Exercise

What is it?

Wellbeing Tools

Exercise can boost wellbeing by releasing endorphins.
Enhances self-esteem & provides an outlet for emotions
Offers a screen break & better sleep, promoting mental clarity.
Can help you cope with academic & social pressures.

Here's more detail

Published: 26/10/23

Exercise can be helpful for maintaining and promoting your emotional wellbeing. Adolescence can bring with it a whirlwind of emotions, from academic stress to social pressures, and exercise offers a powerful way to cope with it all. When you engage in physical activity, whether it’s through sports, dancing or simply going for a run, you release endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that help you manage stress and boost your mood. This can leave you feeling more relaxed, confident and ready to take on the world.

But exercise is not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good both mentally and physically. Exercise can build your self-esteem as you achieve fitness goals, and it can provide an outlet for emotions, allowing you to release frustration or anxiety in a healthy way. Plus, exercise can be a fantastic way to take a break from screens and the pressures of the digital world, giving your mind a much-needed rest. Regular physical activity also can promote better sleep, allowing you to recharge and helping you face the challenges of life with a clearer mind.

Learn more
Exercising can improve mental health by:
Helping to introduce a routine into your daily life
Getting you out of the house and connecting with other people
Improving your physical health and fitness
Providing the opportunity to learn new skills and work towards goals
Encouraging you to get into nature
Research has shown that exercise can help us to:
Manage stress
Improve sleep
Improve mood
Boost self-confidence
Regular exercise can prevent the development of mental health problems, help to ease symptoms of mental health problems such as stress and anxiety, and improve the quality of life of people experiencing mental health problems. Research has shown that exercise releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good. You can incorporate exercise into your routine as a part of everyday activities – such as cleaning, or walking to school or work – or by signing up for a physical activity – such as walking, running, cycling, dancing, or taking part in team sports.
Click on the links below to learn more about exercise and mental health:
Blog: The best thing I’ve done for my mental health
Guidance: How are physical activity and mental health connected?
Guidance: How to look after your mental health using exercise

The best thing I have done for my mental health was reintroducing exercise back into my weekly routine.

Jess, 22

Exercise can help me improve my overall mood when I'm feeling down, but exercising regularly helps me manage my mood in the first place.

Will, 20

I've always found that exercise is the one thing that gets me well again, with depression, it's invaluable. It makes me feel great, just healthy and active. I don't feel as tired or lethargic when I exercise and it makes me happy and content in myself.

Anonymous