Every year on 10th October we observe World Mental Health Day, a reminder of how important mental health is and what we can do to support it. At Active Luton, we believe that staying active isn’t just good for the body - it’s powerful medicine for the mind. Whether you swim, walk, attend a class, or just get moving in a way that suits you, physical activity can make a real difference.
Physical activity has many positive effects on mental health including:
Mood improvement & reduced anxiety - Exercise triggers release of neurotransmitters like endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, which help reduce feelings of anxiety, lift depression, and improve general mood.
Stress reduction - Regular activity helps lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, reducing tension and mental fatigue.
Better sleep - Physical exertion helps us fall asleep more easily, sleep more deeply, and regulate sleep patterns, which is critical for mental resilience.
Higher self-esteem and confidence - Setting and achieving activity goals, seeing improvements in fitness, or simply feeling physically stronger can boost confidence and self-worth.
Social connection - Groupsports, classes or just walking with others adds social interaction, reducingloneliness and giving us a sense of belonging.
Cognitive benefits -Improved focus, memory, and mental clarity often follow from regular movement, and physical activity contributes to long-term brain health.
Did You Know
- A third of adults (36%) aren’t getting the amount of movement the World Health Organization recommends.
- On the flip side, being active can cut the risk of depression by roughly 30%, which is a huge boost for anyone who keeps moving.
- More than half of adults say that looking after their mental health is one of the main reasons that they choose to stay active.
- And for people living with long-term health conditions, exercise plays an even bigger role: over three-quarters use it to support both their physical health and their mental wellbeing.
At Active Luton, we offer a wide range of services andprogrammes, so everyone can be active, connect, and feel better - no matter theirage, ability, or income.
Here are some ways we support mental wellbeing locally:
- Six leisure & activity centres: including Inspire: Luton Sports Village, Lea Manor Recreation Centre, Lewsey Sports Park & Pool, Stockwood Park Athletics Centre & Performance Gym, Stockwood Park Golf Centre and High Town Gym & Wellbeing Centre
- Libraries & community services to support learning, connection and leisure activities beyond exercise.
- Inclusive programmes: Services for older people, people with disabilities or long-term conditions, those on low incomes, young people and more. Check out our website to see what is available for you.
- Free or subsidised offers for certain groups, including care leavers or those on low incomes to access swimming, gym, fitness activities and more (Go4Less Advantage).
- Timetables & variety: Swimming, group exercise, outdoors, courts & sports halls, golf, plus wellbeing workshops.
Here are some simple steps to help you get going (and stick with it):
- Start small - even 10 minutes of walking, gentle stretching or light swimming can help – anything is better than nothin
- Try different things - maybe a gym class, swimming session, group walking, or outdoor activity. See what you enjoy.
- Set realistic goals - weekly or monthly steps, or joining one class per week, for example.
- Make it social - bring a friend, join with others, try our group sessions.
- Use what’s available locally - Active Luton’s centres, pools, classes are here in Luton.
On this World Mental Health Day, let’s recognise that keeping active isn’t just about physical fitness -it’s a powerful way to help our minds too. Whether you’re already regularly active or thinking about taking the first step, any movement counts.
Active Luton are also the Healthy Lifestyles partner for Total Wellbeing Luton, a free integrated service that helps residents improve both their physical and emotional health. The service offers a wide range of support, including talking therapies, exercise and weight management, help for long-term health conditions, stop smoking support, and social prescribing (with options for young people).
If our Total Wellbeing Team can help you, please do get in touch:
Tel: 0300 555 4152
Email: info@totalwellbeingluton.org
https://www.totalwellbeingluton.org/home