Week 6; How to keep active this winter; sharing individual stories, struggles and tips
Changing it up from the usual blog this week to talk about how to keep active this winter.
I've been reading and hearing a lot about high rates of depression and isolation in Scotland during winter.
Many people report feeling isolated and low during the Christmas period. Furthermore, many experience unwanted weight gain and associate feelings of guilt and shame towards gaining weight.
We should be able to enjoy treats and feel good right?
Potential solution?
Staying active and being around people
Keeping active and being around people may not eliminate these issues completely but can definitely help.
However, it can be really difficult to stay active during winter. The days get shorter, the nights get darker and the temperature drops.
The Scottish Government published a paper stating that our physical activity rates decrease dramatically during the winter season (October-March).
Staying active is even more challenging for vulnerable populations such as elderly or people who have impairments.
So, what can we do to keep active and support others to do the same?
Over the last few days I did some research. I asked people I met about their experience. If they had any tips and what their struggles were. I also read about different programmes and projects that run in winter to encourage people to stay active.
From the informal chats, the majority people said that the dark nights demotivated them and stopped them being active. The main thing that motivated them to stay active was doing it with other people. If they attended a walking group or went to the gym with a friend, they kept going. Having support and struggling together encouraged them to stay active.
One amazing man from the cycling group said I could share his story with you guys. I thought his journey was perfect to show the challenges and potential solutions to staying active during winter.
Joe is 66 years old, he is originally from Italy and moved to Scotland when he married his wife over 40 years ago. Him and his wife now live in Linlithgow. I met them both around two years ago at Cycling group.
Joe had a heart attack 3 years ago that motivated him to become more physically active and improve his health.
After Joe’s heart attack he began walking everyday, come rain or blizzards he walked. His wife would join him frequently and they both started to build fitness and confidence.
One of their friends had mentioned to them about joining the weekly cycling group. Joe initially dismissed the idea even though he had been a keen cyclist in his youth. Slowly his wife convinced him, he said to me it was one of the best decisions he made.
At first it was tough, like everything, but after attending every week, they became pro’s.
He told me in previous years, it has been challenging for him and his wife to stay active during winter. As the nights get darker, they both tend to feel less motivated to leave the house.
Now, three years on from the heart attack, Joe told me the main things that allow them to stay active are the weekly cycling group and their grandchildren (which keep them very active throughout the week).
Joe also mentioned that he feels very grateful to have his wife and other family around him. He said he can’t imagine how challenging it would be to stay active if he didn’t have people to support him.
~Another example highlighting why we should be looking out for people who are isolated, especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly community.
What is Scotland and local communities doing?
One project I love is Paths for all
Paths for all is an amazing organisation who run weekly walking groups all over Scotland. They tailor the groups to meet the community’s needs. For example, they run buggy walks, health walks, dementia walks and more.
I am a qualified walk leader for Paths for All. I can’t express enough how incredible the organisation is. I have seen first-hand the true impact walking groups can have on individuals mental and physical health.
Local projects such as Stirling and Falkirk Active Travel Hub and other projects organise community based events and groups throughout winter to support and encourage people to stay active.
The social component to these events encourage way more than physical activity. They become more about social connection and a sense of belonging. Making people feel good.
-What this time of year should feel like for everyone.
What are the main tips and take away?
Throughout all of the examples social support has been key to keeping active.
Find a support mechanism that works for you.What keeps you motivated?
-Walking or cycling to work/uni/the shops every day or twice a week? Active travel is one of the best ways for unconscious activity.
-Going to the gym with a friend
-Attending fitness classes with your partner
-Joining a weekly walking groups
-Evening walks with your elderly neighbour, family or dog
Find something that works for you.
Let’s stay active together this winter, for our physical but more importantly our mental health.
Thank you so much for reading. I know I write it every week, but it really blows my mind that people take the time to read my wee blog.
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