Stamford MindSpace chair of trustees talks about how to stay healthy and active
Chair of trustees as Stamford MindSpace, Helen Howes, writes in her latest column:
Like others, I feel that still having the opportunity to go for a walk as daily exercise is something to be really appreciated.
The other morning, being in the wonderful Burghley House grounds at 8am when the light was beautiful, and the fallow deer were lying in huge numbers under the trees, had a very special magic.
I always feel blessed to have Burghley Park on our doorstep as a citizen of Stamford but, in these times, I have an even more heightened sense of awareness of and gratitude for these surroundings.
Friends in France are very envious. Although they have the stunning Brittany beaches almost on their doorstep, they are not allowed to go out further than one kilometre from their house and only one at a time.
Hopefully we can continue to have this precious privilege for as long as possible.
If I need to get my heart rate up a bit more than on my walks, I have also taken to use the skipping rope in the garden!
Normally this is one of those ‘grandchildren activities’ but I’m trying to get back to the prowess I had when younger. I am failing, of course, but I am having fun failing!
Learning Something New
I decided early on in lockdown that it was necessary to choose something specific in terms of my learning, and I went for chess.
I only really played in my late teens (very long ago…) and never really got the hang of it. So, it is becoming a regular challenge in our house.
I am still far from mastering all the tactics and strategies, but I took great pleasure last week in scoring a first victory over my husband.
Then I learned something else: he is a really bad loser! That said, he has beaten me every time since, but at least I am no longer such a pushover.
I am also sharing Carol Hines’ ideas for combining the ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’ with an outdoor art activity for children - and people of all generations:
1. Make a frame using a hoop, wood, card or anything you have handy
2. Gathering leaves, twigs, petals, stones and pine cones
3. Within the frame, create a picture. Talk with your child/children and help each other with ideas
4. Take time while outdoors together to notice all the beautiful things that are around us in our everyday lives
5. When finished, celebrate each other’s creations by taking photos and sharing them
Share your 5 Ways to Wellbeing ideas and experiences by e-mailing info@mindspacestamford.com
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