Day 9

This is Motivational Monday.

I had a really lovely walk wth my friend Debs and her Lab Samson yesterday. Socially distanced and observing the rule of meeting just one person and totally above board. For me as someone living alone, the face to face connection is vital and I know that there are so many who are in the same predicament.  Eveyrone sees me as jolly and postive on the screen but I, like so many others, have to confront the reality of living alone during a tiime of isolation and I have learned a lot this year about friendships and who reall counts!!

So the motivational aspsect today has several layers. We walked in the rain and the mud, putting the world to right, throwing in some side leg raises and standing push up's and felt so much better for it. We had quite a laugh setting up the camera on coats rolled up on the floor in the mud, avoiding trying to work around 2 very interested wet Labradors and faffing about in the rain.

Exercise does not need to be taken in a shiny studio or a state of the art gym. Exercise is about moving and getting the heart to work harder, getting the oxygen to travel more efficiently around the body...which in turn helps us to feel more postive and calmer in our mind. Who has EVER done exercise and not felt better for it?!

Something as simple as meeting a friend and getting outside for a walk is more important than ever at this time and I hope I can motivate you to a) think of friends and familiy members who may be living alone and propose a "one friend only" walk outside whatever the weather to connect, to support and get some face to face contact and b) reach out to a friend who may be living in a very busy house and is frazzled and could really beneift from the the fresh air, exercise and company.

Get a daily walk yourself no matter what the weather. Even if you are really busy, you can find 10 mins, put on your coat, get outside and walk. When did you ever do a class, go for a walk or a run, go out on your bike and not feel better?! The incentive might be lacking as the weather is drizzly and miserable but in this challenge, add a daily walk to your list and just see how much better you feel.

The Kitchen Social have done a wonderful little video on making Kale crisps which I have added to Instagram and Facebook. If you are not on social media and would like to see it, please email me.

Have a great day, look after your friends who may be living alone during this time, look after your friends who may desperately need a chance to get out and have space, stay safe, stay well and see you tomorrow x