Spending time outdoors this National Walking Month | Tenant news

May is National Walking Month, an annual campaign that promotes simple, free and accessible ways to get outside and stay active. It’s also a good reminder of the benefits that fresh air, movement and time outdoors can have on both physical and mental wellbeing.

Why should you make time to get outside and enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits that come with walking?

The benefits?

1. It helps clear your mind : Making time for a walk or a bit of fresh air during the day can help you clear your head and break up long periods indoors.
   
2. You have more energy and alertness :  Spending time outside during the day can help you feel more awake and focused.
   
3. You’ll get better rest and a mental reset :  For some people, being active during the day can support better sleep at night. For others, it’s more about having a break from screens, housework or daily pressures.
   
4. It can lower stress levels : Spending time around green spaces has also been linked to lower stress levels. Recent research from Stanford University suggests that even 15 minutes a day in nature can help lift mood .

The NHS mental wellbeing advice page also has advice on staying active and looking after your mental health.

Create a routine

There are a few ways to fit more time outdoors into your day. One way is to build a daily routine around things you already do.

It might be stepping outside after lunch, taking a short stroll to the shops, or sitting outside for a few minutes when you get home. Over time, it becomes part of the day without needing much thought.

You‘ll find ideas on accessible routes or local walks at www.accesstrails.uk.

On days when getting out is not possible, you can still stay connected to nature. A cup of tea by the window, listening for birds or watching what’s happening outside can help keep you connected until you’re able to get outside again.

Join a community

Being part of a community can also help with getting outside more often. It can feel easier when there’s a reason to go or someone to go with.

Some people enjoy joining a local walking group, meeting up with neighbours, or taking part in organised community activities that include time outdoors.

Being around others can take the pressure off going out alone and can help make it feel more like part of everyday life.

If you’re not sure where to start, community noticeboards, local council websites and Facebook groups often share information about activities nearby. You can find your local council at www.gov.uk/find-local-council.

For more information on healthy living, visit our health and wellbeing page at www.habinteg.org.uk/health.

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