Stay active with a daily walk, urges charity

Scotland’s walking charity is urging the public to stay active and take a walk everyday amidst the coronavirus outbreak, writes Kathie Griffiths.

Paths for All says it is 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.

Exercising once a day is one of only four reasons why people are allowed to leave their home. The charity believes that those not experiencing symptoms and not in the high-risk groups should go out for short, local walks as long as they minimise social contact.

Paths for All has also launched new online guidance and links to resources which can help people stay active indoors, connect with nature outside and encourage those working from home to move more.

Ian Findlay CBE, Chief Officer at 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 and choose routes right from your own front door if you can to avoid non-essential travel.

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, advises the charity.

If you are unable to go outside for a walk, then keep moving at home.

To find out more go to Paths for All go to pathsforall.org.uk