Friends of BEGG & CO Camilla Hewitt
How is life on the Isle of Wight during lockdown, and how are you staying positive?
I have been so lucky to spend the last seven weeks of lockdown on the Isle of Wight, the open space and fresh air has really helped maintain my mental and physical health. I have loved buying produce from local farm shops and cooking seasonal dishes to boost my gut health and immunity. Wild garlic has been growing everywhere, I have been picking bunches on my morning run and making fresh pesto and hummus…
Hopefully the simpler way of life the lockdown has encouraged us to lead, will make us appreciate our natural resources more than ever, as an environment to exercise in, as a mental escape from time spent indoors/in front of screens, and as a place to grow our own produce.
We have just launched our new collection titled Gourock Lido that was shot at the outdoor pool famously shot by Martin Parr. You are an open water swimmer - How long have you done this, and can you tell us a little bit about the benefits you get from this and your journey to where you are now?
Growing up on the Isle of Wight I was thrown in the water at an early age. Living in London now, I really struggle if I spend too much time away from the sea, there is something so soothing about the sound of waves rolling in or the gentle lapping on the shore. I have discovered Shepperton Lake, where I can join the triathlon tribe during the summer months. The benefits of swimming in open water are incredible, I really struggle with meditation but the repetitive stroke puts my mind at rest immediately, meaning I can process thoughts that have been troubling me. Immersion in cold water also reduces inflammation and improves our anxiety/stress response system. It is basically a massive mood booster, sending serotonin and endorphin levels soaring!