Physical activity
Physical activity and exercise can really boost your mental health and wellbeing. Studies have shown that exercising is a helpful way to reduce depression, stress and anxiety.
Getting active is also one of the Five Ways to Wellbeing. Learn more here about the other ways to wellbeing on our Five Ways to Wellbeing page.
Ideas and resources
NHS UK has a wide range of fitness exercises for different abilities
Find a walking route near you on the Ramblers website
Physical health and mental health factsheet from Mental Health Foundation
Physical health in mental health from the Royal College of Nursing
Organisations and projects
Active Midlothian is a website linking you in with local physical exercise and sports activitities, training opportunities, events and resources to help you stay active in your local community.
Midlothian Active Choices (MAC) is a physical activity referral service for adults in Midlothian who are currently suffering from mild/moderate mental health conditions, weight management problems, or long term or chronic illnesses.
Ageing Well aims to provide a range of opportunities to encourage the over 50s in Midlothian to increase their physical activity levels. Being more active is good for your health and Ageing Well offers a wide variety of activities designed to suit all tastes.
Health in Mind and Mayfield and Easthouses Development Trust work in partnership to run the Wheelbeing Hub service, which provides bike repair services to people in Midlothian.
Paths for All‘s vision is for a happier, healthier Scotland where physical activity improves the quality of life and wellbeing for all.
Venture Trust supports people, at any stage in their life, struggling with issues such as long term unemployment, recovery from addiction, homelessness, isolation, involvement in the criminal justice system in Scotland, and a history of trauma or harm.
Cycling UK manages the Scotland Cycle Repair Scheme. If you need a helping hand to get your bike into shape, this scheme provides free repair and maintenance work up to the value of £50!