Mental & Physical Health has never been more important
It is incredibly important to look after our health and wellbeing and our loved ones this Christmas.
Physical activity can be a really effective treatment strategy for depression, worry, stress and anxiety.
Each day is an opportunity to give some physical activity and self-care a try.
tmactive have teamed up with some amazing partners to provide inspirational and supportive resources for the people of our communities. Including physical activity ideas to support mental wellbeing.
We have also put together a survey to gain a better understanding of people's attitudes, barriers and behaviours towards physical activity during the pandemic. We would greatly appreciate your involvement to help support the development of our future programmes- PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & COVID-19 SURVEY
We very much hope the below information and support links will be of help to those who need it. We have lots to share with you, so please do keep scrolling down this page.
FREE Mindfulness Course for young people
Mid Kent Mind are offering a free mindfulness course on Zoom to young people between the ages of 10 and 18. The course is designed to help young people understand how Mindfulness can be a beneficial tool when it comes to building their emotional resilience. To find out more and to book a place please visit- FREE MINDFULNESS COURSE
Winter Wellbeing Walks
Walking keeps our bodies and minds healthy. The healing power of nature helps to give us a breather from the stresses of daily life and the space to gather our thoughts. A good walk can do wonders for our mental and physical wellbeing and this is why in the New Year we are introducing free, wellbeing walks, in Tonbridge & Malling.
We started our first early morning wellness walk in October in Tonbridge, which has been a great success. Our wellbeing walks are an opportunity for people to get some exercise and talk. Whether that is to meet new friends or to talk about problems, our walks will focus on physical, social and mental wellness and enjoying the beautiful nature that surrounds us.
To keep active over the Christmas period, Explore Kent has all you need to know about your local area to help you enjoy some daily exercise. From woodland walks, to secret hiltop hideaways, rambling trails, Gruffalo discoveries and family bicycle routes- there are so many places close to home to discover. So grab your favourite, cosy jumper, wellies or walking boots, keep safe and get exploring!
We will be updating our NEW Wellbeing Walks page with dates for the New Year soon. For more information, please do not hesitate to get in contact. Please email natalie.smith@tmactive.co.uk
Ideas to keep your Children entertained and moving at home
Children need physical activity. Regular physical activity can help children and teens improve cardiorespiratory fitness, build strong bones and muscles, control weight and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. It also helps them to feel happier.
We have researched a few Christmas themed ideas to help keep your children active over the next couple of weeks.
Christmas Stretches
Can you stretch your body to create the Christmas shapes below?
* A star
* A tall Christmas tree
*
A snowball
* An ice skater balancing on one leg
* A gingerbread house
* A candy cane
* Snow dog
* Snow dog shaking his towel
* Jumping elves
* Reindeer
* Sleigh ride
Christmas Treasure Hunt
Here is a fun little treasure hunt! Find something....
* Red
* Green
* Shiny
* Sparkly
* Spikey
* Cuddly
* Gold
Christmas Mime
Imaginative play and mime can be great fun and a fantastic way to get moving whilst being creative.
Decorating the Christmas Tree: Don't forget to get them from the garage, or the loft, or the shops. Remember you must carefully unwrap them! Suddenly, one of you breaks the Star... What happens next?!
RED January- National Campaign
RED January is all about starting 2021 is a positive way and giving your mental wellbeing a sporting chance. Whether you run, swim, cycle, or choose your favourite fitness activity, set your goal and enjoy support from the RED community every step, splash and pedal of the way! Sign up for Free HERE
Dance & Music
When you move, you feel good and there is something about dancing, singing and uplifting music that helps to improve our mood, reduce stress and make us feel more positive.
There is also no reason why you cannot put on some music and have a boogie with your family, partner, virtually with friends or even just yourself at home :)
For children and teens, movement to music can really help to express feelings and emotions. In addition, dance classes also lend themselves to an increase in social bonds and friendships and overall mental wellbeing.
We would like to share with you why the students of Prima Stage School at Larkfield Leisure Centre like to dance, sing and act.
A Philosopher explains why Dance can help pandemic proof your kids- Read more Here
Techniques that can help with Anxiety, Depression, Panic & Stress
Before lockdown, we were incredibly fortunate to work with Neuro Therapist Jacqueline Bell, to provide 'Chat and Chill' sessions at Larkfield Leisure Centre. These sessions were a chance for teens to open up about various issues affecting their lives and to help create more realistic, appropriate thoughts and behaviours.
Jacqueline has kindly provided us with video links to support anyone, of all ages with techniques to manage anxiety, depression, panic and stress.
Breaking Barriers in Anxiety, Depression & Stress with Jacqueline Bell- Jacqueline Bell dip.CMA MASC CBT AHCP IAHT
· Control your Anxiety & Depression- 4 Techniques that you can use instantly- Youtube Video Here
· How to deal with Anxiety & Depression & Build Resilience with Jacqueline Bell- Youtube Video Here
An Article about guarding mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic
Social, financial and psychological implications can seriously impact our mental health and wellbeing. Rehab for Addiction have put together some really helpful and supportive resources and guidance for anyone struggling- Rehab 4 Addiction
"These educational guides have been created to help increase understanding and awareness of all aspects of coping with the stress of the lockdown and bereavement. With the current coronavirus pandemic, many people who live with depression are struggling to stay afloat during mandated or self isolation"- Boris Mackey- Community Outreach at Rehab 4 Addiction
Physical Activity for Everyone
tmactive150 is our community programme, designed to encourage and help local people achieve 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
tmactive150 is all about giving local people the opportunity to enjoy and participate in accessible and affordable physical activity. Most importantly, these activities give people a sense of belonging and understanding of the physical, mental and social health benefits that physical activity can bring.
At the moment, our Health & Wellbeing team are looking at how we can re-introduce sessions with COVID safety measures in place. Please do keep checking the tmactive150 website page for updates and do watch our video to find out more.
We very much hope to welcome back our tmactive150 sessions soon!
Helpful Resources
Mental Health Matters at Christmas
West Kent MIND CharityJacqueline Bell- Neuro Precision
One You Kent
One You Kent offers fantastic local support to help you achieve a healthier lifestyle. You will find a range of credible support sources to help you make positive lifestyle choices and understand the health benefits of becoming healthier, both physically and mentally. Information includes stop smoking and alcohol support, healthy weight advice and advice on a range of lifestyle issues. Find out more at One You Kent
I CAN Calendar
I CAN make different choices
I CAN make new habits
I CAN improve my strength and balance
Find out more HERE