Get Active for Low Mood

The Get Active for Low Mood course

The Get Active for Low Mood course combines two recommended treatments for depression, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and increased physical activity. It is an eight-week course that begins on Monday 5 February 2026, and runs weekly from 9:30am to 11:30am.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy:

This is an approach which helps us to understand how our thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and actions are interconnected, and how some thoughts and feelings can trap you in a negative cycle.

Increasing Physical Activity:

As part of this course, each session will explore the link between movement and mood, with time set aside to take part in a 10-15 minute 'movement break'. You won't need any special equipment or clothing - just something comfortable to move in. Suggested activities will be flexible and varied, with the option to join in together or choose something that feels right for you. Between sessions, as part of your Home Therapy, you'll be encouraged to build 'moments for movement' into your day - whether that's through everyday tasks or, if you prefer, by choosing from a suggested list of online, instructor-led activities. All of these are designed to help lift your mood and enhance your wellbeing. We'll be here to help you move more, in your own way, at your own pace - and help explore what works best for you.

Key Points

  • Compared to the standard depression course each session of 'Get Active for Low Mood' lasts 30minutes longer (120min instead of 90min) and the course runs for two additional sessions (8 sessions rather than 6). This makes space for the extra content on movement and mood.
  • The course includes all the Cognitive Behavioural elements of our usual depression course with additional content on physical activity and mood. So, there is nothing to lose by giving it a go.
  • Both Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Guided physical activity are NICE recommended intervention for managing depression. So, you get two evidenced based treatments at the same time!

Course Overview

Week 1

  • Introduction to depression and CBT
  • Benefits of physical activity & overcoming barriers
  • Understanding the low-mood maintenance cycle

Week 2

  • Recognising the vicious cycle of depression
  • Intro to Behavioural Activation & activity diary
  • Goal-setting

Week 3

  • Behavioural Activation: activity hierarchy & planning
  • Understanding motivation barriers & boom-and-bust patterns

Week 4

  • Barriers to progress: time, energy & expectations
  • Introduction to unhelpful thinking
  • Keeping a thought diary

Week 5

  • Thoughts vs emotions
  • Identifying hot thoughts
  • Practising thought-challenging

Week 6

  • Lifestyle factors including nutrition
  • Sleep hygiene & sleep retraining
  • Introduction to mindfulness

Week 7

  • Problem-solving for real-life challenges
  • Habit-formation and maintaining new habits

Week 8

  • Review of key skills and strategies
  • Managing setbacks & relapse prevention plan
  • Developing self-therapy tools