New research reveals this winter is set to be the most challenging for mental wellbeing. Olympic legend Sir Mo Farah partners with Buxton Water and Mind on a year-long mission.
Olympic legend Sir Mo Farah, Buxton Natural Mineral Water, and national mental health charity Mind have united to champion physical and mental resilience in a year-long collaboration. The launch comes at an important moment, as new research highlights that this winter is shaping up to be a particularly significant time for mental wellbeing, with more than a third (35%)1 of the nation admitting they feel worse compared to previous winters.
Encouragingly, the start of the year sees Brits setting positive intentions to move more and look after their health, with 43% having set resolutions related to physical activity in the last five years. Yet many are finding it hard to stay active during the winter months (38%)2. With early January seeing chilly subzero temperatures, those who find it hard to stay active in the winter months cite the cold weather as the biggest challenge (78%). Whilst dark mornings and nights (61%), lack of motivation (45%) and feeling low or anxious (30%) make up the top four reasons. Feeling lonely or isolated in the winter months is also an issue for a fifth (20%) of Millennials who find it hard to stay active in the winter months, highlighting just how important the right support can be.
By addressing these barriers and making small, achievable changes, Buxton, Mind and Sir Mo Farah are on a mission to help improve the nation’s overall mental wellbeing. Simple habits from staying active in ways that feel manageable, to maintaining good hydration* can play a valuable role in supporting both physical and mental health throughout the winter months and beyond.
Buxton has announced that Sir Mo Farah is joining the next stage of the Buxton “Sweat and Tears” campaign. Together with long-term partner Mind, Buxton is committed to helping break down the barriers that so many face every day, inspiring a year of movement and hydration, and supporting more than one million people through events and services between 2024 and 2026.
Sir Mo Farah said, “I’ve seen first-hand how powerful exercise and hydration can be, not just for your physical health but for your mind as well. But I also know that getting moving isn’t always easy, especially during the darker months, when motivation can dip. That’s why I’m so passionate about Buxton and Mind’s ‘Sweat and Tears’ campaign. It’s about helping people find a way to move that works for them, and reminding everyone that it’s completely okay to have days where things feel harder. Staying active and maintaining healthy habits, including proper hydration, can make a real difference to both a healthy body and a healthy mind. Just as importantly, it’s about knowing that support is there when you need it”
