I’ve just signed up for RED January for the second year running (do you see what I did there?). To some, running every day in what is often the most miserable, cold, dark month of the year may seem a bit bonkers – and perhaps it is? But it is also a great motivator to get up off the sofa, get active and find some space for you. And with the craziness of 2020, I think we all need a little bit of space for ourselves.
I chose to run every day last January and (injury-permitting) I plan to do the same this year. A minimum of a mile a day either outside or on the treadmill is the target. But the challenge is not all about running, it’s about doing any activity once a day. It could be cycling, yoga, walking, HIIT workouts – anything that gets you moving.
And you can also raise money for a good cause while you move – Sport in Mind. This UK-based charity helps support people experiencing mental health problems through sporting activities. The benefits of physical activity to people’s mental health are well-documented and while it is not seen as a cure for all mental health issues, it definitely helps.
So, what’s not to like about RED January? As well as helping boost your own mood, you can choose to help those who need more support with their mental health. If you want to sign up visit the RED January website or you can support my efforts and help me raise funds for Sport In Mind through my fund raising page.