May is National Walking Month

Spring has sprung, and with May being National Walking Month, for those of us who can, it’s time to step outside and get walking.

Just a short walk each day can make a big difference. It gets you outdoors, gives you a break from your screen, and provides you with some much needed fresh air. The great thing about walking is you don’t have to go far or for long. A daily brisk walk will help you both physically and mentally.

Here is what happens to your brain and body when you start walking:

• circulation improves
• you feel energised
• your heart rate increases
• increased blood flow to your brain
• boosts your mood
• a better night’s sleep

Once you start walking, your body will adapt, and you can build up your walking time and pace to create a healthy walking routine that suits you. A good walking pace is one where your heart rate rises and you’ll notice your breathing deepens, but you are still able to hold a conversation.

If you have a long-term health condition, particularly involving your heart or lungs, then speak to your GP and get some guidance on what distance and speed you should start at and what you can safely increase to.

Tips for starting to walk more each day:

• Swap short car trips for walking – school runs, quick errands or the commute to work.
• Use stairs instead of a lift. Why not create a chart for your team to join at work and ask your colleagues to tick the chart when they’ve used the stairs instead of the lift. It’s a fun way to build a healthy habit together.
• Arrange a lunchtime walk with your team or some colleagues. Join or create a walking group.
• Take yourself for a walk in the countryside for additional wellbeing benefits and surround yourself in nature to boost your mood and create calm. Or simply take yourself off and go and explore somewhere new.

There are plenty of walks in your area, and in the article  Walking for health | Frimley Health and Care, there is a list at the bottom of recommended walks in your area.

May is National Walking Month, so let’s get walking!