Look after yourself: Winter Walks

Look after yourself: Winter Walks

A good walk can do wonders for your mental and physical well-being. After the hustle and bustle of entertaining friends and family over the festive period, some peaceful time outdoors may be just what you need.

What are the benefits of walking?

• Improves self-perception and self-esteem
• Improves mood and sleep quality
• Improves physical fitness, cholesterol levels and builds healthy muscle and bones
• Reduces stress, anxiety and fatigue
• Reduces blood pressure and risk of cognitive decline including dementia
• Reduces the likelihood of major health conditions between 20% and 60% including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, colon and breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease

Source: www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/get-walking/why-walk

How much activity is recommended each week?

To keep your body healthy and prevent illness such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes, the minimum recommendation from doctors is 150 minutes of activity a week; this is just 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Sounds doable for such great benefits, right?

Source: www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/get-walking/why-walk

Walk Together

If you don’t fancy heading out on your own, there is a multitude of fantastic groups across the UK which you can become involved with. Walking can be great for your social life and creates a brilliant support network to encourage and discover new walks together.

You can find your local health walk scheme here – www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/walkfinder

Top Winter Walks

Wherever you are in the UK, there’s a fantastic walk nearby! If you’re after the best walks in the UK, take a look at the National Trust’s great suggestions. Click here.

East of England: Seek winter wildlife at Wicken Fen or wander along Norfolks stunning coastline.

Midlands: Explore the perfect playground that is the Peak District with breath taking views.

North of England: Witness the crisp mists lying over Derwentwater in the Lake District.

Northern Ireland: Enjoy the salty sea air at Portstewart Strand or clamber to the top of Divis.

South East: Wind through trees in the New Forest or across the downs on the Isle of Wight.

South West: Discover the cliffs and moors of Devon & Cornwall and the rolling fields of Somerset.

Wales: Hike beside secluded waterfalls or around the incredible National Park of Snowdonia.

We hope you enjoy your winter walks as much as we do. They truly can be wonderful.

Find out where your nearest GreenThumb branch is here.