DITCH THE DRINK & GET OUTSIDE

Is it just me or is there is a lot of bad news around at the moment? It seems there’s more than usual.

So it was lovely to read a story about kindness in the midst of all the doom of last week.

Sainsbury’s is to trial a relaxed shopping lane at their store in Prestwick, for customers who want a less hectic retail experience.

It’s to assist the elderly and others who need more time and a bit more help to pack and pay at the check-out. Open from 10am to 6pm, it has a hearing loop and specially-trained staff.

It’s such a simple idea. I say that as one of those people who is always in a rush and who whizzes around the aisles doing a great impression of Supermarket Sweep.

For some people, though, that just isn’t possible. And this slow lane will surely be a massive boost.

People who want to use the relaxed checkout will be able to take their time with no pressure and they will be served by specially trained staff.

It could make a lot of difference to those people who simply can’t hurry, or who get confused. It’s part of a wider programme to help those with dementia remain a part of their community for as long as possible.

Schemes like this might make the rest of us wake up a little, too.

How many of us are so busy rushing through life that we often don’t realise that people in our own communities could do with a bit of extra support?

That taking just a couple of minutes to chat with someone in the supermarket, or help them to find what they’re looking for, could make their day a lot easier?

I’d go even further than that. Isn’t there a lot to be said for us all slowing the pace a little and making time to smell the roses?

Let’s face it, months can go by without us seeing friends and family properly. I said at the start of the year that one of my New Year resolutions was to do less, to make more time for friends and family and to enjoy myself.

I was pretty good at it for the first three months of the year, but recently I’ve been rubbish at sticking to that.

It’s partly because it’s tennis season. I’m naturally always very busy at this time of year. But, in the past, I’ve taken on so much that I haven’t been able to enjoy even the special work events.

I’ve been so busy thinking about the next thing on my list and where I have to be that I haven’t lived in the moment.

When I get past Wimbledon this year, I’ve got about four weeks with only two days of work planned. I can’t wait to just be at home.

And those in our neighbourhoods who have no choice in that would surely appreciate us making a little more time for them.