Happiful March 2020

Moving
on up
Most of us know exercise
is good for both our
mental and physical
health, but it’s not just
through running and
hitting the gym that you
can reap the benefits.
Here we’ve pulled
together five adventurous
ideas packed with mental
health benefits. Ready,
set... go!
Writing | Kat Nicholls
1 Skydiving
Jumping out of a plane may not,
at first, seem like an enjoyable
activity – but it turns out it could
be just what your mind needs.
Skydiving releases a huge number
of endorphins which can help ease
mild depression, and psychologists
say falling through the sky can
help us to put our emotions into
perspective.
Plus, you don’t have to jump
alone. Tandem skydiving lets you
enjoy the ride while safe in the
hands of an expert. To book your
first jump, visit goskydive.com
2 Team sports
All sports are great for your
health, but team sports in
particular have been found to
have beneficial effects. Working
with others towards a shared
goal is a lovely way to bond with
others, and our social connections
play a big role in emotional
wellbeing.
Head to beinspireduk.org for
ideas and ways to get involved,
or simply do an online search
for team sports in your area.
Many team sports can be adapted
for differing abilities too, visit
parasport.org.uk for more
information.
3 Nordic walking
If you’re already an avid walker
and want to step up your game,
try Nordic walking. Using two
poles to harness the power of
your upper body, the Nordic
walking technique helps you
propel yourself forward, and turns
walking into a full-body exercise.
The poles also take some weight off
the knees and lower body joints,
making it suitable for all ages and
fitness levels.
Visit nordicwalking.co.uk to learn
more and to find a local instructor.
4 Surfing
From Cornwall to Scotland, the
coastlines of the UK have some
great surfing spots. Being at one
with nature, and the adrenaline
rush you get after catching
the perfect wave, makes it an
unsurprisingly great activity for
your mental health. Apparently, just
30 minutes spent catching waves
can reduce negative thoughts, and
decrease self-destructive behaviour.
Wave Project is a mental health
surfing charity that can help you
use surfing as a coping strategy.
Head to waveproject.co.uk to find
out more.
5 Horse riding
Horses are used as therapy aids
because they’re incredibly intuitive
and have the ability to mirror your
feelings. This can make horse
riding especially beneficial for
those living with mental illness.
Horse riding is also accessible for
all abilities – the Riding for the
Disabled Association has nearly
500 centres across the UK, learn
more at rda.org.uk.
If you want to reap the mental
health and therapeutic benefits
specifically, search for equine
therapy services in your area.