18 March 2020

Hello to all Serpies, wherever you might currently be!

I think it’s safe to say that most people reading this prefer to spend time outside, whether it’s running, cycling, swimming, or just generally buying tinned goods without issues. And not having the freedom to follow a routine set out over time will undoubtedly make people anxious – I know it has for me.

So, this little message is nothing about the Government advice that’s been issued – I think everyone’s well aware of that as it is – but instead, about how you can look after your mental health, and some little hints and tips for what you can do.
  • If you want updates on what’s going on, seek information at specific times – don’t feel like you have to be on top of what’s happening around the world at all points, it’s just not possible, and can be overwhelming! 
  • You may want to think about where you are getting your information from. Are the reports sensationalising the situation and scaremongering? Or do you feel they are reporting responsibly and with balance? Social media can be good, but only to a point.
  • As I’ve said already, it’s OK to feel vulnerable as we read news about the outbreak, especially if you have experienced trauma or a mental health problem in the past, or if you have a long-term physical health condition that makes you more vulnerable to the effects of the coronavirus. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and remind each other to look after our physical and mental health.
  • Keep in touch with people through Skype/ FaceTime/ Whatsapp video or phone calls that you would’ve been meeting up with – it’ll help you and them. Some suggestions for group activities include remote communal beers over Skype (obviously after a nice strengthening exercise session that you’ve been neglecting for the past two years…1)
  • If you want further tips, Mind have a great article on what you can do for yourself here.
As an active bunch, we might be reeling from events we entered for having been postponed/ moved/ cancelled. But just because the end goal might not have been reached, it doesn’t mean it was all in vain, and now more than ever, it’s important to keep active and stay healthy. Use your progress to keep exercising whether it’s in your home or outside, and look to re-evaluate any fitness and race goals when it’s safe to do so. 

But whilst we’re still able to go out (if not having cold like symptoms and keeping a sensible distance from people), running or walking a set distance every day can motivate you to get out when otherwise you may have just stayed in and carried on working, feeling anxious about work, and not being able to go to Serpies and see friends! 

As I’ve mentioned already, strengthening can be as simple as using a set of stairs to do reps up and down to replicate lunges; fellow Serpie Mental Health Champion, Henrietta Bowden-Jones, has created the #InLimbo5KUK – get out and do 5K everyday whether it’s walking or running; and Adidas have extended their entries for their 1-hour challenge that was due to take place soon, and can be done anywhere, even indoors- entries available here.


As Eliud Kipchoge said recently, ‘be proud of the work you have put into this journey, keep smiling and seek your next goal on the horizon to continue running in a smooth and positive way!’

1 This author is equally guilty of not doing any strengthening work, sorry Gavin Edmonds, who ran plenty of strengthening sessions I now regret not going to!


from Jon Lewis and the Serpie Mental Health Champions

photo Peter Okwara on Unsplash
Location: London, UK

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