Live online lessons are being taught by University College Isle of Man.

These sessions include yoga, qigong, mindfulness and cookery classes and are taught by the college’s leisure tutors.

Cathy Lord, adult continuing education manager, believes the live health and wellbeing sessions are a great way to connect during social distancing.

’It is important to take some time during the day to focus on yourself and re-energise,’ she said.

’For those who live by themselves, this time can be very lonely. However, through these classes, we hope to connect people with the rest of the community albeit for only 30 minutes a day.’

The live yoga sessions are delivered by Annie Andersen, an experienced instructor and the treasurer of the Isle of Man Yoga Network.

Through Ms Anderson’s sessions, participants can combine breathing techniques with challenging poses that engage the full body, to improve flexibility and strength, helping participants to feel healthier and more energetic.

The live qigong sessions are delivered by Yuliya Sasina-Yates.

Within her sessions, participants are led through ancient Chinese methods of qigong that focusses on meditation, gentle movement exercises and controlled breathing, to induce a relaxed atmosphere.

Ms Sasina-Yates said: ’UCM Lockdown Learning is a brilliant social initiative and an unprecedented opportunity to share the natural, accessible and effective techniques to stay healthy and well.

’Regular and consistent practice under qualified supervision are the key factors to feel the benefits of qigong, and that is exactly where I am able to help.

’I am very happy working together with UCM to offer these sessions and I want to thank them for bringing this offering to the community during this difficult time.’

Ms Sasina-Yates is also a nutritionist and will be running the creative cookery sessions that focus on preparing simple and healthy dishes with easily attainable ingredients, such as different ways to incorporate oats into multiple meals throughout the day and how to spice up pasta dishes.

Julie Bibby, who teaches mindfulness courses at UCM, runs the live mindfulness session, where she encourages individuals to move their attention away from busy thoughts and worries by relaxing and connecting with inner stillness through the exploration of ’reboot’ exercises.

’We hope to see more individuals getting involved, caring for their physical and mental health, and connecting with the community through the UCM Lockdown Learning sessions,’ said Ms Lloyd.

’We hope to continue providing more of these sessions in the future, so please keep an eye on the UCM Facebook page for updates.’

All sessions will be conducted through the video communication platform Zoom.

To register, see www.ucm.ac.im or the UCM Facebook page.

UCM will be looking for more ways to stage online courses in a range of subjects.