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Address : Waverley Ln, Farnham GU9 8EP Location Nestled just two miles southeast of Farnham, Surrey, lies Waverley Abbey, a historic site dating back to the 12th century. The Abbey is set in a picturesque landscape, with open fields often full of grazing cows. The grounds are managed by English Heritage , and visitors can enter for free. The site is open to the public at all hours. History Waverley Abbey was the first Cistercian abbey in England, founded in 1128 by William Giffard. It began with 12 monks and an abbot from Aumone, France. By 1187, the community grew to 70 monks and 120 lay brothers. In 1201 the abbey buildings were badly flooded. This became a common occurrence, and as a result, the abbey was substantially rebuilt during the 13th century. In the 14th century, the abbey continued to expand. The monks and lay brothers farmed the land, participated in the wool trade, provided shelter for pilgrims and travellers, and had a hospital for the sick. In 1536, during King Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries, the abbey was closed. Some of its stone was reused in the construction of local buildings, including " Waverley Abbey House ," which was built in 1723 on part of the abbey grounds. More recently, the abbey has featured in films like Elizabeth (1998) and Disney's Into the Woods (2014). What's There? At Waverley Abbey you will find: Access throughout the Abbey and its grounds A view of an ancient Yew tree, thought to be over 500 years old Open green space ideal for picnics Car park Waverley Abbey House cafe Throughout the grounds, visitors will find information plaques that share details about each section of the abbey. View of Waverley Abbey House Waverley Abbey House Cafe Open daily from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, the Waverley Abbey House Cafe offers a selection of both hot and cold food, beverages, as well as a bar menu. For more information, visit their website here . Parking Parking is available next to Waverley Abbey House and is free of charge. The gravel car park is mostly level but has some bumpy areas. There are three blue badge parking spaces, with directions clearly marked by a sign as you enter the car park. Accessibility The ruins of Waverley Abbey are approximately 350 meters (about a five-minute walk) from the car park. There are no benches along this path. The path leading to the Abbey is a mixture of gravel and grass surfaces. Sections can become uneven and slippery, especially after rain. Path to abbey after rain There are two gates that need to be passed to enter the grounds, pictured below. Both gates can be opened to give access to visitors using mobility aids such as mobility scooters, but it could make visiting challenging for solo visitors. Once in the Abbey's grounds, there are no paths. The field is generally level but can become boggy following rain. Conclusion Waverley Abbey offers a unique glimpse into England's first Cistercian abbey. The site is perfect for history lovers as well as families looking for an interesting picnic spot during the summer. Though accessibility may present some challenges, those using mobility aids can still visit and enjoy the beauty and history it has to offer.

In this blog post, we'll explore choline and its potential benefits for individuals living with dysautonomia, particularly those with POTS. I’ll share my personal experience with choline supplementation and highlight important considerations to keep in mind if you're thinking about trying it for yourself. What is Choline? Choline is an essential nutrient officially recognised by the Institute of Medicine in 1998. Although your liver can produce small amounts, many people still fail to meet the recommended daily intake. You'll find choline in foods like eggs, liver, and soybeans. Benefits to People with POTS Choline plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy nervous system, which is vital for those with dysautonomia. It helps regulate essential bodily functions, such as blood pressure and heart rate. A deficiency in choline can be a contributing factor in POTS patients. One of choline's key roles is producing acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for memory, muscle movement, and heart rate regulation. Specifically, the parasympathetic nervous system ( PNS ) releases acetylcholine to help slow the heart rate. Other Processes Affected by Choline Choline plays a vital role in various processes in your body. Here are some key functions : Cell Structure: Choline is necessary for creating fats that support cell membrane integrity. Cell Messaging: It contributes to the production of compounds that serve as cell messengers. Fat Transport and Metabolism: Choline is essential for producing a substance that helps remove cholesterol from your liver. A lack of choline may lead to fat and cholesterol buildup in the liver. DNA Synthesis: Choline, along with other vitamins like B12 and folate, supports processes important for DNA synthesis. How Much Choline is Needed? A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2003-2004 concluded that 90% of the adult American population has an inadequate intake of choline . Recommended intake: Adult men: 550 mg per day Adult women: 425 mg per day It is important to note that choline needs may depend on the individual. Many people do fine with less choline, while others need more. How Can I Increase my Choline Intake? The richest dietary sources of choline include: Beef and Chicken liver, Eggs, Fish, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Soybean oil. As a sing le egg sup plies about 20–25% of your daily requirement. Choline can also be taken in tablet form. If you're considering a supplement, CDP-choline and alpha-GPC are effective options, as they contain higher choline levels and are more easily absorbed than other options. Before You Try Here are some potential negatives or concerns for POTS patients: Impact on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate : Choline can increase acetylcholine levels. In individuals with POTS, where dysregulation of autonomic function is present, this could potentially exacerbate symptoms like tachycardia or orthostatic intolerance. Sensitivity to Stimulants : Individuals with dysautonomia might be more sensitive to substances that affect neurotransmitter levels. Since choline plays a role in the production of acetylcholine, which is a stimulating neurotransmitter, supplementation might lead to increased symptoms of anxiety or palpitations in some people. Interaction with Medications : Those with dysautonomia often take medications to manage their symptoms. Choline supplementation may interact with these medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or contributing to side effects. Potential for Over-supplementation : Excessive intake of choline can lead to symptoms of toxicity, such as fishy body odour, vomiting, and low blood pressure. It's important to remember the response to choline can vary widely among individuals, and what benefits one person may worsen symptoms in another. Personal tolerance and the severity of dysautonomia symptoms can influence this. Consuming too much choline has been associated with unpleasant and potentially harmful side effects , altho ugh it is very unlikely that someone could ingest this amount from food alone. Personal Experience I first discovered choline while looking for supplements to help manage my dysautonomia symptoms. Many people online shared their positive experiences, saying that choline helped reduce things like heart palpitations and brain fog. However, I also found reports from others who saw no benefits or even experienced more symptoms after taking it. Since choline is inexpensive, I was willing to give it a try. After taking choline for a few weeks, I stopped because I didn't notice much change and might have even felt worse. I think this could be because choline lowered my blood pressure. This could have also just been uncorrelated bad luck. Maybe I'll have to try it again another time and update this post if there's any change. Even though choline didn't work for me—possibly because I already get enough from my diet— it might be worth trying for others. If your blood pressure is well managed by your doctor but you still struggle with palpitations, choline could be helpful for you. Conclusion Understanding choline and its significance can help you meet your nutritional needs, especially if you are dealing with health issues like POTS. Simple dietary changes or supplements can make a significant difference in your overall health and well-being. Stay tuned for more insights on nutrients that can support your health journey! Useful Links: What is Choline? https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-choline What is the Autonomic nervous system? https://www.accessibledaytrips.com/post/what-is-the-autonomic-nervous-system-ans Choline deficiency and postural orthostatic tachycardia: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4415014/

Address : Brockenhurst SO42 7QB Location The New Forest became a national park in 2005 and was once a royal hunting ground for William the Conqueror. It spans 566 square kilometres and features beautiful, untouched woodlands, heathlands, and river valleys. Today, deer, ponies, and cattle roam freely throughout the park. The New Forest is also recognised for its ecological importance, designated as a Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds, a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and a Ramsar site, which marks it as a Wetland of International Importance. What's there? At Longslade Bottom, there is a medium-sized car park with a lovely view of the open heathland. This spot is perfect for spotting ponies, which often graze in the adjacent fields. The open green makes this location a popular picnic and play spot for families during the summer. Parking Parking at Longslade Bottom is free and has no height limit. There are no designated disabled parking spaces. Accessibility This location often offers a view of the local wildlife without needing to leave the car. The surfaces in the car park and adjoining field are fairly level. There is an accessible gravel path that runs from the car park through the heathland. However, along the full 3-mile circular route, there are steep hills, rough surfaces, and few places to rest, making it difficult for visitors with limited mobility to complete. There are no public toilets. Conclusion In conclusion, Longslade Bottom is a wonderful spot for a lunch or picnic, with a good chance of seeing local wildlife. Parking is free, and the area is family-friendly. However, visitors should keep in mind that there are limited accessible paths and facilities available at this location.

Address : Burley Rd, Brockenhurst SO42 7UP Location The New Forest became a national park in 2005 and was once a royal hunting ground for William the Conqueror. It spans 566 square kilometres and features beautiful, untouched woodlands, heathlands, and river valleys. Today, deer, ponies, and cattle roam freely throughout the park. The New Forest is also recognised for its ecological importance, designated as a Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds, a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and a Ramsar site, which marks it as a Wetland of International Importance. What's there? At Horseshoe Bottom, there is a large car park with a lovely view of the valley. This spot provides some of the best sights in the New Forest and is perfect for spotting ponies, which often graze in the open heathland. The open green make this location a popular picnic and play spot for families during the summer. Parking Parking at Horseshoe Bottom is free and has no height limit. There are no designated disabled parking spaces. Accessibility This location offers wonderful views without even needing to leave the car. To access the valley, visitors will have to cross a ditch located at the front of the car park (pictured at the top of the page.) After that, there's a fairly steep slope down to the valley, making this location less accessible for visitors with limited mobility. There are no accessible paths at this location. Conclusion Overall, Horseshoe Bottom is an ideal spot for nature lovers and those looking to enjoy a peaceful picnic in a picturesque setting. While parking is free and convenient, visitors with mobility issues should be aware of the limited accessibility options and the absence of facilities. A nearby alternative option is Whitefield Moor , which includes an accessible walk in a less hilly environment, as well as accessible toilets.

Address : Burley Rd, Brockenhurst SO42 7UP Location The New Forest became a national park in 2005 and was once a royal hunting ground for William the Conqueror. It spans 566 square kilometres and features beautiful, untouched woodlands, heathlands, and river valleys. Today, deer, ponies, and cattle roam freely throughout the park. The New Forest is also recognised for its ecological importance, designated as a Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds, a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and a Ramsar site, which marks it as a Wetland of International Importance. What's there? At Longslade Heath, you will find a medium-sized car park with a lovely view of the valley. This spot provides some of the best sights in the New Forest and is perfect for spotting ponies, which often graze in the open heathland. The open fields make this location a popular picnic and play spot for young families during the summer. Parking Parking at Longslade Heath is free and has no height limit. There are no designated disabled parking spaces. Accessibility Longslade offers wonderful views without even needing to leave the car. There is a fairly steep slope down to the valley. There are no accessible paths. There are no toilets at this location. Conclusion Overall, Longslade Heath is an ideal spot for nature lovers and those looking to enjoy a peaceful picnic in a picturesque setting. While parking is free and convenient, visitors with mobility issues should be aware of the limited accessibility options and the absence of facilities. A nearby alternative option is Whitefield Moor , which includes an accessible walk in a less hilly environment, as well as accessible toilets.

Address : Stoke Park, London Rd, Guildford GU1 1TU Location Nestled in the historic town of Guildford, Stoke Park is a delightful destination that caters to people of all ages. Featuring playgrounds, mini-golf, and paddling pools, it’s an ideal spot for young families looking to enjoy a day outdoors. Additionally, the rose garden and Japanese-style garden offer a peaceful retreat for visitors of all ages. While Stoke Park buzzes with activity during summer, it transforms into a calm oasis outside peak holidays, perfect for a relaxing visit. Stoke Park is a Green Flag award winner. To win, parks must meet high standards and have excellent facilities. For further information, and to find other Green Flag parks and open spaces, visit the Green Flag Award website. What's there? Park facilities include: Children's playground Model boating pond Sensory Garden Skate park Fitness trail Tennis courts Football and rugby pitches Public toilets The Stoke Park Kiosk is open every day from 10 AM to 5 PM. They offer a variety of hot and cold drinks, snacks, and a large selection of ice cream and slush drinks. During the summer, they also provide water bowls for dogs. Parking & When to Visit The car park, primarily used by Guildford College, is free to use outside of college hours. Times you can visit are: Weekdays after 6pm All day weekends and college holidays There are two disabled parking spaces at the end nearest the college. Accessibility There are plenty of benches throughout the park, making this location ideal for visitors who struggle to walk long distances. The paths are smooth and have only slight slopes, making them easy to navigate for wheelchair and mobility scooter users. While the gardens are level, the only path is made of grass, which may be challenging for some visitors. Pictures of the various surfaces are included below. Conclusion With its award-winning gardens and kid-friendly environment, Stoke Park is perfect for an accessible family day out. Click here for more accessible locations in guildford. Rose Gardens Stoke Park Kiosk Path

Address : Farncombe, Godalming GU7 3BH Location Broadwater Lake is a part of Broadwater park , and is located next to Godalming Leisure Centre. The park is a Green Flag Award -winner, with its woodland paths, tennis courts, football and cricket pitches, as well as a kids play area. The lake is home to a variety of wildlife, birds and waterfowl. Click here for more information about Broadwater Parks accessibility. Parking A free car park is located approximately 50 meters from the lake, providing convenient access for visitors. It includes four designated parking bays for blue-badge holders. The car park is of medium size, but it can get quite busy on weekends. There is further parking available at the leisure centre, which is located 100 metres away from the lake. Accessibility With a ramp next to the blue badge parking spaces and a level path around the lake, this location is accessible for wheelchair and mobility scooter users. Around the lake, there are frequent benches- every 20 metres or so, making this location ideal for people who struggle to walk long distances. From the ramp, there's a short distance (less than 50 metres) to walk to the lake, as well as access to the public toilets. From the other side of the car park, you can also walk along a level but slightly muddy path (pictured at the bottom of the page) around 50 metres to a picnic/seating area overlooking the lake. There are public toilets located 75 metres from the car park, just past the tennis courts. Lunch tables overlooking the lake Conclusion With plenty of benches around the lake, this location is perfect for people who struggle walking long distances. The lake is also ideal for wheelchair users and parents with pushchairs, with its level paths. Path from car park to lake Bench overlooking lake Leveled seating area

Address : Summers Rd, Farncombe, Godalming GU7 3BB What's there?   Broadw ater Park is located next to Godalming  Leisure Centre and is open seven days a week. Park facilities include: Woodland paths Broadwater lake Games Fields Tennis courts Football and cricket pitches Kids play area Public Toilets Broadw ater Park is a Green Flag Award winner. To win, parks must meet high standards and have excellent facilities. For further information, and to find other Green Flag parks and open spaces, visit the Green Flag Award website. Parking Parking at Broadwater is free . The car park is medium-sized, and there are 4 disabled parking bays. There is also p arking available at the leisure centre, located 100 metres further from the park. Ramp and Blue Badge parking Accessibility With a ramp next to the blue badge parking spaces, this location is ideal for wheelchair and mobility scooter users. From the ramp, there's a short distance (less than 50 metres) to the lake. The public toilets and lunch tables are also 50 metres from the car park, just past the tennis courts. The kids play area and games fields are just a bit further, approximately 100 metres from the car park. From the other side of the car park, you can also walk along a level but slightly muddy path (pictured at the bottom of the page) around 50 metres to a picnic/seating area overlooking the lake. Further from here, there's a small wooded area, and then rugby pitches. The public toilets are accessible for disabled visitors. Conclusion Overall, Broadwater Park is an ideal place to visit for people who struggle to walk long distances, with plenty of places to stop and rest. There's plenty of space and level paths, making this location ideal for wheelchair users as well as parents with pushchairs too. With the kids playground and lake, this location is ideal for young families. Click here to learn more about the lake's accessibility. Lunch tables Lunch tables overlooking lake Path to lake Path from ramp Public toilets

Address: Wishbone Way, Woking GU21 3RT Location Goldsworth Park features a picturesque lake, ideal for walking, picnicking, miniature boating, and fishing. There's a large number of play facilities at Goldsworth park, making it a perfect location for young families. At the park you will find: Kids play area Climbing boulders Skate park Games courts Lunch tables There's also the Quackers Café , which offers a wide selection of cooked food and warm drinks. Parking The car park is conveniently situated next to the lake and offers several blue badge parking spaces. Parking is free, and I've consistently found plenty of available spaces during my visits, even on weekends. Accessibility Goldsworth Park Lake is accessible for people of all abilities. The paths are level and suitable for wheelchair or mobility scooter users. There's also an accessible fishing/viewing platform with ramp access. With plenty of benches near the car park, the lake is suitable for people who need to take breaks while walking. Heading left as you leave the car park, there's a green open space, ideal for picnics. It's about 100 meters from the car park, and there are benches around every 15 meters. Heading right, you will find the accessible fishing platform and café, approximately 75 meters from the car park. After the fishing platform, I found there were fewer benches continuing on from there. Conclusion Overall, Goldsworth Park is a great place to visit for people of all ages, especially families with young kids. With accessible viewpoints, level paths, and plenty of benches, this is an ideal place to visit for people of all abilities. Wheelchair accessible fishing platform Path around lake and ramp to viewing platform

Address : Brooklands Dr, Weybridge KT13 0SL Location Mercedes-Benz World is a museum situated on the site of the historic Brooklands race track in Weybridge, Surrey. Admission is free. The museum is open every day from 10 AM to 6 PM, and on Sundays, it closes at 5 PM. Parking There is a large car park on site, with over 300 spaces. Parking is free, and there are 7 disabled parking spaces just across the road from the entrance. What's There? The building is spread over three floors, with over 100 cars on display. There is also a cinema, restaurant, simulators, cafe, exhibitions, and a gift shop. Outside the main building, visitors will find an off-roading course as well as a race circuit with a drifting section. Click here , for more information. Accessibility Accessing the building is easy, with the car park opposite and blue badge parking only 20–30 metres from the entrance. As you enter the building, you will see an escalator to the top floor, as well as a lift that accesses all floors of the building. I found there were plenty of places to stop and rest during my visit, with seating located on all levels of the building. There were also lots of friendly staff around who would be happy to point you in the right direction if needed. All of the museum is level, and each floor is accessible by lift, making this an ideal place to visit for wheelchair users. Conclusion Overall, Mercedes-Benz World is an ideal place to visit for motor enthusiasts. With free entry and convenient parking, it's a great place to visit for people of all ages and abilities.

For many people living with a chronic illness, finding a new hobby while dealing with physical limitations can be very challenging. Why are hobbies important? Research shows that people who regularly take part in hobbies feel less stressed and show fewer signs of depression. This is important for everyone, especially those living with a long-term illness. No matter your passions, interests, or physical ability, there is a hobby for everyone. The most important thing is that it's fun and meaningful to you. In this blog post, we will explore some hobbies that are accessible for individuals with POTS/dysautonomia. Hobbies for people with POTS/dysautonomia Firstly, we will look at some hobbies you can enjoy at home: Reading: Books can transport you anywhere while also offering an opportunity to learn and grow, all from the comfort of your bed. They are at the top of our list as they are accessible to people of all physical abilities and can be read at each reader's own pace. I personally found Toni Bernhards " How to Be Sick " very useful during the first few years after my diagnosis. Films: Another hobby accessible thats from bed is watching movies; this could also include documentaries. With the rise of streaming, there'll never be a shortage of entertainment for viewers of all tastes. Using apps, such as Letterbox, users can find new and exciting films and share their recommendations with people from all over the globe. With the use of online forums, movies can be a way to connect with others without needing to leave the house. Music: Listening to music isn't just enjoyable; there are health benefits too ! Research has found that music can help your brain process information more efficiently, increase your ability to cope with stress, and help with managing pain. Learning an instrument: Thanks to free online tutorials, picking up a new instrument has never been easier. Learning to play an instrument can be a fun and rewarding experience that can help you build new confidence, improve your memory, and relieve stress. Don't be afraid to buy pre-owned instruments when starting a musical hobby, as there can be a high cost of entry when buying new. Reputable music stores usually offer setup services and warranties for pre-owned items, giving you peace of mind with your purchase. Click here to learn more about starting a musical hobby. Online Games: Online gaming can be a great way to connect with friends without the worry of straining yourself. Talking online can help you maintain friendships during both the good and bad health days. Singleplayer games can also offer an engaging form of entertainment as an alternative to films and TV shows. Here's a list of games to play with friends, that will run on most laptops: Stardew Valley: a charming farming simulation game where players cultivate their land, forge relationships, and explore a pixelated world filled with adventure and community. Minecraft: a sandbox game that allows players to build and explore limitless worlds made of blocks, engage in crafting and mining, and survive in various gameplay modes. Plate Up: a cooperative cooking game where players work together to prepare, cook, and serve meals to customers. Among Us: a multiplayer social deduction game where players work as Crewmates to complete tasks on a spaceship while trying to identify and vote out hidden Impostors among them. Jackbox: a series of party games that allows players to use their smartphones as controllers to engage in a variety of fun, interactive, and often hilarious games while competing against friends and family. Portal 2: a first-person puzzle-platform game that combines humor and innovative gameplay. Left 4 Dead 2: a cooperative first-person shooter that pits players against hordes of zombies in various campaigns, emphasizing teamwork and strategy to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. Arts and crafts: There's a wide variety of arts and crafts to try, many with a low cost of entry. Some possible options include: Painting : Use acrylics, watercolors, or oils to create artworks on canvas or paper. Drawing : Try sketching with pencils, charcoal, or pastels. Collage Making : Cut and assemble images from magazines, newspapers, or personal photographs. Origami : Fold paper into decorative shapes and figures. Knitting or Crocheting : Create garments, accessories, or home decor with yarn. Scrapbooking : Compile memories, photos, and memorabilia into creatively designed albums. DIY Jewelry : Use beads, wire, and other materials to craft unique jewelry pieces. Card Making : Design and create personalized greeting cards for various occasions. Sewing : Make clothing, bags, or home textiles using fabric and a sewing machine or hand-sewing techniques. Embroidery or Cross-Stitch : Stitch designs onto fabric to create art or embellishments. Pottery or Clay Sculpting : Use air-dry clay or polymer clay to create sculptures or functional items. Woodworking : Build small items like birdhouses, shelves, or decorative pieces. Candle Making : Create custom candles using wax, wicks, and scents. Soap Making : Use melt-and-pour bases or cold process methods to make handmade soap. Mosaic Art : Use tiles, glass, or paper to create decorative patterns or images. Nature Crafts : Collect leaves, flowers, or stones and make art or decor pieces. Baking Art : Decorate cookies or cakes creatively using icing or fondant. Printmaking : Experiment with stamps or homemade printing techniques for unique designs. Next, we will share some hobbies that you can enjoy outside: Photography: Photography can encourage people living with chronic illness to explore new places while also taking things at their own pace. Photography can also be therapeutic, promoting mindfulness by teaching you to notice the small things in your surroundings. With smartphone cameras getting better and more affordable each year, photography is an easily accessible hobby. And for people wanting to take the next step, there's a large used market for both digital and film cameras online, offering an affordable entry into the hobby. Bird Watching: Spending time in green spaces or bringing nature into your everyday life can benefit both your mental and physical wellbeing. You can do this by visiting local nature reserves, or encouraging nature to come to you by putting bird feeders in your garden. I would highly recommend the Merlin Bird ID App by Cornell Lab. The app listens to bird calls and then identifies what's around you. You can also find lots of books online to help you identify and record your sightings. Meditation/Mindfulness: Holistic health practices can help calm the nervous system, which is especially important for people living with dysautonomia. These practices also promote overall wellness. For example, meditation can reduce stress, help regulate heart rate, and manage pain. Meditation can be used anywhere and is available to everyone, regardless of their health. With plenty of online resources, as well as books such as " Practical Meditation " by Giovanni Dienstmann and " Practical Mindfulness " by Ken A. Verni, there are lots of ways to get in touch with the world of mindfulness. Gardening: Gardening can provide a form of gentle exercise taken at your own pace. Spending time outdoors and connecting with nature can give you a real sense of accomplishment as you watch your garden flourish. For people who don't have the space or may struggle with the long-term commitment of working on a garden, terrariums are a great alternative. Once set up, they require little to no maintenance, allowing you to enjoy plants without the effort of regular care. E-bike: By riding an e-bike, people living with POTS and other forms of dysautonomia can reclaim a sense of independence and access places that would typically be too far to access on foot. Traditional pedal bikes are often too strenuous for people living with chronic illnesses. However, with the use of an electric motor, riders can keep any exercise to a tolerable level. This can be particularly useful for younger people who may feel uncomfortable using physical aids such as mobility scooters. Swimming: Finding an active hobby that won't cause unwanted symptoms can be challenging for people living with dysautonomia. One of the most accessible forms of exercise is swimming. The conditions in the pool play a key role in its accessibility to people living with POTS. The cool water and its pressure on your body create ideal environment for people who struggle with symptoms such as low blood pressure, feeling faint, heat intolerance, or fatigue. Click here to learn more about the experience of visiting a swimming pool with POTS/Dysautonomia. Final note I hope after checking out this blog, readers will feel inspired to pick up a new hobby, or rekindle an old one from the past. It's important to remember that even though you are living with limitations, they create a unique space to find joy in the small things. You may even uncover a new passion that you wouldn’t have found otherwise.

When living with a chronic illness, trying new things can be daunting, especially when it comes to finding a new hobby. In our "Accessible Hobbies" series, we will explore a variety of hobbies that are suitable for people living with long-term health conditions. In this blog post, we’ll explore the positive impact photography can have on people living with chronic illnesses. Additionally, we’ll provide helpful tips to make photography more accessible for people of all abilities. Why are hobbies important? Research shows that people who regularly take part in hobbies feel less stressed and show fewer signs of depression. This is important for everyone, especially those living with a long-term illness. No matter your passions, interests, or physical ability, there is a hobby for everyone. The most important thing is that it's fun and meaningful to you. Why should you try photography? Photography can be a wonderful way to spend time outdoors while taking things at a slower pace. Studies have shown that spending time around nature is linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, and better overall mood . Photography is also a mindful hobby that encourages people to notice the small details in their surroundings, even if it's just in their local area. This practice can be especially beneficial for people living with chronic illness, as it helps them focus on the present moment and find joy in everyday life. Moreover, photography doesn't have to be a solo pursuit. It can serve as a fantastic way to spend time with friends and family, whether you're exploring a wildlife reserve or just visiting your local park. If you take to the hobby, you could also consider joining group classes, where you'll have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and foster a sense of community around your shared passion. Lastly, the ability to convey emotions, thoughts, and perspectives through images can be very therapeutic. Photography offers a unique avenue for self-expression and can serve as a resource for reflecting on your journey. Accessibility Photography is very flexible, making it an ideal hobby for people living with chronic illnesses. Whether it's at home, a local park, or an accessible wildlife centre, you are free to practice at your own pace and adjust the experience to meet your health needs. Ways to adapt photography to make it more accessible: Choose Locations Wisely : Look for places that offer accessibility features, such as level paths with ample places to stop and rest. Use Mobility Aids : Make use of physical aids like wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or electric bikes to make getting around easier. Pace Yourself : Be mindful of your energy levels. If a location feels overwhelming, it’s perfectly fine to take a break or revisit it another time when you're feeling stronger. Start Small : Begin with short photography sessions and increase them slowly to avoid any unwanted strain. If photography is too physically challenging for you at the moment, click here for a list of alternative accessible hobbies. Getting Started With smartphone cameras improving quickly and becoming more affordable each year, photography is an easy hobby to get into. And for people wanting to take the next step, there's a large used market for both digital and film cameras online, offering an affordable entry into the hobby. Start with what you have : Utilise your smartphone to experiment and decide if the hobby's right for you. Learn at your own pace : The internet is full of resources, tailored for people of all skill levels. Find content that suits your learning style. Join a community : Look for online forums or social media groups where you can share your work and connect with others. These can be a great source of inspiration. Focus on enjoyment : Prioritise fun over perfection. Capture moments that resonate with you and embrace the learning process, as mistakes often lead to growth. Final note I hope after checking out this blog, readers will feel inspired to pick up a new hobby or rekindle an old one from the past. It's important to remember that even though you are living with limitations, they create a unique space to find joy in the small things. In fact, those limitations might just help you stumble upon a new passion you never would have discovered otherwise! For more accessible hobby ideas, Click Here .