Regular physical activity benefits both the body and mind. Exercise also improves mental health and can reduce the risk of depression and mild anxiety and improve overall wellbeing.
Research shows that keeping active can:
- help lift mood
- help improve sleeping patterns
- increase energy levels
- help block negative thoughts and/or distract people from daily worries
Six ways to support your wellbeing through physical activity
- Set up a regular routine to be active every day. Making a specific time to be active helps ensure you get your daily physical activity.
- Keep screen time to a minimum. It will be easier said than done at the moment for the whole family but were possible try to create clear and consistent limits. Think about what you and your kids could be doing instead such as being active or playing.
- Exercise with your family. Plan time to be active with your children with games at home, walks in the parks, or cycling can be a way the whole family can relax, be together and be active and healthy whilst at home.
- Play with your kids. Play is a great way to get fit and have fun. Playing chasy, a ball game, running races or a dance competition will get you puffing plus make you laugh which is also great for your health and wellbeing.
- Set yourself and your family exercise goals. You could record your steps or time you have played. Record your progress on a weekly activity chart or map how far you have travelled. Reward yourselves with something you value.
- Walk and talk. Take your phone and have walking meetings with colleagues or catch ups with friends and family to encourage them to walk too.