Dr Ranj Singh on reducing anxiety ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week

75% of adults in England are feeling anxious in everyday life and less than half (45%) are aware that physical activity is proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety according to new research.

Whilst anxiety can help us focus and take extra care, it can also have a negative impact on everyday life with many having trouble sleeping (38%), feeling less confident (37%) and having less energy (35%) and that has led to 24% stopping attending social events and almost one in 10 admitting it’s even impacted their relationship, as they spend less time with their partner (8%) according to the findings from NHS England.

Physical activity releases feel good hormones and improves mental health1. But less than half of adults are aware that it’s proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety (45%), reduce stress (45%) and distract from negative thoughts (42%). Four in 10 adults are not doing the NHS recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week2. with only 13% aware of these guidelines.

Ros spoke to TV’s Dr Ranj Singh.