Be Active

Many people find that physical activity helps to maintain their mental health.

Being active isn’t about being fit.

Don’t worry if you aren’t sporty! Being active doesn’t mean running marathons or training every day at the gym. There are many different things we can do to be a bit more active and feel better. Studies show that being active can enhance your mood and help you sleep better. It can also reduce feelings of stress, depression, anxiety and racing thoughts.

Some Ideas You Could Try

Go for a walk

Human beings evolved to move, but modern lifestyles mean many of us are less active than we used to be. One of the simplest ways of being physically active is to take a brisk walk. Try to notice your surroundings while you’re walking. What can you feel, see, smell, hear?

Simple Stretches

Stretching your muscles increases blood flow to your muscles and joints. It also allows be present with our bodily sensations without judgment.

Being more flexible reduces your risk of getting injured too. Your muscles and joints can move more easily, and your balance is better. 

There are many stretching exercises, but the easiest and simplest are ‘static stretches’. This is when you stand, sit or lie in a still position while you stretch different parts of your body.

Some Simple Stretching Exercises

Less Sitting More Dancing

Research shows that sitting for long periods each day, over time, can be detrimental to our psychological health as well as our physical wellbeing, even if we exercise. So, as well as exercising regularly, it helps to incorporate many moments of movement over the course of our day. You could use the time waiting for the kettle to boil to do a few squats or why not try putting on one of your favourite songs and moving your body however feels good for you?

Want some support to become more active?

If you’re new to getting active it can feel a bit scary! Sport England have put together some great top tips to help you get started and feel the physical and mental benefits that even small increases in movement can bring.

Support for Getting Active