5 Ways To Well with Lindsay De Sausmarez 

Guernsey's first female Chief Minister Lindsay De Sausmarez shares her 5 wellbeing essentials.

 

 

1.  Being Active. 

I try to start every day with some Pilates at home, which I find helps with strength, tone and flexibility, and a walk on the cliffs with my dog - a great way to get some exercise and fresh air from the get go, whatever the weather! I go everywhere by bike, partly because for me it's the most convenient way to travel, but also because it's an easy way to be more active without having to find time to hit the gym or whatever. I love sea swimming and playing touch rugby too, but it's the regular movement that is part of my daily routine that for me makes the biggest difference. 

 

2.  Making Connections. 

Real-life interactions, from the most fleeting to the most deep and meaningful, make my day. Whether it's just a cheery wave and a quick hello (another reason I love travelling by bike, as there are so many more opportunities for this!), or a phone call or get together with friends, a cuddle or a game of backgammon with one of my kids, or a constructive conversation with colleagues, these interactions fuel the soul. 

 

3.  Books and Podcasts. 

As a time-poor bookworm, being part of a book club means I read more than I would otherwise - plus it means I read books that I wouldn't normally choose myself. (When we get together, though, it's really just an excuse to have a fun night of chat and laughter with old friends!) I love podcasts too because I can listen to them while I'm walking the dog or cooking or folding laundry or whatever: I listen to a wide range of pods covering the news, politics, economics, history, science, languages, parenting and occasionally silly stuff too. Whether it's through reading or listening, I grab every opportunity to keep learning, absorbing new information, ideas and perspectives. 

 

4.  Being Creative. 

Humans are uniquely creative creatures, and while we're kids we rightly spend a lot of our time playing, making things and using our imagination. As adults, though, we often don't have as many opportunities to be creative, but it's energising and inspiring so in my view it's worth making time, even if it's just at home. I find my personal creative outlets in baking, singing (especially whilst baking), and tinkering on the piano and guitar - and I love immersing myself in other people's creativity, such as going to see art, plays and films. 

 

5.  Giving Back. 

Especially when I've been struggling with negative feelings, I've found one of the best antidotes is - perhaps a bit counterintuitively - focusing on other things and people instead. Iris Murdoch called it "unselfing" - turning our attention away from ourselves which, she argues, helps us develop a more rounded perspective and a deeper connection with the world around us. Also, to put it more simply, there's no better feeling than having helped someone, the community or our environment, in however big or small a way - which is what I love best about my role as a People's Deputy.