Be active
Being active is great for your physical and mental wellbeing. Evidence proves there is a link between being physically active and good mental wellbeing.
Mental wellbeing means being feeling good about yourself and about the world around you and having the ability to get on with life in the way you want.
Being active doesn’t mean you need to train for a marathon. You need to find physical activity that you enjoy and can fit into your daily/ weekly routine. This may be a daily walk to the shops instead of taking the car, a weekly gardening session, some yoga, swimming or a weekend walk.
Scientists confirm physical activity can help maintain wellbeing and good mental health in a number of ways:
- Physical activity helps with mild depression. Evidence shows it can protect people against the onset of depression and anxiety.
- Physical activity causes a chemical change in the brain which can help change our mood.
- Physical activity brings about a sense of greater self-esteem, self-control and the ability to rise to a challenge – all of which help improve wellbeing.
To get active and keep active you could join a local walking or sports group/club and make new connections while keeping active. There are many fitness apps available to help you get up and out with programmes for all abilities and activities.
Being active for one hour is just 4% of your day.
Plan to protect your mental health and wellbeing:
