In this week’s blog, Happy Hour’s Senior Producer, Tiff Donnelly, takes time out to share what makes her happy…
So, it’s the first week in February. And it’s often around this time that our New Year’s resolutions to drink less, eat healthily and promise ourselves that we will actually use our gym memberships, start to gradually disappear.
We all know that regular exercise is hugely beneficial for both our physical and mental health, giving our energy levels a boost and helping with concentration. But the seemingly endless dark winter mornings and the cold and rain, make it a battle to put one foot outside the door, unless deemed absolutely necessary.
People who know me, including my colleagues at work, know that I’m an advocate of running. Some might say that I can even be a running bore. (I didn’t run the London Marathon without dragging the entire Happy Hour office into my detailed 6 month training plan).
Now, I appreciate that people lose interest when I mention the idea of “going for a run”, but I would argue that if you want to stick to that New Year’s resolution, it’s a great form of exercise that’s not only free (every little helps with the current cost of living crisis) but has the flexibility to fit into everyone’s lifestyle.
As a Producer I regularly attend shoots. Filming days are long and I’m on my feet for most of them. So during the weeks when I’m not filming, I frequently run in my lunch hour to help stay strong, and give me stamina.
The Happy Hour office is located in the centre of Bristol, so interesting running routes are plentiful. My regular route involves running along the harbourside to Brunel’s famous Suspension Bridge. Then back past his boat, the SS Great Britain, through Millennium Square and past the Bristol Hippodrome theatre, before the steep hill (my “finisher”) where Happy Hour HQ sits at the top.
“That sounds like hell” I hear some of you say. Don’t get me wrong, I often have to dig deep and summon up the enthusiasm to go out and pound the pavements, but the saying “you never regret a run” is so true. I always feel infinitely better afterwards.
I also find that during a run, ideas just “pop” into my head and I can go back to work, armed with renewed creativity and problem-solving strategies.
So, my top tip to getting past the voice in your head which shouts, “no, I just want to stay in and eat left over Christmas chocolates”, is to not over think things. Just put your trainers on and open the door. In fact, have your running gear ready under your desk, so all you need to do is step into it and go. Job done.
In the infamous words of that well-known sports brand – Just do it!
