With so many people recovering from COVID-19 I thought it was important to remind you to take it slow before you dust off the soccer boots and hockey sticks before winter sport returns

During this time of self isolation it’s important we don’t fall into the habit of grabbing chocolate out of the cupboard every time we enter the kitchen. I am as guilty as anyone. My version of ‘crunch and sip’ quickly turned to ‘chips and wine’ during our first week of home schooling (maybe even after day 1). So I decided to call on my good friend nutritionist Elly Grenfell from Health N Harmony Nutrition to ask her for a few simple tips to maintain my family’s nutrition during our time of isolation.

COVID-19 hasn’t just been stressful for parents, but also our kids. With the prospect of up to 6months home schooling, my girls are already starting to stress about having me as their substitute teacher. I spoke to Sophie Miller (primary school teacher and kids yoga instructor extraordinaire) from Mindful Me Yoga about tips and practical advice for keeping our kids happy and calm during this unprecedented times.

Over 60 and following the government guidelines to staying home doesn’t mean you can’t be looking after your physical self. I chatted to exercise physiologist Scott Connolly from Ontrac Bowral about what you can be doing at home to maintain strength and balance during the isolation period.

Isolation from friends, colleagues and extended family can be detrimental to our mental health and wellbeing. Add this to financial and mortgage strain, possible job loss, home schooling and maintaining relationships, it’s no wonder we are all feeling more stressed than ever. I spoke to Erica Rundle from She Counselling for advice on how we can all look after our mental health during this time.

For many of us, isolation and staying home has put a halt onto our exercise routines. Not having access to gyms, pilates studios and our personal trainers will cause havoc to our fitness levels, mental health and our waist lines. But does it have to? I chatted to Brooke Griggs, owner of B.Style Fitness, about her top tips for maintaining an exercise regime during isolation.

With so many women going through pregnancy, birth and the start of their postnatal journey during the time of coronavirus, it’s no wonder why mums are feeling more lonely and anxious than ever. What should be a time when you are surrounded by your ‘village’ has turned into isolation from everyone you know and love (besides your immediate family). I chatted to local psychologist Anna Frayne about ways women can help deal with the stress and anxiety of the perinatal period during this difficult time. Anna is a Clinical Psychologist who moved to the Highlands in 2019. She has experience working with new and expectant parents in private practice and through her work at the Gidget Foundation. Anna is currently on maternity leave.

My first guest for ‘Enlighten Conversations is director and principal physiotherapist of Mittagong Physio and Pilates, Matthew Ott.

In response to concerns surrounding COVID-19 (Coronavirus), I am working diligently to reinforce necessary precautions within the clinic and will continue to stay open and serve clients within the Southern Highlands community. However, I understand with what is happening in the world right now people don’t wish to leave their homes. Therefore, from next week I will be offering both a Telehealth service and Home Visits within the Southern Highlands Community, as well my regular clinic appointments.