We know it’s not so easy for everyone to be active. And some medications might make you feel more tired. But moderate activity can help to boost your mood and general wellbeing, and can contribute to improvements in symptoms.
Benefits of moving more
Physical activity has so many benefits for our overall wellbeing:
- Regular physical activity can improve your quality of life, reduce side effects of some medication and improve your symptoms.
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It can help you feel confident and empowered - your body releases feel good hormones while being active called endorphins.
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Moving your body can help improve your concentration, quality of sleep and levels of anxiety.
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Even a small amount of physical activity has been shown to improve wellbeing - you could start by adding five minutes of activity into your day and gradually build up.
Hints and Tips
See all hints and tips
Rethink Mental Illness - Physical activity and mental health
Read more information about being active and mental health. This article from Rethink Mental Illness explains how to improve physical and mental health by being physically active.
Mind - Get active, feel good!
We know that starting something new can be challenging. On this page from Mind, you'll find handy tips, resources and inspirational stories to help you get active.
Rethink Mental Illness - Physical Activity Pack
Download this free Rethink Physical Activity Pack. Rethink Mental Illness have pooled existing resources from partners alongside new resources, with the aim of helping you to consider building physical activity into your daily routine.
Mind - Physical activity, exercise and mental health
For some of us, getting active can be a struggle – including those of us who live with mental health problems. Explore information from Mind to learn more about physical activity and mental health, including tips and activities that you can try.
Relax while being active
Being active doesn’t have to mean going all out. It can be a great way to relax, rejuvenate, and clear your head. Many activities can be done at home, leaving you feeling great afterwards.
Ways to get active
See all ways to get active
Five in Five
Start building small amounts of activity into your day with Five in Five, a five minute mini-workout designed for people living with long term health conditions.
Make Your Move
A series of short physical activity videos, to help you get active in the way that works for you, from the charities behind We Are Undefeatable.
Workouts
Find accessible workouts and ways to get moving that naturally fit into your daily routine. Enjoyable, easy, and convenient, these movements aim to simplify and reframe what being physically active looks like.
Getting active at home
Who said you have to be outdoors to get moving? There’s plenty that can be done at home to stay active.
Our stories
Explore more stories
Phoebe's story
Phoebe was diagnosed with MS, depression, anxiety and asthma in 2020, but has been able to manage her conditions with the help of her miniature dachshund, Noodle.
Tania’s story
Being treated for cancer and managing her depression caused Tania to start thinking about moving more.
Ellie’s story
After her breast cancer diagnosis, Ellie has discovered an entire community of dragon boat paddlers.
Hannah’s story
For Hannah, one of the key motivators to move more is her partner’s support while living with mental health conditions including depression.
Jo’s story
Jo’s depression and fatigue can mean dealing with some not-so-good days, but walking her dog Elsie has helped her.
Rethink Mental Illness
Rethink Mental Illness is the charity for people severely affected by mental illness and their carers. We’re on a mission to bring about meaningful change, through our services, groups and ground breaking campaigns. As a leading charity provider of mental health services in England, people living with mental illness and those who care for them, are at the heart of everything we do.
Mind
We’re Mind. We're fighting for mental health. For support. For respect. For you. We won't give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets both support and respect. We give advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. We campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.