The Nature Moves social media campaign in partnership with Sport Ireland, GOGREEN (UL) and Mental Health Ireland aims to highlight the importance of physical activity in nature.
The campaign is bringing together many people across Ireland who have embraced the positive effects that keeping active and taking notice of the nature around us can have on our mood, wellbeing and health. The beauty and benefits of nature can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age, or circumstances.
Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, John Treacy, commented “Physical activity remains a key component in people’s lives, despite the challenges the ongoing situation presents. The Nature Moves campaign encourages people to practice responsible physical activity in nature and to look after their own health and well-being through taking part in physical activity, while observing the necessary physical distancing and 5km radius restrictions.
Those who are active are more likely to report significantly better physical health than the inactive, evidencing the important role sport and physical activity plays in the promotion of the health of the nation”.
Dr Tadhg MacIntyre, who leads the GO GREEN initiative (Going Outdoors: Gathering Research Evidence on Emotions and Nature) at the Health Research Institute, University of Limerick commented “Nature Moves is a collaboration between researchers at the Health Research Institute UL, Sport Ireland, and Mental Health Ireland. Nature Moves is a low-cost low-risk social intervention which opens opportunities for people to create their own path of discovery in nature. Green exercise, or physical activity in natural spaces, is associated with additional benefits in vitality, mood and health. For those that cannot get outside, digital or technological nature is the term used to describe nature images on your phone, and even short bouts of two minutes of viewing nature can enhance your attentional capacity”.
Chief Executive of Mental Health Ireland Martin Rogan, commented “We have found that it’s often simple tools which can be the most powerful when restoring a sense of calm and clarity, whether it’s throwing open the window while doing the housework, strolling in your local park, or listening to the birds sing while gardening.
We don’t even have to venture from our homes to feel the mental health benefits of moving in nature such as improved mood, better sleep patterns, and reduced levels of stress and anxiety. By working in partnership with Sport Ireland and University of Limerick, Mental Health Ireland has been able to bring this positive mental health and wellbeing message to a new audience that’s inclusive of everyone.”
The hashtag of the campaign is #NatureMoves. The social media campaign hopes to encourage physical activity & engagement with nature, which will enhance the benefits of physical activity. In social media posts, tag @SportIreland, @HRI_UL and @MentalHealthIrl
ENDS
For Further Information:
Anne McCarthy
Marketing Manager, Sport Ireland
[email protected]
086-3771469
Notes to the Editor:
• Download ‘Impact of Covid-19 Restrictions on Sport and Recreational Walking’ Sport Ireland here.
• ‘The Five Ways to Wellbeing’ Mental Health Ireland available here.
