Make sure you're doing all you can

In the fortnightly Get Active column, Fenland District Council physical activity co-ordinator Hettie West looks at small improvements...

As we have just entered the official summer season, and the weather seems to be agreeing, there’s no better time to take a break, reset, and make sure you’re doing everything you can to look after yourself physically and mentally.

Now is a great time, with the days being at their longest, to have a think about whether there are any ways to increase activity levels in your day-to-day life.

With this very kind weather shining down on us, could you take a walk or cycle to work, into town, or on the school run instead of driving?

When you’re faced with the option of lift/escalator vs stairs, could you try taking the stairs instead? Do you have a 10-minute break in your day where you could take a brisk walk outside and soak in that vitamin D?

Looking after yourself physically doesn’t have to mean drastic life changes and extreme exercising, these little changes can make a huge difference.

Similarly, taking a look at your diet and making minor swaps can impact your overall health massively. Snacking is 100% normal – but how about a piece of fruit, bowl of Greek yoghurt, or handful of unsalted nuts instead of sugary snacks such as cakes or biscuits?

Eating a balanced diet with the correct proportions of each food group (Visit NHS Live Well website for more detail) will improve your health not only through weight management, but also improvements to aspects such as skin, nail and hair health, bone and teeth health, muscle growth and repair, mental health, and reduction of risk of disease.

Another important aspect of overall health is social health. Forming and maintaining interpersonal relationships throughout your life will have a largely positive effect on overall wellbeing.

Socialising is great for your mental health, boosting confidence, increasing productivity and feelings of fulfilment, and decreasing risk of depression and anxiety.

We’ve got a number of sessions being delivered that target not only physical activity, but also social aspects too:

• Forever Fit – Hudson Leisure Centre, Wisbech. Tuesdays 11.30am-12.30pm. FREE. Come and try a range of activities out, such as modern day kurling, table tennis, badminton and more, followed by tea, coffee and chatting.
• Tea Dance Community Event – Queen Mary Centre, Wisbech. Friday, July 8, 2-4pm. FREE. A fun event with music and dancing and plenty of refreshments for avid tea lovers.
• Beginner badminton – Hudson Leisure Centre, Wisbech. Mondays 6-7pm, £2 upon arrival. A relaxed, open badminton session.
• Walking Netball – 9.30-10.30am, Whittlesey Bowls Complex (Wednesdays, £3 upon arrival) and Hudson Leisure Centre (Thursdays, £2 upon arrival).

If you’re interested in finding out more or getting involved in or booked onto any of our sessions, contact activefenlandbookings@fenland.gov.uk or 07874 893 316.