“I want to treat my body with respect. Swimming helps me to relax and unwind.”
Overview
Being active can be an effective way to maintain your physical and mental health. Physical activity doesn't have to be exercise. It could be anything you do in your day-to-day life – like running errands or doing housework.
You may have physical limitations or a condition that would make physical activity harmful, or perhaps impossible. Or you may be going through a stressful time. Whatever your personal circumstances are, different people need different levels of physical activity and exercise. It helps to talk to your doctor to determine what kind of physical activity is right for you.
If you're able, you can start small. Light gardening or chores around the house could be a start. If you prefer group activities – indoors or outdoors – team sports, yoga, or dancing may be the way to go. Finding a friend, or even a pet, to walk with can make physical activity easier and more fun.
Regular physical activity can be a good way to boost your mood, reduce stress, and even improve sleep. It is also known to manage symptoms of depression and anxiety.
A closer look
Lived experience
Next steps
You might find online and phone-based mental health resources helpful. Some suggestions are below. You can find more with our Search tool (opens in a new tab).