CategoryNews

Benefits of Yoga for Body and Mind

Sue

This January you may have made New Year’s resolutions to improve your fitness, strength, to work on your wellbeing or to make more time for you. Ray of Light Cancer Support is delighted that we continue to offer free, weekly yoga sessions to anyone affected by cancer. The kind of people that attend may be carers, family members or friends of anyone that has been diagnosed with cancer or has historically had cancer, as well as the individual who has or has had a diagnosis.

What is yoga?
Yoga is a holistic practice combining physical movement, breathing exercises, and mindfulness techniques. Its benefits go beyond just physical fitness and can positively impact mental and emotional well-being also. For anyone with or who has been affected by cancer, incorporating yoga into their routine can have many advantages, promoting both physical healing and psychological strength.

Why Yoga?

  1. Relieve Stress:
    Yoga provides an escape from daily life and helps alleviate stress levels. A cancer diagnosis for yourself or a loved one can lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, and depression due to the uncertainty and emotional strain it brings. By practicing yoga, individuals learn to focus on the present moment, calming their minds, reducing stress levels, reducing anxiety, and activating the body’s relaxation response.
  2. Increased Strength and Flexibility:
    The physical poses in yoga help to improve strength, flexibility, and balance. Regular practice can tone muscles, increase endurance, and enhance overall physical performance. Improved flexibility can reduce the risk of injury and promote healthy joints and muscles.
  3. Improved Mental Clarity and Focus:
    Yoga involves deep breathing techniques and concentration, which helps enhance mental clarity and focus. By calming the mind, yoga improves cognitive function, and overall mental well-being. The meditative qualities of yoga encourage self-reflection, allowing people to accept their emotions without judgment, fostering some sense of inner peace and emotional well-being.
  4. Better Sleep Quality:
    Regular yoga practice has been shown to improve sleep quality. By reducing stress, calming the mind, and promoting relaxation, yoga may enable a deeper and more restful sleep. Increased sleep can rejuvenate the mind and body, leaving people feeling more energised and refreshed.
  5. Increased Mind-Body Connection:
    Yoga emphasises connection between the mind and body. Through mindfulness and deliberate movement, you can gain a deeper understanding of your physical and mental state. This awareness and self-reflection can enable you to listen to your body’s needs, promoting self-care and understanding your physical and mental needs.
  6. Improved Energy Levels:
    Yoga can provide an energy boost. By improving circulation, oxygenation, and releasing tension in the body, yoga can help to combat fatigue and increase overall energy levels.
  7. Emotional Well-being:
    Yoga is not only beneficial for the physical body but also helps in emotional healing and well-being. Through breathing, meditation, and focusing on positive affirmations, yoga can help manage emotions, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and promote positivity and self-healing.

If any of the above reasons appeal to you then please join us. We aim to create a safe space for anyone that has experienced the turmoil that a cancer diagnosis can have to increase overall wellbeing. Our sessions are free of charge and sanitised mats are provided. The class can be completed by all, no experience necessary. Yoga with Mel is every Tuesday 12:30 – 1:30pm at the YMa Building, Pontypridd.

For more information please feel free to contact us and ask any questions.
Website: www.rayoflightwales.org.uk/group/yoga-with-mel
Call: 0797134970
Email: contactus@rayoflightwales.org.uk

 

Katie

10 Tips to keep warm this winter on a budget

As winter approaches, it’s common for us to be concerned about the financial consequences of the cold weather. With increasing expenses and the added worry of maintaining our health, especially for those dealing with cancer, the impending energy bills can be a source of anxiety. At Ray of Light Cancer Support we understand your concerns and want to share some useful tips and practical advice on staying warm and saving money during this season.

10 tips on staying warm this winter:

  1. Close the curtains when it’s getting dark and tuck them behind the radiator.
    By closing the curtains, we can create an extra layer of insulation, preventing warm air from seeping through the glass and cold drafts from chilling our living areas. When tucking the curtains behind the radiator, we redirect warm air back into the room. Additionally, shutting the doors to the rooms we use most can help hold the heat in the room.
  2. Move your furniture away from radiators.
    When furniture is positioned too close to a radiator, it can absorb and block the heat, preventing it from reaching the rest of the room. By moving your furniture away from radiators, you allow the heat to circulate freely. Additionally, using reflective materials like aluminium foil or reflective radiator panels behind the radiators you can reflect heat from behind the radiators this will prevent heat loss through walls.
  3. Use LED bulbs
    Each LED bulb you fit can make you a lifetime saving of £180. They consume around 75% less energy, which not only reduces your electricity bill but also benefits the environment. Plus they don’t need changing as frequently!
  4. Zap it! – Use a microwave rather than the oven to reheat meals.
    Using a microwave instead of an oven to reheat meals can be a practical and cost-effective choice when it comes to saving money. First and foremost, microwaves consume significantly less energy than traditional ovens as typically, reheating food in the microwave takes only a fraction of the time it would take in the oven and does not require preheating.
  5. Turn your heating down by one degree.
    You probably won’t perceive any change in temperature, yet it could potentially save you up to £80 annually. However, be mindful not to decrease below 18°C if you fall into categories such as the elderly, individuals with illnesses, or those with young children.
  6. Turn down your wash.
    Washing at lower temperatures will help reduce the energy used by your washing machine – and it’s better for your clothes! Many people may not be aware that most of the energy consumed during a washing machine cycle is used to heat the water. By decreasing the temperature, we can significantly reduce the amount of energy consumed per wash. This simple adjustment not only benefits the environment by lowering our carbon footprint, but it also positively impacts our electricity bills. Most modern detergents are specifically designed to be efficient at lower temperatures – so your clothes will still feel fresh and clean!
  7. Be a friend to your freezer
    Defrost it regularly and keep it as full as you can. Did you know that a defrosted freezer can save you money? It can cost you around £150 less a year to run! It’s recommended to defrost once every three to six months, or when the ice layer exceeds half an inch. You might be surprised to learn that a full freezer is more efficient than a partially empty one. When you open the freezer door, the cold air inside escapes and gets replaced with warm air from the surroundings. If you find that your freezer isn’t full you can place ice packs or even containers filled with water inside to save energy.
  8. Cuppa tea? Use only what you need.
    There’s nothing quite like a good cuppa tea to warm the soul. Only fill the kettle with as much as you’ll actually use (make sure you cover the element at the bottom). Not only will this save you money on your energy bills, but it will also reduce the time it takes for the water to boil. This will save you up to £20 a year. And remember, it’s cheaper to use the kettle to boil water than an electric hob.
  9. Dodge the draught
    Fit draught excluders to your front door to save money. One of the main culprits for escalated heating costs is the presence of draughts in our homes! Cold air can seep in through gaps and cracks, reducing the efficiency of our heating and making us cold. For the crafty people among us you can make your own draft excluders! Some people fit curtains over their front doors to stop drafts, just make sure you are not obstructing the exit.
  10. Swap baths for showers
    Taking showers instead of baths saves around £100 a year on water heating. Showers tend to use less water when compared to baths, therefore, you can save on water consumption by opting for a shower. One important factor to consider when it comes to showers is the type of shower system you have. Electric showers, tend to consume a considerable amount of energy. This means that if you have an electric shower and are looking for ways to cut down on your energy usage and expenses, you can take advantage of a shower timer. Taking 4-minute showers can save you around £130 a year.

Additionally, using practical habits like layering up indoors, using hot water bottles and wearing an extra pair of socks and slippers we can keep ourselves warm and cosy. Implementing these winter saving tips can make a significant impact on our overall energy consumption and expenses during the cold season. By making small adjustments to our daily routines and investing in energy-efficient solutions, we can enjoy a warmer winter while also reducing our carbon footprint.

Ray of Light does Monsters of the Mine

Katie

The Monsters of the Mine event did not disappoint. As soon as we entered the abandoned coal mine premises, menacing creatures lurked within the car park, eagerly searching for their next prey. Once inside spooky decorations, eerie music, and the sound of screams from those being set upon by the monsters set the perfect Halloween atmosphere, with the monsters always waiting in dark corners and ready to pounce, you couldn’t let your guard down for a second! The organisers really went all out to create a truly immersive experience.

“It made an awful week bearable”

One of the highlights of the night was the Cursed Climber challenge. This adrenaline-pumping activity had us navigating through a series of rope bridges and obstacles in complete darkness. The dizzying heights and the fear of the unknown added an extra level of excitement! It definitely brought out our adventurous side!

“A lovely way to bond with everyone that comes to our group, we will laugh about this for a long time!”

After the exhilarating climb, we hopped on the Terror Coaster for an added chilling experience. This two-seater cart took us on an exciting journey hurtling through the darkness. The twists and turns had us holding onto our seats and we enjoyed every minute of it – so much so that we had 2 goes!

The whole event was amazing but what really made this trip to Monsters of the Mine special was the people we were with. The group of carers and individuals battling or overcoming cancer added a whole new level of inspiration to the night. Seeing everyone’s smiles, hearing their laughter (and terrified screams!) brought immense joy to our team, and we are eagerly looking forward to our upcoming visit with more families in half-term so we can enjoy the site when it’s not crawling with terrifying monsters!

“It gave me a break from reality”.

It’s moments like these that remind us of the importance of carving out time for ourselves, a chance to enjoy being with others and taking part in activities that challenge us and make us laugh! Being able to provide free events like Monsters of the Mine is truly rewarding, it allows us to forget about our worries and just focus on having fun. Without the funding received from the Welsh Government via Carers Trust Wales, we would not have had the means to offer such an outstanding experience.

“A much-needed break away”

So, if you’re looking for a Halloween experience like no other, make sure to check out Monsters of the Mine at Zip World Tower.

We can’t thank the organisers enough for providing this opportunity and creating such a memorable event. We’re already counting down the days until next year!

The Ray of Light Team

 

Befriending Week 2023

Katie

November 1st – 7th is Befriending week!

We want to take this opportunity to share a little about our Telephone Befriending Service for anyone affected by cancer.

Ray of Light Cancer Support Telephone Befriending Service

In a world that at times can feel isolated and disconnected, human connection remains a powerful tool where the bond between people continues to provide comfort and reassurance. When faced with the effects of cancer and the accompanying emotional distress, loneliness can become an even more profound reality.

At Ray of Light we proudly provide a telephone befriending service that efficiently defies distance and brings comfort to those in need, helping to fill the void that can be sometimes felt alongside a diagnosis. This blog piece explores how our trained and dedicated team are lending a listening ear and spreading warmth through this invaluable service.

The Power of Listening

Cancer patients, families, friends, and carers often find themselves facing an emotional rollercoaster, grappling with fear, anxiety, and the uncertainty that accompanies the illness. Amidst a whirlwind of medical appointments, treatments, and managing the new circumstances they find themselves in they frequently long for someone who can simply listen, empathise, and offer a compassionate ear. Often speaking to someone they don’t know can be more freeing.

Our telephone befriending service can provide an outlet for individuals to share their experiences, fears, hopes, and joys with a supportive team member who has undergone comprehensive training to ensure they possess the necessary skills to offer comfort, encouragement, and advice. These connections with others have shown to be a crucial lifeline, encouraging a feeling of community and giving people the confidence, they need to face the challenges of theirs or their loved ones cancer journey.

Dedicated Team Members Making a Difference:

At the heart of our telephone befriending service is a dedicated team of employees and volunteers who generously offer their time and energy to making a difference in the lives of cancer patients and anyone who is affected by cancer. Ray of Light ensures that each individual receives extensive training to equip them with the necessary skills like knowledge and understanding, empathy, active listening and signposting to other beneficial services and organisations.

Regular conversations with those affected by cancer means our team can provide emotional support, friendship, and a feeling of normalcy for people facing a rollercoaster of emotions. To ensure a consistent and familiar experience throughout the process, we purposefully match our befriending volunteers and team members with a beneficiary that we feel will be well suited and the Project Coordinator is on hand to offer guidance and assistance. Calls are scheduled at a time that suits both parties and are initially offered over a period of six weeks with the option of an extension if required. Additionally, to prioritise safety, all volunteers have undergone a DBS check.

Benefits of Telephone Befriending

The positive effects of our telephone befriending service extend far beyond the momentary conversations shared. Research has shown that regular social interaction has a profound impact on mental health, including reduced feelings of loneliness, isolation and depression. We know the devastating impact cancer has on individuals and families, we want to help re-engage people into the community and offer supported attendance at our groups and events to increase self-esteem, confidence and social connectedness.

By providing people in need with a reliable lifeline, we aim to help carry some of the upset of the devastating emotional toll that this illness often brings. Not only do we see benefits for people affected by cancer but we also see the positive the calls can have on the team, knowing the impact their calls can have on the lives of those they connect with. This can increase the teams own sense of purpose and understanding and in turn increase their own wellness, self-confidence and reduction in stress. Together, we can offer solace and companionship to those affected by the disease, ensuring that no one endures their battle alone, standing together as a community, united in the fight against cancer and its isolating effects.

The telephone befriending service our charity provides serves as a reminder that there is a place people can go to for support in their times of need, a non-judgemental space to talk as much or as little as needed.

‘When you think everything is hopeless, a little ray of light comes from somewhere.’

You can self-refer to our service by emailing us at: contactus@rayoflightwales.org.uk

For more information please see our information page  https://rayoflightwales.org.uk/telephone-befriending/

 

On the ending of the year

Sue

As the dark nights set in, the leaves are pretty much all fallen and the heating is firmly on, things can be difficult. These signs that signify the passing of time are emotional when someone you care about is ill, especially if you know they are not going to recover. The seasons changing can leave you wondering whether this may be the last time they see autumn turn to winter. It might increase your worries about whether they will see another spring, or summer. Continue reading “On the ending of the year” →

The launch of our new private Facebook group

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We have started a new, private, Facebook group which is for anyone affected by cancer.

We know first hand how hard daily life can sometimes be, this is a safe place to share triumphs, struggles or simply to vent. Both emotional and social support can make a big difference and also gives you the opportunity to connect with people in similar situations.

This is a closed group where you can share in a safe and completely confidential space.

Come and join us!