Medical professionals across the world have conducted various studies that determine just how important it is for an individual in addiction and mental health recovery to take part in some form of physical activity.   From reducing stress levels to alleviating the side effects experienced as addictions and mental health disorders arise, much of the research confirms what we already know. Exercise can drastically reduce the negative repercussions that mental health disorders have and can further support those in addiction recovery. In addition to reducing the negative repercussions that addictions and mental health disorders have on individuals, the NHS states that taking part in a form of exercise is proven to lower the risk of mental health disorders such as depression recurring by at least 31%. Combined with seeing individuals less likely to experience a relapse, the benefits that fitness has on those in addiction and mental health recovery are increasingly evident. Irrespective of whether you are personally in recovery, or are hoping to support somebody else in their journey to a healthy, happier, and substance-free life, in this blog, we have delved into why fitness is essential to addiction and mental health recovery. Fitness Is Essential to Addiction & Mental Health Recovery as It Enhances an Individual’s Mood Did you know that exercise releases those all-important endorphins that help the brain have a more positive and optimistic outlook on life? As reported by mental health charity Mind, regularly taking part in a form of aerobic exercise can enhance an individual’s mood and promote a healthy, positive mindset. Further research conducted by various health professionals also acknowledges that aerobic exercise has the potential to act as a natural and highly effective anti-anxiety and stress treatment.  Fitness Is Essential to Addiction & Mental Health Recovery as It Helps Reduce Stress In addition to enhancing an individual’s overall mood, much research confirms that individuals that take part in at least ten minutes of physical activity each day are 17% less likely to suffer from mental health disorders including stress, anxiety, and depression. Not only are reduced stress levels essential for those in recovery for mental health disorders, but they are imperative for those in addiction recovery.  Stress is one of the largest factors that cause an individual to suffer from an addiction. Stress can also cause those in recovery to relapse. With…

This Christmas, Bill’s Restaurant & Bar is lighting up the nation with Jingle Bill’s, an exciting array of Christmas delights that will bring Christmas back into colour from Wednesday, 2 December. Guests can soak up the Christmas spirit and marvel at Bill’s Exeter colourful neon-inspired installation whilst indulging in a selection of bespoke Christmas cocktails and special dishes not to be missed. Mixed by Bill’s creative Bar team, Bill’s Exeter has created a collection of festive concoctions, including a a Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini, a Stars & Spice Gin Bramble, A Very Monkey Christmas, created with Monkey 47 Gin and paired with Fever-Tree Indian Tonic, and a Candied Rhubarb Cosmo; making this December a jolly one. The Christmas menu features a collection of firm favourites – including Pigs in Blankets Mac & Cheese, a Boxing Day Turkey Curry and a Warm Apple and Mincemeat Crumble served with spiced custard & vanilla ice cream. Let’s not forget the devisive sprouts, which will delight even the most anti-sprouters with a truffled buffalo sauce and vegan cheese dip, and last but by no means least, the Bill’s festive burger with bacon, stilton and red onion. Reservations from Wednesday, 2 December are now open and can be booked online at https://www.bills-website.co.uk/ The Exeter Daily…

Exeter Phoenix’s famous 48 Hour Film Challenge is back! The challenge sees teams race against the clock to create a film in just two days and will run from Friday 29th – Sunday 31st January 2021. Each team will be given a prop, some text and a genre that must be included in their final film. Registration is free.  In an exciting change to tradition, teams will be able to take part in this year’s challenge remotely. You can register your team, receive your brief and complete the challenge all from the comfort of your own home. This means that for the first time in the challenge’s history, teams do not have to be based in Exeter.  Once registered, teams will be sent an introductory pack including advice on Covid-safe filmmaking, tips on green filmmaking and all the information needed to take part in the free challenge.  Successfully completed films will be included in a special screening at Two Short Nights Film Festival which will take place Thursday 18th – Friday 19th February 2021. Two Short Nights is well known on the filmmaking circuit for giving audiences the first opportunity to see newly released, cutting-edge short films. 2019’s Two Short Nights Film Festival included the world premiere screening of director Tommy Gillard’s short film Shuttlecock, which went on to scoop the award for Best Short Film at the prestigious BFI London Film Festival earlier this year.  To register your team please visit Exeter Phoenix’s new website here:https://exeterphoenix.org.uk/48-hour-film-challenge-2021-registration-open/  The Exeter Daily…

Launching on Thursday 3rd December after months of planning, Easy Eats, a new online ordering service and app is upping the game of delivered food by bringing together some of the best dishes from around the world, covering all cravings, cuisines and dietary requirements.  Residents of Cranbrook, Pinhoe and Whipton will be the first to try out this new foodie venture, with plans to extend the delivery areas further in the coming months.  From pizzas and kebabs to wok fried noodles, sticky ribs and a whole vegan section packed with fresh, plant-based ingredients, this family run team passionate about great food has got you and your hungry bubble covered. You can sit back, relax and let Easy Eats bring the restaurant to you at the press of a button via their website (easy-eats.uk) or very own app, ‘Easy Eats Exeter’. Owner, Tom says “Our ethos here at Easy Eats is pretty simple – to provide residents of Exeter with quality, South West produce that is transformed into fresh, tasty home-made comfort food, delivered with a smile, and ordered via a simple, convenient and reliable food ordering app. What also makes us different and where we are really upping the food delivery game is with our specially modified vans with built in oven and chiller on board, ensuring our food is delivered hot and the drinks stay chilled. With a whole menu packed with different cuisines, there’ll be no more squabbles over which takeaway to order. It quite simply is diverse dining delivered!” The Easy Eats app and online ordering system will be live from Thursday 3rd December at 4pm. To celebrate the launch, Easy Eats are offering 20% off your first order, use the code EASYEATS20. Stay up to date with Easy Eats news and promotions on Facebook and Instagram. To download the app ready for Thursday 3rd December, type in Easy Eats Exeter in the app store. Alternatively, simply visit easy-eats.uk to place your order. Opening hours: Monday – Wednesday: 4pm – 9pm Thursday – Friday: 4pm – 10pm Saturday: 12pm – 10pm Sunday: 12pm – 9pm  The Exeter Daily…

It’s been a tough year for many, but Alzheimer’s Society supporter and stand-up comedian Jo Brand is determined to help spread some festive cheer.  Jo wants people across the South West – where more than 92,510 people are living with dementia – to pop on a pair of elf ears, pull up their festive tights and shake a leg in some jolly jingle-bell slippers on Elf Day to raise some much-needed smiles and funds, helping Alzheimer’s Society reach as many people as possible affected by dementia, now more than ever. The charity’s Elf Day falls on Friday 4 December – but you can hold your own dress up day and let your elf out to play at any time through the month. Need some elf-spiration? Here are Jo’s five ways to get involved:  Get your thinking (elf) cap on and host a Christmas Quiz online
Being in lockdown can test the best of us! Why not be a brainy elf and host a virtual festive quiz with family and friends? Ask all participants to dress as elves and pay a fee to take part. Alzheimer’s Society is here for everyone affected by dementia, but the pandemic has hit the charity hard financially. By taking part in Elf Day and raising money, you will be helping people affected by dementia who need support now more than ever. Jingle your way through a Zoom team meeting – making sure your boss wears the ‘head elf’ badge
Snowed under? Forget any workplace woes and get your colleagues to suit up in elf hats on your next conference call. People with dementia have been worst hit by coronavirus – devastatingly, thousands have died and many more have been badly affected by the isolation of lockdown. If your kind-hearted co-worker elves donate to Elf Day, they’ll be helping pay for Alzheimer’s Society’s vital support services, which have been used over 2.7 million times since March, showing people need us more than ever.  Swap a chef’s hat for an elf hat and have a Christmas bake-off
Candy, cakes, cookies! Every elf has a sweet tooth to satisfy. Conjure up some jolly gingerbread with the family – in person or virtually – and see who can win the title of ‘head chef elf’. If you have a family member with dementia, include them in the festive fun, helping to reduce social isolation that many are experiencing.    Pull…