Get up and go this winter
As the clocks go back this weekend, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to spring forward and get active in order to keep well over the winter months.
Colette Brolly, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager with the PHA, said: “In the dark nights, it is easy to get into the habit of spending our spare time being inactive, but making small changes and increasing activity can help lift your mood over the winter months.
“Physical activity is very important to our health and wellbeing. It is recommended that adults have at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate activity each week. Ideally adults should be physically active every day and sessions of physical activity should be at least 10 minutes or more. Children should have at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each day. Any physical activity however is better than none.
“Being physically active can help improve mental health by lifting mood, reducing anxiety and helping to protect against depression. Being physically active helps maintain a healthy weight and can reduce the risk of many diseases including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, and colon cancer.
“The drop in temperature during the winter can make it all too easy to spend our spare time being inactive, whether it is watching TV or playing computer games.
“Introducing small changes to increase our levels of physical activity will make big differences to health and wellbeing.”
Being active doesn’t have to be expensive and you can incorporate physical activity into your day through walking, dancing or playing with the kids.
Leisure centres have facilities such as swimming pools, tennis, badminton and football courts which are a great way to get active as a family.
Colette Brolly continued: “If you are taking part in physical activity outside in the dark nights, it is important to stay safe. Remember to wear light coloured clothes or a high-viability vest or jacket if possible.”
Here are some other small changes that you can make to your daily routine to help lift your mood over the winter:
- talking to people and letting them know how you’re feeling so they can help and support you
- eating a well-balanced healthy diet
- making your environment as bright and light as possible.
For further information on getting active visit www.getalifegetactive.com and www.choosetolivebetter.com