Moving for mental health: finding what works for you

This is a short, accessible resource to prompt conversation among staff about the benefits of getting outdoors and building exercise into their self-care practice. 

It promotes positive attitudes to mental health and wellbeing from the perspective of a teacher with ADHD. In the resource, the author shares her story of how physical activity helped her regulate and manage her wellbeing after a period of stress and depression. She also shares ‘Tips from an imperfect teacher’, offering practical ways education staff can incorporate movement into their routine. 

This is a useful resource to signpost to staff who may be struggling with their mental health. The tone is supportive and uplifting, and staff may be able to relate to elements of the author’s story. It could also be used to support a staff wellbeing training session. 

This resource was produced for Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 and the theme ‘Movement: moving more for our mental health’. This doesn’t affect the content – it is still useful and relevant beyond the event.  

Using this resource

This resource is designed for: 

• use by education staff across all settings 

• use by mental health leads 

• use by school or college leaders. 

Learning outcomes

This resource addresses the following learning outcomes: 

• Access and utilise tools, strategies and resources for staff to support their own mental health so that they can look after themselves 

• Signpost and promote awareness of resources to support staff.