How are you making the most of staying at home?
Everyone is playing a 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. What are you doing about home schooling, exercising, gardening, cooking and volunteering? 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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Thousands of us are staying at home with young families and are 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?
We want to hear about your ideas for entertaining and educating toddlers, for how to make the best of your daily exercise, how to cope with year nine maths or how to create a routine with a teenager.
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View All Ideas3 months ago
40 fun things to do in your garden (part 1)
1. Make a garden for your miniature toys Use an old flower pot, seed tray or any plastic tray or box. Collect stones and rocks to decorate with pens and paint. Pick twigs and grass and use soil to create mountains. Your toys will love their new garden. 2. Garden art Grab an old bed sheet, find a load of leaves, sticks, twigs and whatever you can find and create a piece of art. Use paint and pens to add detail. 3. Hold a sports day Use your garden to hold a sports day with your family. Plan what games you want to play, make some homemade medals and certificates and get all your toys to watch and help you win the race. And if you have some eggs - finish sports day with an egg and spoon race and eat the eggs for lunch. 4. Build a bug hotel Use old pots, bricks, wood, stones and lots of organic material such as moss, leaves and flowers to build a bug hotel. Fill plant pots with the material and stack them in a corner with piles of wood and stones. 5. Create an obstacle course Use pots and pans, garden furniture, plant pots etc to make an obstacle course. See if you can train your pets to do the same - have you ever seen a rabbit on an obstacle course? 6. Nature rubbings Take some paper and some coloured crayons into the garden and so some rubbings of your favourite objects. Look at the bark on trees, bricks on the house and wood on the shed. 7. Painting stones Find stones – big and small – and use paint or pens, colour then in to make different patterns, paint your favourite story book character, or make animals out of the different shaped rocks. 8. Make mud pies Using old saucepans, bowls, pots and cups, find some soil and just add water. Serve up your very own mud pie. Decorate it with garden flowers and pebbles to really impress. 9. Create your very own time capsule Fill a clean airtight container with some interesting things-maybe a newspaper article, a drawing of your family, a letter you wrote or a toy. Close the lid and find a spot in the garden to bury it. Make a map of where you buried it (just in case you forget) and write on the map when you want to dig it up. You could make one to keep indoors if your prefer, see our children’s time capsule activity.
about 1 month ago
Make your own Photo booth props from Cardboard
A fun idea when doing online calls is to use props! Make your own using left over cardboard.
2 months ago
Make a nature rubbing
Get the children (and adults!) outdoors and active exploring nature with this activity. Take a look at our extension ideas to widen the activity. We would love to see your outdoors adventures so take a picture and share with us #CWaC_HealthRanger #ForestSchool #HealthWalks #NaturalHealthService Click on image then right click and 'open in new tab' or 'save image as'.
3 months ago
Make a garage out of boxes
Get creative with used boxes before they go in the recycling, Creating garages, theatres or dolls houses are just a few ideas. Has anyone got anymore ideas?
2 months ago
Small world play
A lovely creative way for children to explore a whole range of topics is to create their own small world play area. They could be anything including: volcanoes, Farms, cities, villages, zoos, hospitals, cafes and shop!
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Most 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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View All Ideasabout 1 month ago
DIY Tote Bag
Are you handy with a needle and thread? Like eco-friendly shopping bags? Check out our page to find step by step instructions on how to make your very own tote bag! http://events.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk/event/adult-crafts/
2 months ago
Start a virtual book club
Start a book club with friends and/or family. Download or order the same book and get discussing!!
3 months ago
Composting for beginners
Look in your garage, house and shed for a storage box or bin. Any container can be converted into a compost bin. Cardboard boxes are also ok to use as the box itself will slowly decay. Since cardboard boxes are biodegradable they decompose and become part of the compost mixture. The wet box at the base also attracts worms which is an added bonus as they help to aerate the compost and break it down more quickly. 1. Carefully drill holes (you could use a hammer and nail or garden fork for plastic containers or scissors for cardboard) to create drainage points. 2. Place it on bare or grassy earth if you can. 3. Add green materials such as vegetable peelings and grass cuttings. 4. Add a similar amount of brown materials such as paper, cut up pieces of cardboard and twigs. 5. Mix weekly with a garden fork or stick. 6. Keep adding an even mixture of green and brown materials. Alternatively, you can use any old pieces of wood and place them across a corner of your garden to create a composting area. 1. Locate it on bare or grassy piece of earth if you can. 2. Add green materials such as peelings and grass cuttings. 3. Add brown materials such as paper, cut up pieces of cardboard and twigs. 4. Mix weekly with a fork or stick. Top tips • If you are filling tubs or hanging baskets mix in peelings with the compost. These will break down easily and add additional nutrients to the soil. • Avoid adding any meat, fish, dairy or bread to your heap as these do not compost well and attract vermin.
2 months ago
Culture 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/
3 months ago
Baking with The Bread Lady - the most amazing sourdough
I have loved baking with the bread lady through Facebook. Every Saturday she does a live bake at 11am that you can follow. My favourite so far was the rhubarb and custard cake, it was absolutely out of this world! She has also shared videos to help you make and bake the perfect sourdough at home which has totally converted me to sourdough. If you can get hold of flour I would highly recommend the bread lady - the bakes are fun and therapeutic and the results are delicious!
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As 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 toContinue reading
View All Ideas2 months ago
Indoors and online more? add some visual 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 outside as much as we’d like to at the moment. Did you know that just seeing images and viewing nature online can provide some benefits to our mental health and wellbeing? Studies have shown that simply having a view of nature from a hospital bed improves a patient’s recovery time, reduces the amount of medication they need and sees them being discharged home sooner. Just viewing nature scenes positively affects you, it reduces anger, fear, and stress and increases pleasant feelings making you feel better emotionally. It can reduce blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, the production of stress hormones and can boost your immune system. It may even reduce mortality, according to scientists such as public health researchers Stamatakis and Mitchell. 6 IDEAS TO ADD NATURE TO INDOOR, ONLINE DAYS 1. Make sure your desktop and screen savers incorporate nature There are lots of amazing, free and inspirational landscape and nature wallpapers online. 2. Follow and overload newsfeeds with nature – whether joining groups, to following people and organisations who post regular videos or share amazing shots of nature, wildlife and outdoor activities. Uplift your spirits and relax by looking at images of amazing bluebell woods, wildlife frolicking across meadows, incredible landscapes or virtually camping under the stars. 3. Research and get excited – connect with your local farm shop, research local rights of way to plan walks from your home (every highway authority has them online), find local parks, gardens, wildlife sites, woodlands open to the public (Woodland Trust have a great on-line search tool for all woods open to the public), even self-guided walks that were never far away, ready for when you get back out there. 4. Virtual adventures – Visit gardens, parks, protected landscapes and some of the greatest national parks across the world from the comfort of your chair. Here are a few places to start your virtual adventures: - https://ngs.org.uk/virtual-garden-visits/ https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/virtual-tours-of-our-places https://www.youtube.com/user/uknationalparks go into ‘channels’ page to view videos of your favourite parks Search for ‘virtual walks’, ‘virtual hikes’, even ‘virtual scenery’, ‘virtual canoe trip’, ‘rowing machine scenery’ – you get the idea…. Some of it footage developed for indoor treadmills, bikes etc. More and more footage of the best beaches, mountain ranges and through some of our most stunning landscapes in the world. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mazA7BgH0h0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seWRWp7HKU0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCjt9eptadI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSWrTm7yh_E 5. Live webcams – There are so many places and lots of wildlife you can view live. Local, across the country and worldwide. Look through a live window on nature! A few links and examples:- http://www.bbc.co.uk/england/webcams/ Search for ‘local web cams’ to get sites like this http://www.wirralcam.com/ https://www.webcamgalore.com/ https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/webcams https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wildlife/countryside/g31784857/live-animal-webcam-zoo/ Instant access to inland water locations https://www.canals.com/webcams.htm Visit surf beach locations live at https://magicseaweed.com/ Take virtual visit to places you’ve always wanted to visit e.g. the Lake District https://www.visitcumbria.com/webcams/ Or further a field https://www.webcambiglook.com/nationalparks.htm 6. Join online nature-based communities and groups - get involved, join people talking and sharing their experiences or action to help nature on-line. This is a great way to become connected with other like-minded people, locally or globally. Lots of other ‘non online’ things can help us, like indoor plants and mounted prints of natural scenes have been shown to speed up the body’s ability to heal, recover and reduce stress.
2 months ago
A 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.
3 months ago
Daily exercise keeps us smiling!
We are loving starting every day with p.e with Joe Wicks and getting out for fresh air and sunshine has been key to keeping us smiling! Thank goodness for the blue skies and sunshine ☀️
2 months ago
A little bit of rain 'might' be good for you
Although we may accept a bit of rain, “suppose the garden needs it”, but did you know that our bodies also need the rain for its ‘negative ion’ benefits? There are good reasons NOT to put off your daily exercise because of a the ‘wet stuff’. Remember catching rain on your tongue and that connection with the elements as a child. Maybe you instinctively connected with nature more because if felt so good, without knowing what it was doing for you on a deeper level, before life’s conditioning made you kick good habits like this as you got older? Negative ions are the only example I can recall in which a negative is a positive. Yes, that’s correct. Negative ions are a very good thing; they produce a net positive effect on our health. Negative ions are tasteless, odourless and invisible molecules that we inhale when we are in environments that contain moving water, like rain. Once the negative ions reach our bloodstream, they are believed to produce biochemical reactions that help to relieve stress, alleviate depression and even boost our energy. Not only rain enables an abundance of negative ions to be released but also waterfalls, ocean waves and even dew and mist early in the morning. Have you ever noticed how you experience a sense of euphoria by being around these beautiful settings? The action of the pounding surf creates negative air ions and we also see it immediately after spring thunderstorms when people report improved mood. That is because the air circulating around moving water contain tens of thousands of negative ions — unlike a closed home or office, with all its electronics producing 'positive' ions. Imagine if scientists and the media had named these ions the opposite way around? Who would surround themselves with lots of technology, stay in their houses and offices around these ions so much - if you knew they might not be that great for us, without a healthy break outside? Walking in the rain might sound crazy, but there are a host of health benefits to soothe the mind, body and soul. 10 HEALTHY REASONS TO TAKE A WALK IN THE RAIN 1. THERE ARE TYPICALLY LESS PEOPLE Most people run for cover when it starts to rain, meaning it’s only the brave souls who continue strolling during a storm. If you crave peace and quiet during your walks, rainy days are the best. You're left alone with your thoughts and are able to destress much quicker and easier than when there are hundreds of other people out taking strolls. 2. THE AIR IS CLEANER AND FRESHER An study published in the journal Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics showed that the air is truly cleaner during and after heavy rainfall. The reason is that as raindrops fall through the atmosphere, they have the ability to attract hundreds of particles of pollutants like sulphates and bacteria before hitting the ground. Proof that invigorating breaths of rainy air actually are better! 3. THE SMELL OF RAIN HAS A CALMING EFFECT You may not be only one who loves the scent of the air during rainfall. In fact, this smell has a name: Petrichor, coined by two Australian scientists in the 1960s. Petrichor is a pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather. The smell is caused by the chemical reaction that takes place when the rain hits the ground. The smell of rain has a very soothing and calming effect on the mind and body. 4. THE HUMIDITY IS GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN AND HEALTH High levels of humidity in the air help keep your skin fresh, young and supple. And some researchers believe that when humidity levels are 43% and higher, nearly 3/4 of airborne virus particles are left powerless. 5. RAINY WALKS HELP WITH ACCEPTANCE Taking a walk in the rain often makes a person feel powerless. But taking rainy day walks on a regular basis help train your mind to give up control and go about life, no matter what the weather — or anything else — throws your way. 6. WALKS IN RAINY WEATHER BURN MORE CALORIES Believe it or not, Japanese researchers featured in the International Journal of Sports Medicine proved when a person does physical activity in cold, rainy weather, they burn more calories and fat than doing the same activity in moderate weather. 7. YOU ARE BOOSTING YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM By exposing yourself to various different temperatures and life outside of the house you are developing a stronger immune system for the future. Don’t let the rain keep you from enjoying the outdoors. 8. CONNECTING WITH NATURE Building a connection with nature can have many positive effects on your mind and body. Walking in the rain can be considered a connection to nature even if you aren’t deep in a forest. You can get many of the positive benefits of nature like stress relief and a boost in endorphins through the rain, even if you are in a town or city. 9. WALKS IN RAIN HELP YOU SEE THINGS WITH A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE Whether it’s the darker lighting, the gloomy mood, or the reflection of streetlights in puddles, almost everything looks different on rainy days. This can perhaps help some people to view their life, challenges and other daily aspects in a different light. 10. IT FEELS A LITTLE BIT REBELLIOUS Taking a walk in the rain is a safe and healthy way to feel a little naughty, doing something so many don’t think is a good idea. JUST BE SURE TO WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR AND THOROUGHLY DRY OFF ONCE YOU ARE BACK AT HOME OR THE OFFICE. More on ‘Negative IONS’ A study by Columbia University used negative ion generators to see their effect on people with winter and chronic depression. The study showed that these generators helped relieve depression as much as antidepressants. The best part is that there are relatively no side effects, but scientists are still trying to figure out appropriate doses and which people it works best on. Elsewhere experiments have been conducted with negative and positive ions using a cross-section of men and women between the ages of 20 and 65. When they were put in a room that contained primarily positive ions, they became irritable and fatigued. However, when they were confined to a room containing primarily negative ions, their brainwaves suggested increased alertness and relaxation. What is significant is that they all scored higher during and immediately after their exposure to increased levels of negative ions. So the next time you think you don’t want to get wet when it rains, it might be worth considering the MAGIC from ‘negative' ions you are missing out on!
about 2 months ago
CW&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!
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Being 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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