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.
Wellbeing newsletter A purple lockdown… The Captain and Vice-Captains of school share their tips for surviving, and thriving, during lockdown: Ben: I’ve been going for runs in the early mornings and have started gardening. I’ve been growing courgettes and am now trying to find some new recipes. I’ve also been looking forward to new episodes of Killing Eve on Mondays, as well as watching Race Across the World. Flo: I’ve been extremely occupied by a recent chicken purchase; they’re the best time-wasters. I’ve also been attempting to run (emphasis on the attempting) and trying to teach myself the guitar! My recommendations would be to read ‘I Capture the Castle’ for those who haven’t, or to listen to the ‘High Low’ podcast by Dolly Alderton and Pandora Sykes. Gabe: I have taken up learning the guitar (which is extremely quick and easy if you follow YouTube tutorials). More excitingly though I have got a job at my local ASDA where I am stacking shelves and standing by the entrance to limit the number of people in the store. Both of these give me some sense of achievement which is very important at this time! To go with this I have been doing mindfulness activities, following the book 'A practical guide to finding peace in a frantic world' by Mark Williams and Dr Danny Penman. This has enabled me to relax and stay healthy mentally. I would highly recommend this for everyone as it is a way you can all find some peace and a moment to yourself. Stay healthy and keep busy!
Five-minute fixes: quick tips for the time-poor • • • • • •
Make ice lollies Rather than throwing it away, plant an avocado stone in compost and grow your own house plant from scratch Get a team together for one of the many virtual ‘pub’ quizzes now running online Download seven albums/songs from the last seven decades (60s onwards) and listen to one a day for a week Try to learn something new every day, even if it’s just one new word to increase your vocabulary Spend a couple of minutes at the end of each day reflecting on what you’ve been grateful for that day, however small
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.