Yes, you can, and it can be very beneficial to our mental health. However, your medication or your mental health condition might make it harder for you to be physically active. You may feel tired, dizzy, a lack of energy and a lack of motivation, and while these feelings need to be taken into consideration, it is important to remember that the benefits of physical activity hugely outweigh the drawbacks that may make you hesitant to exercise. Exercise releases chemicals called endorphins that interact with your brain and trigger a positive feeling in the body. Other benefits include less tension, stress and mental fatigue, a natural energy boost, a sense of achievement, more focus and motivation, feeling less angry or frustrated, and a healthy appetite.

Being active is one of the best things you can do for your mental health and wellbeing by improving mood and boosting energy. There are a number of other benefits, including:

• Increased confidence and self-esteem
• Reduced anxiety and stress
• New social opportunities to meet new people
• Reducing anger
• Slowing cognitive decline

There are several things to consider before you begin, and you may wish to seek further advice before you start exercising. The medication you are on should be taken into consideration as some may cause side effects. If you are suffering from anxiety or panic attacks, you should build up slowly and avoid environments that may trigger these feelings. If you suffer from eating problems, or compulsive behaviours, you should be cautious and seek advice on a new exercise routine.

Once you begin, there are other things to consider. You should go at your own pace, and find something that you enjoy and can maintain, therefore setting realistic goals can help to maintain motivation when you want to stop. Exercising outdoors can incorporate mindfulness into your physically activity.

There are high rates of mental health conditions among those with long term health conditions, so it is important to consider what your physical capabilities are. It is also important to think about what you would like to get out of doing more exercise, and what you enjoy doing. You might want to choose whether you want to exercise inside or outside, whether you want to exercise alone or with others, or whether or not you want to do sport or another kind of exercise.

Physical activity is safe, even when you have symptoms of long-term conditions, such as poor Mental Health. Regular physical activity, in combination with your medical care, is important in the management of long-term conditions. However, if you experience a dramatic increase in breathlessness, new or worsening chest pain, a sudden onset of rapid palpitations or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or sudden change in vision, it is important to stop and seek medical advice.

If you have an eating disorder or tend to overtrain, you should exercise with caution. If you are feeling unwell or are in a bad place, it may be hard to become motivated to exercise. It is also important to not beat yourself up about this and do things at your own pace. Building physical activity into your daily routine may be an easier option when you are feeling this way.