Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Month, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness, services available and the promotion of well-being worldwide. In the UK this year, Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from the 13^th to the 19^th of May and the theme of 2024’s week is ‘Movement: moving for our mental health’ focusing on the importance of physical activity for your mental well-being.

Moving for your mind

Exercise has been proven to be massively beneficial for both your mental and physical health. Physical activity can trigger the release of endorphins which are natural mood elevators and painkillers. Endorphins are what gives us that great natural high upon leaving the gym, going for a jog or even just having a dance in the middle of our kitchen. In addition, exercise can reduce the main stress hormones in our body; adrenaline and cortisol, which in turn helps to calm the nervous system’s response to stress. As well as improving your quality of sleep, and leaving your body more rested and restored, exercise can also boost your self-esteem by helping you feel motivated by seeing positive changes in your physical health.

Exercise in Kelso

Living in Kelso and the Scottish Borders, we are blessed with wide open green spaces for exercise, beautiful countryside waiting to be explored as well as a host of fantastic sports clubs and exercise classes to join. Group exercise is also a great way to socially connect with others and combat feelings of isolation or loneliness. Here in Kelso, we’re a friendly bunch with a vast array of clubs, societies and activities ready to welcome new members to.

Wellbeing: what it is and how can we look after it?

Wellbeing is an umbrella term for a variety of positive aspects of your life including physical and mental health, social relationships and your sense of purpose and fulfilment. To feed our wellbeing is to engage in a range of lifestyle choices which impact us positively in body and mind. This is tailored to you and what makes you feel happy, content and calm.

At Visit Kelso, we are passionate about the promotion of positive wellbeing and its impact on our mental health .Our campaign ‘Wellbeing Warriors’ is a way to introduce locals and visitors to ways in which they can take some time for themselves through our many wonderful local businesses.

For more information on our ‘Wellbeing Warriors’ campaign, please click here.

Wellbeing services in Kelso

It’s important to check in with ourselves, surrounding our emotional and physical well-being, to stay in tune with how we are feeling and how that impacts our day-to-day lives, careers and relationships.  A great way to do that is through the use of talking services such as counselling, therapy and hypnotherapy. You can find some fantastic resources in Kelso, for more information click here.

Mindfulness is another great way to connect the body and mind. Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the current moment, with an open and positive attitude. By intentional self-reflection and awareness of your surroundings in a welcoming and grateful manner, this in turn can help you tackle daily life in a way that is much more beneficial to your wellbeing.

Taking some time for yourself through therapeutic treatments can do wonders for your mental health and wellbeing. In Kelso, we have an abundance of body wellness services including massage, reflexology, beauty treatments and chiropractors. Body treatments are great for relaxing tired muscles, healing aches and pains as well as giving you a moment of tranquillity during the hustle and bustle of modern life. For more information, visit our services page.

Relaxing retreats in Kelso

Sometimes we all need a holiday; some time away in new surroundings and a break away from a stagnant routine which in turn can help our minds. In Kelso and the surrounding Scottish Borders, we are privileged to have an array of beautiful town and country escapes waiting to welcome you. A short break in the Scottish Borders will allow you time to rest, catch up on sleep and allow you time to do things you enjoy such as reading, walking and exploring. Visit our ‘Stay’ page for staycation inspiration in and around Kelso. Bringing along your furry friend? We dog owners know how important our dogs are to our happiness so don’t leave them at home; visit our blog post on why Kelso is a top dog-friendly location in Scotland.

Retail therapy in Kelso

Kelso is a beautiful shopping location within the Scottish Borders. Its host of small, independent stores encourages slow, mindful shopping experiences with the kind of personal touch that is often lost in big cities. Kelso has a traditional town centre charm with butchers and bakers, a thriving post office and a wonderful mix of high street stores and small independent businesses. Take your time to meander through our gift shops, hardware stores, clothiers and charity shops and make sure to stop in at many of our delicious eateries during your visit. Visit our ‘Shop’ page to explore what can be found in and around our wonderful cobbled square.

Wellbeing walks around Kelso

Immersing yourself in nature has been shown to have positive effects on your mental health and stress levels, especially in mild weather which can lower those all-important cortisol levels. The sounds, sights and smells of bustling wildlife around us can have a grounding and calming effect on our senses. Life can feel so fast-paced and loud at times, but taking some time to reconnect to nature can greatly improve your mood. This may be in the form of a relaxing bike ride taking in the stunning scenery or a long and winding walk taking in some breathtaking views and reminding ourselves of the beauty of the world around us.

For any questions on wellbeing services available in Kelso, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Contact us here.