COVID-19 Code of Conduct
Dear Yogi,
It is impossible to completely erase the risk of contracting COVID-19 but, I have been working hard behind the scenes, to reduce the risk when you return to the studio and I have made some changes. Everyone will have a part to play in keeping the studio safe, and I will be asking you to follow a few rules, please.
Stay home if you're unwell. Please don't come to the class if you feel sick or have COVID-19 symptoms.
COVID -19 symptoms
are currently recognised as any of the following:
A high temperature
A new, continuous cough
A loss of, or change to, their sense of smell or taste
If you demonstrate any such symptoms, please follow NHS and GOV guidance on self-isolation.
Before coming to the studio
Please contact Gipe before coming to classes. When your booking is confirmed be prepared to follow rules to keep you and other students safe.
Please wash before you come. Toilets are available, please wash your hands more often than usual. Sorry, the showering facilities are closed.
Please arrive in your yoga gear ready to practice 10 minutes before the of start of class.
Please bring a full water bottle.
Entering the studio
Please bring your own wipes and sanitizer as this reduces risk.
Please bring warm clothes, for the cool down.
I want you to enjoy Yoga with Gipe so please let me know if I can support you further. You can book a tour of my studio to see how I am trying to keep students safe. Please let me know if I can do more.
Peace of mind
The rest of the page is about how to feel safe getting "back to normal" as covid-19 restrictions are lifted . The content below is taken from NHS GOV guidelines. I found it very useful.
I hope you do to?
Please feel free to go direct to NHS website for full content; https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/coronavirus/tips-to-cope-with-anxiety-lockdown-lifting/
Content;
1. Go at your own pace
It might be tempting to make lots of plans and say yes to everything now that restrictions have lifted, but there's no need to rush.
Take it step by step, and only do what is comfortable and safe for you to ease back into socialising – then you can build your time back up as your confidence returns.
2. Do not avoid things entirely
Avoiding the things that make us anxious can sometimes feel like the easier option in the short term, but this can make it harder to start facing our fears in the longer term.
Instead, try to set yourself small but manageable targets. Start with activities that are important to you and feel achievable – like meeting close friends and family for a coffee or snack
outside – and gradually build up from there. It can help to confide in a friend or family member so they can support you to overcome your anxieties.
3. Get your information from the right sources
Lots of conflicting and confusing information about COVID-19 can make it harder to know what to do or believe.
If you are finding news and information about COVID-19 overwhelming or worrying, try to limit how much you consume. Stick to trusted sources like GOV.UK and the NHS COVID-19
pages for the most up-to-date information.
4. Discuss any changes with others
Before socialising with others, talk about the situation with them to make sure everybody is on the same page about what feels comfortable.
If you live with other people, it's a good idea to talk to them about changes to restrictions as well. Being aware of everybody's fears and expectations can help to avoid conflict.
If the changes to restrictions have put pressure on your family, help for parents is available. Young Minds: For parents; https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent
5. Make time to relax
Being able to see more of our friends and family and visit places is exciting. But it can also be a lot to take in all at once, so it's important to find regular time for yourself to relax too.
Many people find it helpful to spend time outside. Whether it's gardening or taking a walk in woodland, around reservoirs, rivers and local amenities, being in green space can help to
lift your mood and relieve stress. On warm days Gipe’s yoga classes move to her beautiful and peaceful garden.
When you are ready to begin yoga please do not hesitate to call to discuss your safety. We can make plans that will help you enjoy your yoga with Gipe. You may like to book an
appointment to visit the studio or join classes via zoom, or book for private session one to one or with members of close circle of friends .
Things to try if you're feeling breathless
If you're feeling breathless, you could try:
breathing slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth, with your lips together like you're gently blowing out a candle
sitting upright in a chair
relaxing your shoulders, so you're not hunched
leaning forward slightly – support yourself by putting your hands on your knees or on something stable like a chair
Try not to panic if you're feeling breathless. This can make it worse.
6. Challenge unhelpful thoughts
It's natural to feel worried every now and again, but our anxious thoughts can sometimes be unhelpful.
If you can learn to identify and separate unhelpful thoughts from helpful ones, you can find a different way to look at the situation. Watch NHS video to find out more.
https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/coronavirus/tips-to-cope-with-anxiety-lockdown-lifting/
7. Tell someone how you feel
It's easy to feel isolated or lonely when we're struggling. However, chances are that someone we know feels exactly how we do too.
Opening up to a person we trust can be really helpful, whether it's a friend or family member, a GP or an organisation's helpline or online forum.
If you are not ready to start socialising but are feeling lonely, there's plenty of support out there, like the Let's Talk Loneliness Campaign, and people you can speak to at any time, go to;
https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/coronavirus/tips-to-cope-with-anxiety-lockdown-lifting/
8. Plan social occasions
Uncertainty can be hard to manage but making plans can help you avoid this. Preparing for any challenges ahead of time can help us to feel more comfortable and confident in what
we're doing. That "plan" can be as simple as knowing what time an event will start and finish, and how many people are likely to be there.
For tips on how to deal with change and uncertainty during Covid 19 go to; https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/coronavirus/how-to-manage-change-during-covid-19/
9. Find routine where you can
During the periods of lockdown and greater restrictions, life changed for us all and we developed new routines. Even if your normal weekday or weekend habits have now changed
again, some things can stay the same. Are there areas in your life where it's easier to stick to a routine? Something as simple as going to bed and waking up at the same time each day or
making sure to stick to your set lunch break can make a big difference. If you are having trouble sleeping go to;
https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/coronavirus/tips-to-cope-with-anxiety-lockdown-lifting/
10. Write down your thoughts
If you're feeling worried or upset it can be helpful to explore your feelings by keeping a diary or journal. This can also be a great way to track your mood over time and remind yourself
of the progress you have made. As your confidence begins to grow, you can look back over your entries to see how far you have come.
11. Focus on the present
When there is lots of change happening, we can get caught up in worrying about the future and the past. Instead, try to shift your focus to the present – make plans but try not to dwell
on "what ifs" or what was "supposed" to happen. Relaxation, mindfulness or getting outside and enjoying nature are all good ways to help you focus on the present.