Nurse’s fitness class is the perfect medicine
An inspirational nurse in the Black Country has been boosting her colleagues' physical and mental health during the pandemic, by setting up an online fitness support group.
Kellie Green, a paediatric sister working in the emergency department at Russells Hall Hospital, initially thought maybe around 10 staff in the department would get involved.
But she was thrilled when more than 100 of colleagues got involved with the group.
She named the closed Facebook group 'A&Easier said than Run' and aimed to encourage colleagues to get outdoors and improve their wellbeing during an especially stressful time at work. Participants have been posting pictures from their run, walk or cycle ride and have embraced the monthly challenges set by Kellie – the latest to notch up the equivalent distance of a marathon throughout the month of June.
The 29-year-old nurse said: "I never thought that it would be as amazing as it is. The group is helping to improve the physical health of staff but more importantly it’s improving our mental health too by creating a team as we have all got to know each other better.
“When people share their experiences, it motivates others – it’s a domino effect. So many who said they would have stayed inside are getting out and about while observing social distancing and enjoying the fresh air and feeling better for it.”
Kellie, who has struggled with depression and anxiety, said when she started running it gave her a sense of freedom which she felt eased her stress.
Kellie, who ran the London Marathon in 2016, said: "It has been a big part of my life. Whenever I had a bad week, I would get my running shoes on. If I felt angry, I could run that anger out or if I felt like having a cry I could do it away from others.
“Working in a hospital can be a really stressful environment but the pandemic has intensified that. So, I’ve been getting out more and I thought if exercise can help me, who else can it help?
“There used to be a massive stigma about mental health but everyone has mental health whether it’s positive or negative and it’s nothing to be ashamed about.”
Chief executive of the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Diane Wake, has praised Kellie for her initiative. She added: “What a brilliant idea. We know how people are really battling with their mental health during this crisis and especially those working on the frontline.
“Kellie is helping her colleagues to stay fit and well and significantly is fostering camaraderie among the team.”
