When I read this BBC Prescribing Nature I thought, "now there's an idea". But then, when you think about it, how many people live near a forest? A small wood maybe or a copse, but not a forest. So we have to be imaginative in where we walk. There are loads of websites and leaflets on walks, but if you are stuck for ideas to start, send me a comment or email me . You may not even want to walk for an hour, but start off with 15-20 minutes.
Like any new activity, it is as well to check you are fit enough to do what you would like to do, so that you don't gain injuries instead of better health! However, if your GP is prescribing it, they must be sure you are fit! It seems to me though, that when people are told they must do something, they invariably decide not to as people do not like being told what to do! So I am suggesting that you "may like to go for a walk" - it may be round the block where you live, or you may want to drive to somewhere greener and have a more "natural" experience. It only takes one step to get started and you will find you build up each time you walk. When I went on my first walking weekend, I thought I was exhausted after the first day, but on day 3, I would have quite happily stayed and walked for a week. You don't know til you try!
Best foot forward...towards a lovely scene like this:
Like any new activity, it is as well to check you are fit enough to do what you would like to do, so that you don't gain injuries instead of better health! However, if your GP is prescribing it, they must be sure you are fit! It seems to me though, that when people are told they must do something, they invariably decide not to as people do not like being told what to do! So I am suggesting that you "may like to go for a walk" - it may be round the block where you live, or you may want to drive to somewhere greener and have a more "natural" experience. It only takes one step to get started and you will find you build up each time you walk. When I went on my first walking weekend, I thought I was exhausted after the first day, but on day 3, I would have quite happily stayed and walked for a week. You don't know til you try!
Best foot forward...towards a lovely scene like this:
In Exeter, we have Green Walks which you can access via facebook, if you want to walk with people in Exeter. This fits in beautifully with the walking in greenery idea and will give you ideas for walks. I am sure these are duplicated around the country and if not, why not start your own?
Greening up your town/city is also mentioned in the article, so there could be something there that suits you better! Rather than just walking, you may find you want to do something constructive like maintain footpaths, pick blackberries etc. All on a walking base. We did one "green" walk around elderflower time which involved drinking some elderflower gin slush! So walking can be more than just using your feet!! Lots to be enjoyed. As you can see below! Never a dull moment.
Greening up your town/city is also mentioned in the article, so there could be something there that suits you better! Rather than just walking, you may find you want to do something constructive like maintain footpaths, pick blackberries etc. All on a walking base. We did one "green" walk around elderflower time which involved drinking some elderflower gin slush! So walking can be more than just using your feet!! Lots to be enjoyed. As you can see below! Never a dull moment.