Keeping fit gives you perspective

Upper and Lower Lough Bray - well worth a walking visit.

The column below appears in this week's INM Irish regional newspapers.

By Michael Commane.
I might well be knocked down by a bus tomorrow but in the meantime.

It’s bright these mornings at 06.30 and it’s simply great to be out walking with the dog in daylight. Better still, it’s that little less awful getting out of bed.

It often amazes me that there are not more stand-up comedians or short story writers who don’t do pieces on the agony of getting out of bed in the morning, especially on those dark cold wet winter mornings. It’s close to hell and all those thoughts that speed through the mind with the possibility of staying in bed an extra ten minutes. And then once out on the floor, the agony is over. Well almost.

Surely this is the best time of the year. It’s all to look forward to. Okay, at the end of the month the clocks will go forward and there will be a little blip as it will be dark again around 06.00, but only for a short period. Daylight is racing forwards right now, morning and evening.

Out walking the dog these mornings I am conscious of the amazing beauty that is all around us. It so happens I live close to a river and beside two public parks. To be greeted by singing birds, tiny shoots and new daffodils is simply the best possible way to start the day.

Three weeks ago I walked around the side of Kippure and down by the two Lough Braes. Again it was pure magic. Every time I go on any sort of long walk I can never believe how well in mind and body I feel after it.

These days there is so much talk and attention being paid to the problem of obesity. The RTE programme ‘Operation Transformation’ has highlighted how people can return to healthy weight levels by changing their lifestyles, exercising more and eating a proper diet.

We are creatures of habit and once we get into a rhythm for doing or not doing something it is damn hard to break it. If people are not accustomed to going walking, swimming or cycling or whatever, it is unlikely that they will start doing so out of the blue. I’m told it takes 21 days to break or make a habit

But walking, swimming and cycling are so easy to do for people who are healthy and have no disabilities.

Ok, it’s not nice cycling to work in the rain and wind. But like all habit building, once we get into the routine of it, it becomes second nature. And it’s free. But far more importantly, there is a joy about cycling and walking that is simply unsurpassable. Swimming too is great fun and another ideal way to keep fit and help you enjoy a healthy body and mind.

Cycling, swimming and walking give one a whole new perspective on the world around you. And the great thing about the three of them is that you can do them well after you have hung up your football boots, hurlies or running shoes.

This is the perfect time of the year to set yourself a target: a two or three kilometre walk, half an hour on the bike or a few laps of the local swimming pool. And if you are brave, why not try the sea for the perfect swim.

A number of charities organise outdoor activities. On March 2 96 people climbed Connacht’s highest mountain, Mweelrea in Mayo. It is 814 metres high. On April 13 you have a chance of climbing Slieve Donard, which is the highest mountain in Ulster. The Antrim mountain is 850 metres. If you are interested in climbing with Concern contact, Zoe at zoe.holyoak@concern.net or telephone 01 – 417 8028.

This is the perfect time of year to throw off the shackles of winter and take to the great outdoors.

Allow yourself to be surprised by the joys of nature. Those of us who are fortunate to be able to get out and about should thank God for the privilege. We are so lucky.