Tackle tough times

Staying fit – physically and mentally

Utilise the exercise window given. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Be kind to yourself. Remain engaged. Pick up the phone to your friends and loved ones. Try to appreciate these new opportunities. Set yourself new challenges. You have nothing to lose. Please don’t suffer in silence. Reach out because you are not alone in this. Lockdown has been a tough time for everyone. There are some amazing people carrying out positive work within the community and together we can face these head on. Aaron and Siobhán Connolly, Time To Tackle founders

Across Lanarkshire the stadiums are silenced, the pitches are empty and the fans are at home.

The outbreak of Covid-19 has changed the world as we know it – but we are here to help you Tackle The Shutdown.

Sport has been put on hold and may never be the same again.

It’s hard to imagine a world where we can sit in the stands to cheer on our favourite team or meet friends at the clubhouse during the national crisis.

It can take its toll on our mental health to have swapped a laugh with pals for self isolation.

Along with football therapy group Time To Tackle, the News will shine a spotlight on the hard work still taking place to keep us all fit and boost our emotional well-being.

Together we hope to show that there is a support network there for you and everyone close to you when a quiet Saturday comes around.

Group founders Aaron and Siobhán Connolly admit they have had to come up with some “innovative ideas” to

help those who are missing out on the game they love.

In an open letter the husband and wife duo say they are“privileged”to highlight some of the great work taking place across Lanarkshire.

It read:“Each week we have stayed in touch using Zoom calls creating a safe environment for anyone who is struggling to share and speak openly.

“We encourage our participants to lean on each other for support and advice which has proven to be invaluable.

“We truly believe it’s crucial to stay in touch, keep talking and listening.

“To help maintain your mental, physical and emotional well-being try to maintain some sort of routine; set an alarm, have a shower, get dressed and start each day fresh and ready.

“Utilise the exercise window given. It’s great for the mind and it doesn’t have to be anything too strenuous.

“Often a nice long walk and just getting fresh air can make a huge difference to your mood.

“Having said this, don’t put too much pressure on yourself, if you find yourself needing a day on the couch in your pyjamas, let yourself have it and start again tomorrow.

“Be kind to yourself.

“Pick up the phone to friends and loved ones have that conversation you wouldn’t normally have time for.

“Try to appreciate these new opportunities to do this.

“Set yourself new challenges. Always wanted to learn to cook or bake? Give it a try. You have nothing to lose!

“Last of all, if you aren’t feeling good please don’t suffer in silence.

“Reach out because you are not alone in this.

“These feelings are temporary and there are so many people willing to listen and help.

“Lockdown has been a tough time for everyone.

“However, we know there are some amazing people carrying out positive work within the community and together we can face these head-on.”