There are reasons to be positive about 2021…
Of course, it can be hard to see any positives during difficult times and 2021 has certainly started that way. We have now entered another period of national lockdown and as a result, all leisure facilities are once again forced to close their doors. We’ll all be back as soon as it is safe to do so; in the meantime what we can do is inspire you in a different way, by reminding you that even in difficult times, there are reasons to look forwards.
We now have several vaccines to combat the spread of Coronavirus, our work culture has changed for the better and many of us are doing more walking, running and cycling than ever before. We have got to know our neighbours and neighbourhoods and to finally realise the importance of green spaces and the sights and sounds of the wildlife that we’ve all suddenly started to notice and enjoy with less noise and traffic on our roads.
Is it also possible that 2020 has made us all stronger people; are we all now a little more aware of the importance of taking care of our minds and bodies..?
If you are spending time outdoors to exercise locally, it’s important to abide by the current government restrictions to keep yourself and those around you safe:
It is permitted to leave your home for exercise, alone, with your household (or support bubble) or one other person once each day, not travelling outside of your local area.
For many of us, this time spent outdoors has once again become a lifeline because of the positive impact it has on our mental and physical health and wellbeing. The need to stay in our local areas is an important one as it will help stop the spread of COVID-19, however; if you do have a local green space where you can safely spend time each day, then using it can make a real difference.
At the moment of course, we have the added issue of winter; mornings are darker and the evenings start earlier. However, if you have ever seen a sunrise on a crisp frosty morning in your local park or wrapped up warm to spend some time in local woodland with your household or support bubble, then you’ll know how it can lift your mood and ground you in the present.
If you are using your local spaces for physical exercise, why not leave the headphones at home and give the natural soundtrack of birdsong a try instead, in the winter months it is at its most impressive in the mornings and just before sunset.
If you are out with your household, make a point of enjoying their company and noticing the small, wonderful things that your local green space has to offer together.
We are looking forward to 2021, to the time when we can welcome the people and communities we serve, back through our doors again and also to hear about the ways they have been making the most of their daily local exercise and the positive effects it had on them.
For us, that will be the most inspiring thing of all.
