WIREDGOV

Ordnance Survey’s annual event is back to remind the nation how the simple enjoyment of the outdoors is a huge boost to mental and physical health.

OS is encouraging everyone to save the date on Sunday September 26 and get outdoors for National GetOutside Day.

The aim of the day is to help inspire us all to get outside more often and celebrate the positive impact physical activity outdoors has on everyone’s physical, mental and social well-being.

Latest findings released by the UK Government in July revealed that the population’s mental health had been “up and down” since the outbreak of Covid-19, with two periods of deterioration between March and May 2020, October 2020 and February 2021, followed by periods of recovery. These coincided with national lockdowns and restrictions being eased.

Further studies found that poor mental health was associated with adverse health behaviours including lack of exercise. National GetOutside Day is designed to combat this issue and raise awareness of the importance of living a physically active lifestyle outdoors.

OS Managing Director for Leisure, Nick Giles, said:

“Getting outside is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself, particularly if you are finding things tough. There is just something innate about nature that when you are outside it lifts your spirits and we want as many people as possible to call upon it – take some time out or do something fun together as a family.”

“We are offering a range of ideas and free activities for everyone to start planning their day. Whether that’s a mindfulness walk, organising an outdoor game in the park, going litter-picking or perhaps a more vigorous activity like climbing or paddle-boarding.”

At this year’s event, OS is asking people to remember to be kind to the environment and others who enjoy it, by keeping it clean and tidy and following The Countryside Code.

Nick added:

“This time around we are reminding people who are planning a day out on National GetOutside Day to be environmentally friendly. We must protect our environment for future generations to come, so when you are outdoors, please put rubbish in bins or take it home with you. The only thing we should be leaving behind when we’ve been outside is our footprints.”

For more information and to plan your day out download the free GetOutside App or visit www.os.uk/GetOutsideDay.

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