Keeping Active
Keeping active and moving our bodies is beneficial to keeping well and healthy and being more active before treatment can speed up recovery. Benefits include: -
- reduced stress and anxiety;
- improved cognitive function (thinking, reasoning and remembering);
- improved sleep quality;
- strengthened bones and muscles;
- reduced risk of various diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke; and,
- maintenance of a healthy weight. Getting active will look different to everyone.
If you are new to exercising, start small and build slowly. For example going for a walk, taking the stairs instead of the escalators, going for a bike ride with friends and family, joining a local sports club or weekly exercise class. It is important you exercise in a way that works for you and your capability, so it minimises your risk of injury or hurting yourself. Some quick tips for getting active are:
- Start slowly and build up gradually. Give yourself plenty of time to warm up and cool down with easy walking or gentle stretching.
- Take breaks if you need to. Smaller frequent activities throughout the day are just as beneficial for you and may make exercising feel more manageable.
- Get creative. Try to think of an exercise or movement that you can enjoy and repeat. This could be a dog walk with a friend, a dance class, or whatever form of movement you feel confident and capable to do.
- Set a goal – no goal is too small. The hardest part is often getting started. Try a small daily commitment to moving more e.g. a 15 minute walk outside can help us stay consistent to a gentle exercise routine.
- Eat well and stay hydrated. It is important to keep on top of your nutrition and stay hydrated when you are getting active.
- Local Community Voluntary Councils can direct you to activities in your area more information here.
Additional Information
Further information on services or groups in your community: ·
- Merthyr Tydfil : VAMT –Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil ,Voluntary Action Centre, 89-90 High Street, Pontmorlais, Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 8UH Phone: 01685 353900 Email: info@vamt.net Website: https://www.vamt.net/en
- Bridgend: BAVO - Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations,112-113 Commercial Street, Maesteg CF34 9DL Telephone :01656 810400 Email: bavo@bavo.org.uk Website: www.bavo.org.uk
- Rhondda Cynon Taff – Interlink RCT, Glenview House, Court Street, Pontypridd, CF37 1JY, telephone 01443 846200, Email: info@interlinkrct.org.uk , Website: https://interlinkrct.org.uk