Ahead of World Mental Health Day 2025 on 10th October, new research by natural active foot care specialist The Feets reveals that more than 80% of people experiencing mental health challenges find physical exercise effective in managing their symptoms, with running emerging as the most beneficial activity.

The Feets commissioned a nationwide survey to explore the connection between exercise and mental wellbeing. More than half of respondents (54%) reported experiencing mental health challenges such as stress, depression, or anxiety at some point in their lives. Among them, 81% said physical activity helped them manage or overcome their symptoms.

Reasons exercise benefits mental health

• 22% cited getting out of the house and into fresh air as the main advantage.
• 17% said it reduces stress and anxiety.
• 12% valued the sense of achievement.
• Another 12% appreciated the distraction it provides.
• 11% found it adds structure and routine to their day.

The survey also identified swimming, running, and cycling as the most common activities used to manage mental health. To measure their effectiveness, a follow-up survey asked participants to rate the mental health benefits of nine physical activities on a scale of 1 to 10.

Running received the highest score, averaging 7.65 for its positive impact on mental health. Swimming ranked second at 7.59, followed by golf (7.49), racket sports (7.39), and cycling (7.34).

Logan Estop-Hall, Founder of The Feets, said: “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 well-being. 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.”

The findings echo previous evidence linking exercise with improved mood and reduced depressive symptoms. A 2019 study in The Lancet Psychiatry found that physical activity lowers depression risk by 15–20% in adults. Running, in particular, boosts endorphin release, helping to elevate mood and ease stress. Because it requires minimal equipment, it remains one of the most accessible ways to support mental wellbeing.

With 54% of the UK population reporting mental health challenges at some point, The Feets’ survey highlights the value of exercise as an affordable and effective intervention. As World Mental Health Day 2025 approaches, the message is clear: activities such as running, swimming, and cycling can help maintain both mental and physical wellbeing.