Five ways to make a change
Wednesday 1 March 2006
If you're feeling a bit low and unfit at the moment, here are a few ways you can give your general health, state of mind and fitness a kick start.
Activate
Sounds obvious, but if you want to get yourself on the road to fitness, you need to do more than walk to the shops and back.
Even if the thought of sport fills you with dread, you can still do something to get your body in shape. If it's safe to do so, walk to school, college or work every day and once you're used to the exercise, why not try a little jog each way, too?
Stimulate
If you just sit and veg out in front of the TV all the time, you're bound to feel a bit low because you're not keeping your mind active. As dramatic as the twists and turns of 'Hollyoaks' might be, they're not the best thing to stimulate your mind.
Sitting and reading a book isn't everybody's cup of tea, but a new way of reading that's becoming really popular is to join a book club.
Club members set themselves a different book to read every month or so and then, once they've read it, get together and talk about it. It's more fun than you'd think and a great way of meeting people.
Investigate
Sometimes it can feel as if there's nothing to do and if there is, you've no idea what is happening and where. Going online and doing a bit of research can help you and throw up all sorts of possibilities.
Your local council will have a web site that should tell you what's going on for young people in your area. If you're into sports, see what events are happening where you can get involved.
Most councils will have a leisure centre where you might be able to go for a swim or use the gym facilities at a reduced rate.
Captivate
Part of feeling good is knowing that you look good. If you're down in the dumps, why not have a bit of a makeover and see what a difference it can make.
You don't have to do anything drastic, but a haircut or a couple of new items in your wardrobe can do wonders for your well being.
You'll be surprised how good it'll make you feel, and it also might get you a little bit more attention, which is no bad thing.
Accelerate
If jogging, the gym and shopping aren't enough to kick start your healthy mode, why not soak up the need for speed and do something that requires a bit more energy.
Cycling is not only a great way of getting out and seeing a bit more of the area where you live, it's also really good for your fitness levels too.
You don't have to be Tour de France standard to enjoy cycling; get on your bike and see where it takes you.
If you tend to get saddle sore, another way of getting by on wheels is to get some rollerboots. Grab a pair and head to the park for a Californian-style workout.
Take mates so you can help each other when you fall over. Not only are you getting some exercise, it'll be a laugh, too.
