How linking heart with mind can help your health

As a Recovery Practitioner for Step One, as well as a Radio Presenter with a Love Songs show, I have a huge amount of pleasure linking the heart and mind with a view to improving mental health.
With this in mind over the coming months, here are some of my top tips, which are the kind of things I discuss on my show.
THINGS TO DO
Local walks will add to a reduction in fatigue. There are a number of walks locally, why not try a Bay Health Walk? For more information go to: Wellbeing Walks (ramblers.org.uk)
If you prefer to walk alone, then why not try Cockington or Berry Head, local, free and just on your doorstep.
At a loss for what to do late afternoon? Pop on a pedometer (they’re around £10 in Argos) and go for a stroll, reducing any feelings of malaise.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
It releases endorphins, naturally feel-good chemicals, boosts the heart’s health, closely associated with our mood and, if there was a magic pill which remedies so much, it would be activity.
The government guidelines for physical activity are 30 minutes 5 times per week. Why not take yourself off to the local dry ski slope at Barton, Torquay for an activity that is completely different?
There is also Exercise Referral, through Your Health Torbay, on 01803 422 422, where you can have access to a gym following a referral from this organisation at a subsidised price or just speak with one of their Health Coaches to be signposted to more activities you may enjoy.
SOCIAL ISOLATION
Connectivity can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness and alleviate low mood. Think in terms of a support network, getting to know others and making new friends. Try volunteering for the radio, it costs nothing, and you can also train up to be a radio volunteer like me, learning new skills in the process and getting to play your favourite, uplifting tunes.
KEEP WARM DURING TRANSITIONAL MONTHS
Layer up. Cotton, wool or fleecy kinds of materials are especially good at trapping warm air in between the layer. Gore-Tex coats are effective, the material is used in heart defibrillators and by plumbers when piping, and will last years. Our extremities are easily affected in cold weather, so be prepared and wear gloves, scarves and multiple socks to help.
COMPARISONS
Don’t compare yourself to where you were 10 years ago, especially physically. As we age, our metabolism slows, physiologically we are not the same. Instead, focus on opening a new chapter in your book of life, build in achievements that are relatable, find hobbies and interests to suit your current body. Also examine how far you’ve come since a point where things were different/ worse and see what lessons you have learned. Push away thoughts that are drawing you into negativity.