‘We need the physical and mental health benefits of walking more than ever’
Doctors are united in the opinion that walking is the best possible thing to do if you’re free of symptoms, and that it’s wholly compatible with social distancing requirements. Just stay six feet apart from strangers, tune out of the ambient anxieties and connect with the ‘deeper realities’ of life, says Dr Peter Davies.
“In these fear filled times a walk can be a great way to reduce the anxiety, and to anchor us back into the deeper reality around us. Walking is within the rules of social distancing. It’s important to remember too, even amidst the coronavirus epidemic most of us are well, and need to stay well and sane to help others.’”
‘Even a short walk is beneficial’
Walking plays a balanced role in boosting mental and physical fitness, experts say, contributing to our resilience as individuals and as a society. ‘At this time of global crisis walking might be seem unimportant’ says Dr Karen Hegarty, but on the contrary:
“There is no doubt about the physical and mental health benefits of walking and we need it now more than ever. Even a short walk keeping your distance from others is beneficial. Look up at the sky, admire the fresh new green leaves and soak up the birdsong. Fill your boots with all that free fresh air therapy.”
‘The countryside remains open’
Walking remains the most accessible and universal sources of wellbeing, with the benefits beginning right at our door, and with the National Trust opening its commons and parklands free there’s even more variety than usual. ‘It’s vitally important this message get out says Dr Alison Sabine:
“Now more than ever, it’s important to look after both our physical and mental wellbeing and what better way to do that than to get outside on a walk. The countryside remains open and for most of us this means we can get some much needed fresh air, build our resilience for the coming weeks and months and still maintain social distancing. Be responsible, stay safe and keep walking!”
