Fitness Tips

The Importance Of Taking Regular Breaks

I'm very lucky. I have an outdoor studio and once I have finished writing this article, I will get myself ready to take a break out there. I’ll actually lie down on my mat, I'll get my bolster out and I’ll use my lovely lavender eye cushion. Ready to take a short break. And the reason I do this is it improves creativity, it improves focus, it improves productivity. I see me getting better value from the work I do by taking regular breaks, and it is not just me, it is not just anecdotal evidence. Fitness tips with Leanne Spencer | www.bodyshotperformance.com

The Benefits Of Short Breaks

Some of us are still in lockdown and working from home. Work and private live can blur together into one long day for some of us. In those circumstances, taking regular breaks can be a game changer. As I mentioned briefly above, this is not just anecdotal. There have been lots of studies around the benefits of taking regular breaks. There is a 2011 study that I was reading earlier, from the University of Illinois, that found multiple benefits from employees taking regular breaks in their day. And by break, I mean it could be two minutes in an hour, it could be taking a solid lunch break, or 10-minute breaks every few hours, maybe one in the morning, one in the afternoon. But they found that employee engagement went up as well as improved focus, improved concentration, improved creativity as well, and better problem solving. So tonnes of reasons why it's really valuable to take a break.

Sun, Fresh Air And Walking

Now, you may not have a studio, you may not want to meditate or lie out with a bolster and an eye cushion. Maybe you stand in the sun, get some glorious benefits of Vitamin D3 and the energy that the sun provides. Maybe you go off and do something completely different, but try and make it non screen-based whatever it is you do. And what would be fabulous is to go out and just take a 10-minute brisk walk somewhere. Get fresh oxygenated blood flowing around the body, good for neurogenesis, the creation of new brain cells, good for the whole body to move. That is what we were designed to do. We were designed to locomote. We were designed to move.

Human Movement

So that is my tip for you. I know most of you are still working from home. You probably have sat your desk, you are getting those tight quadriceps, you are getting those slumped shoulders. A lot of our clients are reporting that they are feeling stiffer than ever because they are just not moving at all, not even to get on a train, or to go to their manager's office, or walk around the building. So please do move and please do take breaks. Both of them are going to have work wonders for your professional and your personal life, and make you feel better.

Preparing for Sixth Form

Lockdown Tips for the Top Prendergast Sixth Form is an outstanding mixed sixth form located on Hilly Fields in Lewisham. As Year 11 students have completed their GCSE courses earlier than expected, students have found themselves with some extra time on their hands. Prendergast Sixth Form is using this period to help prepare prospective students for post16 study so that they can make a strong and competitive start once they begin their A Level and BTEC courses. Simon Conway, head of sixth form stated, “This is an excellent time for students to fully prepare for the rigors of post-16 study. The increased difficulty of A Level and BTEC courses can be challenging and we want to ensure that all of our students joining us in September have the skills necessary to excel in their subjects from day one of Year 12.” The Sixth Form have created a programme of transition work for all subjects that is released to students every two weeks to ensure they are consistently preparing themselves for September. This has been extremely well received by parents and students eager to develop the skills they will need when they start their courses. All transition work can be found on the Prendergast Sixth Form website under the heading ‘Y11 Transition Work’.

However, transition work isn’t the only way students can prepare themselves for sixth form study. Simon Conway continued to say, “Success at post-16 begins with a broad understanding and deep passion for subjects. We are encouraging all of our prospective students to widen their understanding of their chosen subjects through exploring free online courses on www.futurlearn. com, exploring online articles and watching documentaries or TED talks on their areas of interest.” This is a challenging time for many, but Prendergast Sixth Form is supporting students to use this time as productively as possible so that all those that join in September can make a head start in the next stage of their education

If you would like to find out more about Prendergast Sixth Form and how students can prepare further for Year 12, or would like any information about how to apply please email: 6thforminfo@prendergast-school.com

Lewisham Council Reuse & Recycling Centre During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Information about the reuse and recycling centre on Landmann Way in New Cross, including who can use the centre, how to book, when it is open and what you can recycle. The recycling centre at Landmann Way is open to Lewisham residents. You must book an appointment to enter the recycling centre.

What you can & can’t bring to the centre You cannot bring mixed loads to the recycling centre at the moment. This is to support our social distancing measures. Each booking made must be for one type of disposal (green waste, mixed recyclables or textiles). The centre is now a co-mingle site. All recyclables go in one container and will be separated off site. Please see the council’s website for a full list. How to book To book your visit call 020 8314 7171. Lines are open Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm. You will be asked: • your vehicle registration number • the make of your vehicle • the type of material you are disposing. You can currently only book one slot per day due to high demand. You can help keep services running smoothly by only visiting when it’s absolutely necessary and planning your visit carefully. ID and proof of address We are currently only accepting a photo driving license as ID. For proof of address, we accept: • gas, electricity or telephone bill, no more than four months old • water bill, no more than 12 months old • bank, credit card or building society statement, no more than four months old • current council rent book or council tenancy agreement • council tax bill, less than 12 months old. We do not accept any other proof of address or identity. These have to be original documents, we won’t accept electronic copies.

Opening hours Sunday–Friday, 8am–4pm. Last entry at 3pm. Saturday, 8am–12 noon. Last entry at 11.30am. Site Conduct Please do: • listen to and respect the site staff • observe the five mph speed limit • observe the direction, information and warning signs • use the walkways to put items into the containers. Please do not: • remove items from the recycling centre • try to throw things into the containers from any area other than the designated walkways. • approach, touch or operate any machinery or plant • smoke on site. Safety • You enter the site at your own risk.

Civic Amenities Site, Landmann Way, London, SE14 5RS

• The site will be evacuated in the event of fire or emergency. The centre staff will give you instructions. • Children and animals must stay inside vehicles. • Staff will not be able to help you with your load, so please make sure you can manage it alone. Vehicles • Only cars are permitted on the site. No vans, bikes or drop off by foot. • We may inspect your load before you enter the centre and throughout unloading. All our staff have been trained in social distancing and carrying out risk assessments. • You cannot park your vehicles outside of the site and walk items in. This could cause congestion outside the site and pose a significant health and safety risk. • Trailers are not allowed. • Open back vehicles are not allowed. CCTV CCTV is in operation at the site. We will not share data collected on site outside of the council.