People urged to take steps to boost wellbeing in lockdown
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
JANUARY is traditionally a time when gym memberships surge – but with a second national lockdown in place people are being urged to get walking locally instead to boost mental and physical health.
Paths for All, Scotland’s national walking charity, is encouraging the public to explore local walking routes to help combat social isolation, anxiety and loneliness as well as boost physical health.
This comes following the launch of the charity’s Walk Once a Day this Winter campaign, which is asking people to pledge to walk every day in January.
The campaign includes an online hub which offers activities and ideas designed to motivate individuals of all ages, podcast recommendations, creative walking advice and prize incentives.
Ian Findlay CBE, chief officer at Paths for All, said: "Yet again our country faces a significant challenge in which we must all do our bit to keep everyone, including ourselves, safe and healthy.
"With walking being one of the few essential reasons for leaving your home, it is the perfect exercise and now is the time to get into a walking exercise routine which is consistent with the current government guidelines. Walking can help with our social health as the guidelines allow us to meet with one person from one other household outside.
"Last year we saw an increase in Scots taking up walking during the first lockdown and the outcome has highlighted just how many benefits are attributed to walking and how outdoor exercise as many times a day as we can has become an important way to look after physical and mental wellbeing."
An opinion survey in April last year by YouGov found Scots were more likely to walk following pandemic restrictions than the rest of the UK and that 61 per cent of Scots said they walked more now than they did before the restrictions.
Paths for All believes regular walking is key to leading a happy and healthy life, and it’s even more important for people to continue enjoying short, local walks where it is safe and appropriate to do so.
