Overview:
Mental health and physical health go hand in hand. I have always found it strange that adult psychiatric units basically have couches, beds, and chairs. There is no real way for the patients to expend any energy. Patients with akathisia, an internal restlessness, pace the halls, while manic patients are sedated and depressed patients can sit all day. It is not ideal for recovery. Child/adolescent psychiatric units sometimes do it better. The one that I worked for had a full gym with basketball hoops. Patients who were stable enough to be “off the unit” were able to play and exercise.
The easiest physical activity to boost mood is to go for a walk outside. I have also found other strategies to boost mood, such as exercising at the gym, riding my bike to work, and more. See the links below.
Depression Toolbox 