Take five . . . Ways To Stay Active This Winter

A Winter Stroll

You can’t beat a crisp, clear winter’s day for blowing away the cobwebs with a walk – just be

sure to wrap up against the elements. According to the Ramblers, not only does walking improve the performance of the heart, lungs and circulation, it also releases endorphins, which improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety. If you’re looking for inspiration for where to go, take a look at www.nationalparks.gov.uk/ visiting/outdoor-activities/

walking/family-walks.

Stroke Of Genius

Take a paintbrush, pick a palette of pastel colours and recreate that summer holiday by the beach on canvas.

The rainbow of colours will cut through the gloom, and the mood-enhancing memories should bring welcome cheer. Painting is great for stimulating the brain, while also acting as a stress reliever.

Simply paint for fun, or join a class if you prefer guidance and a more social aspect to the pastime.

DIY Magic

It’s easy to get cabin fever spending more time indoors at this time of year. Why not take on a DIY project and transform a room of your house?

It needn’t be expensive; perhaps replacing kitchen cupboard doors, or giving a new lease of life to some old furniture. A lot can be achieved in a short time.

If you need a bit of guidance, you’ll find plenty of tutorials with helpful advice online.

Help!

Being able to lend a hand at your local charity is a great way to do your bit for the community, while also meeting other people.

People who volunteer find they enjoy the feel-good factor that comes from doing something worthwhile to help others, and some have even gone on to forge different vocations from the new skills they’ve learned.

Visit www.gov.uk/ government/get-involved/ take-part/volunteer.

Face To Face

At this time of year, loneliness can be an issue. So forget phoning family and friends for a catch-up; why not call round in person?

You can’t beat a personal visit for swapping all your news.

If you want to receive a really warm welcome, why not take round some homebaked goodies to share over a cup of tea and a natter? It has the added bonus of getting you out of the house, too.