The last couple of weeks have come as a great relief to those of us who have felt isolated and stressed by the Covid-19 lockdown. It has been no secret that being stuck in our homes has been seen to have a bad affect on the mental health of a lot of different people. Luckily, with restrictions lifting and more permissions being granted to the general population, we can finally see a return to some sense of normality.
A lot has been written about how getting outdoors for exercise is good for our mental health. Getting your heart pumping releases serotonin, which is great for making you feel better. The Midlands provides plenty of chances for you to enjoy some kind of outdoor activity, and today we will discuss some of the things you can do and try now that some lockdown restrictions are being relaxed.
Walking/Hiking
It’s one of the simplest, yet more effective things you can do. Hiking in the countryside is a great way to burn off steam and is very effective for improving the state of your mental health too. The Midlands might not top the list of iconic places to try hiking in the UK, but that’s not to say that there isn’t some stunning countryside surrounding Birmingham. Have a look at places like the Cannock AONB or the Shropshire Hills, and you’ll find beautiful rural places that are great for hiking.
Cycling
Over the course of the lockdown, the limits on where you can go and what you can do have led to many people discovering a love of cycling. The Midlands countryside provides a lot of different options and routes for people of all abilities. It’s best to do your research before setting off as some people might not be so confident with riding traffic on public roads. Luckily there are resources online that can help you find some popular routes all throughout this part of the country.
Golf
Anyone who has been in lockdown with a golfer will know the frustration that comes with not being able to get out on the course to work on their handicap. But now that restrictions are being lifted golfers in the midlands can get out to enjoy a round on some of the brilliant courses that are available in the area. The jewel in the crown is the Brabazon Course at the Belfry in Sutton Coldfield. This course, steeped in Ryder Cup history, is the most scenic place you can go to work on your game again.
Fishing
Another pursuit that might been a little lower energy than some of the things we have mentioned, but is no less popular, is fishing. The travel restrictions that were put in place preventing people from traveling more than five miles put a lot of fishermen in limbo. Whilst it might not be a very physical thing to do, the meditative qualities of fishing are well known and documented. Luckily, the midlands has loads of different places to cast a line, so why not try reading some local guides to find somewhere new to take in a much needed change of scene?
