Mindfulness Bank Holiday Monday on Scala Radio
Scala Radio devotes 12 hours of music and conversation devoted to mindfulness on May Bank Holiday Monday
Last updated 19th May 2020
This coming Bank Holiday Monday (Monday 25th May) we're devoting twelve hours of our programming to different aspects of mindfulness as we delve into some of the restorative benefits of classical music, as well as offering informative and insightful tips for mental and physical wellbeing.
All of your favourite Scala Radio presenters will spotlight different activities that promote a sense of mindfulness including gardening, cooking, and breathing. They'll also be speaking to experts, asking for tips and advice on how to live a more mindful life.
Pyschologist and Scala Radio presenter Emma Kenny looked forward to the event:
“Classical music can help create moments of calm and escapism in people’s lives. At Scala Radio, we know this is needed now more than ever in these times of uncertainty due to Covid-19. Taking a moment to slow down and reflect can offer lots of mental health benefits, so we’re inviting you to take a breath and join us on Bank Holiday Monday.”
Mindfulness Bank Holiday Monday
Simon Mayo - 10.00-1.00pm
10:00 – Headspace – Simon will be joined by psychologist and Scala Radio presenter Emma Kenny to discuss ways of dealing with anxiety, especially during the period of self-isolation.
11:00 – Birdsong – Simon will extend his daily Joybringer feature to an hour, interspersing his musical selections with birdsong recorded from listeners’ gardens or outside their homes. Simon will be joined by a representative of the RSPB to offer advice on how to identify different bird calls
12:00 – Positive Thinking – Morecambe and Wise’s ‘Positive Thinking’ song has been a mainstay on Simon’s show since the self-isolation period began. This hour features listener requests for the pieces that put a spring in their step.
Sam Hughes - 1.00pm-3.00pm
13:00 – Breathing – Sam, a keen yoga enthusiast, will explore breathing techniques. The hour includes a moment of complete calm, when Sam will be joined by breathing coach Rebecca Dennis, author of And Breathe, to switch off the music and encourage listeners to practise breathing techniques together.
14:00 – Music and Breathing – Exploring the connection between music and well-being, Sam turns to breathing in the world of music. She’ll be joined by saxophonist Amy Dickson to find out more about her ‘Take A Breath’ programme, in which children learn about breathing exercises as well as classical music. This hour includes Sam’s regular Mindfulness Music feature at 14:15, and today’s selection will be a live performance by pianist Riopy of music from his new album Meditation 432.
15:00 – Singing – This hour celebrates the benefits of singing, especially singing in groups. Sam will speak to Harry Christophers and Charlotte Mobbs from The Sixteen, one of the world’s most renowned choirs, to find out more, and to discover how choral ensembles have adjusted to the lockdown period.
Mark Forrest - 4.00pm-6.00pm
16:00 – Gardening – During lockdown, Mark has been inviting listeners to send in photos of their green-fingered handiwork from gardens to window-boxes and house plants. In this hour, Mark speaks to psychiatrist and psychotherapist Sue Stuart-Smith, author of The Well Gardened Mind, which analyses the relationship between gardening and mental health.
17:00 – Fresh Air – Before the self-isolation period, Mark spoke to Nick Hallissey, Deputy Editor of Country Walking magazine, every Wednesday to find out about his suggestions for walks across the UK, and he was joined by Park Run Pete every Friday to find out about Park Runs taking place that weekend. In this hour, Mark catches up with both of them to discuss the benefits of spending time in the great outdoors - both walking and running - and to assess how we can make the most of fresh air during the current situation.
18:00 – Cookery – Mark extends his daily ‘What You Having?’ feature – when he invites listeners to tell him what they’re having for dinner and he plays a piece of music to match – to explore the benefits of a healthy diet. He’ll be joined by Scala Radio’s Angellica Bell, winner of Celebrity Masterchef 2017 and author of Fantastic Eats! (and how to cook them) to find out about creating a positive cooking experience with the family.
Hannah Cox - 7.00pm-9.00pm
19:00 – The Sound of Music – Hannah explores the proven positive effects of classical music on our emotional and mental wellbeing, and she’ll be joined by practising NHS GP, broadcaster and campaigner for wellbeing Dr Radha to find out more.
20:00 – On Reflection – This hour offers moments of reflection from a range of Scala Radio presenters, authors and celebrities as they share the greatest pieces of life advice they’ve received, and the advice they would give to their younger selves.
21:00 - Sleep – Hannah speaks to sleep expert Matt Walker, international bestselling author of Why We Sleep, to find out simple tips to aid a good night’s sleep. This hour includes Hannah’s regular Mindfulness Music selection at 21:15, This hour includes Hannah’s regular Mindfulness Music selection at 21:15, and this evening it’s a special mix by electronic musician Liz Cirelli, incorporating healing frequencies called Solfeggio tones which can centre and ground the listener.