Starting the day off right can be a real challenge. We all know the benefits of a sunrise run – the peace of mind, beautiful scenery and surge of early morning energy – but that doesn’t make getting out of bed any easier.
That’s why ASICS is here to give you the extra motivation you need. The Japanese running brand has teamed up with mental health organisation Mind for the #SunriseMind campaign, which will give you the chance to raise money for charity while you exercise.
It works like this: take a photo of yourself working out at sunrise (cycling, running, walking, it doesn’t matter as long as you’re getting a healthy start) and post it to social media with the #SunriseMind hashtag. In return, ASICS will donate £2 to Mind for every image shared, which will go towards supporting research into mental health in sports, and encouraging more people to incorporate exercise into their lives. The campaign ends on 28 March 2021, so get up and get snapping if you want to make a big difference.
How do I take part?
- Lift yourself out of bed at sunrise and start exercising. As the brand says: 'We want to see you and the sunrise. You could be running, walking or playing tennis, in fact, all movement is good for the mind.'
- Take a photo and post it to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #SunriseMind – making sure that your profile is public so that the ASICS team can find it.
- Done! ASICS will donate £2 for every selfie posted, up to a total of £100,000, which will go towards research into exercise and mental health, all helping Mind to provide services for people who are struggling.
Gary Raucher, executive vice president categories at ASICS EMEA, said in a statement: "We know Covid-19 has put even more pressure on the wellbeing of millions of people. We also know and believe that sport and movement can lift spirits and help people feel better.
"For us, 2021 is about unlocking the unique power of sport to uplift our minds. That starts with encouraging people everywhere to move with us at sunrise and will continue throughout the year as we demonstrate our commitments to our founding philosophy of a sound mind, sound body."
Need some inspiration?
Here's some #SunriseMind shots that have already been shared.
ASICS has released a Sunrise Red Collection. Mind has a confidential information and support line, Mind Infoline, available on 0300 123 3393 (lines open 9am - 6pm, Monday – Friday). For information and support on staying mentally healthy at this time, visit mind.org.uk/coronavirus
