MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK 2026
In 2025 we offered you a host of FREE / donation classes and giveaways for MHAW, and this year is no different!
Action: for yourself, for someone else, for all of us
“We’ve chosen Action as this year's theme because, while awareness is vital, real change comes when we take action too.
Together, we’ve come a long way on mental health, but we can’t risk going backwards.
There’s still much we can do to prevent people becoming unwell in the first place.”
(https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/)
For yourself
This Mental Health Awareness Week, find your one thing to boost your mental health. Choose one positive action that works for you.
For someone else
The environment we live in impacts our mental health. What can you do to help build mentally healthy communities, workplaces and schools?
For all of us
Individual actions matter, but they're only part of the story. We need those in power to take action to ensure good mental health for everyone in the UK.
WHAT’S ON AT YB FOR MHAW 2026?
We are taking action and have lots of great stuff for you as an individual, for others you know, and for the communtiy as a whole!
MONDAY 11TH MAY - WIN A 10 CLASS PASS!
Full details will be available on YB IG here.
TUESDAY 12TH MAY - FREE / DONATION YOGA IN THE PARK!
Get outside into nature, with your community, in the beautiful surroundings of Cotteridge Park.
A beginner friendly Yoga class with no pressure or expectation, just come along and enjoy yourself, and nature.
Well behaved kids and dogs are welcome!
Please bring your own mat or towel / a bottle of water / anything else you may need.
The class is held on the Franklin Road side of the park on the bowling green - just look out for people with Yoga mats!
WEDNESDAY 13TH MAY - FLASH SALE
Full details will be available on the website shop page and YB IG here.
THURSDAY 14TH MAY - WIN A WELLBEING GOODY BAG
Full details will be available on YB IG here.
FRIDAY 15TH MAY - BRING A FRIEND FOR FREE
Available for 5:15pm and 6:15pm classes.
Full details will be available on the website shop page and YB IG here.
SATURDAY 16TH MAY - OUTDOOR SWIM @ ESCAPE TO THE LAKE
Full details will be available on the website Outdoor Swimming page and YB IG here.
SUNDAY 17TH MAY - FREE MEDITATION
Available from 7:30PM via Yoga Borne YouTube here.
Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 focusing on “Action” is a powerful reminder that small, intentional steps can genuinely shift how we feel—both individually and collectively.
Yoga & Mental Health
Yoga blends movement, breath, and awareness—making it uniquely effective for mental wellbeing.
· Reduces stress hormones (like cortisol).
· Improves mood by increasing GABA (a calming brain chemical).
· Enhances mind-body awareness, helping you notice and regulate emotions.
· Encourages presence, reducing overthinking and anxiety.
Spending time outdoors has measurable psychological benefits.
NATURE & MENTAL HEALTH
· Lowers anxiety and rumination.
· Boosts mood and creativity.
· Improves attention and focus (especially after screen fatigue).
· Exposure to green spaces is linked to lower rates of depression.
Cold exposure has become popular—and for good reason.
Cold Water Swimming & Mental Health
· Triggers release of endorphins and dopamine (natural mood boosters).
· Can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
· Builds resilience and stress tolerance.
· Creates a strong sense of achievement and alertness.
Two of the three pillars of Yoga Borne.
Humans are wired for connection and community—it’s not optional for wellbeing.
Community & Connection
· Reduces loneliness, a major risk factor for poor mental health.
· Provides emotional support and perspective.
· Strengthens sense of belonging and purpose.
· Sharing experiences can normalize struggles
Self-care isn’t selfish or indulgence—it’s necessary maintenance.
Self-Care & Mental Health
· Prevents burnout and emotional overload.
· Supports emotional regulation.
· Reinforces self-worth and boundaries.
· Creates moments of rest and recovery.
The key message this year is that mental health improves through doing, not just knowing. Small actions compound into meaningful change.
You don’t need to overhaul your life completely —start with:
· One deep breath.
· One step outside.
· One message to a friend.
· One small act of care toward yourself.
IDEAS:
· Even 10 minutes of gentle stretching + deep breathing can reset your nervous system.
· Take a 15-minute walk in a green space—no phone, just observe.
· Start safely—cool showers for 30 seconds and build gradually.
· Reach out to one person today—even a short message counts.
· Choose one small act daily: journaling, movement, rest, saying no, or doing something you enjoy.