Life moves fast - it can be too easy to rush through only seeing a never ending cycle of to do
lists and worries. Finding a moment of stillness to reflect can seem difficult but it is so
rewarding. This week we are focusing on how we can all stay centred and calm with the
theme of Feeling Peaceful During Lockdown. 

Lockdown has brought many additional strains upon us. We are bombarded with constant
news updates which can be stressful and scary. We have been confined indoors with no
normal freedom of movement or socialisation. Many parents have been trying to balance
full time jobs with schooling children from home. It has been a stressful time for everyone,
especially key workers and their loved ones.

Therefore, this week Peace Partners wants to look at ways we can all stay centred, calm
and peaceful during lockdown.

It is important that we look after ourselves both physically and mentally. One suggestion of how to do this is to practice mindfulness and mediation. Mindfulness can help you pay more attention to the present moment and your feelings and so improve your mental wellbeing and help you find peace.

Mediation has been proven to increase blood flow and energy and to reduce stress and
feelings of anxiety, depression, anxiety, anger and confusion. If this is something you might
be interested in trying there are plenty of YouTube videos that provide guided meditations
as well as apps such as Calm and Headspace.

Yoga is a wonderful way to help you achieve a peaceful body and mind. It connects you to
your body and breathing and often combines mediation and practices of self-love and
gratitude. Since we cannot attend yoga classes at the moment if you would like to try yoga
there are lots of free phone apps with yoga classes or videos on yoga. The 30 day challenge
Yoga with Adrienne on YouTube is very popular.

How Covid-19 Has Had a Positive Impact on the Environment

The environment is getting a much needed break at the moment, and our theme of this week’s Wellbeing and Positivity campaign is ‘Our Environment Is Thriving Right Now’.

While everyone around the world is working together in the fight against the coronavirus, the planet is recuperating. The Climate Crisis is a huge challenge to our future and it seems the world is finally taking notice. We have seen rallies across the world urging more to be done to protect our planet, including Extinction Rebellion and the inspirational Greta Thunberg, speaking on behalf of the next generation.

The corona virus has seen a dramatic drop in travel and activity and as a result the environment is improving. With less traffic on the roads and airplanes in the skies, air pollution levels have dropped in the UK, China, Italy and all across the world. For the first time in decades, people in Indian can see the Himalayas in the distance.

It is not just the skies – the water is cleaner too. Venice’s canals have begun to run clear for the first time in many years due to the reduction in tourists and travel on the water ways. More fish and birds have returned to the canals, enjoying the space for themselves.