Put a spring in your step!
Spring is here and so too are the benefits of longer days, more sunshine and a natural boost in energy! With Workplace Wellbeing Day just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get out doors and get active.
For a lot of people the Winter months kill motivation or will drive us to indoor exercise. Now that the brighter days are here, it’s the best time to set yourself some exercise goals. Exercising is a great way to encourage the release of endorphins. Endorphins are neurotransmitters that promote feelings of happiness, lower blood pressure, improve immune system, enhance mood and can even help to improve memory. Sunlight has also been proven to cause a spike of serotonin in our brains which can help fend off low mood and keep us feeling our best. With all these great benefits of exercising, there is no excuse to stay indoors.
Shake up your routine by trying new sports and making sure you exercise outdoors at least three times a week. A great way to get off the couch is to work towards something, an end goal. There are plenty of great adventure races, charity runs, marathons, health festivals, swims etc. throughout the Spring and Summer months.
Here’s some suggestions:
QUEST GLENDALOUGH
This epic adventure involves racers running and cycling through the Wicklow Mountains National Park and Glendalough Valley as well as kayaking across the spectacular Upper Lake and finishing the race in the shadows of the monastic round tower which epitomises the Glendalough area. There’s three levels to cater for all so if you’ve been in the gym all Winter this could be the first step outdoors.
DARKNESS INTO LIGHT RUN
If you need more than motivation for your own benefit then get motivated for charity. This great event run in aid of Pieta House takes place in locations throughout Ireland and the UK. You can walk or run with family and friends so if it’s been an unmotivated Winter get yourself moving for a beautiful sunrise 5km.
WELLFEST
Be inspired by Ireland’s only health, fitness and wellness festival. At WellFest you get the opportunity to hand pick your own day of wellness from the large selection of classes, workshops and seminars on offer at the festival. Whether you want to kick start a new wellness regime or to simply expand your knowledge by learning new skills from top professionals this event has something for everyone.
VHI WOMEN'S MINI MARATHON
A world-class event in a safe environment which enables participants to raise much needed funds for charities. The Vhi Women's Mini Marathon is the biggest all women's event of its kind in the world. In 2016 it is estimated that almost €6m was raised by the participants bringing the total since the race started in 1983 close to €203m. All charities benefit as it is the women themselves who decide who they will support and many local causes gain vital revenue from the event. It is now the biggest single day charity event in the country.
DINGLE ADVENTURE RACE
If an all-women’s event isn’t what you’re looking for don’t be disheartened. The Dingle Adventure Race is a multi-disciplinary event offering something for newcomers and experienced racers. Set in the beautiful surrounds of Dingle Co. Kerry get training and make a weekend of this one.The list of activities goes on and on. Whatever appeals to you, check with your doctor before doing anything extreme, start training today and register early – with a friend if possible.
Good luck and have fun!