Ahead of World Mental Health Day 2025 (10th October), new research by natural active foot care specialist, The Feets, reveals that more than 80% of people who experience mental health challenges find physical exercise to be an effective way of managing their symptoms – with running being voted the most effective activity of all.
The survey of the UK public*, commissioned by The Feets, found that over half of us (54%) have experienced mental health challenges such as stress, depression, and anxiety at some point in our lives.
For those who have, the vast majority (81%) have found that taking part in physical activity has been an effective way of managing or overcoming the symptoms of their poor mental health.
So what’s so beneficial about it?
22% say the biggest benefit comes from getting out of the house and into the fresh air. 17% say exercise helps reduce stress and anxiety levels. 12% say it gives them an important sense of achievement, and another 12% say they benefit from the distraction that good exercise can provide. A further 11% find that exercise can help add a helpful structure and routine to their day.
When it comes to the most common physical activities utilised to help manage mental health, swimming, running and cycling topped the table – three activities that can all be done with, or without others, and with minimal equipment or gear required.
The Feets then conducted a further survey targeted at individuals who utilised nine different physical activities or sports, asking them to rank the impact it had on improving their mental health from one to 10.
The results show that whilst swimming is the most common form of exercise undertaken, it ranks second in terms of positive impact on mental health, with respondents scoring it an average of 7.59 out of 10.
Top of the table was running, with those partaking in running as a way to manage their mental health scoring it a 7.65 out of 10 on average.
Golf came in third with an average score of 7.49, with racket sports (7.39) and cycling (7.34) also making the top five.
Logan Estop-Hall, Founder of The Feets, commented:
“It’s clear from our research that physical exercise plays a powerful role in supporting mental health, whether it’s the stress relief, the sense of routine, or simply the boost of being outdoors.
For many, running stands out as the most effective tool in managing symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression. It’s highly accessible, physically demanding and provides a strong platform for personal growth by setting continuous goals.
It can also act as a highly effective mindfulness activity: when we run, we are at one with our thoughts and surroundings in a way that the rest of our day-to-day lives rarely allow for.
But while we’re taking care of our mental health, it’s also important to manage our physical health, too. Something as simple as a minor foot ailment can force us to take time away from an activity that is central to our happiness and wellbeing.
That’s why proper and regular foot care matters. Looking after your feet means you’re less likely to be forced into downtime, and more likely to keep doing the things that make you feel good. Nobody wants to be taken away from something so important by something like a blister which can be easily avoided with good foot care.”
Survey results
