January is a quiet time of year for many of us. Days are short (yet the month feels so long), routines are back in place after the holidays, and motivation can feel low. That’s exactly why Move for Mind exists. The challenge, organised by UK mental health charity Mind, invites people to do 31 minutes of movement every day throughout January. You can move your way, at your pace, no matter your fitness level.
Whether it’s a walk, a swim, or even a game of badminton, it all counts towards your challenge and raising funds for mental health support. We think that one way to make this challenge even more fun is to hop on a Great Northern train and explore different places for your 31 minutes of daily movement. Not only will your body benefit from the movement, your mind will benefit from discovering somewhere new and getting out of the usual routine.
What is Move for Mind?
Move for Mind is a free challenge that invites you to move for 31 minutes every day throughout January. All you need to do is register via the Move for Mind Facebook group or through a JustGiving form, set up your personal fundraising page, and you’ll be sent a Mind t-shirt and activity tracker to help you stay on target.
If you raise a bit more, you can also earn a Move for Mind pin badge and, at higher fundraising levels, a medal to celebrate your efforts. It’s a community-focused challenge that’s as much about wellbeing as it is about fundraising.
Why is Move for Mind happening?
Mental health charity Mind aims to make sure that support is available to everyone who needs it. With increasing demand for services and long waiting lists throughout England and Wales, every penny you raise goes towards helplines, online community forums, campaign work, and support resources.
It’s a way to prioritise your own wellbeing at the start of the year while standing up for others who face mental health challenges.
Below are some ideas for ways to take part in Move for Mind that you can reach by train on the Great Northern network. Each one focuses on a different type of movement, so you can pick activities that suit you while exploring new places to keep it interesting.
Ways to Move for Mind this January
1. Go swimming in Hitchin
Nearest station: Hitchin
Swimming is a brilliant low-impact way to move, particularly in January when joints can feel stiff, motivation can dip, and you’d rather do your activity inside.
Hitchin Lido is a popular spot in summer, but you can head to the heated indoor pool this January for your 31 minutes of movement. Swimming is particularly well suited to Move for Mind because it combines physical effort with calm, rhythmic breathing, which many people find positive for their mental health.
2. Stroll through England’s biggest meadow
Nearest station: Huntingdon
Portholme Meadow is one of Huntingdon’s best surprises. A huge sweep of open land beside the River Great Ouse, it feels wonderfully expansive the moment you step onto it, yet it’s only a short walk from the town centre. Walking here turns your 31 minutes of movement into something to really look forward to.
You can follow the river, cut across the grass, or simply wander and see where your feet take you. The ground is flat, the space is generous, and there’s a sense of freedom that makes you want to keep going. Time passes easily here, with movement feeling natural rather than forced, and you come away energised, clearer-headed, and glad you made the effort.
3. Try yoga or Pilates in Welwyn
Nearest station: Welwyn Garden City
Yoga and Pilates are ideal Move for Mind activities, especially if you want movement that supports both body and mind. A single class can easily tick off your daily minutes, making this a good option for busy days.
Stepping off the train and into a calm, welcoming space sets the tone straight away, where movement is about how you feel, not how far or fast you go. Welwyn Garden City is the perfect place for this, as the town is so compact and walkable, with the train station right inside the local shopping mall. There are several independent yoga practitioners and studios in Welwyn, so take your pick.
4. Dance your way through January
Nearest station: Hertford North
Dance is movement that rarely feels like exercise, which is why it works so well for Move for Mind. Whether it’s Latin, contemporary, or a lively fitness‑dance session, stepping into the studio instantly lifts your mood and gets your body moving in ways that don’t feel like a chore.
The music, the rhythm, and the energy of everyone around you make the minutes fly by, leaving you buzzing and accomplished by the time class ends. It’s a type of movement that’s joyful, social, and full of life.
5. Get social with group exercise
Nearest station: Stevenage
Joining a group exercise session at Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre is a fantastic way to Move for Mind while also giving your mental wellbeing a boost. Whether it’s a high-energy fitness class, a gentle circuit, or a friendly game of badminton, the variety on offer here means there’s something for every level and interest.
The real magic comes from the social side, as exchanging a smile, sharing encouragement, and moving alongside others makes the effort feel lighter and the experience more enjoyable. That combination of exercise and social connection is a proven boost for your mood, making 31 minutes here feel energising, rewarding, and thoroughly good for both body and mind.
6. Go wild at Alexandra Palace
Nearest station: Alexandra Palace
Taking on Go Ape at Alexandra Palace is an exciting way to move for Move for Mind while treating yourself to a real adventure. Just a short walk from Alexandra Palace station, you can swing, scramble, and zip through the treetops for the full 31 minutes (and more!) of heart-pumping fun.
It’s active in a way that hardly feels like exercise, and the mix of focus, excitement and fresh air gives a huge boost to both body and mind. Even better, when you travel by train, you can get 15% off at Go Ape.