Move more, feel better
Being active is one of the best things you can do for your health and wellbeing.
And it doesn’t have to mean running marathons or joining a gym. Moving more in ways that work for you can make a real difference.
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.
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.
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
Find something you enjoy
Walking, gardening, dancing, swimming, or taking the stairs instead of the lift – it all counts.
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:
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.
Support better sleep
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.
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.
Setting yourself a small activity goal and achieving it can give you a sense of progress and achievement.
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.
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.
Movement and your mental health
Movement isn’t just good for your body – it’s essential for your mind too. Regular physical activity helps reduce stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression by releasing feel – good chemicals like endorphins and serotonin.
While exercise can support mental health, it’s not a replacement for professional help
If you are feeling overwhelmed or struggling to cope, please speak to your GP or a mental health professional
In this short video, fitness coach, Joe Wicks (The Body Coach) shares how getting active can help improve your mood, reduce stress and support your mental health.
Every Mind Matters is a national NHS campaign that empowers people to take simple steps to improve their mental wellbeing.
What happens inside your body when you exercise?
How active should you be?
However you like to move, being active can help you feel good and support your health and wellbeing. Find out how much activity is recommended and explore simple, enjoyable ways to bring more movement into your day
English 
Polish 
Lithuanian 
Romanian 
Portuguese 
Bengali