Hello my wonderful Cornish Ramblers.

I'm not sure where to start (what with the global pandemic we've got going on at the moment), other than to say I hope you are all keeping well and staying safe. It has been a strange few weeks with the lockdown/self-isolation/quarantine/social distancing coming into force because of COVID-19, and I am missing rambling with you all immensely. However, as long as everyone sticks to the 'rules' of #savelivesstayhome, this will all, hopefully, be over soon and we can go rambling together once again.

As you are aware, all of my walks have been cancelled because of COVID-19. However, rather than cancelling the Cocker Spaniel Meet-up, I have decided to postpone it to the end of September - more details can be found below. 

It's a bit of a long newsletter as I haven't sent one for a while, but please keep scrolling for further updates and useful info...

Cocker Spaniel Meet-up

Last year, just over 100 four-legged cuties and their owners joined me on Watergate Bay beach for the FIRST EVER Cornish Ramblings/Cornwall 'Cocker Spaniel Meet-Up' and this year it's going to be even bigger and better on Mawgan Porth Beach.

Although Coronavirus has meant we won't be meeting in May, with the hopes that we will be able to leave isolation within the next few months, I have decided to postpone the Cocker Spaniel Meet-up to Saturday 26 September 2020.

As long as people take heed of the information and advice, and stay indoors as much as they can, then we will hopefully be able to go ahead with the event. Please pop the new date in your diary and I will keep you updated throughout the year with all the details.

Vlogtastic!

Those of you who follow me on Instagram may have seen that self-isolation and social distancing has driven me to start vlogging! For those of you who are not sure what vlogging is, it is basically me talking (rambling!) to a camera about my day and sharing snippets of what I am up to.

The above video was my most recent vlog and you will see that I am dressed up as Wonder Woman! Do not fear, I haven't lost my marbles just yet. I just thought I'd shake things up a little seeing as it was a Friday. Anyway, if you'd like to follow my Coronavirus vlogging ventures, head over to my Instagram page and give it a little follow. I usually post them once or twice a week.

On The Blog

I've a new blog being uploaded to the website very soon, but here is the latest blog 'A Short But Sweet Cornish Ramble' for you to enjoy until then.

To whet your appetite, here is a little snippet...

'The route I decided to take my 24 ramblers was through part of the high-street and along to Pendennis Head, eventually leading us to Gyllyngvase and Swanpool Beach. Some of this route consists of pavement walking, but as you make your way towards the docks and up around to Falmouth Harbour, you can see why this is a picturesque spot and worth putting up with a little road walking...'

Keeping Occupied

If, like me, you are someone who is used to being kept busy in and out of the house then you may be struggling with keeping yourself occupied during lockdown.

I thought I would share with you a few things that I have been doing during self-isolation to keep me busy, active and relaxed. I am thinking about writing a blog on this so if it's something you'd find interesting to read, let me know and I will get something together.

1.  Yoga - as cliché as this is, I have found the above yoga flow a really good way to start or end my day. Before lockdown, I found long rambles a good way to relieve stress, but because we are no longer able to hop in the car and make our way to the coast, I needed to find a new way to relax. 

2.  Writing - I have always loved to write, but since being in lockdown, I have found my creative flow again. Always keep a notepad with you and if you're someone who likes to make notes or write poetry, you've always got it to hand.

3.  YouTube - bear with me with this one! You may be shaking your head, but I have found watching YouTube a really great way to learn, relax and shake the boredom. I tend to watch videos on things I am interested in and with attempting to start vlogging, it's great to learn a few hints and tips by watching other vloggers.

4.  Exercise - I love walking (of course) and my other fitness hobby is kickboxing. But because of not being able to go to my classes anymore, I am instead watching YouTube workout videos and following them from home. I am also doing little workouts that I make up myself as well as using weights. You have tools all around the house to help give you a good workout so hop onto YouTube and find your suited workout plan!

5.  Digital connection - FaceTime has been a godsend to keeping in touch with my friends and family, but it is also a great way to spend your free time. Not only can you keep in touch and make sure your loved ones are keeping well and staying safe, it is also great for your mental health to keep in touch with the outside world. 

6.  Learn something new - using YouTube again, I am looking into various things I have always wanted to learn. One of them being how to do a French plait in my own hair. I still haven't mastered it yet, but it's been fun (and sometimes very annoying) to try. 

Looking After Your Mental Health During Lockdown

Durin self-isolation, it can be easy for your mental health to take a knock. I have found a few helpful techniques to make sure you are looking after your mental health during this time.

I am not a doctor or health professional in any way, but I am someone who cares so if at any time you feel lonely, anxious or low, please reach out and I can put you in touch with someone who can help. Or if you just need a friendly chat with someone, please feel free to send me an email or message over on social media.

Here are a few ways to look out for your mental health during self-isolation;

1.  Plan your day - make a daily checklist, keep a routine.
2.  Move more everyday - don't just sit in front of the Disney channel but get up and move around the house.
3.  Try a relaxation technique - yoga, meditation, breathing exercises.
4.  Connect with others - ring a friend, facetime your sister and catch up over a cuppa, write and send a letter.
5.  Improve your sleep - aim to go to bed and get up the same time each day, practise relaxation techniques before sleep.
6.  Go out for your daily Government allowed walk - even if it's not as picturesque as the Cornish coast, getting some fresh air will help...just don't forget to practise social distancing and do not drive to exercise, it should only be local to where you live.
7.  Try not to look at the news or social media too much - keep up to date with the Coronavirus pandemic, but don't spend your time looking at sources that may not be reputable. Stick to watching the news once a day or less if you feel it is making you anxious.
8.  Talk to your children, partner and/or family members - don't be frightened to open up and talk to your loved ones about how you're feeling. 

Say What Now?

Whilst out on my daily social distanced ramble, I stumbled across this sign and it made me chuckle out loud, so I had to share it with you all. Don't worry, Cornish Ramblings isn't going down the 'alternative' route and will be sticking to rambling activities only...

Bye For Now...

That's it for now folks, thank you for reading.

Before I go, I do want to take this opportunity to send a huge heartfelt THANK YOU to all of those who are still going out to work. Our wonderful NHS staff who, in order to save lives are putting their own lives at risk as soon as they step through the hospital doors; the shelf fillers in supermarkets who are keeping us fuelled with food and essentials; our postal workers who send and deliver our letters and parcels; our plumbers and heating engineers who are keeping us warm and with water; our midwives for bringing new life into the world; our dentists; our teachers; our social workers; our armed forces; our fire and rescue staff and the police. There are so many people risking their lives in order to save others and we thank each and every one of you.

I will be in touch again soon with further updates and funny tales of my social distanced adventures. But until then, I thought I'd leave you with a picture of how my work colleagues at Cornwall Museums Partnership and I stay in touch each morning. Digital communicating at it's finest I'd say...

Keep well, stay safe and continue to smile.

Jody x