Today marks the start of May – the perfect way to discover the #MagicOfWalking and celebrate the benefits of keeping active outdoors for our body and mind.
Walking is one of the best ways for people, of all ages and abilities, to start getting active, to improve our health and stay connected to our community, helping us feel less lonely and isolated.
However, there are barriers that exist to getting started – such as confidence, health conditions, access to appropriate footwear, as well as knowledge and access to routes – it can be hard to know where to start. Therefore, to highlight National Walking Month this year, we have pulled together a resource containing local information and support to help break down some of these barriers and to help more people discover what walking can do for them.
The biggest health benefits are gained by those that are inactive and become active.
The resource contains information around local walking groups on offer, inspiration on walking routes around Shetland, and local support that’s available in the community to encourage folk to walk more often.
The resource was developed through a working group within the Active Shetland Strategic Group, who focuses on supporting the inactive to become more active. The group includes members from NHS Shetland, Shetland Recreational Trust, Shetland Islands Council Sport & Leisure Team, Ability Shetland and ZetTrans. You can find out more about the Active Shetland Strategy and the work we do here.
To access the Walking in Shetland resource, click here.
#TRY20
If you’re feeling up for a challenge, why not try out the #Try20 challenge by doing 20 minutes of walking each day during May. This challenge is led by the National Charity Living Streets. Check out their #Try20 Check List and tick them off as you go!
Shetland RSPB Audio Trails – NEWLY LAUNCHED!
Another great way of looking after ourselves is by connecting with and appreciating nature while out walking. In Shetland we are lucky to have lots of natural scenery spots to walk and enjoy such as parks, beaches, hills and coastal walks. Spending time in green space or bringing nature into our everyday life can have powerful effects on both our mental and physical wellbeing by lowering stress and anxiety and promoting calmness and happiness.
Shetland RSPB have developed “audio trails” which aim to provide a sound bite of some of Shetland’s nature friendly places for all in the community. These audios may come in handy when planning a visit to any of the locations, or provide a moment of mindfulness in nature that people can use anywhere at any time.
To access the audios simply go to our website and click on the pins on the map to listen: https://www.healthyshetland.com/shetland-audio-trails/
Improving Population Health and Wellbeing
