We are aware that some people do not have access to the internet and so have been unable to see the splendid series of short videos made by Bev Lomax who in “normal times" runs the weekly Gentle Yoga sessions for Crich Area Dementia Friends.

As we know of the importance for everyone to maintain their mobility and stability during the current restrictions, we have made a DVD of all the sessions which will be distributed to the regular attendees of the Gentle Yoga sessions and others in the community. Not only are the various activities great for people’s physical well-being but they are a wonderful way of reducing stress.

We are most grateful to Councillor David Taylor, the County Councillor for Crich and surrounding communities, who has generously agreed to fund the production of the DVD through the County Council’s Community Leadership Scheme. 

If you or someone you know would like a copy of the DVD please contact Frances James on 01773 852692

How are your anxiety levels?

Are you or someone you care about in need of some calm in this storm?

What we're all facing at the moment with Covid19 is a massive, "unprecedented" change to our normal way of living. That means many of us are struggling to know how to cope, stay calm and positive when our usual outlets, supports and habits may not be available. As sociable creatures, being without real social connection to those we love seeing and spending time with can be particularly hard. And we may be finding sharing the same space and same 4 walls with the same people equally challenging!

When we're not coping so well, we may be feeling very fearful, experiencing panic attacks, disturbed sleep, a mind that just can't seem to switch off or be catastrophising and worrying about the future. If we don't have the right tools, it can feel overwhelming. We may have no idea how to change things for the better and take control.

The idea of Calm Together is to make a regular space for you to join others like you wanting to find ways to feel better emotionally, make sense of your feelings and anxieties, relax tension that might be affecting our muscles or gut and learn easy, simple tools and practices that are tried and trusted to help our minds, our resilience, our sleep and our ability to soothe our whole nervous system. 

Sounds good?

Rachel will be offering these sessions free during the lockdown on facebook live on her Qi to Health page at 11 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. You can watch and follow the chair-based exercises, breathing and mindfulness and message her questions. She is a health professional with 30 years’ experience of practice and study in these matters

Or on zoom you can stay in the room after for a cuppa and chat with her and whoever else is there. You are even allowed cake and biscuits...

And if you'd rather stay quiet or keep your camera off, that's ok. Just you being there may help someone else feel less alone and more normal.

This has started with Crich at the heart, but it's open to anyone you know who needs a little help at this time, or wants to stay well in body and mind. Mindfulness, breathing and relaxing have powerful health benefits for everyone and are great life skills, whatever your age you’re most welcome!
 
If you're new to zoom technology, it's a really simple app you use on your phone or tablet, or through the website on your computer. It's free to download and you use the link here like a key to our room.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/6644059568 

You're welcome to arrange a test run with me personally to check it works before the actual session. Do engage help from family and friends to help too, if they know how to use it. My number is 07877320723.
Rachel x

Calm Together is free health-boosting, mind-easing, breath-slowing, resilience-inspiring session you can join on Facebook Live or on zoom starting Monday 20th April with local yoga teacher, Rachel Jennings.

Some of you may have spotted some rainbows, or maybe even a bear or two, displayed in windows throughout our area while out on your daily walk, run or cycle. Now, as Easter approaches, the challenge is on to take things a step further!

All households in our community are being encouraged to create an Easter window display to brighten the day of those passing by. It can be as simple or elaborate as you like, the idea is just to spread some happiness. 

Spread the word, let's celebrate Easter together even though we will be stuck in our homes and away from our wider families and friends.

by Rachel Jennings from Qi to Health

While we have just an hour of freedom outside, you might be weighing up the best use of your time for health and fitness. If you are an outdoors person, you might find Nordic walking offers you the perfect solution. It was originally a summer training regime for cross-country skiers.

It’s almost the midpoint between walking and running: 25% more aerobic than walking and burning 46% more calories; it’s also supportive to the joints and exercises the arms, core and shoulders more.

So you can go faster and get fitter quicker (if that’s your goal!).

Many physios and rehab specialists recommend it as it’s suitable for all ages and kind to arthritic joints.

I learned about 10 years ago in Allestree park and now I have a dog, have trained her to come along too (Don’t laugh, I know not all dogs will do this, although you can get belts..)

I recently researched buying poles for a friend and discovered that Decathlon do a basic pair of adult poles for£19.99 and children’s for £14.99. 2 people I know now have these and love them.

Usually you’d have a 10 minute lesson, but it’s very easy to learn and this video tells you the basics.

Check out this Intro to Nordic walking and you’ll soon be striding round Crich with a big grin on your face too.

Bev Lomax, the yoga teacher who runs the very popular weekly gentle yoga sessions in Crich is preparing some 5 minute videos for the community to access free of charge. The videos demonstrate some gentle exercises that people can do in their homes to maintain and promote their mobility. 

The videos will be uploaded to the Crich Standard YouTube Channel on a regular basis. If you would prefer to receive these videos by email please contact editor@crichstandard.org

You can read more about the class here, which will restart at The Glebe once the corona virus lockdown has been lifted. New participants are always welcome.

Videos from The Falls Prevention Programme by Age UK for Derby and Derbyshire can also be accessed here Falls Prevention programme.