Welcome to the latest edition of the EF training newsletter.

In our training we talk about the benefits of exercise. Not as a way of losing weight or even staying physically fit - although of course that’s a benefit - but as a way of staying emotionally fit and maintaining our emotional wellbeing.

In this edition James MacDonald, a World Record breaking long distance cyclist, discusses the mental strength needed to cycle from John O’Groats to Lands End and back again. Lucy Tebbit, a clinical practice development nurse who works in A&E, shares her love of cold water swimming, and Millie, another member of the EF training team, talks about her journey with EF training and what exercise means to her.

We also have ideas for mindful walking and some suggestions of exercises to help you relax. As summer turns into Autumn, whether you are back to school, back to work or have never been away, there is so much to inspire you in this edition so take a deep breath and dive right in.

We love to hear from you, so do email us if you have any comments or questions, and do share this with any friends and colleagues who might enjoy it too.

From all at EF training

Meet the Team - Millie

Millie is our Administration Manager and oversees much of what goes on behind the scenes at EF training and is often the first port of call for all training related issues. Watch our conversation where she tells us how she came to EF training, why she loves her job and what she does to keep herself emotionally fit. You may also catch a glimpse of her little dog in the background!

Watch Millie's story here

How Cold Water Swimming Restores Balance

Just before the pandemic, A&E clinical practice development nurse, Lucy discovered cold water swimming. It proved to be just what she needed. Lucy shares how it has helped her to decompress and switch her brain off from the stresses of a busy job.

Read Lucy's story here

How Ultra Endurance Cyclist James MacDonald combines physical and emotional wellbeing to go the distance

James has completed the Race Across America, a non-stop 3,000 mile race across the United States, becoming the first Scotsman to complete this race solo, and holds multiple track world records, including the 100km, and the world record for the fastest solo ride from John O’Groats to Lands End and back again, otherwise known as JOGLEJOG.

Read James' story here

Flexibility exercises to help combat muscle tension and encourage relaxation.

EF trainer Trudi Davison is a registered McTimoney Chiropractor. She regularly sees people who come to her suffering from what they have identified as a physical condition, but in many cases, is caused by chronic stress. Trudi is especially interested in the connection between emotional and physical health and has many years of experience in this area.

Find Trudi's exercises here

Incorporate mindful walking into your daily life

Ryan Lainchbury is one of the trainers at EF training. He is also a learning and wellness expert with a strong interest in wellbeing at work and an experienced mindfulness teacher. In this article he shares his thoughts on using mindful walking as a way of taking time to slow down in the midst of a busy day, and he explains how anyone can do it.

Find out how here

This is a lovely time of year to go for a walk

It is well recognised that being out in the fresh air positively helps with mental health. Combine that with being aware of your surroundings and what’s going on around you, and the potential for reduced stress levels and increased feelings of wellbeing could be the outcome.

If you are considering mindful walking or simply getting out into the fresh air in the coming weeks The National Trust and The Ramblers Association have some suggestions

National Trust - Country and forest walks in the UK

Ramblers Association - Go walking

Newsletter Poll

What exercise do you mainly use to reduce stress or anxiety?

Aerobic - walking, running, cycling, swimming etc.

Flexibilty - yoga, pilates, gardening etc.

Strength - weight training, resistance bands etc.

I don't use exercise - it doesn't help!

Last Poll Results

And Finally...

Why not have a read of some of these good news stories hitting the headlines in recent weeks. Featuring, dolphins, teddy bears and a 91 year old teacher!

1. Who doesn’t love a dolphin story - Two dolphins which beached at Fraserburgh in Aberdeenshire have been returned to the sea after a major community rescue response.

2. A rescued teddy bear - A Munro-bagging teddy has been rescued from a peak near Glencoe after his owner accidentally left him at the top.

3. You’re never too old to help someone else - A 91-year-old former teacher is helping children develop their literacy skills from her living room - and said it was "a privilege and a gift".

4. Oncologist walks patient down the aisle.

5. Say it with flowers - One farmer in Kansas went all-out to surprise his wife for their 50th anniversary.

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