8 minute read
Wellbeing
It’s not your fault that you don’t move enough
Ooo, did you just raise an eyebrow? I hope you did. This statement might just cause a little stir, because the popular belief is that we can make choices about our behaviour, good or not so good, every second of every day; or can we?
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If we are not moving, exercising or changing our lifestyle as we ‘should’, does that mean we are lazy, unmotivated or uncaring? The short answer is, nope, or at least, not necessarily. The longer answer is that we are actually genetically programmed to behave as if we still live in a time of feast or famine. Therefore our ancient, instinctive brain is constantly still seeking food, rest, ease and convenience just in case there is a famine coming around the corner.
The choice to take the stairs or the lift, the lift wins. The choice to change the channel with the remote or get up to press a button, the remote wins. The choice to eat the ice cream or an apple, the ice cream wins etc etc.
So with this new understanding, we can be proactive, we must create an environment that encourages, even forces us to move more and create different shapes with our body. Make it so that choosing to move is the only option! I’m going to give you the easiest place to start. I’m not going to take the car away, or even the remote away, but I would like you to take your favourite armchair away, or at least pop your cactus on it. No more sofa surfing this evening, I’d like to encourage you to find your flow on the floor instead. The floor is possibly the best piece of exercise equipment you’re not using. Floor sitting is not only a great way to strengthen and mobilise the body, but just getting up and down from the floor is a key skill and core challenge.
Just by the very nature of sitting on the floor you will get uncomfortable and your body will tell you it’s time to move, unlike disappearing into a chair or sofa for hours. Use the floor sitting ideas in my online video to create a variety of positions for your body to rest in during your relaxation time in the evenings. Here you can watch TV, read, scroll, play, relax and feel good you are creating new movement and strengthening opportunities for your body at the same time.
Your environment is the single most biggest influencing factor on how you move, not your level of motivation, determination, number of fitness classes, Apps or trackers. So create yourself a comfy floor seating area with cushions, blankets, bolsters and mats, both to create an inviting spot to sit, as well as the constant reminder to sit there!
“Shape your environment, or your environment will shape you”
Watch the video on the website for some great floor sitting ideas, you can do it!
Emma Wightman www.the-sop.com/video-guides
David Mellor Family Jewellers celebrates Andover’s unsung heroes
David Mellor Family Jewellers announced as the main sponsor for the 2022 Pride of Andover Awards, sponsoring the Spirit of Andover award. With the highly anticipated Pride of Andover awards set to return for 2022, this year's event is set to be greater than ever. The overall winner of the awards will win the sought-after Spirit of Andover award sponsored by the events’ main sponsor, David Mellor Family Jewellers.
The award recognises an individual or group who have gone above and beyond, and whose achievements and work in the local community have been far reaching. Christine Mellor of David Mellor Family Jewellers said of sponsoring the 2022 event: “We’re delighted to be main sponsors of The Pride of Andover Awards once again. As a local business, our community is incredibly important to us. We want to celebrate everything that makes Andover a wonderful place to live; namely, the selfless individuals who volunteer their time and energy, going out of their way to support others, and inspiring everyone who’s lives they touch to achieve great things for the good of our town.
To be able to sponsor the Pride of Andover awards, particularly this category for another exceptional year is something we feel very passionate about. A thriving community is made up of proactive, selfless people and the Spirit of Andover Award recognises this.” The Pride of Andover Awards will officially launch on 27th June with an incredible 11 awards categories available.
The categories and sponsors for The Pride of Andover Awards are: Spirit of Andover Award Overall Winner - David Mellor Family Jewellers Young Person of the Year Award - Postal Coded Sue Sheppard Award – The Commercial Centre Sports Award – Phat's Taxi Services Award – Sultan Sid Dajani Mayor of Test Valley – Bulpitt Print Inspiring Others Award – R&B Industrial Ltd & The TLC Counselling Hub Heart of Gold Award – New Street Dental Care Fundraiser Award – Carpet Cleaning Lady Community Champion Award – Ocado Arts Award – The Rock House
Residents of Andover and the surrounding areas are being asked to contribute to the Nature in Harmony: Citizen Science project following a successful year of wildlife surveying in 2021.
Developed by local environmental charity, Andover Trees United, the Nature In Harmony: Citizen Science project, which launches its second year of wildlife surveying on 1st May, will work with ordinary people, of all ages, to investigate the distribution of animal and plant species across Harmony Woods in Andover.
Citizen science is a branch of scientific research conducted by non-scientists; by enrolling the help of volunteers into scientific research the capacity of the scientific community is improved and the public’s understanding of the science is increased.
Nature In Harmony: Citizen Science has two goals: Firstly, to enhance current scientific understanding of the 44 acres of new woodland, located between Augusta Park and close to Enham Alamein. Secondly, to give individuals who take part the opportunity to take action in their own community and improve their understanding of ecology and conservation.
The charity is looking for 12 members of the community for a minimum of 2 half-days each to act as recording assistants in our regular wildlife surveys. No experience is required as training will be given in field survey techniques and species identification by the project ecologist. All equipment needed for the survey will also be provided onsite. Surveys will be carried out primarily on weekday mornings, however, weekend sessions can be arranged for those who have other commitments during the week.
Over the next year Andover Trees will also be running an exciting programme of events to complement the scientific research activity. Open to all, the events will include a Bioblitz on May 28th, 10x woodworking workshops throughout summer, and a concert on July 16th.
Wendy Davis, founder of Andover Trees United, said “ We are very excited for Megan to take on our annual citizen science programme and develop it further as it enters its second year. Assisting in these simple but important surveys is a lovely way to spend a few hours, you can enjoy the peace and tranquility of Harmony Woods, practice your flower and bug ID skills in a relaxed environment and help conserve your local wild spaces.”
Referring to the charity’s reliance on a range of supporters for the work it carries out, she also added, “we are indebted to a generous benefactor who has made this ecology internship possible.”
For more information on how to get involved please visit www. andovertrees.org.uk/nature-in-harmony or contact megan. broughton@andovertrees.org.uk
Target smashed for tree planting with almost 20,000 in the ground
Nearly 20,000 trees have been planted over the 2021/22 planting season, almost doubling the target set for Test Valley Borough Council.
Last year, the council announced its target to plant 10,000 trees over the autumn and winter months in a bid to help tackle climate change and improve the environment. Now, climate change and countryside portfolio holder, councillor Alison Johnston, has revealed that a total of 19,325 trees have been planted across the borough.
A total of 600 have been planted at Anton Lakes, almost 2,000 at Harewood Common and a further 1,200 at Hunts Farm, Timsbury. Through the Hampshire Dormice Project, 500 were also planted at Finkley Down Farm. The whips are mixed native species, with other planting locations including Ox Drove, Picket Twenty and Valley Park woodlands. The commitment to plant them came after the borough council declared a climate emergency in September 2019.
Councillor Johnston, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that we have been able to smash the initial 10,000 figure that we set just over six months ago. The efforts that go into a project like this are huge, and we need the good will of volunteers and the dedication from landowners.
“With the help of partners, we're absolutely committed to keeping this going and plan to plant a similar number of trees in each of the next three years.”
Stockbridge Open Gardens
Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st July Stockbridge once again opens its gardens to the public this July; on the 30th and 31st gardens at the western end of the village will be open to visitors and, with the River Test running through this part of Stockbridge, you will have the chance to walk along part of the river bank at The Greyhound on the Test and explore some of the other hidden waterways. After enjoying the gardens afternoon tea, Amesbury Town Band and a tempting plant stall will be awaiting you on the church lawn. Tickets are £10 (accompanied under 16s free) and can be bought from 1pm at St Peter’s Church or the car park at the western end of the village.
