Headstrong, the active approach to mental health.
From eating your 'five a day' to making those 10,000 steps, many of us strive for (or are at least mindful of!) those daily activities and behaviours that promote our physical wellbeing.
Yet, whether or not you buy into an active lifestyle, your whole health depends on your physical and mental wellbeing.
Headstrong highlights the need to treat our minds in the same way as we treat our bodies.
With mental health often a taboo subject, our nationwide initiative is designed to put mental and physical health on an equal footing.
Headstrong will help people to regard mental and physical fitness as one health; because there's one you…
Introducing Headstrong
Many of us are familiar with the activities and behaviours that promote our physical wellbeing. We're comfortable with the language and conversations that connect us to physical health (even if we're not running or working-out every day). However, it’s less common to approach mental health in the same way as physical health. That’s why, to help mind this gap, we’re working with Richie Norton, Founder of The Strength Temple.
Founder of The Strength Temple
Founder of The Strength Temple, Richie Norton has created a holistic and individualised approach to health, strength and wellbeing. As a former rugby player, he leads with training in rehabilitation and performance, using his dynamic breathwork practices to build mental strength, provide focus and help deliver a daily dose of calm. Richie has developed a variety of bespoke exercises to nourish mental wellbeing and optimise physical function.
The importance of breathing
Breathing is a given, but are we aware of how we should be breathing? Breathing properly can benefit your mind and body in a number of ways, from managing emotional, physical and mental stress to increasing performance at work or at a sport.
Breath work to beat stress and improve focus
Get comfortable in any seated position. Four different levels of breathing will help you engage your lungs in the right way. Holding your breath in a controlled cycle can bring focus and control, helping your mind to be less distracted.
Breath work to help you sleep
This will calm and relax you after a busy or stressful day by helping you unwind. It is important to find rhythm that works for you. This exercise will help you count your breath internally, triggering your nervous system which helps your body and mind rest, digest and calm down.
Disclaimer: Safety first! We want you to get the most out of these videos and really enjoy the benefits! Please do consult your physician or other health care professional before starting these or any other fitness program to determine if it’s right for your needs, especially if you’re pregnant, or have an existing condition or injury. If you experience faintness, dizziness, pain or shortness of breath at any time while exercising you should stop immediately and seek medical advice. These guided workouts have been designed to benefit your health, but it may not be right for everyone. Exercises to be undertaken at individual’s own risk. AXA PPP healthcare and Richie Norton will not be held responsible for any harm or personal injury which you may suffer as a result of these workouts.
Headstrong in the workplace
We look at how an organisation can develop a wellbeing strategy that approaches mental health and physical health as one.
