So the Taoiseach announces minor changes with restrictions still in force. But we can travel a little further and maybe get into nature. People are getting irritated. But at least a phased plan to get back to a new normal has been announced. The extensions to 5km means we can go a little further. So more people can visit the parks, mountains and sea side.
Missing nature
I’m missed my once a day walk outside for the last 12 days. Down to Covid testing and being told to stay indoors. I’m used to going walking every day so it’s been really tough. I knew the daily walks was good for me, but the last 12 days made me realise just how much I need it. We’re lucky to have a green space nearby and I had made good use of it.
A dreadful week
So after a really rotten week marked with kindness and awful official cruelty (I can’t even write about what happened at this point, because this post will never get finished, as I’ll dissolve onto the floor ) I was delighted to test negative for COVID. I just have a plain old respiratory infection treatable with antibiotics. Our new normal, delighted to have a mild respiratory infection so I can go back walking. Obviously I’ll still be doing all that physical distancing stuff.
NATURE heals
So I was really pleased to see a number of groups have put together a lovely graphic called NATURE which is full of useful tips on using nature to make this time a little less stressful. It’s really important to plan some contact with nature very day. It does n’t have to be a park, even just taking time to admire some small item in nature is proven to help reduce our stress levels. And when our stress levels are down we tend to drink less.
Nature tips
- N-Notice
- A-Active
- T-Time
- U– Understanding
- R-Revisit
- E– Energise
It has plenty of lovely suggestions as you can see below.
So why not start using these tips to-day? It can really help. You can even take pictures and post your pictures here
For more useful COVID content, click here.
PS
There’s an international study to look at the impact of COVID on our drinking. Be great if you could take 10 minutes to complete the survey here. I’ve done it already.
