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Physical Activity and Mental Wellbeing

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This page provides information about how physical activity can help your mental health, and tips for choosing an activity that works for you, and how to overcome anything that might stop you from becoming more active.

What is physical activity?

Being physically active means sitting down less and moving our bodies more. Many people find that physical activity helps them maintain positive mental health, either on its own, or in combination with other treatments.

This doesn’t have to mean running marathons or training every day at the gym. There are lots of different things you can do to be a bit more active.

However, it can be difficult to be physically active, especially if you are feeling unwell. We have information which you may find helpful if:

How can physical activity help my mental health?

There are many studies which have shown that doing physical activity can improve mental health. For example, it can help with:

  • better sleep – by making you feel more tired at the end of the day
  • happier moods – physical activity releases feel-good hormones that make you feel better in yourself and give you more energy
  • managing stress, anxiety or intrusive and racing thoughts – doing something physical releases cortisol which helps us manage stress. Being physically active also gives your brain something to focus on and can be a positive coping strategy for difficult times.
  • better self-esteem – being more active can make you feel better about yourself as you improve and meet your goals
  • reducing the risk of depression – studies have shown that doing regular physical activity can reduce the likelihood of experiencing a period of depression
  • connecting with people – doing group or team activities can help you meet new and like-minded people, and make new friends.

But physical activity isn’t always helpful for everyone’s mental health. You may find that it is helpful at some times and not others, or just that it doesn’t work for you. For some people, physical activity can start to have a negative impact on their mental health, for example, if you have an eating problem or tend to overtrain.

What if I’m feeling unwell?

When you’re feeling unwell, it can be really hard to get started and it can be frustrating when people tell you about the benefits of being more active.

If you’re in a really bad place, don’t be too hard on yourself if you can’t exercise. It can be easy to start feeling guilty or beat yourself up about not exercising, and this can start to contribute to feeling unwell.

You may need to focus on other things for a while, and build some physical activity into your routine once you’re feeling a bit better. It’s important to find a balance, and figure out what works best for you.

You may need to focus on other things for a while, and build some physical activity into your routine once you’re feeling a bit better. It’s important to find a balance, and figure out what works best for you.

What type of activity might work for me?

Being physically active tends to be easier if you choose an activity that you enjoy, and that fits into your daily life. If you force yourself to do something you don’t enjoy, you’re much less likely to keep it going and experience benefits to your mental health.

There are lots of different things you can try – not everybody will enjoy or feel comfortable doing all of these activities, so you may need to try a few before you find something you like. You may also find that different things work for you at different times, depending on how you’re feeling.

If you think you might find it hard to get going with any of these things, we have information which may help you get started.

u003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eTry to sit less u003c/strongu003e– if you spend lots of time sitting down, try to get up and move around a bit every hour. If you’re worried you might forget, you could set an alarm to remind yourself.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eChair-based exercises u003c/strongu003e– if you have mobility problems, a physical condition, or find it difficult spending time out of a chair, u003ca href=u0022https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/sitting-exercises/u0022u003ethe NHS website has activity routines youu003c/au003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/sitting-exercises/u0022u003e can try while sitting downu003c/au003e.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003ePlay an active computer game u003c/strongu003e– there are a few different gaming consoles you could try which involve actively moving your body while playing computer games.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eDo exercises or stretches at home u003c/strongu003e– the u003ca href=u0022https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/gym-free-workouts/u0022u003eNHS website has lots of different routinesu003c/au003e, or you could try an exercise CD or DVD.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eDo an online activity programme u003c/strongu003e– there are lots of free, online exercise regimes designed for you to try at home, including everything from chair-based exercises to yoga and cardio workouts.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eDo active household choresu003c/strongu003e, like hoovering, tidying or DIY.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eInclude more activity in your day-to-day routine u003c/strongu003e– run up the stairs instead of walking, carry your bags of shopping in one at a time or do some gentle stretching while you’re watching TV.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eDance u003c/strongu003e– put on some music while you’re cooking and dance around your kitchen, or have a mini dance party with your friends or family.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003e

u003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eWalk a bit more u003c/strongu003e– to work, to the shops, or to the end of the road and back.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003ePlay a game in the park u003c/strongu003e– for example, frisbee, tag or a game of catch.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eTry a new sport, or join a team, group or exercise class u003c/strongu003e– the u003ca href=u0022http://beinspireduk.org/playu0022u003eBe Inspiredu003c/au003ewebsite has lots of information about what different sports and activities are like, and how to get involved.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eVolunteer outdoors u003c/strongu003e– u003ca href=u0022http://tcv.org.uk/greengymu0022u003eThe Conservation Volunteers u003c/au003eandu003ca href=u0022http://wildlifetrusts.org/closer-to-nature/volunteeru0022u003e The Wildlife Trusts u003c/au003erun outdoor volunteering projects around the UK.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eFind your local leisure centre u003c/strongu003e– leisure centres have a range of sports facilities, such as badminton and squash courts, and run exercise classes and groups, such as Zumba and aerobics. They often feel more inclusive than private gyms, and many have discount schemes and childcare facilities. Check your u003ca href=u0022https://gov.uk/find-local-councilu0022u003elocal councilu003c/au003eu003ca href=u0022https://gov.uk/find-local-councilu0022u003e website u003c/au003eto find your nearest centre.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eTry a dance class u003c/strongu003e– from Zumba to swing, ballroom or dancercise, the u003ca href=u0022https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/dance-for-fitness/u0022u003eNHSu003c/au003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/dance-for-fitness/u0022u003e website has a directory of classes in your local areau003c/au003e.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eWalking or running groups u003c/strongu003e– u003ca href=u0022https://walkingforhealth.org.uk/u0022u003eWalking for Healthu003c/au003e,u003ca href=u0022https://www.mind.org.uk/letswalkcymru.org.uku0022u003e Let’s Walku003c/au003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003ca href=u0022https://www.mind.org.uk/letswalkcymru.org.uku0022u003eCymruu003c/au003e, u003ca href=u0022http://ramblers.org.uk/u0022u003eRamblers u003c/au003eand u003ca href=u0022http://runtogether.co.uk/groupsu0022u003eRun Together u003c/au003eall organise free, inclusive local groups with trained volunteers.rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eOutdoors gyms u003c/strongu003e– some local parks have free outdoors gym equipment you can use. You can try your local council website to find the location of any outdoor gyms near you.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eCycling u003c/strongu003e– whether riding to the shops or to work, or going on long bike rides at the weekend, the u003ca href=u0022https://sustrans.org.uk/u0022u003eSustrans u003c/au003ewebsite has lots of ideas for routes and information about safe cycling to get you started.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eAdventure gaming apps u003c/strongu003e– some gaming apps are a great opportunity to explore outside.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eA mindful sport, such as u003cstrongu003eyogau003c/strongu003e, u003ca href=u0022https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/guide-to-pilates/u0022u003eu003cstrongu003epilatesu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003e,u003ca href=u0022https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/guide-to-tai-chi/u0022u003e u003cstrongu003etai chiu003c/strongu003eu003cstrongu003e u003c/strongu003eu003c/au003eoru003ca href=u0022https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/nordic-walking-health-benefits/u0022u003e u003cstrongu003eNordic walkingu003c/strongu003eu003cstrongu003e u003c/strongu003eu003c/au003e– the NHS website has information about what these involve and how to find classes.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eGardening or seated gardening u003c/strongu003e– the u003ca href=u0022http://carryongardening.org.uk/u0022u003eCarry on Gardening u003c/au003ewebsite has information about gardening for emotional wellbeing and with particular disabilities. If you don’t have a garden at home, the u003ca href=u0022http://farmgarden.org.uk/u0022u003eSocial Farms u0026amp; Gardens u003c/au003ewebsite has details of community garden and farms around the UK.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eBe active in nature u003c/strongu003e– our information on u003ca href=u0022https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/nature-and-mental-health/u0022u003enature and mental health u003c/au003ehas lots of ideas for getting active outdoors.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eSwimming u003c/strongu003e– u003ca href=u0022http://swimming.org/u0022u003eswimming.org u003c/au003ehas a search tool to find your local pool, information about adult swim classes and water-based sports such as aqua aerobics, aqua Zumba, water polo and synchronised swimming, as well as pool exercises you can do on your own.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003e

u003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eMusic u003c/strongu003e– putting music or a podcast on your headphonesOu003ca href=u0022https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/donate-or-fundraise/take-on-an-active-challenge/u0022u003exu003c/au003ecan help distract, entertain or motivate you while you exercise.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eApps and programmesu003c/strongu003e, such as the NHS’s u003ca href=u0022https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/get-fit-with-strength-and-flex/u0022u003eStrength and Flex u003c/au003eandu003ca href=u0022https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/get-running-with-couch-to-5k/u0022u003e Couch to 5Ku003c/au003e, give you step-by-step programmes to follow, include information about how to exercise safely and help keep you motivated.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eEnjoy alone time u003c/strongu003e– being active alone can provide a good way to reflect on how you’re feeling or practise being mindful.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eOnline communities u003c/strongu003e– you could check in with other people are who also trying to get more active on an online community, such as Mind’s community u003ca href=u0022https://www.mind.org.uk/elefriends/u0022u003eElefriendsu003c/au003e. This can help you stay motivated and connect with others in a similar situation.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eAsk for recommendations u003c/strongu003e– some activities are more inclusive than others. Try asking your GP, friends or an online community like Elefriends for recommendations and tips.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eRaise money for charity u003c/strongu003e– many charities, including u003ca href=u0022https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/donate-or-fundraise/take-on-an-active-challenge/u0022u003eOxfordshire Mindu003c/au003e, support people who want to do an active challenge, like an organised run or bike ride, and use it as a chance to raise funds and support the charity’s work.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eIf you u003cstrongu003eidentify as female, u003c/strongu003echeck out the u003ca href=u0022http://thisgirlcan.co.uk/activitiesu0022u003eThis Girl Can u003c/au003ewebsite for lots of ideas, from trying a new sport to being more active as part of your day-to-day life.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eExercise with other people u003c/strongu003e– many people find that joining a group or getting active with someone they know – like a friend, family member, colleague or support worker – can be motivating and make a new activity more enjoyable.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003e

u003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eDisability sports u003c/strongu003e– the u003ca href=u0022https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/get-active-with-a-disability/#search-activities-and-eventsu0022u003eNHS u003c/au003eandu003ca href=u0022https://www.disabilitysportwales.com/u0022u003e Disability Sports Wales u003c/au003ewebsites list local organisations that offer disability sports in your area, whatever your disability or level of fitness.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eWalking sports u003c/strongu003e– many sports are available in a walking version, such as walking football, walking hockey or walking basketball.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eInclusive gyms u003c/strongu003e– the u003ca href=u0022http://www.activityalliance.org.uk/get-active/inclusive-gymsu0022u003eActivity Alliance u003c/au003ehas information about inclusive gyms and leisure centres, which offer welcoming and accessible environments for people with disabilities. This includes a search tool to help you find an accredited inclusive gym in your area.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eTry an NHS routine u003c/strongu003e– the u003ca href=u0022https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/get-active-with-a-disability/u0022u003eNHS website has tips and routines for people withu003c/au003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/get-active-with-a-disability/u0022u003e disabilities u003c/au003ewho want to get more active, as well asu003ca href=u0022https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/wheelchair-users-fitness-advice/u0022u003e fitness guides for wheelchairu003c/au003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/wheelchair-users-fitness-advice/u0022u003e usersu003c/au003e.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eSpecific activities for people with a mental health problem u003c/strongu003e– some local Minds offer physical activity sessions through Mind’s u003ca href=u0022http://getsettogo.mind.org.uk/u0022u003eGet Set to Go programmeu003c/au003e.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eAsk for a referral to a physical activity scheme u003c/strongu003e– if you have a mental health problem, your GP may be able to refer you to a physical activity programme.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003e

How can I start getting active?

It can be difficult to start being more active, particularly if you’re not feeling well or you feel like there are things getting in the way.

These are some tips to help you get started.

  • Start off slowly. It may take a while to build up your fitness. Doing too much at first will make you feel tired and may put you off.
  • Plan a realistic and achievable routine. Try to find ways to be active that fit into your day-to-day life around your commitments, or build activity into your daily life. Trying to move a bit more every day can really help.
  • Be kind to yourself. Sometimes you can’t be as active as you would like, and your energy levels will vary on different days. It’s fine to slow down or take a break.
  • Try to identify your triggers and work around them. For example, if you find leaving the house difficult or don’t like to exercise in front of other people, you could try doing some exercise at home.
  • Keep trying. It may take a while to find an activity you like. As well as trying different activities, you may find that you prefer a particular class, instructor or group.
  • Work with your highs and lows. If you take medication that leaves you feeling exhausted in the mornings, let yourself rest and build in some exercise later on. If you find that exercising in the evenings affects your sleep, try doing some activity earlier in the day. You may also have periods of time when you’re unable to exercise because of your mental health – that’s OK. Let yourself have a break if you need it, and start again once you’re feeling better.
  • Have some alternatives. If you can’t be as active as you would like, it’s a good idea to have alternative options that will help lift your mood. See our information on self-care for ideas.
  • Try not to compare yourself to other people. Set your own goals based on your own abilities and what you would like to achieve. Try to pay attention to how you are feeling and the progress you are making rather than other people.
  • Find activities you can do for free. The NHS website has lots of ideas for getting active without spending any money.
  • Look for local schemes and discounts. Some councils offer cheaper leisure centre memberships for people who want to be physically active, especially if you have a health problem or are inactive, so it’s worth checking your council’s website. Many private gyms also offer free trials or discounts.

How much activity should I do?

There are lots of benefits to being more active, and any amount of physical activity can help. You don’t have to begin a vigorous training plan to start feeling better.

How much activity you decide to do is personal to you. This will depend on your current level of activity and fitness, and what you can fit in with your day-to-day life.

There may also be things that affect how much activity is safe for you to do, such as medication you might be taking, an eating problem, anxiety, OCD, or a physical health condition. See our information on what to do before you start exercising if you think these things may affect you.

What’s important is that you work out what feels realistic for you at the moment. This may change from time to time, depending on how you are feeling, and what you are able to do.

The u003ca href=u0022https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/u0022u003eNHS website has information about how much exercise a person is recommended tou003c/au003e u003ca href=u0022https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/u0022u003edo each weeku003c/au003e, and how intense (moderate or vigorous) this activity would ideally be. The NHS’s information includes examples of activities which count as moderate or vigorous exercise.rnrnHowever, it’s important to remember that this is just a guide based on the average person, and it’s OK if you don’t feel like you can achieve this right now. The important thing is to start to try to increase your activity levels, and to find something that works for you.

Doing too much physical activity can be as unhealthy as doing too little. This is called overtraining or overexercise.rnrnOvertraining can have a negative impact on both your mental and physical health. For example, it can:rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003ecause u003cstrongu003einjury and long-term physical damage u003c/strongu003eto tendons, ligaments, bones, cartilage and joints.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003edestroy u003cstrongu003emuscle mass.u003c/strongu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003ebecome u003cstrongu003elife-threatening u003c/strongu003e– if your body isn’t getting enough nutrition, it is forced to break down muscle for energy.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003ehave a negative impact on u003cstrongu003eyour relationshipsu003c/strongu003e, u003cstrongu003emood u003c/strongu003eand u003cstrongu003eability to function u003c/strongu003ein other areas of your life.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003ch3u003eHow can I spot if I’m overtraining?u003c/h3u003ernIt can be really hard to spot that you are starting to overtrain. Some signs that you may be overtraining include:rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eNever having a u003cstrongu003eday offu003c/strongu003e – including training when injured or unwell.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003ePhysical activity has started to affect your u003cstrongu003erelationships, worku003c/strongu003e, u003cstrongu003ehobbies u003c/strongu003eor u003cstrongu003eother responsibilitiesu003c/strongu003e.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eYou feel u003cstrongu003eanxious or irritable u003c/strongu003eif you miss a session.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eYou constantly feel you have to u003cstrongu003epush yourself u003c/strongu003eto go further, faster or heavier.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eYou u003cstrongu003eno longer enjoy it u003c/strongu003ebut feel it’s something you have to do.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003ch3u003eHow can I stop myself from overtraining?u003c/h3u003ernIf you feel like you are overtraining, it can help to:rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eRe-focus u003c/strongu003e– re-assess why you wanted to be active in the first place and what you enjoy about it.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eTry a new activity or mix up your routine.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eTry a less competitive sport or atmosphere u003c/strongu003e– like tai chi, yoga or pilates, or a different class or instructor.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eLimit your exercise time u003c/strongu003eto a healthy schedule – for example, sessions of 30 minutes, 5 times a week.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eListen to your body u003c/strongu003e– have some time off if you need it, or if you’re in pain or unwell.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eTake a break u003c/strongu003e– you may need to stop exercising for a while to focus on other things.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eSeek help u003c/strongu003e– you may need to get support if you feel like overtraining is starting to have a negative impact on your mental or physical health – for example, by u003ca href=u0022https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/talking-to-your-gp/u0022u003evisitingu003c/au003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/talking-to-your-gp/u0022u003e your GPu003c/au003e.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003e

What should I consider before I start getting active?

If you have a mental health problem, or if you’re physically unwell, there may be certain things that might affect the type and amount of activity you can do. It’s important to think about these before you start getting active, to make sure what you’re doing is safe.

Medication

Some medication can cause side effects that affect the type and amount of physical activity that is safe for you to do. Always check with your GP before you start a new routine, or if you change your medication or dose.

For example:

  • Some antidepressants can cause dizziness, high or low blood pressure, or affect your heart rate.
  • Antipsychotics can cause muscle spasms, disturbed heart rhythm and palpitations, drowsiness, blurred vision or dizziness.
  • Beta-blockers slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure, so your heart will work harder when exercising. You may need to adjust how you exercise to avoid becoming exhausted by this.
  • If you take lithium, you should check with a GP before doing any physical activity. This is because losing fluid from your body during exercise (for example, by sweating) can sometimes increase the concentration of lithium in your blood to a harmful level.
  • Tranquillisers, for example benzodiazepines like Diazepam, can slow your reaction times, or cause drowsiness, dizziness or unsteadiness.

Anxiety or panic attacks

If you experience anxiety or panic attacks, you might find that some of the physical sensations you get while exercising, such as raised heart rate, feeling shaky or dizzy, breathlessness or feeling hot, can feel similar to a panic attack. This can then cause you to feel anxious, and may cause a panic attack.

If you experience this:

  • Start off slowly. This may help you spot the difference between the effects of physical activity and a panic attack.
  • Do a gentler activity. An activity that focuses on strength and stretching, such as yoga or tai chi, may work better for you than one that requires more intense exercise.
  • Take deep, slow breaths. This may help stop you hyperventilating. Focus on breathing out.
  • Avoid triggering situations. For example, if you want to avoid crowds or travelling, you could go jogging or walking in a local park, or try exercising at home.

Eating problems

Many people with eating problems have a complex relationship with exercise,

and overtraining can become an unhealthy part of your condition. However, physical activity can still be a positive part of your recovery – you may just need to be more careful about the type and amount of activity you do.

If you have, or are recovering from, an eating problem, it is a good idea to talk this through with your GP before you start an activity.

Read Angela’s blog about taking on a difficult trek to Iceland while living with an eating problem, depression and anxiety, and how the challenge helped her mental health.

Compulsive or addictive feelings

Some people experience compulsive or addictive feelings about physical activity (sometimes called an exercise addiction), which can lead to harmful overtraining. These feelings can be a form, or a symptom, of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or part of an eating problem.

If you tend to experience compulsive or addictive feelings about exercise, or start to experience them once you start doing more physical activity, it is a good idea to talk to your GP about how to manage this or think about seeking help.

Physical health conditions

For many people with a physical health condition, doing an appropriate amount of physical activity can be an important part of managing your condition and avoiding future health problems. However, depending on your condition, you may need to be more careful about the type and amount of activity you do, to make sure what you are doing is safe and won’t have a negative impact on your heath.

You should be particularly careful if you have:

  • high blood pressure
  • chest pains
  • a heart condition
  • diabetes
  • are pregnant or have recently given birth
  • an injury.

Always check with your GP about what is safe for you before you start any physical activity.

What if getting active doesn’t work for me?

While many people find physical activity helpful, not everyone does. You may find that there are times when it is helpful, and times when it isn’t.

For example:

  • You may not always be able to exercise – if you are unwell, you may need to focus on looking after your mental health in other ways.
  • It may not help – there may be days, weeks or months when physical activity doesn’t make you feel better, and you may need other types of support.
  • For some people, exercise can make mental health worse – it can trigger anxiety, be part of a mental health problem like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)or an eating problem, or you may start to overtrain.
  • You may be taking medication or have a physical health condition that means you can’t exercise or need to take particular care when doing any physical activity, either for a while or longer term.

If you find that physical activity isn’t working for you right now, there are a few things you can do:

  • Try changing your routine, or doing a different type of activity. Different things work for different people at different times – there are lots of activities you can try.
  • Do what you can when you can. It’s completely normal to have days when you wake up excited about going for a run, and other days when walking upstairs feels like a challenge. It’s OK to adapt your physical activity to how you’re feeling.
  • Be gentle with yourself. If you don’t manage to do what you were planning, that’s OK. Have a break, and try again when you’re feeling better.
  • Try out some other ways of caring for yourself, like relaxation, mindfulness and getting into nature.
  • If you’re struggling to manage your mental health on your own, seek help. You might want to talk to your GP about possible treatments, such as medication or a talking therapy.
  • If you’re finding that exercise is having a negative impact on your mental health, you may need to take a longer-term break until you’re feeling better.

© Mind, 2020

Who else could help?

Oxfordshire Mind Guide Physical Activity