Keep Walking Through May and Boost your Mental Health

May is National Walking Month! The perfect opportunity to swap short car journeys for fresh air, connect with nature, get some exercise and feel the benefits of a good walk.

The benefits of walking

Did you know that a regular 15-minute walk can improve your sleep and self-esteem, and even alleviate withdrawal symptoms? In fact, the accessible activity is one of the best things we can do for both our physical and mental health. Benefits include:

• Improved physical health - building stamina, improving heart health, burning calories and strengthening the immune system.

• Boosting mental health – taking time to de-stress, promoting calmness, connecting with nature, improving sleep, boosting energy and providing the chance to connect with others.

• Supporting addiction recovery – a healthy activity that allows space to clear the mind, provides distraction from unhealthy habits, alleviates substance cravings and combats fake-dopamine-seeking behaviours.

Checking in with your mental health

With Mental Health Awareness Week also taking place this month (11^th -17^th May), it’s a great time for us all to check in with our own mental health and practise some healthy habits that are good for our wellbeing. From socialising to mindfulness, journaling and moving our bodies through activities like walking, we can all give our wellbeing a little boost.

How does walking support addiction recovery?

Physical activity can aid recovery from addiction in several ways, and it doesn’t need to be intense to feel the benefits; simply walking can be just as powerful. Even light exercise increases dopamine levels to reduce anxiety and stress and give your mood a boost. Getting into the routine of walking can also keep you focused, offer a welcome distraction and keep addictive habits at bay. Making it a social activity can also give you a chance to talk – an important aspect of recovery.

Our favourite walks across Cumbria

Cumbria is a fantastic place to go walking. Coastal paths, stunning views, beautiful lakes and dramatic fells – it’s the ideal location to try out some new paths and take a break. Here are some of our favourite local walks:

• Cat Bells, Keswick

• Ancient Castles of Mallerstang

• Scafell Pike, Lake District National Park

• Tarn Hows & Coniston

• Derwent Water Shoreline

• Blencathra via Hall’s Fell Ridge

• Aira Force Waterfall

• Loweswater Circuit

• Solway Coast

 

Walk with CADAS

National Walking Month doesn’t have to mean extreme hikes, walking for hours or pushing the pace; it’s about making walking part of everyday life and enjoying the benefits that come with it.

Start small and try one or more of the following this May:

• Walk to the shops or to work instead of driving

• Take a lunchtime stroll

• Catch up with a friend over a walk

• Try a new local route

At CADAS we love simple activities that improve our wellbeing. We recently hosted a wellbeing walk in Carlisle followed by afternoon tea to mark National Walking Month and throughout May we are encouraging everyone to make walking a regular habit.

Every Thursday we run a walking group, starting at our CADAS, Carlisle office at 10am. This is a relaxed and friendly get-together which provides the opportunity to try new walking routes, chat to others and enjoy the fresh air. We finish with refreshments at a local coffee shop.  Why not get involved?

We are also thrilled to be Charity of the Year at this year’s Carlisle Half Marathon and 10k event. We will be running, jogging and walking in support of CADAS. You can get involved by taking part yourself or by donating to support our team.