How are physical activity and mental health connected?
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This article explains the relationship between physical activity, exercise and mental health.
What are physical activity and exercise?
Physical activity is any movement your body does that uses energy. This might be as part of everyday activities, such as cleaning or cooking.
Or you might be active by choosing to do exercise. Exercise is physical activity that we tend to do intentionally, rather than as just part of everyday living.
Exercise can include things like walking, running, cycling or team sports. You might do it to improve a skill, build your strength, or as part of a social activity.
‘Many of my favourite memories with friends and family involve long walks or hikes, some of them in nature which I find very therapeutic. The beauty of walking is you get to have deep and meaningful chats as you go, because you’re not as out of breath.’
How can physical activity help my mental health?
Physical activity has lots of benefits for our mental and physical wellbeing. It can help ...
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