Shirley’s Story | It started with a text
On a text, I received about shielding, I saw the “Step into Wellness” programme advertised. Not really knowing what it was about, I called the number given and I was advised that they would refer my details to a wellness administrator. Following this, I received a call from a very nice gentleman called Roy, who was the Step into Wellness volunteer from Age UK Cornwall and The Isles of Scilly. Straight away, he put me at ease and explained to me what the programme was all about.
He explained, that the programme was going to follow the 5 Steps to Wellbeing, however, because we couldn’t meet face to face at the moment, we would be meeting by the wonder of Zoom. This would take place over four weekly coaching sessions. Funding was being provided by Public Health Cornwall and it was FREE to join.
"My coaching sessions are hosted by Tracey, a very nice young lady, who is down to earth and so approachable."
The Sessions
The first session was about ‘connections’. Although at first, I didn’t think I had many - when I thought about it afterwards, using the diagram Tracey had shown us, I realised how many people I was actually connected to. Even though these are mainly over the telephone, I realised how important these connections are to me and just chatting with people really brings a spark to my day.
The second one was about taking notice and mindfulness, which I found very interesting. Whilst I had dabbled in this slightly before, I hadn’t fully realised how, given practice, it could help in everyday life. Roy kindly printed some extra information off and emailed it to us all. I thought once the house was quiet at night it would be a good time to try some of the techniques, but unfortunately, it was sending me to sleep, so it was probably a good time to do it if you have problems getting to sleep.
Eating in a Happy Place
One of the things that this session covered was mindfulness eating - as I had already read somewhere else about doing this with a bar of really dark chocolate, which I love, I thought I would try it with this. So, I invested in a bar of 100% Cocoa solids, which is made from cacao obtained from the rain forest of Peru. On its label, it says, “Eat in a happy place”. I thought, what a great way to try mindfulness.
Giving me Confidence
Our third session was all about exercise, which I found particularly helpful. The young lady, Jan, took the session and was able to adjust our exercises so we could do them seated as well as standing. Since I had multiple fractures in my spine I have not known the best way to exercise without causing another fracture.
Jan has given me the confidence to go ahead and try them again. We were able to have a copy of the exercises so that we could do them afterwards. I now keep a copy on my kitchen worktop and am regularly doing them every day.
“I am really feeling muscles which I haven’t used in a long time coming to life.”
Shirley
We have one more Zoom meeting later this week and am really looking forward to it. I can honestly say, I shall miss these coaching sessions but will be putting everything we have learnt into practice. After shielding for so long I feel they have given me a new lease of life.
Find out more
Step into Wellness is a coaching programme designed around you. It’s a fun and unique approach to improve your mental, physical and emotional wellness.
If you are curious, you want to find out more or already know this is for you, you can register your interest by calling 01872 266383 or emailing: stepintowellness@ageukcornwall.org