During May, as part of National Walking Month, health leaders at NHS Walsall CCG are encouraging people to get out of the house for a walk to help improve both their physical and mental health.

National Walking Month is organised by Living Streets, a charity that is working to create safe, attractive streets built around the needs of people rather than cars. They are challenging people to #Try20 and take a 20-minute walk each day throughout May. Dr Anand Rischie, local GP and Chair at NHS Walsall CCG, said:

“During the coronavirus pandemic lockdown, it is important for our physical health and mental wellbeing to remain active. Getting out each day for a walk can make a huge improvement to how you’re feeling. A brisk 20-minute daily walk has lots of health benefits and counts towards your recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise.

"A daily walk will not only improve your physical health but getting a bit of fresh air each day and keeping active will help boost your mood, too. If you do go out for a walk, please make sure that you adhere to Government guidance and keep 2 metres away from people who are not in your household at all times.”

To find out more about the social distancing guidelines, you can visit the NHS UK website.

If you are unable to leave your house there are many things you can do at home to stay active, including yoga, workout videos and dancing. Great online resources include NHS Live Well, NHS Fitness Studio Joe Wicks’ daily videos and the Sport England website.

For more information about how to get involved in National Walking Month activities in your area, how to plan your own, and how to download the Public Health England ‘One You’ app to help you track your progress, visit the National Walking Month website.