Says the Kung-fu instructor to us every morning at 6am on El Bramadero’s football field. A concern for me before embarking on my ICS placement was how I was going to maintain my fitness levels. Luckily, the El Bram group are all very likeminded in being adventurous and active throughout the day. This means most of our days begin with a run, followed by a personal training session courtesy of an exercise app on my phone. We’re also fortunate enough to have a few avid yogis’ amongst us, which has been the best stress coping mechanism we could have asked for.
The yoga has been especially useful this week due to the 80 houses that needed surveying in the +30-degree heat. This was definitely a test on our patience but through our positive mental attitude, we pulled through the eight hours of trekking through the dusty roads of Nicaragua. Although tedious and extremely hot, we made it through the day with no problems whatsoever.
Being part of a team that are all just as health conscious as I am has been a huge benefit for me personally. The daily dose of endorphins running through our bodies has allowed the team to maintain a positive approach towards the projects and has greatly strengthened our friendships as well. The whole placement has had such a beneficial impact on my mind, body and soul. Even though living in rural Nicaragua has meant bucket showers, changing my diet to rice and tortillas with every meal and waking up to the smell of pigsty every morning, I haven’t felt this healthy and happy with myself in a very long time.
Written by ICS volunteer Catherine Partridge
