Watch Ellie Simmonds and Maro Itoje get moving for their mental health

Poor mental health affects how we think, feel and act at every stage of life. Often, it can go unnoticed by those around us.

Today, one in six Brits over the age of 16 experience symptoms of a common mental health problem, including anxiety and depression, and 20% of children between the ages of 8 and 16 are also impacted by mental ill-health.

However, reports show that regular physical activity can significantly improve our mental health.

Vitality data shows that members who record at least two active days a week reduce their psychiatric risk by 17% [1].

However, more than one third of UK adults say they find it difficult to allocate time to exercise.

So, with a little help from our Ambassadors, Ellie Simmonds and Maro Itoje, Vitality is encouraging you to get active for your mental health.

For Mental Health Awareness Week, we asked the duo to bring their A game in a round of mini golf.

Watch as they get competitive on the putting green, discuss what good mental health looks like to them, plus, how they find enjoyment in the day-to-day; to borrow Ellie’s lyrical words: “You’ve only got one shot”.

Watch all this and more below.

So, why not take Ellie and Maro’s lead and grab your friends and family for a game of mini golf?

Physical activity doesn’t mean you have to be in the gym for hours on end. All bodily movement requires energy, including gardening, going for a walk or taking the stairs instead of the lift.

But if you find yourself lacking motivation or feeling anxious about getting active, try reaching out to a friend or loved one – it can be incredibly helpful.

[1] Vitality Health Claims Insights report, 2023

Related: How physical activity can hack your anxiety