As the days get longer and it gets warmer (hopefully!!), we should make the most of it and enjoy the fresh air…
So make it your mid-year resolution and get out more this summer. Here are some suggestions:
- Try and get out at lunchtime for a short walk with your colleagues.
- Why not take the kids out in evening, they can scoot or cycle whilst you get a brisk walk?
- Take the dog for a long walk or go on a cycle ride just after you get in from work.
- If you take the bus to work, get off a stop or two earlier.
- Park a little further on the school run and enjoy the walk back with the kids, you get some quality time and maybe find a butterfly or two on your way.
- Go to the local park and play football with the kids or some mates.
Fresh air cleans the lungs, improves blood pressure and heart rate and boosts the immune system. Increased oxygen levels in the body gives greater clarity to your brain and more energy for the body. Our brains use up to 20% of our body’s oxygen. Doing exercises increases oxygen levels; no wonder exercise helps your brain function!
Here are some places you can visit locally at the weekend or on your day off:
Dunstable Downs
Enjoy some kite flying or a stroll. If you are feeling more energetic, you can do the 8KM trek. There’s a great cafe with lovely views to enjoy a treat afterwards. This can be enjoyed whatever your age and ability. Just wrap up warm, it can get windy!!
Wendover
The Chilterns area in England offers good walking opportunities with well marked paths. The countryside is often heavily wooded but you can also find nice airy open stretches higher up on ridges too. Around Wendover the walking is exceptionally good – with choices of woodland, canals and ridge paths. Why not try a small walk there?
Ashridge Estate
This is a national trust estate and has some great woodlands and commons. It has a great variety of wildlife and flowers. This time of the year the woodlands are beautiful with all the bluebells in full bloom. You can walk or cycle and don’t have to go very far to find the beautiful bluebells.
The Linslade Loop
This is a pleasant circular walk with part of it along the Grand Union Canal and River Ouzel to the south of Leighton Buzzard. Parking is available at the Memorial Park in Mentmore Road. This is a four mile walk which is flat. Please refer to http://www.letsgo.org.uk/OldCMS/2806056_6.htm for more details on the route.
Hope you enjoy the fresh air, warm weather and longer days, whatever you choose to do.