An Anglesey girl’s life in lockdown!

During Mental Health Awareness Week, ION Bangor Senior Programme Manager Gwenllian Owen shares why she makes sure she gets outdoors and runs/walks or cycles in 'the most beautiful place on Earth'.

When I get up and away from the dining table/office in the evening, I'm usually seen running out of the door, either for a walk, run or a bike ride! I am very fortunate to live on Anglesey, THE most beautiful place on Earth, and I have plenty of places to escape to, right from my doorstep! Long walks along local lanes or walks along the cycle path get me to a little village called Malltraeth which overlooks an estuary where the artist Tunnicliffe lived and drew amazing images of wildlife. It's an eight-mile walk, but very, very enjoyable - looking at the wildlife, talking to the swans, ducks and sheep as I pass them by (they're probably thinking 'what is that woman wearing bright pink doing?).

Then there are the times I jump on the bike to get some extra exercise in on a sunny day. Some people say that Anglesey is flat. Come over to the Island (when we're out of lockdown!) and say that! There are some amazing hills to be found on this 'flat' island and mark my words, it will be me who finds them - but then that doesn't upset me anymore as I've got myself an electric bike so those hills are easier now. I hasten to add, the electric side of the bike only kicks in when I hit a hill and need a little help.

Exercise has always been a huge part of my life. I have always run, attended exercise classes or cycled. I find exercise is my 'release' button, where I can let off steam, work things out in my mind - my stress-relief. There are times where I've been stressed at work and just can't relax, so when I get home I get changed into my 'gear' and take myself out on a jog/run or a long walk with some good music. It gives me time to deliberate, talk to myself about the problem, ask myself a few questions and find a solution to the issue. Then, when I get home I'm a different person, more relaxed and ready to get on with whatever we've got planned for that evening. I have experienced a few very stressful events during my life and exercise and the outdoors were two very important factors that helped me through those times, the exercise increased the endorphins in my body, hence helping me to be more focused and helping me to relax.

During this pandemic, I've been supporting my husband who is one of the co-ordinators for a local voluntary project helping elderly/vulnerable neighbours when they need shopping. I've been shopping for some of the people living in the town and have enjoyed feeling part of the community.

A healthy body contributes towards a healthy mind, that is something I very much believe in.