Citylife in Lichfield September 2021

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Working Out Wellbeing By Jo Howell ............................ There are enough apps, YouTube videos and general selfhelp groups on the various social media channels to support with wellbeing these days. And certainly, even more choice since the first lockdown back in March 2020. Equally, you don’t have to go very far to read an article on how keeping your brain active, your body moving, and your soul nourished are all excellent ways to help your overall wellbeing. But we know all that, right? We know that switching off from technology (not just social media) is great for the (negative) mind chatter; we know that daily exercise works wonders for the heart (and head) and of course we know that being kind to yourself is always the best medicine. So, although I do try to do all of the above on a daily basis, I felt like I was looking for something else. Something that would push me a little, make me think and shove me out of my comfort zone. And having found myself in the unfortunate position of redundancy at the moment, it has given me the great opportunity to try some new daytime exercise classes at the Gym. Sitting comfortably? Let me tell you about the ‘Wellbeing Workout’ class…. I really had no idea what to expect as the class description simply said a ‘low impact class designed to improve your overall wellbeing’. I like the words ‘low impact’ so…how hard can it be? Very, it would appear! The very amusing (without trying) Instructor was probably pushing mid 60’s and could bend and flex her very lithe body in more ways that I could ever dream of. Add in weights in both hands and I was seriously impressed. There was about 20 of us in the class and I was one of, if not the, youngest there and again, I guessed this wasn’t going to be a killer like the spinning class I’d done earlier in the week. This will be fine, I muttered to myself as I did the 100th squat and prayed my bladder was strong enough to withhold the ermm…tension. 45 minutes of weightlifting, lunges, squats, sit ups – all low impact and at very steady pace – with a soundtrack that would be suited to the chilled-out bars of Ibiza and weirdly I felt very, well relaxed. I may not be able to brush my hair or walk upstairs tomorrow but for now, I feel good. Great, even! And that’s the morale to my article. Wellbeing comes in all forms and it doesn’t matter what it looks like as long as it works for you. Want to shout and scream at a football match? Do it. Feel like climbing Snowdon this weekend? Go for it. Or are you happy bingeing on a box set? That’s ok too. Because the definition of wellbeing is quite simply: ‘the state of being comfortable, healthy or happy’. And we can all manage that can’t we? Read more of Jo’s work at www.justanaveragejo.blog. 22
The Mindful Approach By Emma Matthews ............................ Modern life is busy. It doesn’t seem to matter which stage of life we are in; life is hectic. We all want to do fun stuff, keep fit and be good friends, family members and colleagues. That means there are a lot of different places we want to put our energy and focus. I’m talking about our physical energy for sure, but we all have limits to the amount of kindness, generosity, thought and patience we can give out. Emotional and mental energy count too. If we’re not protective of our time and energy, we can very easily end up running on empty, feeling rather cranky, anxious and/or exhausted. This is where mindfulness can help. There are a few ways to practice mindfulness and they can all be done in moments once you know how. Breathwork refreshes our brains; focus calms our nervous systems and our emotions; gratitude restores joy in the little things; and taking time for ourselves reminds us that we are worthwhile and important too. Mindfulness is simple; it works because it’s about being completely focussed on ONE thing for a bit. That’s quite unusual for our multi-tasking brains and frazzled emotions. To them, it’s like being whisked away on holiday. Sure, it can take them a while to wind down, but they always do. And then you feel calmer and kinder, and you find more joy in the day to day busy-ness of living. And isn’t that what it’s all about - enjoying your days? Mindfulness sessions are available at www.emmasyoga.co.uk. 23
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Citylife in Lichfield September 2021

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