Our Favourite Christmas Songs To Drive To: A Playlist

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Christmas is always a busy time of year, especially within the logistics industry. This eventful time of year calls for many hours behind the wheel and many hours of listening to your favourite Christmas tunes.

At Barnes, many of our drivers enjoy a good playlist to keep them trucking throughout the seasons. In fact, who doesn’t?! Did you know it’s proven that good music can positively affect drivers’ mood and behaviours? So, this Christmas, we at Barnes wanted to create a tracklist that will positively get our drivers through transporting goods, making deliveries, or just driving home for Christmas!

 

You are the heroes who keep our shops full this festive season after all!

 

1. Fairytale of New York – The Pogues ft Kirsty MacColl

 Possibly one of the greatest Christmas songs ever recorded, this timeless classic will never go out of style, or become overplayed! It’s truly the perfect Christmas tune you can listen to on repeat over the holidays, that will bring you the warm and comforting Christmas feeling time and time again.

 

2. I wish it Could be Christmas Everyday – Wizzard

 Who doesn’t wish it could be Christmas every day? Imagine getting to indulge in all the festive food, parties, and presents every single day… We can only dream!   If you like Christmas songs, this 1973 classic is a sure-fire way to get you excited for the upcoming festivities, not to mention a great singalong song.

 

3. One More Sleep – Leona Lewis

 A more recent Christmas hit to feature on our playlists, is one more sleep. We love to sing along with Leona Lewis and count down the days to Christmas. A lot of our drivers resonate with this song as it counts down the days and hours before they can see their loved ones for Christmas, which is what the holiday is all about. A very catchy Christmas tune to feature on your playlist this year!

 

4. Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms

 A holiday classic that has been featured in many Christmas movies including Home Alone is Jingle Bell Rock. The rhythmic and bouncy melody coupled with fun lyrics is sung and loved by many around the world, it’s the perfect Christmas song to get you in the mood to enjoy the festive season and even reminisce with some classic Christmas films!

 

5. Driving Home for Christmas – Chris Rhea

 Of course, Chris Rhea’s classic Driving Home for Christmas had to feature on our list – is there a more appropriate and relatable song for all our drivers?! Top to toe in tailbacks, we all wait in anticipation to get home to celebrate Christmas together, and there is no better song to solidify the excitement of getting home to be with loved ones at Christmas.

 

Are any of your favourite Christmas songs featured on our list? Let us know what your holiday playlist looks like over on our Twitter and LinkedIn, we may even add some suggestions to our list!

How To Keep Active Whilst Trucking

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In our last blog, we spoke about how important your mental health for #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth is and how to improve it whilst on the road. One of our tips included keeping active, as it’s said, ‘healthy body healthy mind’. Therefore, us here at Barnes wanted to delve into how important it is to keep active whilst trucking.

 

Get Active Whilst Driving 

 

This may seem impossible, but we have devised a few ways to get active whilst driving. While sat, try engaging your abdominal by squeezing tight for two minutes. This step can be repeated every time you stop at a light to help you remember.

 

Shoulder shrugs are another way to keep your body moving, rotating your shoulders in a ‘shrugging’ motion both clockwise and anti-clockwise is a great way to relieve tension too.

 

It’s important to note though, to keep your focus on the road at all the time, and if these gentle ways of exercising whilst driving are going to distract you, then save it until you’re parked!

 

HIIT Workouts

 

The great thing about HIIT workouts is that they only last about 15 minutes or less – which means you can do them on your breaks if you feel so inclined! HIIT is a ‘high intensity interval workout’ where you give your all in a short session. It’s perfect for HGV drivers as you don’t need any equipment! Whilst on a break take some time to carry out a workout, for example a routine we would recommend is:

 

  • Cardio HIIT exercise: 30-60 seconds
  • Rest: 30 seconds
  • Upper-body HIIT exercise: 30-60 seconds
  • Rest: 30 seconds

Repeat this twice and you’ve got yourself a workout in under 10 minutes. Easy!

 

Compound Exercises

 

Body weight is all you need for a compound workout. Walks, lunges, and push-ups are excellent exercises for growing and maintaining muscular tone, and they require no additional equipment, making them ideal for on-the-go trucker fitness. The best part is that they are compound movements, which utilise multiple main muscle groups. This type of workout is excellent for maintaining and increasing functional strength.

 

You may even be carrying this on the job without even realising by lifting heavy boxes and moving around whilst moving goods from HGV to warehouse. This all helps in muscle growth and strength.

 

Gently Does It!

 

No matter what, we’d recommend you try to get in some exercise for at least 15 minutes a day. It could be as simple as push-ups, crunches or even a brisk walk during your breaks! Those 15 minutes add up to hours per week. Your body will be able to tell the difference.

 

If you have any tips for getting active that you’d like to share, please let us know on Twitter or LinkedIn, we’d love to hear from you. Or, if you like to read more of our news and blogs all about HGV driving and the warehousing and transport industries, please visit our website.

 

#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth – 10 Tips For HGV Driver Wellbeing

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May is Mental Health Awareness Week, and whilst it may still be a taboo subject especially in the transport industry, it’s important to not just talk about your wellbeing, but take precautions to keep your mental health in check too.

 

Not prioritising your mental health can impede your ability to concentrate on your work and lead to risky decisions or negative behaviour. HGV drivers are especially susceptible to mental health issues due to time spent on the road. According to a survey by the mental health charity MIND, 30% of illnesses in the transportation and logistics business are mental health-related, and because these instances were self-reported, the number might be far higher.

 

However, there is help at hand. We are incredibly supportive of our drivers. Not only can you always reach out to us for support, we have also listed our 10 top tips to help drivers improve their mental health whilst on the road and help you to keep on trucking!

 

HGV Driver Mental Health Tips

 

1. Staying connected with friends and loved ones

 

HGV driving can be an isolating job. Technology, thankfully, allows us to keep in touch with our loved ones no matter how far apart we are. When you take a break from driving, try and:

 

  • Engage in Video chats, phone conversations, and text messages
  • Bring photographs or sentimental things from home with you
  • Send postcards to relatives and friends if staying away for a few days

 

2. Get enough sleep

It’s no secret that getting enough sleep is essential for good physical and mental health. In the short term, sleep deprivation might make you irritated and exhausted, but it can also have major long-term health repercussions. We would advise:

 

  • Establishing a bedtime regimen to prepare your body for sleep
  • In the evening, avoid coffee and heavy meals
  • Avoid using electronics before going to bed

 

3. Stay active

 

Whilst it might be hard to get moving whilst driving long hours, its important when making a pit stop to take a few minutes to get the blood flowing again. Why not:

 

  • Try taking some time to take a walk and stretch your legs, as sitting down for long periods of time can be uncomfortable?
  • Giving your muscles a good stretch, do core and posture exercises to prevent muscle spasms and tightness?

 

4. Make good use of your breaks

 

Planning what you are going to do with your “break-time” is important.  This time can be used to rest your thoughts after a long period of driving. Taking five minutes to meditate while listening to peaceful music can help you to relax and get your mind ready for the rest of the day’s, or night’s work.

 

5. Keep your mind active

 

Maintaining focus whilst being an HGV driver is key, especially for long journeys. Keeping your brain active during your road breaks with exercises can help maintain concentration, boost your memory, and improves problem solving skills. Little brain exercises can be:

 

  • Crossword puzzles
  • Jigsaw puzzles
  • Sudoku

 

6. Have a good balanced diet

 

When on the road, it can be easy to stop off at fast food places or pick up some chocolate and sweets at the shop. Yes, these options are good for a quick rush of energy, but after a while begin to make you feel groggy and tired.

 

Food is fuel and selecting the right fuel for your body is key. We’d recommend you:

 

  • Select a food option with whole grain pasta, brown rice, fruits, and vegetables as these foods will fill you for longer whilst giving you energy throughout the day
  • Eat clean, which will prevent you from feeling sluggish and tired throughout your journey

 

7. Stay hydrated

 

Stopping for a fizzy energy drink may seem like the smart decision. However, the quick energy rush and the lack of hydration that comes with these sorts of drinks isn’t good for someone on a long journey. Therefore, water is an essential when trucking! Dehydration can cause a variety of issues like loss of alertness and tiredness. So, for a driver, staying hydrated is vital. HGV drivers should consume around 2 litres of water each day to stay hydrated and maintain focused.

 

8. Clear space, clear mind

 

When being in your cab for long periods of time, it’s easy to gather rubbish and dirt along the way. Finding time to clean your truck may be challenging, but it’s crucial to put in the time and effort to maintain a clean and orderly environment. Small things such as clearing away rubbish, organising items, and wiping surfaces clean can really improve your happiness, health, and perhaps even your driving performance.

 

9. Know the signs

 

Understanding and recognising when you’re having problems is one of the most critical aspects of maintaining or improving your mental health. Recognising the indicators of stress will allow you to use relaxation techniques or seek treatment faster, so do keep reading up on what those warning signs may be.

 

10. Reach out

 

Finding someone to talk to about issues you may be experiencing with your mental health is the first step in improving your wellbeing. If something feels “off,” it’s never too early (or indeed, late!) to seek support. Even if what you’re going through or feeling is within the typical range of emotions, having someone to talk to is always useful.

 

Here are just some of the organisations that we’d recommend for more information:

 

 

At Barnes, we care about our driver’s mental health. if you have any more thoughts or ideas on tips to better your mental health whilst on the road, please share with us on our Twitter.

Considering A Career In Transport Instead Of Higher Education

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Perhaps not the first thing that springs to mind when considering a job or your next move after education, logistics is often overlooked. However, the transport industry is absolutely crucial to the supply chain. A fast-moving and thriving sector, there are an abundance of career opportunities in this world.

Your Options After Education

When choosing from your many options after finishing school, you may be presented with the traditional routes of apprenticeships, college or sixth form – some of which inevitably lead on to studying at university. But, if you desire to head straight into the working world with a rewarding and fulfilling career that’ll have you set for life, then you may consider heading into the logistics industry instead. Something not so common but absolutely an intelligent choice to make.

Why A Career In Logistics?

Logistics and supply chain management is regional, national, and global – it is everywhere. Without the sector, the wheels of industry and ultimately the UK economy would grind to a halt. There would be no stock on the shelves, no online shopping, no transferral of goods and so on. Doesn’t that sound an exciting and rewarding career to undertake?

Plus, logistics is a key part of the UK economy, contributing over £127 billion in revenue each year and employing 1.7 million people. That’s around 5% of the entire UK workforce!

Every retail organisation has a supply chain, so this is an area where there are multiple opportunities for employment. Apprenticeships and other higher education alternatives are plentiful in this sector. If you’re looking for an alternative to university, you can study for a logistics or supply chain apprenticeship and get first-hand experience right from the start. Then, come and join one of the many fantastic logistics operators there are in the country, such as Barnes.

Can You Work In Logistics Straight After Education?

It’s also possible to enter the profession straight from school in a planning or transport-related role and then gain the relevant skills on the job.

Whilst once considered ‘trucks and sheds’ and an industry for those low-skilled workers, logistics and supply chain management is today emerging as a highly desirable sector for employment providing an exciting high-tech career for all walks of life. One that is suitable for women as well as men too (to bust a common misconception)

This is thanks in no small part to the deployment of cutting-edge technologies in many of the key areas such as transport management and warehousing. The introduction of AI and robots is set to be an exciting time for the industry.

If you’re thinking of a career in the industry, you’ve come to the right place! Check out our web page for the latest vacancies we have to offer – we’d love to welcome you to the Barnes family.

6 Top Tips for Newly Qualified HGV Drivers

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If you’ve just gotten your HGV license, a career on the open road could be a hugely exciting prospect. However, it isn’t without its stresses and pressures due to varying workloads and challenging driving conditions. Whatever part of the country you’re in, each has its share of testing issues, even for the most experienced driver!

 

Having said that, there are a few nifty tips and tricks we’ve picked up over the years to help things run smoothly and we’d like to share them with you. Check out some of these top tips to prepare you for your new driving career.

Preparation and planning

Perhaps this is one of the most important points when looking at top tips around HGV jobs. Taking the time to map out your route can save you so much time and energy (not to mention fuel) in the long run. You will need to remember to plan rest stops, refuelling and anything else that may be required on your journey.

 

If you’re new to a job, getting to know routes takes time, and in some cases, Sat Nav’s can take you down wrong roads and dead ends. By taking the time to check out the details of your route before you head out, it will help to relieve any stress or anxiety on your first trips. Plus, you’ll get where you need to be in plenty of time.

 

As Franklin once said:

“Fail to prepare, prepare to fail”

Check the height of your vehicle

Before you begin your journey, you need to be aware of the height of your vehicle and your trailer. Bridge collisions are a common occurrence with lorries and trailers, as drivers think they can squeeze through. If you’re unsure when you get to a bridge that you weren’t anticipating, it’s not a good idea to just go for it. Lorries getting stuck under bridges can cause severe traffic disruption and will not make you popular with your employer.

Take a break

It’s essential as an HGV driver to be alert at all times; however, you can’t do this if you push your body to the limits. A tachograph will monitor your driving times, and there are set rules that are essential to adhere to. If not followed, you could face major fines and even driving bans. These rules are set in place to help you avoid exhaustion and make the roads safe for everyone.

 

Make sure to take these breaks at regular intervals to ensure your attention span remains at full capacity whilst on the road. Rest your eyes or get some fresh air, the roads can become dangerous if you are not paying attention.

Vehicle checks

You wouldn’t drive a car that wasn’t fit for purpose, and the same goes for an HGV. Before you head out on any journey, it’s vital to complete a full vehicle check to ensure its suitable to drive. It is your responsibility to do a physical examination and report anything back to management to ensure it is resolved before you head out on the road.

Be considerate and mindful on the road

It is not just yourself you have to look out for, but you also need to keep a careful watch on your fellow drivers. It is a good idea to learn how to understand when motorists want to overtake you, getting a feel for things like that, and reacting quickly and accurately to other motorists’ actions can be helpful. Always be on guard as to what other motorists may do and be ready to react safely to help avoid accidents. Not everyone is clued up to your blind spots and could easily put themselves in danger around you and your vehicle.

Exercise

The thing with HGV driving is that you are required to sit for long periods. This can take its toll on your body as well as your mind. When you get the chance, exercise a little. Go for a walk or do some stretching to get the blood flowing. Driving can also have effects on your mental health so ensure you’re taking time out to focus on self-care and fitness to keep on top of your overall health.

 

Want to share your own tips, get in touch via our Twitter or LinkedIn pages. Alternatively, email us at admin@www.barneslogistics.com or check out our website.

Barnes Logistics on: The Hierarchy of Road Users

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Any sensible road user knows that we all owe the same duty of care to one another. Everyone needs to take reasonable care to not cause injury or damage to other road users.

 

There is currently no higher duty of care expected of lorry drivers, than there is of any other road user. However, this is likely to change soon, with new rules expected to be brought into the Highway Code for the first time in years.

 

The new rules will include an introduction to the new hierarchy of road users. These rules are set to place the emphasis on those who can do the greatest damage, ensuring that they will bear the greatest responsibility for the safety of all other road users.

 

These proposed changes aim to improve the safety of vulnerable road users. Currently, the Highway Code classifies vulnerable road users as:

– Pedestrians

– Cyclists

– Motorcyclists

– Horse riders

 

The code as it stands already advises motorists to take extra care around vulnerable road users (as well as children, the elderly, disabled people and learner drivers).

 

It also takes into the account the extra difficulties faced by large vehicles, such as lorries and HGVs. For example, Rules 221 & 222 of the Code emphasise the nature of difficulties specific to lorry drivers, such as their need for extra space when turning their large vehicles, the fact that lorry drivers will not be able to see vehicles which move into their blind spot and that lorries may be subject to lower speed limits or have speed restrictors fitted.

 

But how will these changes to The Highway Code affect lorry drivers?

 

As well as introducing a hierarchy of road users, the proposed changes plan to:

 

Clarify the current rules on pedestrian priority on pavements. Drivers and riders will need to give priority to pedestrians who are crossing or waiting to cross the road.

 

Set out safe passing distance guidance to motorists for when they overtake cyclists or horse riders and ensuring that both have priority at junctions when their intention is to travel ahead.

 

These new rules are indisputable. Few would argue against the introduction of further measures to protect the most vulnerable of road users.

 

Instead, what is concerning many in the haulage industry, is the idea of setting out a hierarchy amongst road users. Creating a “hierarchy” undermines the simple fact that we should all be responsible for our own safety on the road as well as others.

 

The new table of hierarchy will place ‘pedestrians’ at the pinnacle and at the bottom you will find ‘large vehicles’, with the latter bearing a greater responsibility to reduce the threat of danger they pose to all others above them in the hierarchical table.

 

Emphasis should remain on the fact that all road users need to bear equal responsibility for their safety, whilst not putting themselves in situations that could cause harm to fellow road users. Rules denoting the contrary will surely lead to disarray.

 

What are your thoughts on the new proposed rules? Join the conversation over on our Twitter or LinkedIn pages.

For more Barnes blogs, click here.

Mental Health Awareness Week and Beyond

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Nature was the theme of this year’s mental health awareness week.

 

During the long months of the pandemic, millions of us turned to nature. Going for walks outside was one of the top coping strategies for many of us holed up in our homes. Research by The Mental Health Foundation found that 45% of participants reported that green spaces had been vital to the upkeep of our mental health. Websites which showed footage from webcams of wildlife saw hits increase by over 2000%! It seems that people not only spent more time in nature but were actively seeking it more.

 

Nature is so central to our psychological and emotional health, that it’s almost impossible to achieve good mental health for all without a greater connection to the natural world. Think about how good it feels to take a breath of fresh air after being cooped up all day? Imagine feeling like that all the time. That’s the power nature holds. It’s up to us to reach out and grab it.

 

For most of human history, we have lived as part of nature. It is only in the last five generations that so many of us have lived and worked in a setting that is largely separated from nature. Being surrounded by concrete can become monotonous and bring down our mood. Nature however, with its ever-changing state can serve to evolve the landscape and break the monotony of your day to day.

 

In fact, a 1960s study in the US found that patients who were treated in hospitals with a view of nature recovered faster. Since then, science has started to unpack the extraordinary health benefits of nature. It has the unique ability to not only bring consolation in times of stress, but also increase our creativity, empathy and a sense of wonder. It turns out that it is not just being in nature but how we open ourselves up and interact with nature that counts. Even a little contact with nature can reduce feelings of social isolation and be effective in protecting our mental health and preventing distress.

 

Nature is our great untapped resource for a mentally healthy future.

 

Despite many of us being aware of this, we are not accessing or benefitting from nature. It can be hard for those living in built up cities and for the 13% of UK households that have no access to a garden. Nature should not be a luxury. It is a resource that must be available for everyone to enjoy – as basic as having access to clean water or a safe roof over our heads.

 

Looking to the Future

2021 is going to be a huge year for nature: a new Environment Bill will go through the UK Parliament which will shape the natural world for generations to come; the UK will host the G7 nations where creating a greener future will be a key priority and a historic international UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) will be hosted in Glasgow in November.

 

There could not be a more important time to understand the links between nature and mental health.

 

So get out there and experience your natural surroundings. Take time to recognise and grow your connection with nature. Take a moment to notice and celebrate nature in your daily life. Try welcoming a minute of silence to just listen to the birds in the early morning (especially if you’re up early enough to catch the dawns chorus!)

 

‘There is something to be wondered at in all of Nature’ – Aristotle

 

For more information about this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk/mhaw.

 

Also let us know how you’re doing or share some of your experiences with nature with us via our Twitter or LinkedIn pages.  For more blogs, click here.

Covid Testing: A Haulier’s Guide

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Covid testing – with rules and regulations getting increasingly complex, it’s hard to keep track of what applies to you. In light of the recent change in restrictions, we have compiled all the latest info from the Government.

 

When do I test? How often do I test? Do I even need to test? These are all questions we have asked ourselves recently. It can get confusing at times but hopefully this guide will shine a light on the course of action right for you.

 

COVID-19 Testing After Entering England

Hauliers arriving in England from abroad must take a COVID-19 test if they are staying for more than 2 days. You will need to take a further test every 3 days after that, if you are still in England. This applies to both UK-based and non-UK hauliers.

 

If you do not have proof of a negative COVID-19 test, you could be fined up to £2,000.

When Is Covid Testing Not Needed?

You do not need to take a test if you will be in England for 2 days or less.

 

You also don’t need to take a test if you arrive in England from the Common Travel Area (CTA). The CTA is the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. You must have only been in the CTA in the 10 days before arrival. If you have been outside the CTA in the 10 days before you arrive in England, you must take the tests.

 

When Do I need to Get Tested?

You must take the first test within 2 whole days of your arrival. The day of your arrival is counted as day 0.

 

You must take the second test between 3 and 5 days after your arrival.

 

You must take your third test between 6 and 8 days after your arrival.

 

The date and time of your arrival will be collected and recorded in the passenger locator form, which you are required to complete.

 

What Happens If I Can’t Get A Test?

If you cannot get a test at a time when one is due, for example because of temporary closure of testing facilities or lack of provision in the area, you should take a test as soon as possible once you can access a testing site.

 

You are only required to take these tests while you are in England.

 

If you are in another part of the Common Travel Area (UK, Ireland, Channel Islands and Isle of Man) when a test is due, you do not need to take that test until you return to England. You should take the test as soon as you can when you return to England.

 

Where Can I Get A Test?

Free testing for hauliers is available at haulier advice sites around the country.

 

You do not need to book a test in advance, but you should check the list of sites to make sure they open and if they are likely to be busy.

 

You can also use:

Workplace Testing: if your company has bought the tests from an authorised test provider

Community Testing: check for community testing sites in your area

home-based testing

 

(Community testing facilities are not accessible to HGVS. There are no HGV parking provisions, so this option is available only to hauliers who can access sites by foot or car. You may need to make an appointment for a test at a community testing facility.)

 

Where UK-based international hauliers use workplace or home testing, they will be expected to register the fact of the test on the NHS app. This registration can then be used as evidence.

 

What Happens at the Covid Testing Site?

When you get to the test site do not leave your vehicle except to use the rest facilities or when asked to by a member of staff.

 

A member of staff will give you a test kit. You then administer the test yourself by taking a swab at the back of your throat and the inside of your nose using a long cotton bud.

 

After you’ve taken the test you will need to return to your vehicle and wait for 30 minutes for the results.

 

If Your Test Result Is Negative

You will receive proof of your negative result if you test negative.

 

Staff will then direct you to your departure point and you’ll be able to continue your journey.

 

Keep the result safe. If you lose it, you’ll need to take another test.

If Your Test Result Is Positive

You cannot continue your journey if the test result is positive.

 

What you do next depends on where you can safely self-isolate.

 

For more information on this please consult GOV.UK.

 

Hopefully this answered all of your questions. If you have any further queries, get in touch with us via our Twitter or LinkedIn pages and for more blogs from us, click here. And most importantly, stay safe!

 

 

Stress Awareness Month: Move More & Reduce Stress

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It’s Stress Awareness Month and so we wanted to talk about moving more and reducing stress. We know that getting active is not easy in this profession. Being behind the wheel for long hours leaves little room to stretch your legs. This can sometimes lead to a build-up of tension and stress. Fortunately, we have some simple steps to help you relieve such feelings.

 

Many of these steps can also help improve your overall health as well, including your mental health. Exercise is one of the best strategies for combating stress and supporting your mental wellbeing. Getting active can help lower your overall stress levels and improve your quality of life, both mentally and physically. It can also improve the quality of your sleep, which can be negatively impacted by stress, depression, and anxiety. Another positive is that it can also boost your confidence levels.

 

How Does Exercise Help with Stress?

Getting active, even if it is just a short walk, improves your body’s ability to use oxygen and also improves blood flow. Both of these changes have a direct effect on your brain. Exercise also increases your brain’s production of endorphins. Endorphins are the “feel-good” neurotransmitters that can boost your mood and help you build healthy habits.

 

Physical activity can also help take your mind off your worries. The repetitive motions involved in exercise promote a focus on your body, rather than your mind. By concentrating on the rhythm of your movements, you experience many of the same benefits of meditation. Focusing on a single physical task can produce a sense of energy and optimism. This focus can also help provide calmness and clarity.

 

Some people notice an improvement in their mood immediately after getting some exercise. But the great thing is these feelings aren’t just a one-time thing, they build up over time and boost your mood. Stress Awareness Month is a great time to start considering what you can do for yourself to help reduce stress.

 

In addition to having a direct effect on your stress levels, regular exercise also promotes optimum health in other ways. Improvements to your overall health may help to indirectly moderate your stress levels.

 

Among some of its additional benefits, exercise can help:

 

  • Strengthen your muscles and bones
  • Boost your immunity, which can decrease your risk of illness and infection
  • Lower your blood pressure, sometimes as much as some antihypertensive medications
  • Increase levels of good cholesterol in your blood
  • Improve your blood circulation

Help you sleep better at night

 

What Types of Exercise Help with Stress?

There are many ways to get moving but what are some of the most effective?

 

You don’t need to be a marathon runner or elite athlete to experience stress relief from exercise. Almost any kind of exercise can be helpful.

 

For example, consider trying moderate aerobic exercises such as:

 

  • Biking
  • Walking
  • Jogging
  • Swimming
  • Playing tennis or other racquet sports
  • Football

 

Even something as simple as gardening or choosing to take the stairs rather than the elevator can give you an emotional lift. Any type of exercise can increase your fitness and decrease your stress. However, it’s important to choose an activity that you enjoy rather than dread. If you don’t like the water, don’t choose swimming as your activity. If the thought of running makes you anxious, training for a 5K race won’t help relieve your stress. Try a variety of activities until you find some you enjoy. When you’re having fun, you’ll be more likely to stick with your workout routine.

 

If you have any tips for getting active that you’d like to share, during Stress Awareness Month and beyond, please let us know on Twitter or LinkedIn, we’d love to hear from you.

 

To read more of our blogs, click here.

 

2021: The Road Out Of Lockdown

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2020 and 2021 have brought us some of the most challenging months of our lives so far. Coming up on a year now since the first national lockdown began, we are finally beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.

 

The recent announcement from Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined the government’s proposed plan to cautiously ease lockdown restrictions in England, revealing that we could be free of all restrictions as early as 21st June.

 

Following the announcement, government published a four-step roadmap to ease restrictions across England and provide a route back to a more normal way of life. Each step is to be assessed against four tests before restrictions ease. The PM was also clear that the decision on each stage will be based on data not dates.

 

What are the four tests for easing restrictions?

Each stage of easing lockdown will be a minimum of five weeks apart, but four conditions must be met at each stage before proceeding to the next one:

  • The coronavirus vaccine programme continues to go to plan
  • Vaccines are sufficiently reducing the number of people dying or needing hospital treatment
  • Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospital admissions
  • New coronavirus variants do not fundamentally change the risk of lifting restrictions

 

If all these criteria are met, the country progresses to the next phase of reduced restrictions. Currently, as of the 8th March, all children and students have returned to face-to-face education in schools and college and people can also leave home for recreation outdoors such as a coffee or picnic with their household or support bubble, or with one person outside their household.

 

Step 2

This will remain the case until the 12th April at the earliest. If all goes according to plan, we will enter Step 2 on this date meaning more restrictions are lifted. Changes include but are not limited to:

  • All non-essential retail, personal care premises, such as hairdressers and nail salons, and public buildings, such as libraries and community centres, will be allowed to reopen
  • Most outdoor attractions and settings, including zoos, and theme parks, will also reopen (with added safety). Drive-in cinemas and drive-in performances will also be permitted.
  • Indoor leisure facilities, such as gyms and swimming pools, will also reopen.
  • Hospitality venues will also be allowed to serve people outdoors only. There will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcohol, and no curfew – although customers must order, eat and drink while seated.

 

Step 3

The next step is set to come into effect no earlier than 17 May. This will lift more restrictions; however, it is only permitted should the four criteria be met. The new restrictions will include:

  • The lifting of most outdoor social contact rules – although gatherings of over 30 people will remain illegal.
  • The reopening of indoor hospitality, entertainment venues such as cinemas and soft play areas, the rest of the accommodation sector, and indoor adult group sports and exercise classes.
  • Larger performances and sporting events in indoor venues with a capacity of 1,000 people or half-full (whichever is lower) to be allowed, as will those in outdoor venues with a capacity of 4000 people or half-full (whichever is lower).
  • In the largest outdoor seated venues where crowds can spread out, up to 10,000 people will be able to attend (or a quarter-full, whichever is lower).

 

Step 4

And finally, the 21st June is upon us. It is hoped that by then, all legal limits on social contact can be removed and large events and performances can go ahead.

 

What does this mean for logistics?

From now on, the demand for logistics services will only increase as people filter back to their normal lives. The logistics industry is set to go from strength to strength as its services will be required to support the reopening of all non-essential shops, recreational activities and other businesses shut down by the pandemic.

 

What are your thoughts on the current roadmap out of lockdown? Will we be spending 21st June in the pub or in our pyjamas? Let us know via our Twitter or LinkedIn pages.

 

OUR ACCREDITATIONS

 

Contact Details

Tel: 0161 684 3070
Email: admin@barneslogistics.com

About us

Barnes Logistics’ fleet operates from more than seven sites across the country and supports a nationwide client base.

Our Service

We supply ‘just in time’ logistics support and warehousing to businesses across the UK.

Registered Office

Barnes Logistics Ltd
Cowm Top Lane
Rochdale
OL11 2RG