7 Days To Lift The Spirits: Safeguard your mental health

Features | 12^th February 2021

Starting on Monday 15th February we will be providing seven days of fun activities, tips and videos to help lift your spirits.

Life is difficult at the moment, there’s no doubt about it. The ongoing lockdown and cold, dark winter days have seen the nation’s mental health take a real hit.

To help lift the spirits and boost mental health Great British Racing are organising a week’s worth of fun, games and activities to lift the mood at home.

We want you to be a big part of the week, so throughout we’d love for you to share pictures and videos of yourself enjoying each day’s activities. Just tag our Great British Racing social handle to get involved.

Meditation Monday

The toughest day of the week, and it’s more important than ever to get off to a good start.

Why not start with some breathing exercises/meditation in the morning begin the day off right?

former jockey and sports psychiatrist Aodhagán Conlon will show us how this can be done.

A HUGE RANGE OF BENEFITS

Reduce stress levels in your body.
Lower your heart rate.
Lower your blood pressure.
Improve diabetic symptoms.
Reduce depression.
Better manage chronic pain.
Better regulate your body’s reaction to stress and fatigue.

Tastebud Tuesday

Eating and drinking well can have hugely positive effects on both the body and the mind. With more time at home on our hands in lockdown, why not try to add some new healthy recipes into your weekly repertoire.

If you’re keen to know what fuels the weighing room athletes, then look no further than The Jockey Diet for some inspiration.

Walk Wednesday

It’s now midweek and the best way to get over the ‘hump’ is to take 20-30 minutes out of your day for a walk.

A change of scenery is always welcome at the moment and regular exercise can really improve your mood.

Studies show it can help reduce anxiety, depression, and a negative mood.

Going for a walk when you’re tired may be a more effective energy boost than grabbing a cup of coffee!

Throwback Thursday

Take time to remember the good times. Thursday is all about looking back on those magic moments which make you feel great.

Which horse first got you into the sport? Was it a Grand National winner? Or was it Frankel showing superpowered speed throughout his flawless career?

Great British Racing ambassador Khadijah Mellah reflects on that momentous Summer day in 2019 when she created her own slice of sporting history at Goodwood, becoming the first female jockey wearing a hijab to both compete and win!

Tell us your favourite on Twitter today!

Fitness Friday

The weekend is almost here, start it with a bang by doing an activity which raises your heart rate or gets your mind working.

Why not try some of our Jockey Fit workouts featuring Tom Marquand:

If you want to give your mind a workout, why not test your racing knowledge with one of our quizzes.

Racing Saturday

Being able to watch racing regularly through most of the pandemic has been a real blessing.

What better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than tuning in to ITV and settling in for some high-quality equine action!

Ed Chamberlin and the team will do their best to bring the fun directly into your living room!

A very Happy Birthday to @chamberlinsport! 🎉

Time to roll out the obligatory video of when you rocked @NewburyRacing! (sort of)🕺🤟 pic.twitter.com/AjoVPgiDjR
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) February 6, 2021

Stay In Touch Sunday

It’s really important to stay in contact with our loved ones. A zoom or phone call with those close to you can make all the difference for you and them.

While it is extremely hard not being able to see people in person, utilizing the technology available to us can be the next best thing, and keep us in good spirits.

If you feel ever feel that you need someone to talk to anonymously then the below organisations are available to call day or night.