HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
With many of us currently isolated, locked down and facing a daily barrage of Coronavirus news, it’s important that we all take the time to look after our physical and mental health over the next few months. Below are some useful links and recommendations from colleagues that will hopefully help to keep you in a positive state of mind.
Georgina Bishop from London Theatre Direct, said, “There is also a page on Facebook called Dance is for Everyone that you can join and the guy who runs it posts a new ballet class every day. A great Yoga app is called Down Dog that is currently free at the moment and there are some great Yoga classes on there.”
Sleek Ballet Fitness are offering a free trial of their program which sounds like a fun, alternative way to keep moving! Just click on this link: https://www.sleekballetfitness.com/
For anyone missing the gym Holly Baron has suggested a link for free Les Mills (BodyPump, GRIT, BodyBalance) workouts: https://watch.lesmillsondemand.com/at-home-workouts
Dave Bradbury recommends the daily Joe Wicks workout on You Tube. Dave said, “Since the UK went into lockdown, Joe Wicks has vowed to keep the nation fit and healthy by providing a daily PE class on You Tube. Joe broadcasts live on his You Tube channel everyday at 9am and it’s the perfect way to get motivated for the long days ahead.”
http:// https://www.youtube.com/thebodycoach1
Federica Biagiotti from Trafalgar Releasing, said, “I have been using an app that a friend in the US suggested to me. It’s called FitOn. There are tons of workouts (from HIIT to yoga to barre) and most importantly they are all free!”
https://fitonapp.com/
For cycling workouts, David Fearns from The Strand says, “Peloton are offering a free 90 day trial period of their app. They have lots of video workouts including HIIT and Yoga classes.”
https://www.onepeloton.co.uk/app
Tom Giles from The Strand office suggests F45. Tom said, “Our rugby team has been joining in with the live workouts that F45 are doing. If you follow them on Instagram (F45_training_islington) they just post these live workout videos every weekday morning at 8am and weekends at 10am. They look horrible, but for people who want aerobic exercise routines they are ideal!”
Caroline Sutcliffe has recommended these home-schooling links. She said, “Here are some links for some home learning/school resources which might be useful for parents. There is TONS out there – the first link links to even more – but this list is a good starting place!”
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/departments-and-centres/centres/london-centre-leadership-learning/free-online-learning-resources
https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/teaching-tools/articles/resources/scholastic-learn-at-home–free-resources-for-school-closures.html#
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resources/covid19-school-closures
https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/what-we-do/coronavirus/resources/learning-at-home
https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2020-03-25/oti-mabuses-dance-lessons-for-kids-how-to-watch/
CONTROL YOUR CONTROLLABLES
Anxiety is going to be naturally higher during times of uncertainty. It is important to focus on the elements you can control. Below are some practical tips to focus on and encourage positive wellbeing.
MENTAL
- Recognise your own levels of stress and anxiety
- Create a routine. Try to wake up, have lunch and go to sleep at the same time daily
- Create a list of positives and things to focus on for if you start to feel low
- Use mindfulness or meditation. There are loads of great apps out there
PHYSICAL
- Try to keep active and (where positive) go for a walk or get some fresh air daily
- If you’re working from home, try a standing desk
- Join in with an online / social media challenge or workout
- Clean / do that DIY that you’ve been putting off
SOCIAL
- Ring / Facetime your friends and family for a catch up
- Develop a book club / film club with your friends. Watch / read something in the week and discuss it at the weekends
- Check in with your teammates / co-workers regularly
- If you are feeling anxious, talk to somebody about how you are feeling
CREATIVE
- Try to learn a new skill! A language, a craft, something active, etc
- Create a journal of your experiences and mood
- Cook a new meal with the food you have in the back of your cupboards
- Do something practical. Make something, do a jigsaw, drawing, colouring, etc
Credit: Gillian Thomas
