Mylander - Issue 83

Council Reports Health & Wellbeing Working Group Our community - stronger together Councillor Jocelyn Law, Chair of the Health & Wellbeing Working Group, looks at ways our community can work together to tackle the impact of coronavirus. Building community resilience Looking after your health and wellbeing is more important than ever. Coronavirus has had a massive impact on the way we live our lives, and many people will be feeling anxious about this disruption and their own health. As a community we can all help each other through this difficult time, whether it’s by checking on a neighbour or volunteering in the community. Taking such positive actions can also make us feel better and more in control. This article gives you practical ideas on how you can look after yourself, family and friends, and highlights local support services that can help you and the community stay well. Look after your physical and mental wellbeing Keeping active improves your physical and mental wellbeing and provides a structure and positive focus for your day. This can be a challenge now, but if you can, go out for a walk, run or cycle (check latest government advice on www.gov.uk) . Even if you are self-isolating you can make time to walk round the garden or you can follow TV or online exercise or dance classes. We’re not all up to a Joe Wick’s-style workout, but the Active Essex website has a range of suggested exercises and videos from gentle and low-impact ideas for active families - like dance-a-longs to Disney favourites. Connecting with nature and the changing seasons is very important for wellbeing. We are lucky to have many green spaces in our community, including Highwoods Country Park. But if you only have access to a small outside area you can take time to see the changes that spring is bringing. The Wilderness Foundation has loads of ideas for helping you enjoy nature at home – even if it’s through an open window. As well as ideas for how to spot the signs of spring around you, it has links to nature documentaries and wildlife cams. 14