Moving well while studying and working is important for your physical and mental wellbeing. Movement can assist with concentration, memory and productivity. Adopting small changes to your daily routine can have a big impact. Below are a range of ideas for how you can include movement into your lifestyle.
Why is physical wellbeing important?
Being active can be an effective way to maintain your physical and mental health. Regular physical activity can be a good way to boost your mood, increase energy levels, temporarily distract people from daily worries, help people feel less alone if they exercise with others, reduce stress, and even improve sleep.
Research says regular physical activity is a good way to help prevent or manage mild anxiety and depression.
Physical activity does not have to be exercise. It could be anything you do in your day-to-day life such as running errands or doing housework. If you're able, you can start small. You may have physical limitations or a condition that would make physical activity harmful, or perhaps impossible. Or you may be going through a stressful time. Whatever your personal circumstances are, different people need different levels of physical activity and exercise. It helps to talk to your doctor to determine what kind of physical activity is right for you.
The current recommendation is for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most, and preferably all, days of the week. However, people with anxiety or depression may find it difficult to get started or get motivated or continue to exercise on a long-term basis which impacts on wellbeing, confidence and provides opportunities to socialise.