Why We Should All Donate to Charity

All over the country, people are tightening their purse strings as they face an increasingly uncertain financial future. Unsurprisingly, one of the first budget items to be removed is charitable giving. While charitable giving at the same level may not be possible for everybody, there are still good reasons to continue giving or start supporting the causes that matter most to you.

We need more givers!

According to UK Giving 2019, published by Charities Aid Foundation, the number of people who give regularly to charity is down for the third year straight this year. This downward turn is due, at least in part, to lack of trust on behalf of the public. Many people worry that much of their donations go to salaries, administrative costs, and other costs leaving little to finance the projects they actually want to support. However, by using schemes like Gift Aid and checking sites like Charity Navigator can help you choose charities that get the most out of every pound they receive.

You should put your money where your mouth is.

Regular charitable giving actually helps to STRENGTHEN your sense of values. It’s easy to say that you support a cause or espouse a belief, in principle. But, when that belief actually costs you something, even if it’s only twenty pounds, it ingrains a sense of investment into those beliefs. Most people who do volunteer or give regularly say that they do so out of a sense of moral obligation.

It’s good family values.

Teaching children about generosity and the impact that small acts of kindness can have on others is an important lesson that we all want to impart. Charitable giving is a great way to do that. Letting kids choose a cause, fundraise, and donate is a great way to empower them and teach them that they can have a positive impact on the world around them. An easy way to do this is to set up a small box at home where everybody can drop spare coins during the month. At the end of the month count it together and donate the cash to a charity of your choice.

It makes you feel good.

Most people who donate regularly admit that part of the reason why they do it is that they feel good about it. Giving becomes a habit with a great payoff both personally and in the world around you.

This article was originally published at JamesCrickmore.co.uk. 

The Best Ways to Excel in Your Workplace

Work performance is critical in order to advance in any given career. Just showing up to the office and putting in an 8-hour shift isn’t enough to succeed in today’s highly competitive workforce environment. Through simple strategy and planning a roadmap towards greater career success can be created that will propel any career professional to their fullest potential. Simple work strategies such as being a better listener, putting words into action, and staying fit and healthy are just a few ways that anyone can see a huge performance increase on the job.

Stay in Shape

The most important aspect of performing well at work is staying in shape. Numerous research studies have conclusively proven that workers that are in shape tend to be far more productive at work. Healthy people are more productive, more motivated, churn out better ideas, and are usually much friendlier in a work environment.

Be a Listener

Knowing when to speak and when to listen is a bit of an art form. This is especially true when it comes to career applications. Paying close attention to orders, feedback, or instructions given by a supervisor or co-worker is incredibly important. A person that doesn’t listen well typically will not travel far in any profession.

Put Words Into Action

The best way to impress a supervisor or coworker is to put words into action. Instead of talking about working harder, carrying out a specific workflow change, or discussing a new idea, put words into action and follow through with it. Taking the initiative to achieve something will surely propel anyone to greater career heights.

Lend a Helping Hand

The best way to get noticed in a work environment is to be the person that is always willing to help out. Whether it be filling in for a sick co-worker, volunteering for a company charity, or running an errand for a stressed co-worker, the willingness to help others is a great foundation for professional success.

Be Assertive

Succeeding at work is heavily determined by how assertive a person is. Assertiveness in the workplace should not be confused with aggression. An assertive person will always be at the forefront of completing a company-wide initiative, keeping their skills up to date, and rallying co-workers to greater performance.

This article was originally published at JamesCrickmore.co.uk.

James Crickmore's Support for CareZone

James Crickmore, owner of Yarwell Mill, with Hugh Caithness and Roger Larmond from CareZone at Kingsgate church receiving beds from Yarwell Mill. EMN-190104-214540009

Yarwell Mill Country Park has supported furniture recycling charity Care Zone in supporting Peterborough’s most vulnerable.

Donations of much needed furniture and equipment have been made, with beds donated by directors James Crickmore (pictured with Hugh Caithness and Roger Larmond from Care Zone) and Maurice Sines.

Care Zone, run by KingsGate Community Church, provides emergency support to people in financial crisis.

More donations of the following are needed: beds, wardrobes, chests of drawers, dining suites, sofas, bedding, curtains and kitchen items.

Call 01733 575083 or email info@carezone.org.uk.

This article and image were originally published on peterboroughtoday.co.uk by Joel Lamy on Sunday, April 7, 2019. Visit their website to learn more. 

Starting the New School Year Off on the Right Foot

From primary school to university, today’s students have more responsibilities—and more opportunities to learn—than students of previous generations have had. The upside of this point is that with enough hard work, students can eventually become proficient and successful in a career field of their choosing. The downside, however, is that it’s easy to be overwhelmed and intimidated by the cumulative weight of the school’s requirements.

The key to thriving is planning ahead, and the following tips will help students of all ages to start the new school year off on the right foot.

Let’s take a look.

Make Time for Revising

Revising is to school as cardio training is to sports: a means of honing one’s skills and securing the tools required to perform optimally in competition—i.e. tests. Revising will be difficult for those who’re unaccustomed to it, but with consistent practice, the process will become easier, and the results will speak for themselves.

15 to 30 minutes of general revising will make new concepts more understandable, and in the end, this investment will prevent students from falling behind.

Because as graduates and experienced students can attest to, learning is exponentially harder when one’s trying to catch up on lessons and ideas.

Stay Organized

Taking concise notes, organizing folders (and corresponding papers), maintaining a calendar to keep track of due dates, and implementing other organization-centered steps are important ingredients in the recipe for educational success. Between family, friends, and hobbies, students’ time is in high enough demand, and wasting minutes (or even hours) looking for papers, deciphering notes, and “cramming” is unwise and unnecessary.

Speak Up in Class

Last but certainly not least, speaking up in class—especially when core concepts are unclear—is a must for students who wish to start the new school year off on the right foot.

Receiving clarification from an educator is beneficial in two key ways: It helps one to understand lessons, and it also demonstrates to others that it’s alright to ask questions—a point that will result in additional lesson-plan clarity.

Summer has been nice, but the new school year is right around the corner. Thankfully, students need not be nervous; the listed tips will help them to succeed, and a strong work ethic will turn their dreams into reality.

Thanks for reading, and here’s to being successful in school!

This article was originally published on JamesCrickmore.org.uk. 

How To Encourage Your Kids To Get Outside This Summer

With so many entertainment-providing technological devices at their disposal, youths might not see the need to spend time outside. Witnessing young people avoid the outdoors can be discouraging for parents, especially during the nice weather that occurs during the summer months. That said, parents may be able to help their children overcome this frustrating and potentially unhealthy habit by employing tips such as the following.

Relocate Activities To The Outside

Parents are encouraged to relocate specific activities and games they enjoy outdoors. At the very least, young people will be outside. Moreover, sunlight and warmth might encourage them to partake in more physical activities.

Foster Outdoor Family Outings

Parents may be able to stimulate a youth’s interest in being out and about by organizing outdoor family events like neighborhood walks, picnics or nature hikes.

Have Children Partake In Outdoor Chores

Adults might drum up their children’s interest in being outside by requesting their assistance performing specific outdoor chores such as washing the family car, raking leaves, painting or performing a variety of yardwork-related tasks.

Champion An Outdoor Hobby

Sometimes young people who lack the interest have no desire to participate in sports or other physical activities. However, that should not deter parents from encouraging them to spend time outside. Adults might be able to circumvent this issue by championing participation in certain outdoor activities such as gardening.

Do Not Get Upset If A Mess Occurs

In certain instances, young people might express hesitation over engaging in outdoor activities in fear of returning home looking messy. Adults are encouraged to not frown upon messes that occur when their children enjoy the outside. A little dirt and mud can be part of that experience.

Set Up Outdoor Play Dates

Parents with young children are encouraged to organize outdoor play dates with other neighborhood kids. The only prerequisite for the excursion is that the young people are engaging in some type of outdoor activity.

Incorporate Your Pets

Many young people enjoy spending time with family pets. Animals, especially dogs, typically like to spend time outside. Another method adults might employ to get their children outside is to allow them to walk the family dog. They can also play fetch. Your dog will be grateful for the exercise, and chances are your children will enjoy themselves as well!

This article was originally published JamesCrickmore.org.uk. 

Which Sport Should Your Child Play?

It is far too easy for children to spend the entire day on their phone or computer. This sedentary lifestyle can potentially lead to major health problems including obesity and high blood pressure. The best way to get kids to spend time outside is by getting them invested in sports. In addition to providing physical activity, sports will also build the social skills of any child. These are the four best sports for children.

Football

Football is beloved by millions of people around the world because it is such an easy game to learn to play. There is just something exciting about trying to pull the same moves as the professionals. A great thing about football is that children can start learning the game at a very early age. Juggling and dribbling lessons can be started as early as age three. Once they develop the simple skills, they will be ready to run around the pitch with a team.

Basketball

Basketball may not be very popular in the UK, but it is actually the perfect sport for children. The game helps strengthen a kid’s hand-eye coordination, reflexes and endurance. With only five people covering the large court, basketball also requires a team to communicate and work together at all times in order to succeed.

Swimming

It is completely natural for a child to be afraid of the water. This fear will not go away until the child learns how to swim at a high level. This is why it is vitally important for children to pick up the sport of swimming at a young age. Swimming laps and breathing underwater are great ways to build lung strength. Overprotective parents that are afraid of the dangers of sports will absolutely love swimming because there is almost no risk of injury.

Tennis

While most sports teach kids to work together as a team, tennis forces them to learn how to compete on their own. This will be an extremely important skill later in their life. It is impossible to have a successful career without the determination to succeed as an individual. In addition to the positive lifestyle skills learned through tennis, the sport also helps improve a child’s physical strength and quickness.

This article was originally published on JamesCrickmore.org.uk.

Top Fitness Routines for Beginners

Everyone knows that physical fitness is an important component of a well-rounded life. That said, it can be hard to get motivated and actually start to get fit. For people who aren’t currently fit, a new workout routine can be intimidating. Whether they have never been fit or they’re backsliders, the idea of a new fitness regime can be daunting. Luckily, there are some great resources out there for people who want to take the plunge and start to get fit. Even an absolute beginner can find great plans that will help them get started.

Once people have some grounding, a good fitness program isn’t that hard to construct. FITT is a guideline can help people develop an effective workout regime on their own. Frequency, intensity, time and type are the elements that make up the FITT acronym. Frequency is how often someone works out.

Typical advice from professionals for frequency is five days per week. Those five days should incorporate three sessions of strength training and three sessions of cardio. Typically, one workout day is active recovery or easy cardio, for example, a walk and a gentle stretch.

Intensity is a huge variable when it comes to workouts. For absolute beginners, intensity should never go beyond about the halfway mark. Doing too much too soon can lead to injury that will curtail a workout program altogether. Light to moderate intensity in both cardio and resistance training is ideal for a beginner.

Time refers to the duration of a workout. For beginners, each workout should last just 20 to 30 minutes. Again, overdoing it can lead to injury or burnout. The time per workout typically grows naturally as a person gets more fit. For example, if someone enjoys running, they will want to do greater distances each time they set out. Instead of one mile, they will want to do three, then five and so on.

Finally, type refers to the kind of workout being done. Generally speaking, there are two types of workout, cardio, and strength or resistance training. However, for fitness to continue to develop, muscle confusion is necessary. A program that mixes things up will have great results. Options for cardio include walking, running and swimming. Resistance training can involve weights, bands, or body weight.

This article was originally published on JamesCrickmore.org.uk.

How to Train for Your First Half Marathon

Are you planning on running a half marathon for the first time? These tips will help you prepare!

Don’t Start From Scratch

When you decide to run a half marathon, you should already be running consistently. The 12  week plans you find for training normally already assume that you’re running on a regular basis, with a mileage base of 15 to 20 miles. You should be able to easily run at least five miles.

If you haven’t been running on a regular basis, your body will have to acclimate to the distance as your train. Unfortunately this often overwhelms you body and causes injury. You may need to find a longer training plan, and sign up for a half marathon further in the future if you don’t already have the necessary running base.

Choose (and Stick to) a Plan

Most half marathon training plans range from 10 to 16 weeks. A longer plan is better because it allows extra time in case you get sick or busy because of of work. You should especially consider a longer plan if this is your first half marathon. The available plans vary in their structure, so you should choose one that fits your schedule. For example, you may not be able to run every day. If so, don’t select a plan that suggests it!

Settle into a Routine

After you choose a plan that works for you, the next step is to settle into a routine. Vary the lengths and speed of your runs. Don’t burn yourself out! On days you aren’t running, you should cross-train. Swimming, cycling, and using the elliptical machine are all great aerobic exercises. Core exercises with light resistance will help you keep good running form during your half marathon.

Buy the Proper Gear

Before you run the half marathon, you should make sure that you have all the gear you’ll need. Shoes are the most important. Some speciality shops help analyze your running style to help you choose the best shoe option for you. Don’t run the half marathon in clothing you’ve never worn before. Make sure you test everything, even socks or earbuds, to make sure you’ll be comfortable for the entirety of the race.

By selecting and implementing a plan that works for you, and preparing for the race with any necessary gear, you’ll make your first experience with a half marathon a good one!

This article was originally published on JamesCrickmore.org.uk. 

Getting Your Golf Skills Ready for the Spring Season? Start Here.

When it comes to golf, it’s important not to put off getting your game ready for the spring. By investing time in getting your equipment ready and your body in shape now, you’ll be ready to take on this season. The following tips are a great way to prepare.

Ready Your Equipment

Although this step is one of the most obvious, it is still very important. You won’t be able to play at your best if you’re using damaged equipment! You don’t want to be caught off guard and realise your equipment is in need of repair in the middle of a game. Save yourself some future frustration by looking over your gear now. Clean your golf clubs and check to see if they need to be re-grooved. Double check the shafts and grips. If you need to replace any parts, order them now. Now is also a good time to take everything out of your golf bag and reorganize it as necessary.

Consider Some Cardio

Start some regular cardio workouts now to ensure you’ll be in top shape this season. Don’t put it off. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll be able to reap the benefits. This way you won’t be stuck struggling and out of breath partway through your 18 hole course!

Visit your local gym to see what equipment they offer. If you need extra motivation, consider joining a fitness class. Even an activity as simple as going for a run will benefit you in the end.

Perfect Those Putting Skills

Now is the time to polish your putting skills. Putting is also relatively easy to practice at home. Ensure your swing is straight by placing two objects on either side of your golf ball. If you accidentally hit either of them with your club, you’ll know your swing is crooked. Putting is one of the most important skills you’ll need. Having solid putting skills will make all the difference when you’re out on the course.

Do Your Research

Remember, golf isn’t just a physical game, but a mental one. You should read up on the sport. Pick up a recommended book or magazine. Looking up information online is an even simpler option. Golf Digest and Golf Channel are two websites full of quality content. Consider following them on social media for a constant stream of updates.

This article was originally published on JamesCrickmore.org.uk.

Why VR Can’t Replace the Gym

The industry of virtual reality and augmented reality is an exciting one! The technology is being introduced into the fitness industry, and it’s showing some potential. Although both VR and AR are being experimented with, it is virtual reality that seems to have taken the fitness industry by storm. VR technology will immerse users in a virtual world that could cause them to forget they’re even working out. In 2017, a record-high of $3 billion dollars was invested into the VR market. It’s expected by 2021 the VR market will reach a level of $215 billion. These numbers are very impressive and display the industry’s promise. VR fitness is starting to attract new age groups, especially youth. This is because most of the younger generation are interested in video games. They’re enjoying incredible virtual experiences while they compete or train with other users around the world. The gaming industry has typically been dominated by a male audience. However, with VR for fitness and health, more women have expressed interest. There is currently a lot of positive feedback from people getting in shape using various VR games. However, the feedback has been based mainly on cardio training.

The drawback to using VR for fitness is that it is solely based on cardio. When it comes to fitness and living a healthy lifestyle, variety is key. Most of those who work out enjoy variety in their routines. People who go to a gym train there because of the choices they have and selection of equipment. For example, you have free weights, swimming pools, and machines. These are some activities that cannot be replicated in virtual reality. For example, if someone may want to bench press weights. This simply isn’t replicable in a VR system. Due to these hurdles, virtual reality can’t replace the gym. Another obstacle to overcome is the equipment. Virtual reality requires you to wear a headset. However, it isn’t practical to wear a piece of equipment over your head 4 or 5 times a week for a workout. Another setback is the weight of the VR headset. An ideal headset would be one that’s wireless, light, and comfortable. A headset that was built similar to snowboarding goggles could be worn for a long duration of time.

While virtual reality has encouraged more people to work out lately, it certainly can’t replace the gym. Virtual reality lacks variety, and requires the usage of a headset that makes working out at home harder than it is at the gym.

This article was originally published on JamesCrickmore.org.uk.

Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits in Children

As a parent, you’re responsible for helping your children establish healthy habits that will affect them the rest of their lives. The following are suggestions to help create an environment that encourages your children to follow a healthy lifestyle.

Support Mindful Eating

Make sure to remove screens from your dining table to help your children remained focused on their food. Talk to your kids about listening to their bodies. Ask what it feels like to be hungry, full, or uncomfortably full, and the discuss the differences between those feelings.

Make Sure Everyone Is Present

Not only is eating at home with the whole family normally healthier and less expensive than eating out, but it also makes a big difference in relationships! Eating at home allows you to better monitor what your children are eating, and creates a special time that children can look forward to.

Encourage Kids to Enjoy Fruits and Vegetables

Doctors recommend that children consume at least two cups of vegetables and one and a half cups of fruit each day. Try to provide fruits and vegetables with every meal, and offer them as healthy alternatives to other snacks. Make eating fruits and vegetables fun! Keep an eye out for new recipes, and encourage your children to help you prepare them.

Limit Soft Drinks

Sodas and other soft drinks are full of added sugars, and are especially unhealthy if children are drinking them instead of drinks with the nutrients they need, such as milk. Even fruit juice often contains added sugars! Encourage your children to drink water before anything else. To create replacements for soft drinks, make homemade iced tea or lemonade with only a small amount of sugar.

Make Sure Your Kids Eat Breakfast

A healthy, balanced breakfast provides an important start to your child’s day. Children who skip breakfast are often unfocused and tired during the school hours. Offer healthy and filling breakfast options such as yogurt with granola and fruit, scrambled eggs, and oatmeal.

Pack Your Child A Lunch

Not only is packing your child a lunch cheaper than purchasing one every day at school, but a homemade lunch is often healthier than the mass-produced school lunches. Sandwiches on nutritious whole-grain bread are a good option. Make sure to include sides of fruits and vegetables rather than chips.

These techniques will help you and your child develop nutritious eating habits. These habits will be the foundation of a healthy lifestyle.

This article was originally published on JamesCrickmore.org.uk.

Best Spring Cleaning Chores for Children

Spring has arrived and with it, the need to freshen up the home. Spring cleaning is a tradition that has endured so long in part because of the satisfaction and sense of accomplishment that comes from a yearly purge-and-cleanse routine.

But that sense of accomplishment doesn’t have to be limited only to the adults in the home. It’s been established that children also benefit from the inclusion and teamwork, as well as the cleanliness itself, when they’re allowed to participate in easy chores around the house.

A beginner’s chore that’s often recommended for tots ages two through four is helping to make their beds in the morning. For some, this may simply mean making sure the pillow is at the head of the bed and the blanket is not wadded up in a corner. But for older children it can be rewarding to begin the very start of their day with an act of tidying.

Another favorite that older children can get in on is taking care of any household pets. Spring cleaning is a good opportunity to introduce children to the idea that it’s good to cleanse areas of the home, like the animal’s dining space, now and then. Children can be shown that, just like with humans, it’s good to wash out dishes with hot water and some soap.

Picking up toys is another good habit for children to learn early so that they have that set of cleanup skills later in life. While it may be necessary even daily to put away toys strewn around the home, spring cleaning is a chance to take it beyond that and introduce the concept of sorting.

During sorting, children can decide which of their playthings are still in good condition, get played with often, and are well-loved. This may need to be split up into several different sessions, to avoid getting overwhelmed. Then, any toys that aren’t being used or are damaged can be put aside for donations or discarded, respectively. This will leave more space for new playthings or it can simply offer children a larger area to play in.
In general, children tend to be left out of the larger spring cleaning chores. It can help them feel capable, included and important to be given their own assignments, as well as providing occupation for them so that the tasks which aren’t child-friendly can be done in relative peace.

This article was originally published on JamesCrickmore.org.uk.