This Autumn we have had gloomy skies which coupled with shorter days and the oncoming chill of winter can affect both mood and motivation.

See below for our THREE tips for  staying motivated and beating the winter blues.

Tip one – WALK WITH OTHERS

If you book into a walk or plan to meet somebody else, you are far more likely to step out whatever the weather. We often get asked, do you still go out in poor weather? Our reply is simple…. Yes as long as its safe!

So many walkers tell us that they were thinking of cancelling and are glad they did not succumb because walking with others is the perfect mood up lifter! You can choose to chat or simply walk with the group in the knowledge that you are safe and the route has been planned for you! Those suffering from seasonal affected disorder (S.A.D)can feel less sociable than normal so pre planning a walk can help to break that cycle and get you outside.

Fresh air, physical exercise  and a welcome coffee at the end will all work their magic and leave you energised and smiling for the rest of the day!

TIP two – ENGAGE WITH NATURE

In Japan, nature therapy is on prescription and they have Forest clinics where studies have shown that just being in the trees affects not only mood but physical conditions like blood pressure too.

Trees send out natural oils called Phytoncides which are designed to protect them from attack but also help our immune systems because they are anti viral, anti fungal, anti bacterial and even anti inflammatory. That explains why smells like pine and lemon have always been used for disinfectants! There’s nothing like breathing in the scent of trees knowing that as you do so they are taking in the carbon dioxide that you breathe out too – read more about the benefits of trees in this article by the WOODLAND TRUST

Many WALX groups groups now offer nature walks and special sessions where qualified leaders help you to connect with nature more deeply.

Of course another benefit of being outdoors is that you top up your vitamin D levels even when the sun is not blazing. Lack of this vital vitamin is thought to add to feelings of depression and anxiety.

Tip three – ADD VARIETY

Try to get outside every day but mix up both the speed of the walk and the location – enjoy different landscapes and how the weather can change things by the day – like in this image taken in St Albans last year. It can get boring doing the same loop each day so seeking out new routes is also a great way to keep things fresh. Always walking at the same speed will cause you to ‘plateau’ fitness wise  too (see this article from our Coast and Country group in Sussex for more on this)

Brisk walking is also known to provide massive health benefits so add some bursts of speed or a hill or too to boost CV. Ideal exercise for a chilly day and mixing it up will help keep ypou motivated.

WALX  groups constantly seek new routes and the Instructors are trained to add variety and progression to ensure you keep improving and feeling the benefits of every step. Look for total body walking fitness sessions where pace and other elements like strength and balance are included to give yourself an extra boost!

So lace up your walking shoes and step outside for a winter fitness regime that put a smile on your face too.