There are many reasons why physical activity is good for your body, but did you know that it is also beneficial for your mental health and wellbeing?
Everyday things such as walking around the house, carrying shopping bags or climbing stairs all count, and can add up to the recommended 150 minutes of exercise a week for an adult. There are lots of ways to be active; find the one that works for you and let’s all get physical while boosting our mental well-being.
Exercise
Purposeful activity that increases your heart rate and gets your muscles moving and improving your overall fitness, at the gym or at home.
Play
Unstructured activity that is done for fun or enjoyment, like playing catch with your dog or hula-hooping with the kids.
Sport
From football or squash to cricket, sport is a fun and interactive way of exercising without it feeling like exercise and is a great way to take care of your mental health.
Physical activity has a:
- Positive impact on our mood
- Helps relieve stress levels
- Increases our self-esteem
- Can aid in treating depression and anxiety
- Has been shown to slow down Dementia and cognitive decline in older people
