How Skiing Indoors Helps my Mental Health
16 May 2024
Ahead of Mental Health awareness week, guest of The Snow Centre, Anna Harrison wanted to share her journey of how skiing has helped her mental health…
How often do you ski at The Snow Centre?
Over the last seven years I have regularly skied in The Snow Centre. The time I spend there is very precious for me. It is not only because I can ski over the summer months when there is no snow in the mountains and not only because it improves my fitness. It is more than that.
Why do you feel Skiing has helped your mental health?
Skiing has literally transformed my mental health. As a professional scientist in an environment that is challenging in more ways than one my lifestyle lacked activity that would be fun but at the same time physical, interesting, and varied. I wanted something that could help to clear my mind completely from the stress and the routine of my daily tasks.
At the time that has been overshadowed by a personal loss skiing has opened new brighter horizons for me. Being able to continue to be regularly engaged in the sport I love made me a more happy, balanced person.
And, paradoxically, it made me better and more efficient at my work. After a weekend at The Snow Centre I come back to my lab relaxed, in good physical shape and with a refreshed mindset.
Skiing at The Snow Centre has helped me to cope with challenges of completing a part time post-graduate degree while working full time because it offered exactly the right dose of distraction to keep me focussed on my studies without burning out.
What else do you love about skiing?
Last but not least, I found new friends at the Snow Centre. Sharing training, adventures and life discoveries with like-minded people I met there cannot be overrated.
Skiing and snowboarding are proven to have benefits to your mental health, so be sure to plan in your next session at your local indoor or dry ski slope.
The Snow Centre, Hemel Hempstead offer Ski Lift Passes every day so you can get keep your snow fix going all year round. If you’re not yet Main Slope Ready, don’t worry, you can enjoy a Beginner Ski Lesson or Beginner Snowboard Lesson to start your journey – plus their beginner lessons are currently half price until 31st August 24.
