Your Mental Health

Mental Health: How can physical activity help?

We know being physically active is important for improving physical health. But something many don’t realise is that it’s equally important for improving your mental health. Physical activity has a huge potential to enhance our wellbeing and improve our overall mental health.

We know you want to help friends or family members struggling. The below conversation guide from Mental Health UK is a great way to start conversations sensitively.

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Your Mind Plan

If you are feeling low, Every Mind Matters can provide help. It can advise on how to manage worries, sleep better and boost your mood.

Plus, being physically active provides a huge boost to mental health. Being active is among the most effective type of treatments for stress and depression. For more on how physical activity can help, and ideas on how to get started, scroll down.

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How physical activity can help your mental health and wellbeing

There are several benefits physical activity can provide for mental health. Not only will being physically active and aiming for the recommended 150 minutes a week improve your mood and energy levels, but it can reduce everyday feelings of stress.

It can also provide various opportunities to socialise (for example if you take up a team sport, or group exercise session) which in turn could reduce any feelings of isolation or loneliness.

Getting started: Exercising for mental health

We know it can be hard to find the motivation to go out and exercise, particularly if you’re already feeling stressed or anxious. For some, just ‘going for a run’ isn’t an option, whether that’s due to anxiety or poor mental health, or another condition.

If you are a man living in Norfolk who struggles with mental health, check out All To Play For. This is a social intervention programme designed to get men involved and talking to one another.

Whilst this is currently only for men, there are several programmes aimed at women such as This Girl Can.

See below for some relevant insight on the benefits of physical activity on your mood and wellbeing. Alternatively, you could check out the Active at Home section for designated wellbeing exercises.

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For Healthcare Professionals

Below is some key information about the science behind exercising and the benefits on wellbeing. There are also some useful resources which you can download or signpost patients to. 

For further information about having conversations with people living with mental health or wellbeing issues and the benefits physical activity could provide, please visit Moving Medicine and the E Learning Page for directive conversation support.

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Resource bank for mental health and physical activity

There are several local charities and funds that can help if you need support. In contacting these charities, you’ll be able to chat to someone who works closely with people suffering with their wellbeing. They will also have a good idea of the best steps to take.

We also have case studies and insight to show the benefits of physical activity on our mental health. Finally, there are various resources to help you get physically active.

Local charities and organisations

Downloadable resources

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