Finding the sun

Grief and sadness of the kind we have seen in recent weeks can be overwhelming. It also reminds us of the need to focus on our own and collective wellbeing.

Our partners at Everymind have produced a wonderful fact sheet – Looking After Yourself and Others Following a Traumatic that recommends:

·         Taking a break;

·         Switching off;

·         Staying connected;

·         Feeling your feelings; and

·         Reaching out.

In this and future issues of Trunk Line, we will be asking our partners and members how they take care of their mental health, starting with Manna Institute Director and avid cyclist Professor Myfanwy Maple.

She says exercise and ample sleep have always been the best balm for her during challenging times. Myf loves walking in nature, but says there’s nothing like cycling to de-stress and restore perspective.

“It boosts my mental and physical health and provides huge social benefits,” she says. “I love riding. I am part of QueenBees, an online community of wonderful female cyclists from around the world – we all met during COVID via the Zwift platform and have continued to ride together ever since. I also ride with the DUBBUGs – Dorrigo, Urunga, Bellingen Bike User Group – a diverse and supportive group of cycling enthusiasts, and love to explore the beautiful mid NSW coast on two wheels.”

Myf has a weekly target of cycling 150+ kilometres and regularly sets herself the challenge of competing in events. She has just completed the 10th anniversary Tour de Rocks and, in August, will participate in the Brisbane to Gold Coast ride – both cancer fundraising rides. Myf will be pedalling again in September, completing the intensive Cycle Around the Globe in support of the International Association for Suicide Prevention.

“I like to link my cycling targets to something meaningful,” Myf says, “and the wonderful thing about such fundraisers is that they help you to focus on others. My work always reminds me that there are people more vulnerable than me. Through an altruistic activity you are able to help people you don’t know. It takes you above and beyond your regular sphere and gives you back much more than the mental and physical benefits of the exercise.

“This way I can cycle with more purpose and mindfulness. And when I talk to others about what I’m doing, why I’m doing it, and about mental health and suicide, that often leads to reducing stigma, and helps others to feel comfortable in reaching out for support and services, and that’s good as well.”