How to stay active at home

We know that staying active can be good for your mental health. But if you're unable to leave the house for any reason, it can feel like a challenge.

Here are a few suggestions for how you can stay active without leaving the house. Try and choose something you enjoy, and that fits into your daily life. You may need to try a few before you find something you like. You may also find that different things work for you, depending on how you're feeling.

Take a break from sitting down

If you spend lots of time sitting down, try to get up and move around a bit every hour. If you're worried you might forget, you could set an alarm to remind yourself.

Chair-based exercises

If you find it difficult to spend time standing, the NHS has activity routines you can try while sitting down.

Active computer games

There are a few different consoles which involve moving your body while playing computer games.

Exercises or stretches

The NHS website has lots of different routines, or you could try an exercise CD or DVD. There are lots of free, online exercise regimes designed for you to try at home. You can try chair-based exercises, yoga, or workouts that let you choose your own level.

If you're a wheelchair user or have limited mobility, you can stay active too. There's tips and routines on the NHS website.

Add movement into your daily routine

You can do active household chores like hoovering, tidying or DIY. Or you can run up the stairs instead of walking, or do some gentle stretching while you're watching TV.

Dance

Put on some music while you're cooking and dance around your kitchen. Why not have a mini dance party with your friends or family?

More information and tips

For a list of ideas and resources for getting active, see our Get Active, Feel Good page.

For more about physical activity and your mental health, see our information pages.