Get active to aid mental health

Young sport leaders in Monklands are urging communities to stay active to boost their mental health as part of the national “Feel Your Personal Best” campaign.

The partnership between sportscotland and SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) was launched in June and has been backed by Olympic legend Sir Chris Hoy.

Championing the message in Lanarkshire are members of the Young People’s Sport Panel (YPSP): Mya Thompson and Ben Fitzpatrick.

They are encouraging locals to increase their physical activity to reduce stress and anxiety after the impact the pandemic has had on people’s mental health.

The campaign follows new research which revealed that 60 per cent of Scots who were active throughout the pandemic said it had a positive impact on their wellbeing.

Mya, who studies at the University of Strathclyde, is an Active Schools volunteer who dances and coaches with Redemption Dance Crew in Uddingston.

She said: “Regular physical activity can greatly enhance our overall wellbeing, participation in sport and physical activity can increase our selfesteem and reduce stress and anxiety.

“Whether it’s a 10-minute walk or a one-hour dance class, it can help build a positive mood and give us the energy to enjoy the rest of the day.”

Chief executive of sportscotland, Stewart Harris, added: “Looking after our own physical and mental wellbeing has been challenging during that time but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“Keeping the body and mind active is crucial to our overall health and we hope the Feel Your Personal Best campaign will give people across Scotland a platform to get out and do whatever sport or physical activity helps them to feel better.”