Skip main navigation

New lower prices! Get up to 50% off 1000s of courses. 

Explore courses

The benefits of physical activity

In this video, we introduce the importance in engaging in a range of activities/hobbies that are enjoyed.

We now move on to our third topic of this week- physical activities. In this video, Dr Faith Orchard discusses the importance of engaging in a range of enjoyable activities/hobbies.

These activities often include exercise or physical activity. Here are some examples of the impact exercise can have on an individual’s wellbeing:

  • Help build and maintain bones, muscles, joints
  • Control weight, build lean muscle and reduce fat
  • Improve skin
  • Prevent high blood pressure
  • Reduce stress
  • Improve mood
  • Think better and clearer
  • Boosts immune system

The importance of physical activity for mental health and wellbeing is now widely recognised. The advantages are obvious, can be inexpensive, and don’t necessarily require professional help.

Although we often think of sports such as football or going to the gym when we think of exercise, many forms of physical activity can be helpful. Here are just a few examples:

A collage of photos. Starting from top left going clockwise: someone cleaning windows, walking a dog, someone mowing the lawn and someone cycling

What exercise or physical activity do you do or would like to get involved in? Share your ideas in the comments below. Take the time to read and respond to posts by other learners or ‘Like’ those posts that you think make a good point.

This article is from the free online

Understanding Depression and Low Mood in Young People

Created by
FutureLearn - Learning For Life

Reach your personal and professional goals

Unlock access to hundreds of expert online courses and degrees from top universities and educators to gain accredited qualifications and professional CV-building certificates.

Join over 18 million learners to launch, switch or build upon your career, all at your own pace, across a wide range of topic areas.

Start Learning now