If like me, despite all the horrid stuff that’s gone on over the last year, you may have had a chance to slow down a bit and realise that all the rushing around carried out previously wasn’t always necessary. Now, you may think that some headspace is an important part of your wellness and recognise that being able to clear your mind is quite beneficial. I know I have, and because of this, I have slept better than I have done over the last 3 years. Along with this, I have also found the benefits of more restorative exercise which previously I wouldn’t have considered important in my exercise timetable.

I’ve also had extra time to do more exercise as there’s been far less taxi services to swimming pools for the girls. I’ve kept up with running several times a week and despite my initial frustrations at not being able to go as far or for as long as I used to, I have learnt to accept that at least I’m out and enjoying myself and doing what I have chosen to do. I am also looking forward to the lido opening so I can enjoy the tranquillity of a swim there too. I still like to have goals of things to achieve with exercise, but these goals are totally personal to me and involve no one else so taking away any pressure.

Managing two very different, hormonal teenage girls on your own can be quite a challenge. With the added anxieties of COVID that have come along and disrupted the day-to-day functions of one of them, the emotional energy that I am giving out is exhausting. If I hadn’t been able to recognise this, I probably wouldn’t be a functioning adult right now! I have learnt that it is fine to take time out and have given myself permission to remove myself from the situation to allow the mind to clear and to boost my energy for the next hurdle that comes along. 

So, wellness to me means, that I can keep active in a way that I enjoy without having to compete against others and feel that I must keep up with someone else. It also means that I am grateful for my body and how it functions without trying to change it to look like someone else’s – I’d love smaller thighs but mine are good strong legs!! Wellness also means, giving myself permission to take time out to recharge my mind and my body to allow me to cope with the daily activities. Along with this, it also means saying ‘no’ to something that will increase pressure for me to fit more things into my day which then makes me resentful against that extra activity. I think wellness also means that you surround yourself with positive people who take you as you are and who you are not trying to compete with or impress, being happy in your own skin certainly has a wellness influence.

And finally, for now, wellness means allowing myself to eat the food I enjoy without making myself feel guilty about it. I have always enjoyed my food, but in the past, I have been quite a bit bigger than I am now, and with perimenopausal hormone changes affecting what likes to hang around on my hips I do have to be sensible, and I know my body functions much better with healthier options, but I would never be hard on myself for eating what I enjoy. For those that know me well, this is fish and chips and scones with jam and cream but not at the same time!!

I’d love to hear what wellness means to you and maybe how I can help you achieve a place in your own ‘wellness zone’ with the classes and courses that I have on offer.

Look after yourself and see you soon.

Joan x