Keeping active essential for physical and mental wellbeing

Monday 08 February 2021

The Be Active team at the Health Improvement Commission are highlighting a number of initiatives to keep islanders active through lockdown.

The Commission wants people in Guernsey to make sure they’re taking care of their physical and mental wellbeing.

“The previous lockdown demonstrated the value and importance of keeping active for our physical and mental wellbeing," said Be Active lead, Alun Williams.

“During these difficult times health and well-being is at the forefront of our thinking.”

Pictured: Alun has been following his own advice and running round the garden.

To help people in Guernsey during lockdown, the Commission has updated resources on how to be active at home, encouraged families to allow their children to play, reminded people of their #GetOutThere campaign and asked people to do their Daily Mile.

The Commission has pushed for the importance of play, saying that it helps children to develop physically and emotionally. They’ve uploaded some resources online to help with families at home.

The #GetOutThere campaign promotes Guernsey’s Ruette Tranquille lanes and, with quieter roads, cycling during lockdown. Further information can be found on their website.

Pictured: The Daily Mile wants more people to fit in 15 minutes of exercise a day.

The Daily Mile is an initiative now in its fourth year, with applications beyond lockdown and the pandemic. It was started after a survey found that only 40% of students were meeting recommended guidelines of 60 minutes exercise a day.

It’s hoped that 15 minutes of walking, jogging or running can help children and their parents do more exercise.

“It is hard to overstate the benefits of activity, not just during lockdown, but also throughout our lives,” said Mr Williams.

“The evidence is growing every day to show its value and positive impact on physical and mental well-being,” he concluded.