“In 1999 I was diagnosed with M.E. Minsmere plays an important part in my management of the condition. All natural things help health and wellbeing. When I sit in the hides watching birds the only thing I think about is what I’m looking at and not day to day problems. It really helps to be here. I feel valued when I’m at Minsmere.”
“In 1999 I was diagnosed with M.E. or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Minsmere plays an important part in my management of the condition. It helps me to switch off from the day’s work and any distractions. M.E. affects the whole system and sensory overload can be an issue so rest is important as it helps reduce mind activity.
M.E can means that everything, including moving, becomes demanding. I was off work for 9 months. I work part time now but I need to allow time for rest in my days so hobbies that aren’t physically demanding are vital. I’ve always been interested in the natural world and began to explore Minsmere more as my recovery progressed.
One year ago I started volunteering for the RSPB Minsmere team during Springwatch. Although I’m busy at Minsmere it’s different to stresses at work. When I sit in the hides watching birds the only thing I think about is what I’m looking at and not day to day problems. You only focus on what is in front of you. For example watching Hobbys is just joyful. It gives you that positive feeling that is so very beneficial from a wellbeing point of view. All natural things help health and wellbeing.
It really helps to be here. I feel valued when I’m at Minsmere.”
If you’ve been keeping up to date with the blog then you’ll know Karen met a special someone at Minsmere!
“It was a cold January day and it was later than usual, around 12pm, when I decided I fancied going to Minsmere. I got to wildlife look out for about 2pm and was watching the Bearded Tits. This photographer then stood by me and started setting up some shots, and we got talking and I asked him if he could email me his pictures, as I hadn’t got my camera on me. After that we walked back to the cafe because it was so cold. Sure enough we started emailing and it went from there, it’s early days but if I hadn’t gone to Minsmere that afternoon we wouldn’t have met.”
Read the rest of the couples blog here: http://www.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/minsmere/b/minsmere-blog/archive/2015/06/10/humans-of-springwatch-the-other-wildlife-of-minsmere-16.aspx