Physical Activity and Mental Health

This leaflet is for anyone who wants to know:

• how being active can make you feel better
• how exercise can help depression
• how active you need to be to feel better
• how to get more active safely.

Introduction

Exercise keeps our hearts and bodies healthy. But how?

We often talk about the mind and body as though they are completely separate – but they aren't. The mind can’t function unless your body is working properly – but it also works the other way. The state of your mind affects your body. 

So – if you feel low or anxious, you may do less and become less active – which can make you feel worse. You can get caught in a harmful cycle: