Physical wellbeing

Looking after your physical wellbeing isn’t just about your body – it can also have a big impact on your mental and emotional health

Physical activity

Regular physical activity is a good way to look after your physical and mental health. It can help you maintain a healthy weight, which is important for men with prostate cancer, and has many mental health benefits too.

• Improve your sleep. For some people, being more physically active improves their overall quality of sleep. This means reducing the time it takes to fall asleep, and the number of times they wake up during the night. This can make you feel more alert during the day and improve your mood.
• Boost your mood. Being diagnosed and living with prostate cancer can affect how you think and feel.  Being more active can help you feel a sense of achievement and improve your overall mood.
• Relieve stress. Stress can have a negative effect on your mind and body. Getting active is a great way to relieve stress and tension in your body. Taking a break from stressful thoughts, getting outside, and going for a walk can help to clear your mind.
• Help to manage side effects. Being more physically active can help manage some of the side effects of prostate cancer or treatment. Exercise can help manage fatigue. Some studies have found that exercise may enhance a man’s sexual wellbeing by improving how they feel about themselves (self-esteem).
• Help you cope with symptoms of anxiety and depression. People who exercise regularly may have fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. Exercise increases the hormone serotonin – this helps your brain to regulate mood, sleep and appetite. Suffering from anxiety and depression can leave you feeling low in energy. Exercise may seem like the last thing you want to do. But exercise can make a big different to your mood and help take your mind off any worries you may have.
• Improves self-esteem and body image. Seeing improvements in your body, whether it's muscle tone, increased stamina, or even just feeling more energetic, can help you feel better about yourself. These physical changes can shift how you view your body and improve your self-esteem.
• Feel more in control. Living with prostate cancer can leave you feelings like you have lost control over your own body and life. Exercise can help you regain some of that control. It can empower you to take a more active role in your own health and wellbeing. Setting fitness goals, whether it’s completing a workout or reaching a certain distance, can help you feel more confident and in control of your health. Achieving these goals can also build resilience and self-esteem.
• Connecting with others. Taking part in group exercise or joining fitness classes can give you a sense of community or connection. The social interactions you experience can help you to feel less alone. Social support is so important for your mental wellbeing. Find out more about social support and prostate cancer.

Types of physical activity

There are lots of different ways you can be more active – you don’t need to do hours of exercise a day or run miles to feel the benefits of physical activity. Speak to your GP or hospital doctor before starting any new physically demanding activities.

Walking

Walking is a gentle way to get active, particularly if you’re experiencing fatigue because of your prostate cancer or its treatment. You may wish to start with short, easy walks and slowly build them up when you feel well enough. Even a short daily walk can help lift your mood, increase energy levels, and improve overall wellbeing.

Gentle sitting exercises

IIf you find walking difficult or tiring, there are other ways to get moving. Sitting exercises are a great option for improving both physical and mental health. These exercises can be done from the comfort of your chair at home and focus on strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and enhancing circulation. You can find out more about sitting exercises on the NHS website.

Getting active can also be a great way to be more social. You may want to try group activities or classes. For more tips on how to get active, read our information on physical activity for men with prostate cancer.

Think about your diet

A healthy diet isn’t only important for general health, it can also have a positive affect your emotional and mental wellbeing. A healthy diet provides you with the energy you need to get through your day and keep active and can also help you to feel more in control. For some people, having a routine and feeling more in control helps them to manage feelings of stress and anxiety.

You may want to limit your caffeine intake. Caffeine can cause sleeping problems, which may affect your mood. Some people find that it can make them feel anxious and irritable.

To find out more about managing your mood with food, visit the Mind charity website.

Read our information on diet and living with prostate cancer for tips on how you can eat more healthily. You can also download or order our free fact sheet Diet and physical activity for men with prostate cancer.

References and reviewers

Updated July 2025 | Due for review July 2028