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Get busy and active

‘Getting active’ isn’t about going to a boot camp or immediately training to run a marathon. Everyone has different abilities and circumstances. Getting active is about making small, lasting changes in your lifestyle to incorporate both your physical and mental wellbeing.

Physical activity has been said to lower rates of anxiety and depression as well as boosting your mood and wellbeing.

Some simple adjustments could be:

  • Walking up the stairs, instead of taking the lift.
  • Doing something active in your lunch break
  • Learn some suitable stretches that help with movement
  • Get off the bus one stop earlier or later than usual and walk the final part of your journey to work/home
  • Some of the healthiest activities of all are very gentle – yoga, tai-chi, pilates
  • Have a kick-about in a local park
  • Do basic exercises from your chair
  • Instead of calling/emailing, stretch your legs and walk to someone’s desk instead
  • Do the housework and gardening
  • Cold water swimming

If you’d like to know more about being active, check out some of these local and national organisations:

  • Sheffield City Trust run a variety of physical activity classes at their various sites across the city.
  • Move More aims to increase physical activity in Sheffield. They aim to create a healthier, and more connected Sheffield. Use the finder on their website to find what activities are on in Sheffield that you can be involved with.
  • Sheffield Physical Activity Referral Scheme (SPARS) is for Sheffield people with health conditions who want to increase their physical activity. The criteria on their website.
  • If you have disabilities and would like some support to find activities suitable for you, you can get in touch with Disability Sheffield.
  • The English Federation of Disability Sport support disabled people to find opportunities to get active.  Their Activity Alliance website has resources and can be searched for inclusive gyms and events.
  • Better Health has lots of fun ideas and tips to help families, and children eat healthier and be more active.
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