How are you making the most of staying at home?
Everyone is playing their part by staying at home and helping fight the spread of the virus. We're not all used to spending this much time at home though and many people are sharing creative ideas for this new lifestyle. Tell us your stories about keeping healthy, exercising, gardening, cooking and volunteering for example. What online classes and groups have you discovered?
We want to share your creativity here. If you have an idea to inspire others, please tell us your ideas for:
Everyone is playing their part by staying at home and helping fight the spread of the virus. We're not all used to spending this much time at home though and many people are sharing creative ideas for this new lifestyle. Tell us your stories about keeping healthy, exercising, gardening, cooking and volunteering for example. What online classes and groups have you discovered?
We want to share your creativity here. If you have an idea to inspire others, please tell us your ideas for:
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Ideas for activities for children
almost 4 years agoEarlier in the year, thousands of us stayed at home with young families trying to balance being a parent, a carer, a cook, a teacher, a playmate and any number of other roles.
What hints, tips and handy short cuts have you discovered to help you manage being at home more than usual?
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StephMBalmost 4 years agoDrama and Creative Challenges
Minerva Arts are posting weekly creative challenges on their Facebook and Instagram pages to give you fun ideas of how to stretch your imaginations during the lockdown. Visit www.facebook.com/minervaarts to find all the videos.
0 comment0Libraries@CW&Calmost 4 years agoLibraries weekly activities
Cheshire West Libraries have a weekly programme of online events to keep you entertained. From stories and rhymes to Lego and crafts, there's something for all ages. All events posted to our social media pages: Twitter: @cwaclibraries Facebook: @cwaclibrary
0 comment2Cheshire Archives & Local Studiesalmost 4 years agoA Family History Detective Adventure!
You're on the case! With the help of Cheshire Archives HQ you can trace your family back to VE Day in 1945. Please follow these steps to collect the clues, gather the evidence and solve the family history mystery. You will find out more about your parents, your grandparents or another older person in your life as you go. https://www.cheshirearchives.org.uk/Keep-Curious.aspx Learn more about your past and participate in other fun activities on our Keep Curious page.
0 comment1Recycling@CW&Calmost 4 years ago40 fun things to do in your garden (part 4)
31. Make a wormery Using a see through glass or plastic container, add layers of soil and sand and some leaves for food. Find some worms in the garden and add them to the container. See how they tunnel into the ground and help make spaces for roots to grow. Release the worms back into your garden when you have observed them enough. 32. Make a bird feeder There are lots of different ways to make a bird feeder. look for the separate activity idea on how to make your own bird feeder. Remember to make a note of who comes to visit you. Perhaps you could draw them? 33. Make a whistle from a blade of grass Put your thumbs together with a blade of grass between them. Blow into the gap between your thumbs and you should hear a whistle, if not, just adjust the blade of grass. 34.Watch a slug or snail walk Have you ever watched a slug or snail walk? Do they have legs? How do you think they move? Watch them to see if you can guess. 34. Grow plants from food in your kitchen Use the tops of discarded vegetables to grow an indoor garden. For example, the tops of carrots and parsnips will continue to grow if placed in a shallow dish with some water. What other vegetables will continue to grow in your indoor garden? 35. Make a garden scrap book You don’t have to have a scrap book, you can use pieces of paper to make a book. Use the paper to make memories of what you do in the garden. Collect flowers, old seed packets, twigs, cut out pictures of flowers from the paper, draw your favourite things. 36. Garden memory game Find 10 things in the garden, line them up on the table and talk about what is there. Then cover the items up and see if your family can remember all the items. 37. Keep a pet weed If you have an old plant pot, dig up some garden soil and find a weed in the garden. Dandelions are great to watch grow and bees love their big yellow flower heads. 38. Mark your initial in the lawn Using the full side of an old cereal box, cut out your initial and place it on a sunny part of the lawn. Weigh your initial down with some stones and leave it there for week - no peeking! After a week, lift the cardboard up-the grass underneath will have changed colour and you will be able to see your initial. 39. Make a daisy crown Pick some daisies form the lawn and make a daisy crown for your head. Remember not to pick all the daisy’s - leave some for the insects.
0 comment0emzie84almost 4 years agowrite stories
both my boys have been writing stories (entertaining and educational for them both - helps with reading, writing, imagination...) and both their stories about kindness have been published in this brilliant book, the book was on sale from yesterday and by lunchtime it was a number 1 amazon best seller. so now they are both "best seller published child authors" and have the biggest smiles and more confidence in their writing.
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Ideas for activities for adults
almost 4 years agoMost of us are spending more time at home than we’re used to. Some of us are bored. Some are excited to finally have the time to take up that hobby or read that very long book.
We want your suggestions for lockdown pastimes. What skills are you learning (or trying to remember)? What clubs, groups and choirs have you found online? What cakes have you been baking (presuming you’ve still got flour)? Share your ideas here.
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Recyclingideas@CW&Calmost 4 years agoGive your garden birds a bath!
Whilst isolating at home do you enjoy seeing and hearing the birds around you. Birds love having a bath in water particularly on hot days and it’s a lovely way of inviting birds closer to you. You could repurpose some plastic and make a mini bird pond in your lawn for them or even just provide an old plate filled with water daily.
0 comment0KKalmost 4 years agoStart a virtual book club
Start a book club with friends and/or family. Download or order the same book and get discussing!!
0 comment0Recycling@CW&Calmost 4 years ago40 ways to get your garden summer ready (part 2)
11. Window-sill seedlings If you are growing seedlings on a windowsill, don’t forget to quarter-turn them each day to stop them leaning towards the light. Turning them will encourage a strong upright stem. 12. Find a good online group There are lots of great gardening pages on social media, start following some of your favourite garden celebrities for inspiration, tips and to see what they are up to. 13. Test your soil Soil pH can be determined by using a soil pH test kit purchased online. Soils with a pH below 6.2 will benefit from the addition of lime, ideally incorporated several weeks before planting. 14. Vegetables and flowers Plant early spring crops such as peas, spinach, lettuces and leeks. 15. Start vegetables growing in your kitchen Sow seeds like tomatoes, peppers, aubergine, and basil in trays or recycled plastic containers, such as yoghurt pots, on a sunny windowsill ready to plant out in the warmer weather. 16. Stakes Stake your tall perennials such as delphiniums and hollyhocks now, so you can tie in the emerging growth early on to prevent damage from high winds later in the season. 17. Loosen stakes and wires Check trees for tight stakes/ bands around their trunks, which could damage the bark and increase the risk of disease if left unchecked. Loosen, replace or remove tight or damaged tree supports. 18. Move shrubs in the wrong place If you have often thought about moving a shrub, now is the time to do it. Using a spade, dig around and under the root ball, moving into a larger pre-dug hole in the desired location. Water and feed for best results. 19. Garden furniture Get your garden furniture out and tighten up loose screws and wobbly table legs. Dust down and re-oil wooden furniture ready for summer. 20. BBQs Spend some time thoroughly deep cleaning your BBQ now so you are ready to cook when the sun is shining, and you want to use it.
0 comment0Arts and Festivals@CW&Calmost 4 years agoCulture in Your Own Home
We’ve collated a list of activity available locally from Cheshire West and Chester and partners – from ebooks and emagazines to download; creative challenges to engage with; karaoke, drama, writing, craft and more. Visit http://westcheshiremuseums.co.uk/culture-from-your-home/
0 comment0Recyclingideas@CW&Calmost 4 years agoTuna Pasta
As we self-isolate and limit our trips to the supermarket – working out great meals from the tinned food we have left can be a challenge. How about using pasta, tinned tomatoes and tuna to make Tuna Pasta. The Love Food Hate Waste website has some great recipes including this one: https://www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/recipe/tuna-pasta
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Ideas for how to stay healthy and active
almost 4 years agoAs well as looking after others, we need to look after ourselves. Many of us will have changed our lifestyles as a result of the Covid-19 epidemic whether that is altering our daily routines or finding new ones. Mind’s five ways to wellbeing can help us look after our wellbeing by:
- Connecting with other people
- Being physically active
- Learning new skills
- Giving to others
- Taking notice
How are you staying in contact with family and friends? Are you missing your trips to the gym or have online exercise classes inspired you to be more active than usual? We want to know how you’re acting on five ways to wellbeing and looking after yourself.
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NaturalHealthService@CW&Calmost 4 years agoMore time indoors – Add sounds and smells of nature
Whilst there’s nothing like the real thing, and we should all be trying to get at least an hour outdoors a day, it’s hard for many of us to get out there at the moment. Did you know that just sounds and smells of nature can provide benefits to our mental health and wellbeing, even if we can't get out there as much as we’d like? 1. PLAY BIRDSONG Stress relief - As we are instinctively programmed to trust that birdsong means safety, it has been proven that birdsong induces the instant sensation of calm and relaxation. A casual stroll or a light jog in the park surrounded by the harmonic tones of birdsong can leave us feeling refreshed and revitalised, helping to relieve the body of tension and encourage mental positivity and well-being. Improve focus and awareness - Birdsong can also be used to help stimulate us cognitively, whether to improve concentration in the workplace or personal projects at home. The natural sound of birdsong helps us to remain awake and alert during the hours of sunlight. A study in Liverpool examined the effects of the 'post-meal slump'. The period in which blood sugar levels begin to drop after a big meal causing drowsiness is known to have a profound detrimental effect on concentration levels. Yet, since being introduced to a soundscape of birdsong, school pupil’s concentration levels dramatically increased. Natural birdsong is effective because it’s stochastic - meaning there is no repeating rhythm and is impossible to get a particular tune or pattern to focus on. It doesn't get stuck in your head or annoy you but it doesn't lull you to sleep and bore you either. Therapeutic - Recently introduced to busy airport terminals, commuter trains and hospitals, the general calming sound of birdsong is believed to generate a therapeutic atmosphere. Recordings of birds singing are just as effective as hearing birdsong naturally out in the open. I'm not sure there is any other sound that can do what birdsong does. It should be part of the soundtrack to everyone's day. Here are a few links to some of the many resources online:- https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/campaigning/let-nature-sing/birdsong-radio/ https://www.birdsong.fm/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01s6xyk In our everyday lives, we're constantly bombarded with sensory stimuli, whether from our devices, busy homes and offices, or hectic streets. Our brains need downtime, but they rarely get enough of it. Being around water gives our brains and our senses a rest from overstimulation. 2. WATER SOUNDS Water sounds have long been used in meditation to create a soothing atmosphere for our minds. These sounds often endure a meditative state, without the need for mediation. Science suggests that the rhythm of ocean waves and tides coming in and out can change your mood immediately, positively affecting the rhythm of the neuronal “waves” in our brain, encouraging a more peaceful pace of thought (bringing tranquillity and relaxation). The trickle of water, a babbling brook, small stream or an artificial fountain changes blood flow in the brain associated with relaxation. These occur in the same part of the brain associated with compassion and connection. Dentists in Malaysia have played sounds of water fountains to relax young people before dental care. Maybe from time immemorial, as part of our human DNA we’ve associated these sorts of sounds with life and clean water? It may also be associated with the fact we spend our first 9 months under water, in fluids listening to sounds through water in the womb? Scientists also refer to the sounds of water as “white noise,” in which we can hear any number of things and we are able to let go of our thoughts and let the noise wash over us. In listening to these sounds we learn how to be present in the moment. Light rain on glass is a great example of this. Listen to the sounds of water before bed or to relax during the day Find a water-sounds playlist online, or buy a CD with the natural sounds of water. (This could be the ocean, gentle waterfall, rainforest, etc.) Playing these sounds before bed will help you relax and give you a better sleep. An aquarium, tiny fountain or other water feature in your home can also create negative ions, boosting your mental energy. 3. SMELLS OF NATURE If you walk into a room that smells of jasmine, vanilla or lavender, it’s likely to improve your mood. Studies show that certain smells can influence parts of the brain that are responsible for productivity. School teachers use fragrance diffusers in the classroom, occasionally associated with different subjects, to stimulate brain activity and calm pupils into a more relaxed state to improve concentration and performance. The same can be seen in the workplace. Placing an aroma diffuser in the office can improve employees’ mood and productivity, and contribute to an all-around happier work environment. To understand the connection between smell and emotion, we first need to mention an interesting and crucial region in our brain, called the hippocampus. The hippocampus, part of a network called the limbic system and one of the most studied parts of the brain, is associated with the processes of feelings and reacting. The hippocampus also stores two types of memory: declarative and spatial. The former is related to facts and events and the latter to pathways and routes. The hippocampus is also where short-term memories turn into long-term memories. Since smell processing is also closely related to the hippocampus, scents and emotions are tightly intertwined. Our sense of smell is constantly taking us somewhere. As we journey in and out of memories and along with them, it invokes a range of emotions that tie to our present situation in either clear or very subtle ways. Here are a few natural smells and their known effects:- Lavender can help you sleep As a go-to scent for relaxation, lavender can help calm the mind and body almost instantly. But perhaps its most useful benefit is its ability to help treat insomnia in students. In a study of college students, research found that the fragrance effectively eased sleep problems and depression in the participants. Next time you're having trouble getting your shuteye, try turning to the soothing scent for a little help. Cinnamon can sharpen your mind This sweet-smelling spice can also boost your brain power. Researchers from Wheeling Jesuit University studied participants and found that those who took a whiff of cinnamon improved in cognitive functions like visual-motor response, working memory and attention span. Pine can alleviate stress There's more than one reason why pine trees bring us happiness at Christmas. A pine scent could be decreasing our anxiety, according to research. In one Japanese study, participants who went on a walk through pine forests reported significantly lower depression and stress levels. The research also discovered that anxious subjects had a greater feeling of relaxation after indulging in the scent. Fresh-cut grass can make you more joyful You may think mowing the lawn is an annoying, menial task, but the fresh scent the chore yields may be making you happier. Scent researchers found that a chemical released by a newly-mowed lawn can make people feel joyful and relaxed. The aroma may also prevent mental decline as you grow older. The smell apparently is so powerful that neuroscientists came up with a perfume and air fragrance that matches it so the lawnless can also reap the benefits of the feel-good scent -- no lawn mower required. Citrus can help you feel more energized If you're looking for a little pick-me-up, you may want to forget the cup of coffee and opt for citrus instead. Scents like lemon and orange are not only well-known for their Vitamin C properties, but simply sniffing the fruit can help boost energy and alertness. Talk about a real superfruit! Vanilla can elevate your mood Vanilla may often be used as a synonym for "bland," but this scent is anything but when it comes to our happiness levels. In a study published in the Proceedings of ISOT/JASTS 2004, researchers found that taking a whiff of vanilla bean elevated participants' feelings of joy and relaxation. The results were measured through mood mapping, which included emotions ranging from happiness and stimulation to apathy and irritation. Peppermint may boost concentration In addition to giving you sweet breath, peppermint may also do your brain a favour. A small study out of Wheeling Jesuit University found that smelling peppermint could be linked to greater cognitive stamina, motivation and overall performance. Known for invigorating the mind, it's even been used as an aid for students when taking tests. There is also a small bit of research to suggest that the menthol scent in peppermint even tricks the brain into thinking that it alleviates stuffy nasal passages -- just the thing you need when you're feeling a little under the weather. Jasmine may ease depression This floral scent also is serious mood enhancer. A 2010 study found that not only does the smell of jasmine create a sense of alertness, it can also serve as a way to help with depressive thoughts. Researchers found that the stimulating effect of jasmine oil can aid in the relief of depression and can lead to an uplifted mood. Pretty powerful for a tiny flower. Apples may mitigate a migraine You know what they say, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" -- and that may be truer when it comes to headaches. Research has suggested that the smell of the crisp fruit may actually help ease a migraine. One 2008 study showed that those who found the scent appealing had a noticeable reduction in headache symptoms as well as shortened migraine episodes. Previous studies on a green apple's odour have also found the scent may help control feelings of anxiety during stressful moments.
0 comment6Our Wellbeing Mattersalmost 4 years agoCW&C Staff Be Active Challenge for May 2020
The month of May was originally West Cheshire Walking Festival month and to encourage staff to stay active we asked if they wanted to get involved in a physical activity challenge instead. The challenge could be anything from walking, running etc (all within current government COVID-19 guidelines) and could be an individual or a virtual group challenge. We have had a great response and here are some of the pledges that staff / teams are undertaking in their own time: Team Name: The Connectors (Public Health) Pledge: To ‘connect’ to each other by stepping, walking, jogging the distance covering where all team members live, three times in the month of May = 235 miles each circuit (705 miles in total). From Chester – Wirral – Liverpool – Manchester – Sandbach – North Wales – Chester Team Name: Every day is a pyjama day (Public Service Reform) Pledge: To walk/cycle the distance around Cheshire West in May twice. The distance around CW&C is 256.1 km (159 miles), totalling 512.2 km (318 miles) Team Name: Couch to 2278 km (Highways and Fleet Management Team) Pledge: As CW&C maintain a total of 2278 km of carriageway our challenge is to collectively walk / run 2278 km(1415 miles) in May. Team Name: Plight of the Planner (The Planning Policy Team) Pledge: To run, walk, skip, or hop 125+ miles, covering 1 mile for each policy in the Council’s adopted Local Plan (Part One) and Local Plan (Part Two). Team Name: Jonesy’s Barmy Army (Street Lighting & Traffic Signal Team) Pledge: As CW&C maintain a total of 2278km of carriageway — enough to stretch from Chester to Rome. Our challenge is to collectively walk / run/ cycle 2278km (1415 miles) in May Team Name: Triage on Tour (Triage Team from Regulatory Services) Pledge: Chester to London is approximately 200 miles. As a team we are going to walk 200 miles between us before 31st May. Team Name: Potter’s Pledge Pledge: Virtual walk of Hadrian’s wall 90 miles and hopefully back again. Team Name: Stenner Pledge: Run 24 miles in the month, Cycle 120 miles in a month, Do eight weights sessions in the month, Walk 60 miles in a month, Lose 3lb, Reduce resting heart beats to 46 Team Name: I&I lost holidays (Insight & Intelligence) Pledge: To travel the distance (one way) of the holidays (so far) missed by the team 5,339 miles. Destinations include Marrakech 2,074 miles, Shropshire 45 miles, Hereford 96 miles, Lake District 116 miles, Keldy, Beadnall & Borth 460 miles, France 947 miles, Llanrwst 61 miles, Euro Disney 488 miles and Lake Garda 1,052 miles. Team Name: Commissioning People Pledge: To complete a shared marathon per day across the team starting Monday 4th May Team Name: Safeguarding Children Partnership Pledge: To walk, run and cycle our way from Civic Way to the Eiffel Tower (we fancied a trip to Paris!) That’s a total of 379.17 miles as the crow flies. Team Name: SISCC / Educational Welfare Pledge: 750,000 to 1 million steps between us Team Name: On the Buses (Strategic Transport Team) Pledge: To complete 837 miles during the month of May; this is the distance between Land’s End and John O Groats. The aim is to walk, cycle, count steps, jog or climb stairs to achieve the distance required. Team Name: The Sherpas (Partners in Practice) Pledge: Re-creating Amanda’s month-long trek in the Himalayas over 20 years ago. Each team member will have a target trekking distance for three weeks in May, all working towards the Everest Basecamp destination. Team Name: The Bald Eagle Pledge: 200 rounds of boxing in 10 days which will consist of 20 x 2 minute rounds of HIT shadow boxing every weekday from Monday 18th May with 1 minute rest between rounds - 10 rounds in the morning - 10 rounds in the evening and every strike must be thrown at 100% Team Name: Scrambled Legs (Winsford Social Work Team) Pledge: Zumba/ Latin dance class every day Monday to Friday. Team Name: All in it Together (HR and OD Team - 24 of us) Pledge: To run/walk 1km for each CWAC employee (3040) over 3 weeks. 8,000-10,000 steps per day per person. Team Name: Intervention Hub - Children’s Services Pledge: As a team we pledge to walk our stairs at home to the same distance as walking to the summit of Snowdon. Each team member will take a section of the route to complete. Why not see if your company would like to take part in the Be Active challenge? Come and join us – post your pledge!
0 comment4NaturalHealthService@CW&Calmost 4 years agoBenefits of a stroll – even better in nature!
At the moment many of us are discovering what Scientists have known for a while, that placing one foot in front of the other outdoors each day leads to some seriously impressive mental and physical benefits. THE PHYSICAL BENEFITS OF WALKING There are many reasons to walk for exercise, walking improves fitness, cardiac health, alleviates depression and fatigue, improves mood, creates less stress on joints and reduces pain, can prevent weight gain, reduce risk for cancer and chronic disease, improve endurance, circulation, and posture, and the list goes on… When comparing the results of the most recent Runners and Walkers Studies, researchers found that the energy used for moderate-intensity walking and vigorous-intensity running resulted in similar reductions in risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and heart disease over a six year period. This means when it comes to some pretty prominent markers of our health, walking at a moderate intensity can get the job done just as well as running, as long as you’re expending the same amount of energy. Great news for those of us that dread going on a jog. Many studies have supported this notion, finding that a daily walk can reduce the risk of stroke in both men and women, reduce the days spent in a hospital each year and can even lower your risk of death by up to 39 percent (when compared with no leisure-time physical activity). A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that those who adhered to a walking program showed significant improvements in blood pressure, slowing of resting heart rate, reduction of body fat and body weight, reduced cholesterol, improved depression scores with better quality of life and increased measures of endurance. THE MENTAL BENEFITS OF WALKING While the physical benefits are notable, the mental boost that can be gleaned from adding a walk to your daily routine may be more immediate. One Stanford University study found that walking increased creative output by an average of 60 percent. Researchers labelled this type of creativity “divergent thinking,” which they define as a thought process used to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions. According to the study, “walking opens up the free flow of ideas, and it is a simple and robust solution to the goals of increasing creativity and increasing physical activity.” Psychologists found that a 10-minute walk may be just as good as a 45-minute workout when it comes to relieving the symptoms of anxiety. Which makes sense, since science shows that engaging in activities that allow our minds to wander promotes a mental state conducive to innovative ideas and “ah-ha!” moments. But it’s not only your creativity that will benefit from the mental lift. The act of walking is also a proven mood booster. One study found that just 12 minutes of walking resulted in an increase in joviality, vigor, attentiveness and self-confidence versus the same time spent sitting. EVEN BETTER IN NATURE Walking in nature, specifically, is found to reduce ruminating over negative experiences, which increases activity in the brain associated with negative emotions and raises risk of depression. Researchers in Japan also found that a walk in nature changes blood flow in the brain to a state of relaxation, increasing the number of natural killer cells the body produces to battle infection. So how does it work? Our brain gently registers things like the wind in leaves and the sound of the waves to revitalise our fatigued mind. Phytoncides, the olfactory-provoking chemicals that trees naturally secrete, can also reduce stress hormones. They can be cancer-protective: so the more walks in woodland could lower the rates of lung, breast, uterine, prostate, kidney and colon cancers. Walking has also been shown to improve memory and prevent the deterioration of brain tissue as we age. Plus, psychologists studying how exercise relieves anxiety and depression also suggest that a 10-minute walk may be just as good as a 45-minute workout when it comes to relieving the symptoms of anxiety and boosting mood. MOTIVATION TO KEEP GOING Not all of us find it easy to stay motivated to go out for a walk on our own. Some people enjoy the sociable aspect of being part of a walking group. It’s a great way to meet like minded people whilst getting active. Joining a group can also keep you motivated as you will not want to miss out on the fun or meeting up with new friends you’ve made. It may also help you get to know your area. HEALTH WALKS (ON HOLD, BACK WHEN WE CAN BE - WITH YOUR HELP?) Health rangers at Cheshire West and Chester Council run regular health walks across the borough, along with other partners throughout the year. Unfortunately, as a result of social distancing, these have been put on hold. “We are getting ready though, to be ready with a programme of partners, to extend opportunities for people to get together and enjoy ‘Walking for health’ sessions in the autumn, if restrictions are fully lifted”, says Suzannah Bonnington, one of our health rangers. If you might be interested in helping to set up regular health walks please get in touch with Suzannah.bonnington@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk . We’ll be organising training and support to individual volunteers and communities wishing to set up their own health walks, along with insurance from the Ramblers Association.
0 comment5NaturalHealthService@CW&Calmost 4 years agoA little bit of sunshine – Find your sunny spot
Don’t underestimate the benefits of spring sunshine amid the coronavirus outbreak. The sun has a positive effect on the function of our bodies. We know that sunlight is beneficial - it helps our mood, productivity, physical and mental health. Sunlight physically triggers the production of Vitamin D, which in turn aids the efficiency of your nerve, muscle and immune system whilst also raising endorphins and production of serotonin - a chemical nerve cells produce making you feel happier and calmer. Even without the luxury of a garden when self-isolating, you should not underestimate the power of sunlight. When sunlight streams in through a window - it naturally lifts the mood without the harmful UV rays. The right level of Vitamin D in the body immunes us against diseases like osteoporosis, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. Besides, it also ensures the smooth functioning of the immune system. Studies have indicated that a large chunk of the population today is deficient of the ‘sunshine vitamin,’ which explains the massive increase in fatal diseases today, and rather than relying on human-made supplements, a close connection to nature can help in replenishing the deficit. Pay attention to the times of days when the sun is shining through the windows of your home and find that super sunny spot to warm yourself and soak in the sunshine. Set up tables in that spot, play areas or cosy sitting spaces. Add a comfy chair and some pillows and turn it into a reading nook. Rotate your houseplants in this sunny spot. Notice how the light changes in that location throughout the day and at different times of the year. During the perfect time of day, when the sun is shining through, sit, play, and enjoy its warmth. Getting sunlight first thing in the morning is one of the best things you can do. First, it tells your body clock it’s time to start the day. The science of chronobiology shows sunlight tells your body to stop producing melatonin, which is the hormone that controls sleep patterns. When melatonin shuts down, you become more alert. Exposure to sunlight and natural light helps you keep your circadian rhythms steady, and will also help you set a constant time to go to sleep and get up. Roger (Natural Health Service in Total Environment) Summary of ways sunshine can help (we can share scientific evidence for each, on request):- Cheer you up, make you happy, reduce heart disease, reduce pain, prevent diabetes, reduce the effects of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), relieve aches and pains, prevent cavities and help maintain strong bones, prevent MS, reduce risk of cancers, boost fertility, improve menstrual cycle, ease Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), make you alert and give you more energy, skin conditions, boost your immune system, loose weight, aid brain disorders and young people’s eyesight.
0 comment7ValeRoyalSchoolSportalmost 4 years agoDaily physical activities for children and their families
Due to the current school closures our partnership of schools will help provide activity ideas and challenges for those looking to stay active whilst at home. Being physically active for at least 60 minutes each day will help your child’s health, focus, wellbeing and increasing the enjoyment of spending more time at home. This can involve helping with housework, other active tasks at home or looking at one of the routines or activities available through our website and social media channels. We will share 7 activities each week which you can see in the attached programme. To view today's challenge and all past content please visit https://valeroyalschoolsport.org/home-learning/
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Ideas for how you can help your community
almost 4 years agoBeing a good neighbour is one of the most important ways you can be part of the community response, particularly as more people start to self isolate. If you can pick up food or medication for a neighbour who is vulnerable or who has Covid-19 symptoms you are helping to stop the virus from spreading.
How are you working with your neighbours to support each other and play your part? What groups and organisations are you part of and how have you found ways to help? We want to hear about your ideas and experiences.
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