stress levels, boosting self-esteem and confidence, and helping you to connect with others.”
Feel Your Personal Best originally launched back in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, at a time where many of us found it challenging to stay active. This year, with the added support of Public Health Scotland, we want to encourage everyone to get moving in whatever way works for them and support their physical and mental health in doing so.
Mel Young, Chair of sportscotland said, ''Looking after both your physical and mental wellbeing has been shown to be extremely important for your overall health, and especially over the past few years finding ways to keep both active has been tough.'' ''The Feel Your Personal Best campaign aims to provide people of all ages and abilities, a platform to participate in some form of sport or physical activity that they enjoy and makes them feel good.’’
‘’Making small changes in your active life can have massive impacts and through our partnership with SAMH and Public Health Scotland, we are able to share these messages as widely as possibly.’’
The launch event saw participants from the local area join the partners, at the newly opened Meadowbank Stadium in Edinburgh on Monday (22 August 2022) to celebrate the start of the campaign. Everyone took part in various easy and accessible games, all while learning more about how to look after their mental health and wellbeing from SAMH.
Manira Ahmad, Chief Officer at Public Health Scotland said, ‘’Being physically active improves our mental health, and the good thing is there are lots of ways to do this – alone, with someone else or in groups. It could be walking, swimming, wheeling, or gardening for some, and sports for others.’’
‘’What is important is that we get moving more, in a way that fits with our abilities and adds value to our lives – whether that is clearing your mind, enjoying social interaction or getting satisfaction from setting your own targets and achieving them.'' Feeling your personal best is the aim, and the ways to get there are unique to everyone. We encourage everyone in Scotland to find their own ways to get moving more, and enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits it brings.’’
If you’re taking part in the campaign, please use #FeelYourPersonalBest to share your experiences of how physical activity helps improve your mental health and wellbeing.
Find Out More
- Read more on Feel Your Personal Best on the sportscotland website
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If you’re struggling with your mental health, you’re not alone. Visit samh.org.uk to find support.
