Five Ways to Wellbeing : Part Two.

Welcome back to the Five Ways to Wellbeing series - part two. The second step for improving your wellbeing is being active. We all know that being active is great for our physical health, but it also has amazing benefits for our mental health too. 

But, being active doesn’t mean you need to spend hours sweating it out in the gym. Even gentle activities can provide the same benefits to our brains. Find sports, games or activities that are enjoyable and practical for you, and build them into your regular routine.

How does being active benefit our mental health?

Physical activity boosts mood, by prompting the release of positive ‘feel-good’ hormones. It promotes better blood flow, meaning a more oxygenated brain,and can improve the quality of our sleep. There is an extremely strong link between physical and mental health, so taking care of our bodies and minds is a mutually beneficial endeavour. Physical activity is a fantastic alternative treatment, and a great tool for self-management of mental wellbeing.

Be active

• Go for a walk at lunchtime
• Organise a work sporting activity
• Have a kick-about in a local park
• Do some ‘easy exercise’, like stretching, before you leave for work in the morning
• Walk to someone’s desk instead of calling or emailing

Struggling to think of ways to build being active into your life? The Mental Health Foundation has some fantastic tips to help you get more active, and boost your wellbeing!

How can I be active with English?