Want to sleep better? Go outside: The one lesson TV presenter Gethin Jones has learned from life
First known as a Blue Peter presenter, Gethin Jones, 45, now co-hosts Morning Live five days a week on BBC1.
A one-time keen rugby player, he endured a non-stop 24-hour Danceathon for this year’s Comic Relief, raising £ 1.27 million. Single, he divides his time between London and Manchester.
WANT BETTER SLEEP? GO OUTDOORS
I was a city boy, born and raised in Cardiff, and while I was always keen to get outside on my BMX bike, it’s only as an adult that I’ve truly come to appreciate the benefits of the great outdoors, both physically and mentally.
I spend a lot of time in London and Manchester because of my work. Some people think that to benefit from being outside, you have to be halfway up a mountain. But that’s not how I see it.
I like swimming and cycling and running — and you can do all of those activities virtually anywhere.
Gethin’s not a good sleeper but has always found that if he’s been doing something physical outdoors, he’ll invariably have a good night
As we came out of the pandemic, I think more and more of us appreciated putting aside an hour, three or four times a week, to get outdoors.
You may not always feel like it, but I guarantee you’ll feel better when you’ve done whatever bit of exercise it is. It helps you sort your head. Got a problem? Go for a walk. The problem won’t disappear, but you’ll be better equipped to deal with it on your return.
Live TV isn’t on par with being a doctor or a teacher, but it does have its strains and stresses.
He enjoys swimming and cycling and running — and especially the fact that you can do all of those activities virtually anywhere
A one-time keen rugby player, Gethin endured a non-stop 24-hour Danceathon for this year’s Comic Relief, raising £1.27 million
My friend’s wife has just had a baby, so I’ve been taking their dog, Monty, for a walk and I always feel better for it.
I’m not a great sleeper but if I’ve been doing something physical outdoors, I’ll invariably have a good night. Maybe it’s getting those endorphins pumping around. I’ve been like that all my life.
I was part of a mountain rescue exercise in the Peak District recently; I was the one being rescued. It was raining and windy and cold. And yet, when I got home that night, I had a big appetite, then slept like a log.
To me, it’s simple: you’re never going to lose out if you get out.
- Gethin has just been appointed as a brand ambassador for the Go Outdoors North Ridge clothing range.