Darpan News Desk City of Surrey, 18 Jun, 2021 11:19 AM
Before you go:
Get some good, supportive walking shoes to lessen the chance of injury along trails. Waterproof options are great for our climate.
Bring water to stay hydrated if planning on a lengthy walk. Park water fountains remain closed during Covid-19, so best to bring your own. Don’t forget Fido if walking the dog!
Find a walking group to join. Meeting new people with a common interest makes walking more enjoyable. Learn more about walking resources in Surrey.
While walking:
Connecting with others while walking is beneficial to mental health. Even phoning a friend while walking is valuable if you can’t connect in person.
Walking can be a form of meditation. Noticing the sights and sounds of nature is highly beneficial, not to mention the increased oxygen coming from the trees and plants.
Walking after dinner can aid digestion, control blood sugar and boost metabolism.
Step it Up a Notch:
Walk with light weights to burn more calories.
Create a playlist of quicker tempo music. You’ll get your heart rate up as you walk along.
Set a goal, whether it’s to increase your daily or weekly steps, number of kilometers covered or number of parks you visit. Reaching your goal is fun and keeps it interesting.
Train for a charity walk. It provides a goal and purpose to keep you motivated.
Consider a walking holiday when travel resumes. Walking holidays and treks are popular in the U.K. and many parts of Europe.
Walking with Families:
Make a game of it for kids! How many interesting plants, bugs, flowers, etc. can each child find along the way. Take photos too.
Connect with other families…new Moms. Great way to catch up while being active.
Walking for Seniors:
Consider walking poles for added stability along hills and trails. The top of the handle should be at waist/hip level and your elbow at 90 degrees.
Always have a phone with you for added safety.
Try an outdoor walking track. The rubberized surface provides cushioning and traction with every step.
Researchers found that sleep extension was associated with improved measures of insulin sensitivity and reductions in overall appetite, desire for sweet and salty foods
Besides keeping children from being sedentary, physical activities such as structured sports have the potential to be enriching, both physically and mentally
The study revealed strong connections between the afternoon shut-eye sessions and positive outcomes in a handful of areas in the overall development of kids.
