A mental health coach based in East Kilbride is urging locals to make sure they stay active during lockdown and the winter months in a bid to improve their wellbeing.
Founder of the TAD Project and Mind Over Matter Podcast, James Downie has recently started a cold water exposure group in a bid to bring people out of their comfort zones and try something new to stimulate their heart and brain.
James told the East Kilbride News: “I do a lot of cold water exposure. I have done it for about two years and I love it.
“It’s absolutely brilliant. It’s great for your heart and your nervous system.
“And I always encourage everyone to be active in order to make yourself feel better.
“So I started a group on Facebook to encourage people to get out their comfort zones and boost their wellbeing.
“It’s called, Go Beyond: Cold Exposure, Breathing and Wellness – and it encourages everyone to go beyond their limits.
“Winter is here and it’s normally when people can feel sad, lonely and anxious, so I urge everyone to make the most of it and get out there.
“Even just a half hour walk every day, you will feel the benefits before you even know it.”
Now that the majority of the country is back in lockdown again, James has made a commitment to help others get through the harsh restrictions.
He added: “Lockdown one was hard for a lot of people and people really struggled with the restrictions and the isolation.
“But I really want people to put their own mental health as a priority this time round.
“That’s why I’ve got the podcast and the TAD Project and now the Go Beyond group.
“Physical health is vitally important and it massively boosts your mental health.
“And I don’t mean you need to go run a marathon everyday, but going a walk, doing yoga or a simple meditation or breathing exercise can all massively help reduce stress and anxiety and even just help you sleep better at night.
“I’m actually going to be doing a breathing workshop at the end of the month and this is a simple step that everyone can take to help boost their wellbeing and improve their mental health.
“It focuses on how breathing is good for the mind, good for the body.
“A healthy heart and a healthy mind are the keys for a positive wellbeing.”
To get in touch with James, email him at thetadproject20@gmail.com or check out the Mind Over Matter Podcast or alternatively look at his Facebook page: www.facebook.com/mindpod20 where you can find links to the Tad Project and Go Beyond: Cold Exposure, Breathing and Wellness.
