Brand New AND Good For You
- Jez Farmer
- 11 hours ago
- 4 min read
20 ways to feel better this month (without therapy)
In our last blog post we talked about some of the areas where hobbies and activities can help your mental health and general wellness, so we thought we’d recommend some brand new activities that help in those particular areas. So here goes, Brand New AND Good For You in and around St Albans…
Creating A Habit
Habit adds some structure that your mind loves, and habit also means the benefits of your activity will accumulate over time. So to create some good habits, we’d recommend a weekly class - and here are two brand new ones in the area
From St Albans Trapeze and Aerial Arts, comes a new discipline - the hoop. Exercise in the sky and look great doing it.
Bounce is well known for its vibrant high energy fitness classes, and now has added a new string to their bow. Bed is a class based on Reformer Pilates and uses the piece of equipment known as the Reformer Bed. Expect pilates with a twist!
Mindfulness
Quieten your chattering monkey brain, focus on the here and now and create an oasis of calm for your mind.
Jean from The Fragrant Dispensary has created this workshop is for anyone interested in aromatherapy. Whether you are a busy adult, have sleepless nights that no herbal tea can fix, and brain fog that makes work a struggle, this is for you. In the 75 minute workshop you will learn how to use essential oils safely and effectively in everyday life, and you'll also create your own bespoke blend to take home with you.
Local photography legend Ann Kelly has added a new special workshop for camera phones (to add to her courses for SLR style digital cameras). A Midsummer’s Phone Photography Workshop in The Plant Library with Ann Kelly, promises to be a thorough guide to phone photography taking place in a fabulous location Tom Stuart-Smith’s beautiful Plant Library of over 2000 varieties of plants and bulbs.
And if you'd rather someone else did the creative work, then why not try an art exhibition. Currently running in St Albans is Evoke an exhibition by Collective 25, a collective of local artists covering a huge range of styles and mediums. Immerse yourself until Saturday 4th April at the Collective Gallery on Holywell Hill
Fishing
The fishing season is here, giving you an excuse to sit peacefully in nature for a few hours (and maybe catch a fish?). Verulam Angling Club run fishing lakes in the area, along with free taster sessions for young people that restart on 16th May, and Stuart Hyams from Fishing Adventures runs various fishing sessions including a 2 hour Saturday session for beginners of all ages, the next one is on 25th April at 1pm.
Exercise
Endorphins, movement, heart and pulse racing. Looking after the body also helps to look after the mind.
This is a brand new men's running group that offers a simple formula. Go on a 5k run, talk about your feelings and finish at The Verulamium for a drink - their motto, run the miles, share the load. A men's group aiming to create a safe space promoting good mental health, their first run is on Thursday April 2nd, meeting at St Albans Cathedral.
Athena is the local women's running group that teaches 0-5k, along with development sessions and emotional support is definitely part of the package.
If running is not your thing, just head to our Get Physical section and see what else is on on offer (there's loads!).
Social Contact
Being part of a club is very much about spending time with people with similar interests – and of course you automatically have something to talk about, which makes it easier if you’re one of the many people that struggles with small talk. Bowls' Clubs are the perfect place for a natter while playing, (and more popular with younger players than ever); cycle clubs up the exercise levels and an organised ride always involves a social en route and after; and somewhere in between... your local walking club
Harperbury Bowls in Radlett has an open day on Saturday 25th April and Sunday 3rd May; Harpenden & District Indoor Bowling Club offer 3 week induction courses throughout April.
beatbike are about to restart their Tuesday and Friday Club rides - you do need to complete their road riding workshop first, but that means you're going to be safe!; Verulam Cycle Club is a vibrant club with a packed agenda of events and rides
St Albans and District Footpaths Society organise two walks every Thursday, one 4.5 miles and the other 6.5 miles. Are they friendly? Well in their own words - "We believe the countryside is for everyone to enjoy and practise the Country Code advice: ‘be nice, say hello, share the space’." Superb!
Something fun
Because everyone needs to have a giggle to lift spirits and put things into perspective, and laughter is very contagious!
Comedy In The Crown - Stand-up Comedy in The Crown, Wednesday nights. Simple!
Battle Karts - Fancy playing Mario Kart in real life? Battle Karts in Brick Knoll Park is your answer
Play Putt - Indoor crazy golf, neon lights, karaoke room and a bar. It's a guaranteed winner.
Sometimes you just need a walk in the woods…
Simply put, there is so much evidence that a walk amongst the trees works wonders for your mental health and of course the exercise is good for the body too. In Japan they take this to the next level and call it Forest Bathing in Hertfordshire we have...
Heart and Earth - be taken on a guided tour of the woods, learn about the trees that have shaped our world, and talk.
Of course, you can just walk the woods yourself (or with your dog, or your friends) my personal favourites, Ragged Hall Lane Woods, Heartwood Forest or for a wood you can get lost in (no seriously!), Whippendell Woods near The Grove Hotel.
If you want more information on any of these activities, or you're after more ideas (we literally have hundreds!) please get in touch using the form below.
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