Lots of us know that physical activity is good for our bodies, but did you know that it's also good for our mind? Adults are encouraged to try and be active every day, but partaking in regular movement just once or twice a week can lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes or a stroke. Being active can help us to feel both healthier and happier, both physically and emotionally.
"If physical activity were a drug, we would refer to it as a miracle cure, due to the great many illnesses it can prevent and help treat."
- UK Chief Medical Officers
What are the benefits of physical activity?
If you're new to physical activity or haven't been active for a while, it can feel a bit daunting at first. However, it's all about finding a form of movement that you enjoy. This could be going for a walk with friends, running in your local park or lifting weights in a gym. It could also be doing some gardening, taking the stairs or even just increasing your daily step count.
Whatever you decide to do, making time to be active is really important for a number of reasons, including:
- Helping you to get a better night's sleep
- Improving your self-esteem
- Reducing stress
- Increasing your energy levels
How can the Talking Health team help to improve your mood?
Managing our physical and emotional health can be difficult when living with a long term health condition. Our Talking Health team are trained practitioners who support people with both physical and emotional health difficulties.
They use cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help people who are feeling low, stressed or anxious to help them manage living with a long term health condition.
The team work closely with other physical health teams to ensure that the care you receive will help you to live well with a long-term condition.
You can self-refer to TALKWORKS and access support from our Talking Health team by:
- Completing our online self-referral form
- Calling the team on 0300 555 3344
- Emailing dpt.talkworks.talkinghealth@nhs.net
Local services that can help
There are lots of local services and events taking place across Devon that are here to help you be more physically active.
Active Devon
Active Devon is a community-focused, non-profit organisation with a vision of everyone in Devon being active for life.
Sport in mind
Sport in mind is charity that uses sport and physical activity to improve the lives of people experiencing mental health problems.
The Ramblers
The Ramblers are a charity dedicated to removing barriers so everyone can enjoy walking in green spaces and to preserving and improving hundreds of thousands of miles of well-loved paths, tracks and trails across England, Scotland, and Wales
parkrun
parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. parkrun is 5k and takes place every Saturday morning at a variety of locations across Devon.
Veterans Outdoors
The team at Veterans Outdoors work with veterans and those still serving in the armed forces to help improve their wellbeing through outdoor activity.
Devon Connect
Devon Connect is a free community resource for anyone wanting to share or find information about activities, events, volunteering opportunities and conversations across Devon.