This week (16th - 22nd September) marks the start of Falls Awarness Week in the UK.
Next generation of talented athletes to be supported by Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme.
No 'me' time – stressed out Brits say everyone including their boss takes priority...
Tired and lethargic, feeling stressed and not getting a decent night's sleep –all signs that we know mean we need to STOP and make more time for our health and wellbeing but one in five people (20%) say they're spending just half an hour a week on 'self care'.
Research out today reveals that everyone even our bosses are taking priority over looking after our ourselves.
That's despite 8 out of 10 (82%) Brits saying they think it's important or very important to prioritise time for their wellbeing. Only just under a third ( 28%) say they currently prioritise their health and take a break when they need to.
The survey by P&O Cruises polled over 35's and found children, family, friends and older relatives come first and 1 in 10 people say they don't EVER spend time just on themselves.
In a first P&O Cruises is launching three new wellness cruises with TV presenter and women's health advocate, Cherry Healey and stylist Kat Farmer. The three selected P&O Cruises holidays in 2024 to Spain, Portugal and the Mediterranean will focus on mind, body, sleep, face and other lifestyle advice. Cherry and Kat will be joined by special guests including make-up artist to the stars, Hannah Martin and fitness educator and presenter, Sarah Gorman.
7% of those polled say they feel more stressed at home than at work with pressure of house hold tasks with family and domestic issues getting in the way of ' me time' for more than a quarter ( 26%)
Favourite ways to relax during the week include watching a film, reading a book or cooking.
A mindful one in 5 ( 17%) say they make sure they improve their mood and wellbeing with meditation or have some digital detox time – i.e. time away from technology during the week.
Cherry Healey's Top Tips to Improve Wellbeing:
Relax your body and mind with deep breathing
The 4-7-8 breathing technique involves inhaling deeply through your nose for a count of 4, holding your breath for a count of 7, and then exhaling slowly through your mouth for a count of 8. Repeat this cycle for several rounds, focusing on the breath's rhythm and the calming effect it has on your body and mind.
Incorporate NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis)
NEAT refers to the energy expended through everyday activities like walking, gardening, or taking the stairs. Increasing your NEAT can have significant benefits for your overall health - those little efforts make a big difference when combined. Look for opportunities to be more active throughout your day, such as standing during phone calls, stretching during breaks, or walking short distances instead of driving - it all adds up!
Trust your gut
The gut plays a crucial role in the body's overall health and well-being. It is responsible for the digestion and absorption of nutrients from the food we eat, it's home to a large part of our immune system, and has a bidirectional communication system between the gut and the brain, known as the gut-brain axis. The gut can influence mood, emotions, and mental health - so, in short, it's really worth giving it some love! Taking a probiotic supplement, in liquid or pill form, can have a significant impact on your health. It can help with bloating, weight management and a general feeling of health and wellbeing - well worth it!
Smell your way to peace of mind
Aromatherapy oils are a quick, easy way to immediately find your way back to peace. Vetiver oil has an earthy and grounding scent and is known for its calming effects, particularly for individuals experiencing stress or restlessness. Try mixing it with Sandalwood oil, which has a soft and woody fragrance, as it can also help reduce anxiety and create a peaceful ambiance. Add to a diffuser or place on your wrists or behind your ears - you'll feel calm and you'll smell great! Win win!
The power of writing things down
If you're someone that tends to overthink then writing down your thoughts is an incredibly effective way to calm your mind. The process of writing it down will help you to find peace and by seeing it laid out on paper you might find some perspective to help your mind rest. A problem shared is a problem halved - even if it's on paper and no one else reads it!
P&O has announced 3 'wellness' cruises with Kat Farmer, Cherry Healey and special guests
23 September – 7 October 2023
CRUISE NUMBER: G333 SHIP: IONA
Southampton - Lisbon - Gibraltar - Alicante - Barcelona (2 full days) - Seville (from Cádiz) - La Coruña - Southampton
https://www.pocruises.com/find-a-cruise/G333/G333
25 November – 9 December 2023
CRUISE NUMBER: G338 SHIP: IONA
Southampton - Vigo - Gibraltar - Alicante - Barcelona - Valencia - Seville (from Cádiz) - Lisbon - Southampton
https://www.pocruises.com/find-a-cruise/G338/G338
27 January – 10 February 2024
CRUISE NUMBER: G402 SHIP: IONA
Southampton - Vigo - Gibraltar - Alicante - Barcelona (2 full days) - Seville (from Cádiz) - Lisbon – Southampton
A pioneering game is set to get Middlesbrough moving when it launches next week.