Move more, feel better

Being active is one of the best things you can do for your health and wellbeing.

The good news is that it doesn’t have to mean running marathons or joining a gym.

Why move more? 

Moving more is one of the best things you can do for your health and wellbeing. It can boost your mood, improve your sleep, increase your energy levels, and help you feel stronger and more confident.

The good news is that being active doesn’t have to mean going to the gym or taking up a new sport. Small amounts of movement throughout the day all count, and finding activities you enjoy can make it easier to build healthy habits that last.

You don’t need to do everything at once – adding a little more movement to your day can help you feel healthier, happier and more energised, whatever that looks like for you.

Family laughing in a park

Start small – every movement counts 

You don’t need to do everything at once. Small amounts of movement throughout the day can make a big difference to your health and wellbeing.

Try the three tips below to help you get started. 

Friends walking together outdoors

Start where you are

You don’t need to do lots to get started. Even a few extra minutes of movement each day can make a difference

Bicycle leaning against a fence with the sea in the background

Find something you enjoy

Walking, gardening, dancing, swimming, or taking the stairs instead of the lift – it all counts.

 

Parents and young child walking in park

Build it into your day

Look for simple ways to move more and take things one step at a time.

Moving more can help you:

Older lady bouncing on a trampoline and laughing
Boost your energy, lift your mood

Moving more can boost your energy, lift your mood and help you feel more like yourself. Small amounts of movement throughout the day can make a big difference to your physical and mental wellbeing.

Help you sleep better

Regular movement can help your sleep in three ways: by helping you sleep longer, by helping you fall asleep faster, and giving you a better quality of sleep.

Does this mean you need to go to the gym every day?
No. Physical activity includes things like walking, skating, biking, dancing, gardening and gentle stretching.

But what time of day is it best to move?
Listen to your body. Try out different times and see what works for you. Probably best not to exercise vigorously too close to bedtime, but gentle stretching or a walk is okay.

What really helps is to incorporate movement into as much of your day as possible – take stairs rather than lifts, walk/bike where possible and regularly keep moving

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Support mental wellbeing

Moving your body can help reduce stress, improve your mood and help you sleep better. It can also boost confidence and give you a sense of achievement.

Build confidence in yourself

Moving more isn’t just good for your body – it can help you feel more confident too.

Regular movement can improve your mood, give you a sense of achievement, and help you feel more positive about yourself.

Confidence grows over time. Every time you make time to move, try something new, or reach a goal, you’re building trust in yourself and creating healthy habits that can support other areas of your life.

Start small
Set yourself realistic goals and celebrate the little wins.

Feel proud
Take a moment to recognise what you’ve achieved, no matter how big or small.

Keep building
Small successes can boost your confidence and help you feel ready to take on new challenges.

men walking
Keep your body strong

Weight bearing and resistance exercises help keep your bones dense and your muscles strong, reducing your risk of falls and injury.

Find time to relax / recharge

Life can be busy, and it’s important to make time to slow down and recharge. Taking a break from screens and everyday distractions can help you relax, clear your mind and feel more focused.

Movement can be a great way to do this. Whether it’s a walk, some gentle stretching or simply spending time outdoors, taking a moment for yourself can help you feel calmer, think more clearly and improve your overall wellbeing.

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Support a healthy weight

Moving more supports a healthy weight and helps you feel stronger and more energised. Combined with healthy eating, small changes can add up over time.

Connect with others

Being active can be a great way to connect with other people and feel part of a community. Whether it’s joining a walking group, taking part in a class, or simply getting out and about with friends or family, moving together can help you feel more connected and supported.

Sharing an activity with others can also make it easier to try something new and build confidence. Start small, find what works for you, and enjoy the benefits of moving more together.

A lady doing yoga

Movement and your mental health

Everyone deserves good mental health. Activity is a powerful tool that can tackle loneliness, reduce anxiety levels, help you sleep better, boost your mood and sense of achievement. Find out more from the Mental Health Foundation

A man in a wheelchair lifting a weight

Being active with a disability

Everyone has a right to get active and have fun. Find everything you need to know about becoming more physically active as a disabled person on the Get Yourself Active website

A man playing football

Being active with a long term condition

Every move enables more. Find out how to get active whilst living with a health condition on the We Are Undefeatable website

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