Lead by Bryn, focussing on self-management.
After a brief recap of the previous sessions, the first half focused on goal-setting and how having an aim to work towards is a great motivation.
Self management of physical activity recommendations
Aerobic
Strength
Balance
Flexibility
Setting goals
Assessments
See where you are
Motivation
Tracking / monitor
Be specific – if you are clear on your goal you can be clear on how to reach it
Measurable – see if you are getting closer to achieving your goal
Challenge yourself
And be realistic
Set a beginning and end date
Personally, I do find that having goals, big or small, has helped me get through almost an entire year of shielding. Having that aim to work towards can be so motivational, as it gives you a purpose to reach, a reason to get up in the morning.
Bryn asked us to think of a goal personal to us.
As those of you who follow the Leigh Network on social media will know, we have just launched the Take a Chance for Leigh Network Challenge. The idea is to encourage lots of you to make a positive change in your life for our mito warriors. You could give up a negative influence in your life, such as alcohol, cigarettes or biscuits, and donate what you would’ve spent on it to our charity, so that we can continue supporting families affected by mito and the research project at the Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research in Newcastle.
For my own challenge, I will take on fitness with the intention of doing various Zoom exercise classes that are suitable for all abilities. The goal was inspired by this course.
Bryn spoke of the importance of having a plan and a time frame.
Our Take a chance for Leigh Network challenge is great, as you can Join in from now up until 1 April. We just ask you to share your journey on our Facebook event page https://www.facebook.com/203975279619098/posts/4401568439859740/?sfnsn=scwspmo
or email us.
I’ll keep you updated on our progress in a separate blog post.
The second half focussed on mental health.
When we have a goal to achieve, having support of others, be it family, friends, social media encouragement is vital to helping us stay committed to achieving our goal.
On the Take a Chance Challenge, we have asked people to take on their own challenges and are
thrilled that some of you have already signed up!
Bryn highlighted how the only way to get help if you are struggling, is to ask.
Mindfulness –be aware of the present focus on your surroundings, accept your feelings
“YOU ARE NOT YOUR THOUGHTS”
Bryn shared how mindfulness meditation can help. Mindfulness is about being in the present, being aware of your senses.
For example:
If, on your daily exercise, you go to a park, take a moment, look around you. Breathe in. See the colours. Do these change with the time of day? What animals do you hear? Can you scrunch leaves in your palm? Are there any scents around?
Technically this can be done at any time, even when making a cup of tea. It’s about focussing the mind on what’s around you.
This particular session cane at the right time, what with Leigh Network launching our new event.