Cape Breton columnist setting healthy lifestyle goals this year

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Most people begin the start of a new calendar year by making a few New Year’s resolutions. Some are hoping to give up smoking or maybe doing a ‘dry January’ to encourage drinking less alcohol.

Many will buy a gym membership with the aim of becoming more physically active.

Not me…. I am just not good with sticking to resolutions. My willpower is very weak.

I’m going to start 2025 with an honest confession. “I have a strong dislike of physical activity.” There…I’ve said it!

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I am well aware that physical activity improves your overall health. I have friends who are regulars at Perry’s Gym in Glace Bay. My youngest sister, Trish, runs marathons with her running buddies. My other sister, Rita, has a walking group in Boisdale. Just look at the picture of that lovely group of friends.

Good for them!

Even though I don’t harbour any great love for physical activity, I know that I have to work on changing my attitude. I just can’t rely on genetics to live a long life. Dad lived to be 92 and Mom to 87. So that’s something I have on my side.

Activity possibilities

What are the possibilities for increasing my level of physical activity? I don’t think that walking out to my car counts.

There is a walking club in Port Morien. I have promised myself that I will go at least once a week. An 8-week chair yoga course has started at the Morien Legion: 1:30 p.m. every Wednesday. I’m confident that I can manage that. This activity is sponsored by Cape Breton Regional Municipality. The instructor is the very talented Eleanor Peach-Gallant. Everyone is welcome to attend and best of all, it’s free.

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To increase my level of physical activity, I have been taking baby steps. When I go to the grocery store, I take a few extra trips around the store after I have picked up my groceries.

I don’t drive around searching for a spot closest to the door. I park further away. Like I said…baby steps!

From the comfort of my car, I have noticed that there are a lot of people out walking. Going for a brisk walk is an easy fitness strategy. Not much equipment is required. Just a pair of sneakers or boots with good grips for winter walking.

Lift your spirits

Going for a walk can make you feel better. Just 10 minutes of walking can lift your spirits.

Research shows that taking a walk outside can modify your nervous system in a good way.

This is particularly important during the colder months when seasonal depression is higher than in the warmer months. When you make your walks more social by walking with friends, you will feel happier.

Walking can add years to your life. One recent study found that people who did just 30-50 minutes of moderate exercise each week had an 18 per cent lower risk of an early death as compared to people who are inactive.

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The list goes on and on. Walking burns calories to help maintain a healthy weight.

Walking improves your heart health by lowering your blood pressure.

It can help lower your stress levels and improve sleep. Research shows that physical activity can improve brain function in older women. I’m sure in that ‘older women’ category.

I think I just might have convinced myself. I’ll start with chair yoga at the legion and aim to walk with the Morien gals on a regular basis.

I do want to live a long, healthy life!

Yvonne Kennedy is a retired teacher who lives in Homeville. She can be contacted by email at [email protected].

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