What Every AFL Fan Needs To Know There were very mixed feelings in Melbourne around this year's AFL Grand Final. The elation felt in the city, and in particular by Melbourne Demons fans, was tinged with sadness. As the Melbourne Demons broke their 57-year premiership drought, the longest premiership drought in Australian football, Melbourne couldn’t help but feel jubilation for the club and fans that have both been starved of success for so long. The sadness? Because the AFL Grand Final wasn’t played at its spiritual home, The Melbourne Cricket Club - the MCG – ‘The G’. For the second year running The G has lost the AFL Grand Final because of the global pandemic. The iconic stadium [...]

Cabin Fever Lockdown As much of the world is experiencing rolling lockdowns, this is leaving more-and-more of us feeling a little lonely, bored, sluggish or anxious. Many people feel happier with some structure and routine. As governments know the importance of physical activity, one of the few reasons we are allowed to leave home, even in the stickiest of lockdowns, is to get some needed (and socially distanced) exercise. This helps people maintain both their physical and mental heath during these uncertain times. This pandemic is zoonotic in origin and has occurred because of too much human encroachment into the natural world. As animals are traded (legally and illegally) and their habitat is lost, their immune systems [...]

World Wild Mindfulness Around the world a growing number of people are recognising the benefits of being out in nature as they practice mindfulness. Wild Mindfulness is the perfect antidote to low-level anxiety or problematic sleeping patterns. People talk about feeling noticeably calmer as they take time out in nature. The experience of simple slowing down, getting some fresh air and being present in the moment. These benefits have been confirmed by research, so we know that access to nature is important for mental wellbeing. Be it heading to the local park or into the country, it is great to get out and breathe. Nature certainly takes care of us and, now, it is time for more of [...]

On Your Bike, For Wildlife! The pandemic has brought on a new bike boom in countries around the world, with cycling stores struggling to keep up with demand and replacement parts in short supply as more riders join the peloton or peddle around the park! Now that you have bought your new bike here is one more good reason to use it, namely registering for World Games For Wildlife. A family bike ride along country tracks or through the local forests close to your city or town is a great way to connect with wildlife and the natural world. While we know that is great to keep moving, it is also good to stop and listen to the [...]

Feeling Stronger, Doing Good Nearly a third of people believe their muscles have weakened during the lockdown as their regular exercise routines were disrupted. This is a worry for the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and Sport England, who conducted the survey, because muscle loss can lead to long-term problems with balance and mobility, which, in turn, can lead to more serious health conditions. It is the first step back in to exercise that is by far the hardest. Key is to start small and for many people, they need a reason such as a good cause, to pull themselves off the sofa and away from watching Netflix. Why not make your good reason to get moving for World [...]