Path For All, Scotland’s walking charity, is urging the public to keep active and take a daily walk during the coronavirus crisis and lockdown, reports Third Force News. The charity says that it’s more important than ever that people who feel well should walk alone or with those they live with to protect their physical and mental health.
Daily exercise is one of the four reasons where people are allowed to leave their homes. Path For All believes that those without any symptoms and who do not fall into high-risk groups should go out for short, local walks, providing they maintain minimal social contact.
The charity has published online guidance and links to resources to assist people to stay active while self-isolating, connect more with nature when going outside, and to encourage those now working from home to get up and move around more.
Ian Findlay, chief officer of Paths for All, said: “Now more than ever it’s important for people to look after their physical and mental health.
“Fresh air, being outdoors and connecting with nature is not only positive for your physical health, but it can help your mental health by improving your mood and reducing stress and anxiety. We believe it’s important for people to continue to enjoy short, local walks provided you are well and where it’s safe and appropriate to do so.
The official advice is to stay local. Choose routes right from your own front door if you can, to avoid non-essential travel. You should try to visit places you know will be quiet, away from hotspots, and remember to keep a distance of at least two metres from other people.
“If you are unable to go outside for a walk, then there are many ways you can keep moving at home. Browse online for demonstration videos and resources and remember to take regular breaks from sitting down to get up and move around,” continued Ian Findlay.
There are so many benefits to walking, including increased fitness and enhanced mood on top of reducing the risk of depression, anxiety, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, dementia and diabetes. Those with dogs will find they already have an excuse to go for walkies, but for many others, further encouragement is needed.
The charity hosts many events and campaigns to showcase how walking can bring significant benefits to the nation’s health and environment, aiming to encourage everyone in Scotland to walk every day and everywhere.
Paths For All works with the Scottish Government and 30 partners to support and deliver national policies, such as the National Walking Strategy and other active travel initiatives.
There’s maybe little more that can blow away the isolation blues than considering walking tours of the highlands of Scotland when the restrictions are relaxed so visit us today for more details.