A clear link between physical activity and mental wellbeing has been proven by a Sport England survey, with life satisfaction, happiness and feelings of being worthwhile shown to be higher for people who are active, while levels of anxiety among these people are lower.

Part of Sport England’s Active Lives Survey, the analysis is based on responses from more than 50,000 people over the age of 16 across England. They were invited to score themselves out of ten, for mental wellbeing – how satisfied they were with their lives, how happy they were, how worthwhile they felt their life was and how anxious they felt. In all four of these, people who were physically active scored better than those who were inactive. And greater activity was linked to even better results.

Commenting on the findings, Sport England’s insight director Lisa O’Keefe said: “We now have conclusive evidence that sport and physical activity are clearly linked to mental wellbeing. The benefits come from more than just playing in a team or joining a club - any kind of physical activity can boost mental wellbeing, from swimming to walking and pilates to dance.”