We think that the mind and body are separate but what you do with your body can have a powerful effect on your mental wellbeing. Evidence shows regular physical activity can:
Cause chemical changes in the brain that positively impact our mood.
Help prevent and reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress.
Help add more years to your lifespan.
Help achieve and maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure.
Reduce rates of obesity, cardiovascular disease and decrease the risk of getting some cancers.
Strengthen your heart, lungs, bones and muscles for increased energy and strength.
Help improve your quality of sleep, add brain cells and build new connections between those cells throughout your life.
Increase blood flow and oxygenate the brain.
Being active doesn’t mean you need to spend hours in the gym; find physical activities that you enjoy and think about how you can do them every day. Minimise the time spent sitting or lying down each day to increase your health and wellbeing.
Start Simple
Increase your activity levels gradually. Begin with simple activities, such as walking, gardening or doing small household tasks. Take a short 10-minute walk around the block when you wake up in the morning, at lunchtime, and when you return from work.
Do what is enjoyable
Do activities you enjoy with family and friends. You can also use the links below to find options and group activities in your local area. Over time, these activities will become easier, more interesting, relaxing, and satisfying.
Make a plan and stick to it
Work out a regular routine for being active. Don’t forget that every step counts and it is even better when stairs are involved!
18g-Stay-active-headspace-fact-sheet-PRINT-V4.pdf18e-Sleep-headspace-fact-sheet-WEB.pdfBE ACTIVE flyer - 5 Ways to Wellbeing-A4 (002).pdf