Wellbeing newsletter WELCOME TO THE FIRST KING’S WELLBEING NEWSLETTER DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. IT’S IMPORTANT FOR US ALL TO TAKE TIME AWAY FROM OUR SCREENS BETWEEN LESSONS, RELAX AND LOOK AFTER OUR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH. HERE ARE A FEW SUGGESTIONS THAT YOU MAY NOT HAVE THOUGHT OF.
Could you pay it forward? For all years: Care homes have had
Take a moment to listen to bird song Research suggests that exposure to nature can have a marked effect on mental and physical health. It was National Dawn Chorus Day on Sunday 3rd May; this month is the best time to hear bird song, as males are trying to attract mates with their song. Why not take 5-10 minutes out of your day (not necessarily dawn!) to sit back, relax and tune in to the birds singing - and perhaps to try to identify which birds you can hear? You can also listen to the dawn chorus at the RPSB’s nature reserves here: it’s a very relaxing way to spend ten minutes! https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=AFQByOoeG8M&feature= emb_logo The RSPB has a bird song identifier here: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-andwildlife/bird-songs/what-bird-is-that/
Mrs Brown’s books: Mrs Brown has a few
to stop visitors during the pandemic which has created a wave of loneliness amongst vulnerable , elderly residents. Could you write a Could payin it letter to ayou resident a home local to you? Just remember not to give out your home address or a photo (for safeguarding reasons).
For 6bs/6as: Blood donations have fallen significantly during lockdown, so if you are eligible and your parents are happy for you to do so, could you spare a pint to help the NHS? Visit www.blood.co.uk for more information.
recommendations for you if you need a new read…
Lockdown project: give your bike a summer healthcheck
If you are looking for an immense fictional read with historical background about families try the John Jakes’ trilogy starting with North & South. Set in America leading up to the Civil War, he then covers the War itself in Love and War and the aftermath and its effects in Heaven and Hell. Men and women, black and white, north and south are all part of this epic and fascinating story of a time that still resounds in 21st century America.
Warmer weather and more sun mean that a lot of us will be getting our bikes out for some lockdown exercise. If you own a car, you have to have an annual MOT, but how many of us give our bike a similar check each year? Now is the perfect time to do it – and it might give you a few new skills as well as ensuring your bike is safe to cycle. For a short video guide to bicycle maintenance and a longer web explanation, visit:
If you enjoy reading diaries, I recommend Denton Welch, an English writer and painter, who wrote about his life and the Second World War. He was gay when it was illegal and had serious health issues caused by an accident on his bicycle. His world is perhaps small but his pithy observations of his fellows and the world around him make for a fabulous read.
https://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-blog/getactive/2019/everyday-walking-and-cycling/the-mcheck-for-your-bike-in-11-steps/
Don’t forget that the ‘Wellbeing’ button on the VLE has plenty of suggestions if you need support, and the counselling service, chaplaincy, safeguarding team and house staff are all available as well.