Physical activity has been shown to substantially improve wellbeing and mental health, but most research on this topic has so far focused on deliberate exercise. But it’s unclear how spontaneous movement in daily life impacts patients seeking mental health treatment.

In 2021, a small study of 67 participants found everyday activities, like walking to the tram stop or climbing a flight of stairs, made people feel more alert and energetic.

Further magnetic resonance imaging of participants’ brains showed those who felt more energetic after movement had a larger volume of gray brain matter in the subgenual cingulate cortex – a part of the brain associated with emotional regulation.

• https://www.sciencealert.com/theres-one-simple-aspect-of-everyday-life-linked-to-better-wellbeing-study-finds