Residents are being encouraged to start 2022 being active.

After the success of 'Move Your Mind' earlier this year, local mental health charity Dorset Mind launch its January challenge that encourages people in Dorset to start the New Year by getting active - and completing at least 30 minutes of any form of movement, every day, throughout the month.

The challenge proved to be a huge success with people who took part in a wide range of online classes and activities. They gave the charity feedback such as, "I had a much better January than usual", "The challenge definitely helped improve my mood and reduced my anxiety" and "I felt happy, calm and slept better at night."

As a result, the charity has just announced its new initiative for January 2022.

The theme this year is 'Move your body, to free your mind' – emphasising the positive benefits of physical exercise on mental health and wellbeing.

Restrictions permitting, the charity aims to run walks every weekend at various locations across Dorset as part of their January timetable.

Regular physical exercise can help anxiety, stress and intrusive thoughts by releasing cortisol, which helps manage stress. It's also known to reduce the likelihood of experiencing a period of depression. Importantly, by concentrating on your body and movement, that act gives your brain something else to focus on and can be used as a positive coping strategy.

Dorset Mind's chief executive, Marianne Storey, said: "January is notoriously tough after the financial stresses and strains of Christmas time. Move Your Mind offers people taking part in 'Move Your Mind' a fun way to follow the evidence-based '5 Ways to Wellbeing' and improve their mental wellbeing.

"Getting active also gives people opportunities to connect with others taking part.

"We hope people will enjoy the challenge of incorporating 30 minutes of activity into their daily routine whilst fundraising for local mental health.

"We've seen considerable improvement in our entrants, staff and volunteers due to this initiative and we're extremely keen to build upon its success."

Dr Andy Mayers, Dorset Mind patron and principal academic at Bournemouth University adds: "I am delighted that we are running 'Move Your Mind' again.

"The benefits of activity and exercise on physical and mental wellbeing are well known. This also a great opportunity to raise awareness about mental health, which can often take a hit just after Christmas."

Registrations are open to everyone across the county, however mobile you are – those taking part are encouraged to take part in whichever way they are able to.

As last year, it's free to enter with the opportunity to either donate or fundraise to help the charity continue to provide their life-changing 1-2-1 and group support for adults and young people across Dorset.

To register and access additional resources, follow this link.

To help encourage participants to fundraise for Dorset Mind, the charity is appealing to local businesses to help sponsor and promote the challenge. If you wish to help support the charity, please email Hannah Garrett at [email protected]