Toddington mum has been helping families 'Banish the Blues' during lockdown

During half-term over 100 families all over the UK joined in with Toddington-based Helen Henry’s ‘Banish the Blues 5 Day Challenge’.

The Toddington mum and outdoor life coach launched the initiative to motivate people to get out in the fresh air and uplift their mood during lockdown. She encouraged families to have less screen time (even on their busy days with children and working from home) through fun activities such as her popular evening walk. Participants shared experiences and photos they had taken during their exercise, in the vibrant online community she created in a Facebook group.

The free event involved daily challenges that Helen emailed the night before to everyone who signed up, each with a positive activity for exercise and fresh air, and also mental health and told them: “This challenge isn't just about getting outdoors, but acknowledging how you feel.”

Each day the time outdoors increased, with the final challenge of spending a few hours enjoying a place in nature nearby.

The inspiring event was a success judging by all the feedback she received, including from mums who had struggled to motivate their children to go out in cold weather

“Thank you for helping me to get my screen-addict outdoors this week, I realise now she needs some kind of activity to motivate her, not just a walk,” said one.

Those who want to continue being motivated can join Helen’s Get Outside group sessions, as well as her one-to-one sessions helping working mums conquer, overwhelm and create calm through connecting with the outdoors.

Helen’s 5 Tips to Banish the Blues

#1 Ten minutes outside is better than none

#2 If you’ve got time to scroll, you’ve got time to stroll

#3 Being in nature helps you feel calm

#4 Exercise to feel confident

#5 Take a break outside to feel in control

Helen trained to become a life coach in 2020 after feeling motivated to help others during the difficult lockdown period. A trained teacher and childminder, she has always loved the outdoors and is passionate about horse riding.

She said: "COVID-19 continues to make life rather difficult for us all. I have lost work, missed family and friends, cancelled holidays and at times felt overwhelmed by all the changes. I have found a calm; outside, meditating, reading, riding. I can help you find your calm too.”

Visit hrhlifecoach.co.uk to book a free 30-minute consultation session.