A Bamber Bridge fitness studio wants people to join them in writing positive messages on the studio mirror to help banish the blues.

The awareness campaign has been launched at Mel Bartley Fitness this Blue Monday – the third Monday of January, which has come to be considered as the most depressing day of the year thanks to a combination of post-festive blues, cold dark nights and end of the month financial strain.

The campaign is designed to combat the blues by asking clients to openly chat about their mental wellness, and write their own words of positivity on the studio mirror.

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The private personal training studio is also offering free expert advice on how physical exercise is proven to boost mood, aid confidence and improve sleep.

Studio owner Mel Bartley, 29, from Lostock Hall, said: “Talking openly about anxiety, depression and any form of mental illness has been a taboo for too long.

“Recognising symptoms no matter how small they seem is critical for recovery.

“Here at our studio we are fully aware that how you feel on the inside is much more important than how you look on the outside.”

Clients have already started to write down their ‘why’ to remind themselves of the reason they take part in exercise.

The scribes are unrelated to how they look on the outside and everything to do with how it makes them feel on the inside.

The mirror of positivity will remain in situ until the end of the month to help people reflect, set new mental health goals and share their words of positivity. 

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Mel added: “Clients that have personal training sessions, attend our bootcamp or enjoy our evening yoga sessions are mostly here to feel better about themselves in some way. 

“Exercise, whether that’s in private or class format, is proven to have a positive impact on mood.

“Doing something physical releases cortisol which helps us manage stress. Being physically active also gives your brain something to focus on and can be a positive coping strategy for difficult times, irrational thoughts or periods of anxiety.”

Mel Bartley Fitness is open every day of the week. To find out more, visit their website or call 07771 614509.

Read more: Proud Preston – how our city has championed mental health support in 2019

What do you think of the mirror of positivity? Do you feel the benefits of exercise on your mental health? Let us know in the comments.