Physical health and well-being
- Exercise improves heart function, lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers and strokes.
- It helps weight control, builds strong bones and muscles, and makes it easier to do everyday tasks.
Mental (emotional) health and well-being
- Exercise releases serotonin and endorphins, which improve mood and lower stress.
- It can increase confidence and self-esteem, and help people cope with anxiety.
- It gives a sense of achievement and helps people sleep better.
Social health and well-being
- Exercise helps people make friends, feel part of a group and develop teamwork, cooperation and communication.
- It gives a sense of belonging and support, and can reduce loneliness.
- Clubs and teams are places where people from different backgrounds meet.
Fitness and well-being
- Improving fitness makes performers healthier and more able to meet the demands of everyday life and sport.
- But too much training (overtraining) can harm health, causing injury and stress.
Key terms
- Physical well-being
- The body working well, free from illness and injury.
- Mental well-being
- Feeling able to cope with stress and feeling positive.
- Social well-being
- Having friends, support and a sense of belonging.
- Serotonin
- A chemical released in the brain during exercise that improves mood.
- Self-esteem
- How a person values themselves.
- Endorphins
- Chemicals released during exercise that make you feel good.
Practise Physical, emotional and social health: 10 questions