e.g. llama walks,
volunteering to help with dog walking for someone who really needs your
help e.g. an elderly neighbour, a friend who's been ill or had surgery).
They
can provide terrific motivation if you really care about them.
Sally
gave up biscuits & crisps to help protect rainforests where
orangutans live, by reducing demand for palm oil, as forests are being
cut right back to provide the oil needed to go in many biscuits &
crisps. She replaced the biscuits & crisps with apples. She lost
5 pounds in two weeks and doesn't plan to return to biscuits &
crisps - thoughts of the Orangutans she saw onOrangutan Diaryon the
TV make this much easier to do.
Stroking
a pet or someone elses can ease stress levels.
How many of us reach
out for comfort foods when we're feeling stressed? Stroking the cat
you see siting on the wall can help reduce stress levels, as can
watching birds in your garden on in the park. If your overeating is caused by stress, then the right pet - or access to a pet e.g. a neighbours - could help you manage it in another way.
They
can give more meaning & purpose to life.
Do you eat because you're
bored atwork? Or because you get home and slump in front of the telly,
a packet of goodies at your side? Put more meaning & purpose into
your life and day - such as volunteering to help a local animal charity
- and switch your focus to what really matters to you and your focus
will shift away from food. Get involved in the natural world and animal kingdom in your local community at the weekend for a change. You'll meet new people and make like-minded friends.
They
can give you a goal to succeed in which will boost your confidence and
take your mind off food.
Succeed in one thing - such as an initial
weightloss to be able to learn how to ride a horse - and your
self-belief that you can succeed long term in losing weight will rocket. You can use charity challenges as a way to start exercising in preparation. You don't need to look at the marathon - there are plenty of shorter events to get stuck into. Do a sponsored walk or slim for your favourite animal to raise money for him or her.
Animals
are everywhere and offer great ways to explore new countryside
e.g.
strolling around nature reserves, volunteering to help with coppice
management or hedgelaying, farm holidays and the like - so that you can
get to enjoy really beautiful scenery while you're exercising. Much
nicer than going to a gym. Usually less costly too. And this scenery is everywhere so if you go on holiday or to visit a friend, you can walk together, talking and chatting and enjoying the natural world around you. The RSPB offers an annual membership which gives you free access to their nature reserves; and the RHS membership also gives you access to over 100gardens.
Always check with your GP before starting any new exercise programme.
Count your steps as you walk
with this pedometer from Stress no More
Always consult with your GP before starting any new form of exercise
Note that animals are unpredictable - and they may not always want to be seen or found. We cannot guarantee how close you may or may not get to animals in specific programmes - common sense must prevail.
WASH YOUR HANDS after touching animals BEFOREeating or snacking. (It could be a good idea to take some antiseptic wipes or handwash with you, just in case loo facilities don't provide soap.)Do not let children put their fingers into their mouths or suck thumbs after touching animals - it's common sense!
The amount of contact you can have with animals varies from one place to another & one animal to another. Common sense must prevail.
Before you visit places, check that there are no current regulations/conditions which could mean that they are closed. Also check for opening hours.
Note our disclaimer - we cannot be held responsible for any injury, damage or otherwise to you or any third party as a result of your taking part in any activities on this site.
Note that we do not sell products or provide voluntary opportunities. Any product or service you may purchase is subject to the terms & conditions, disclaimers & policies of the companies selling them. We are simply referring you on & raising your awareness that such opportunities exist
