Move more for mental health
Mental Health Awareness week gives us another reason to emphasise on the importance of ‘good’ mental health and to bring together the nation to discuss and reduce stigma around the topic. The theme for 2024 is ‘Movement’, which explores how moving more for our mental health can make us happier and healthier.
Many of our associates regularly take part in their local parkrun events. These events consist of an organised 5k run (or walk) which takes place at several parks across the UK every weekend.
We caught up with a handful of our Bosch associates to find out why they choose to take part and how physical activities, which encourage movement, can aid their mental wellbeing.
“Parkrun is a great way to start a weekend, wherever you run there is such a strong sense of community and an infectious positive atmosphere which encourages everyone to have fun. It makes you feel part of something and gives you a lift regardless of how good or bad the weather is.”
Andrew Rose - Head of Compliance, Bosch UK
“Running has always been a hobby of mine, the fact that I can do it myself at any given time makes it easy and accessible. I got into the habit of running fairly regularly since the covid lockdowns and I found that it had a positive effect on both my physical and mental wellbeing. I started running the parkrun last year, during Bosch’s 125th anniversary celebrations, the event is very exciting as it brings out my competitive side and gives me a goal to improve.”
Craig Brown – Senior Chassis Project Manager, Bosch Engineering Group
“As one of the Run Directors at my local parkrun I get told frequently how much our participants appreciate us being there each week for them. Taking part on the rare occasion or just volunteering is great for my mental wellbeing. The connection with other people and the way I feel afterwards is second to none. When starting my parkrun journey, I was very nervous as I didn’t consider myself a runner – in my head a runner had to be fit, athletic run sub x minutes. And that wasn’t me. When I was on the verge of going home a stranger helped me get over those nerves and complete my first parkrun. Parkrun is for everybody – I found a community that doesn’t discriminate and cheers everyone no matter if they are running or walking.”
Emma Holland - Senior Controller and Finance Business Partner, Bosch UK
“Running gives, me time away from daily stress, time to process my thoughts, clear my head and it gives me precious ‘me time’, something that is difficult to find as a working mum. My son joined me at parkrun recently and I hope that running will have the same positive impact on his health and wellbeing as it has on mine.”
Lorna Roberts – Office Manager, ETAS UK
“Running directly improves my mood and reduces stress and thereby enhancing my overall mental wellbeing. Being outdoors and running in natural settings boosts my confidence and gives me a sense of accomplishment.”
Wilson Janey – Government Relations and External Affairs, Bosch UK