With lock down drawing to an end (for now) its time to think about what parts of normality that we actually want to return to.
If the global Covid-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that the way we were travelling and living was unsustainable.
What changes do most people want to make post – lockdown
Shopping local
The importance of supporting local businesses is significant!
Buying your food and goods locally is a powerful way to support your community.
The world is a bit wild at the moment and the Bank of England have predicted the worst economic crash in over 300 years!
Local businesses are the backbone of our economy, the epitome of the UK high street and often large tourist attractions. But what people sometimes forget is that shopping at a local business’s, rather than a large chain, is actually better for the economy of your community. To ensure a strong and sustainable local economy foundation people need to buy locally. If you choose brands and businesses that are committed to sustainable practices, you’ll maximise the positive impact of your purchase. Research shows that £10 spent with a local independent shop means up to an additional £50 goes back into the local economy. This is simply because the nearby shop owners, who you are spending your money with, will then put that money back into your local community by going into local pubs and restaurants etc, thus circulating the money and allowing your community to thrive.
I for sure have started to think more about how I spend my money. I know sometimes it’s hard as we all have our favourite big brands but even a little change can make a big difference. Support local.
Not just shops, but independent services, creatives, local projects, events & more!
Safe & Sustainable travel
This travel slowdown has given us a moment to pause and to really think about how we want and need to travel and live in the future. With most of us spending more time at home, Earth is having a much needed breather, with reduced air pollution driven by the reduction in road and air travel. Its clear to see the huge impact transport has had on planet earth over time and now its time for positive change.
Birmingham has been on a journey. We have been trying to evolve from a city that is dominated by private cars to a city that becomes healthier and greener. Cllr Waseem Zaffar, cabinet member for transport and environment at Birmingham City Council stated that the ” we have a real issue of a public health emergency in our city which is air quality”. The one ultimate way of beginning to address that challenge is changing the behaviours of how people travel in the city. This brings us to the Clean air zone which is has been delayed due to the pandemic. When this comes into play, will see charges based on the vehicle that someone is driving. Charges depend on the type of vehicle (e.g car, bus, lorry, taxi) and what sort of engine it has.
- Diesel – Euro 6 (VI) standard or better (most new registrations after 1 September 2015)
- Petrol or LPG added to original petrol engine – Euro 4 standard or better (most new registrations after 1 January 2006)
- Gas – Euro 6 (VI) standard or better
- Fully electric or hydrogen fuel cell – all are compliant and avoid Clean Air Zone charges
- Hybrid electric – the diesel/petrol engine must meet the relevant criteria above
Cllr Waseem Zaffar has said, ‘We believe that a Clean Air Zone in Birmingham remains the most effective way of making a sustainable improvement to Birmingham’s air quality and we will continue to put in place the infrastructure required to support it.’
It is clear to see that at this moment in time the most sustainable way to travel is walking or riding a bike, however, if you do need to venture out a little bit further the best option is public transport.
Healthier dietsÂ
Many of us, and i’d be surprised if not nearly all of us, have noticed a shift in our eating habits and food choices. Whether they be good or bad there has been a drastic change. Access to food availability changed. With many restrictions we haven’t been able to get all the things we’d usually get in supermarkets so this has also changed to our diets. However many people have been baking much more. Being home we have more time to focus on cooking (and eating) so many of us have taken up baking. Banana bread being the top baked and raved about. This moment is so significant; its like the beginning of the year when you set those new years resolution’s; mine always being eat better! Now is that time to make the conscious decision of how you want to change your eating habits for the better.
You can use the Food Pyramid to plan your daily food choices. The Food Pyramid was designed to make healthy eating easier, it shows how much of what you eat overall should come from each shelf to achieve a healthy, balanced diet. The shape of the Food Pyramid shows the types of foods and drinks people need to eat most for healthy eating. It is divided into six shelves and each provides you with the range of nutrients and energy needed for good health. Healthy eating is all about choosing the right amounts from each shelf.
Following the Food Pyramid doesn’t mean that you need to achieve balance with every meal, but aim to get the balance right over the day and over the week. Small changes really can make a big difference.
Some people find tracking their food choices useful to reflect on their progress. It can also highlight patterns of behaviour. There are many free apps available that can also help with this. One i have used that i really enjoyed was MyFitnessPal. This app can help track your energy intake and provide some useful information on the nutritional value of what you’re eating. However i would remind you to remain mindful of your behaviour around food and tracking. If you feel overwhelmed or negative feelings about your body image after you eat, you should speak to a doctor for further advice.
Take advantage of the widely ranged array of live streamed cookery classes online to help ensure you are eating healthy meals and getting the right nutrition. Check out our foodie videos and learn to cook something new. We have Chef Garima Poddar on our socials with regular live streams and LowKeyHangry with some great simple recipes. Lunchbox Doctor runs online workshops with recipe tips on her Facebook page also that may be useful. If you’re missing your restaurant favourites, Wagamama have launched online cooking tutorials called Wok from Home and once again youtube can be your best friend for more great content.
Mind Body & Soul
During lockdown i think its fair to say many people haven’t been moving as much as we did pre-lockdown. We haven’t be able to leave our houses as much and have been restricted once a day exercise allowance. For those us who commute, we know a large amount of our step count in done during that commute and your normal working day. However, lockdown has unleashed an new era of digital health wellness. From fitness sessions to meditation we have been playing around with it all.
We currently run mind sessions on Tuesdays at 12pm with the lovely Kam Bola – Mind session
On Wednesdays we run fitness with RIGS – Fitness Session
We have had so much going on that is free to stream and easy to access so make sure you check out our socials. It’s the perfect chance to take up these opportunities and fix them into your routine for a healthier lifestyle. I myself have been taking part in meditation sessions and have found them so helpful.
Reducing stress and anxiety is key and there are many free apps to help us to manage both, whether with breathing exercises, meditation, or to improve sleep. Headspace or Calm are just a couple to explore and there are also many session available on youtube that can help with a number of things
If we wanted to really sum up ways to increase a healthier mind, body and soul, it really would include all of the above. The most important thing to do is to develop you new daily routine. I know this may seem obvious to say but really focus on the basic essentials like normal sleep patterns, planning you goal of the day, cooking and eating at regular mealtimes, exercise and virtual social activity as well as relaxation time. Whatever lists you have to work through or goals you want to achieve, we live in the word of digital and our mobile phones are an extension of our being. Apps like, Trello, Todoist or Google Tasks will help you set and manage your new daily routines and if you are furloughed, why not include some online courses to help create your new routine and structure your day.
I hope this has helped and motivates that kick start to your healthier life after lockdown.
Learn more:
Birmingham Independents that some of you may not know about!
Bank of England warns of sharpest recession on record
Birmingham City Council Transport PodcastÂ
