From an activity encouraging you to take a quiet moment to a digital tool giving you the space to offload your thoughts, try one of our wellbeing recommendations
1. Page-turners
You Are Here by David Nicholls
Best-selling author David Nicolls, whose book One Day was made into a hit Netflix series, surprises us with yet another romance novel. In this engaging read, two strangers struggling with loneliness are brought together by a mutual friend to walk the north of England. Are they on a path to finding a true connection?
(Out now, £20.00)
2. Out and about
Why not have a go at sound mapping?
If you often find yourself more pre-occupied by getting to your destination rather than enjoying the journey on your walks, sound mapping is an activity that will help you slow down and connect with nature. Simply mark where you are on a piece of paper, and record the sounds that you can hear, and where you can hear them, in the form of words or doodles.
3. Act of kindness
Buy something from a pet charity wishlist
Woodgreen is a charity that works tirelessly to provide shelter and care for abandoned pets. One way you can help support them is by purchasing an item from their Amazon wishlist to bring the animals joy and comfort. After all, it’s not just us humans that have wishes.
(Visit woodgreen.org.uk to find out more)
4. Lend us your ears
‘For What It’s Earth’
Cutting through the technical jargon to bring you bite-sized lessons on big climate conversations are hosts Emma and Sophie – an environmental campaigner and a climate author. From how to throw a sustainable stag or hen do, to asking whether AI is a climate solution or concern, unpack weekly topics and find out how to help.
(Available now on all podcast platforms)
5. Plugged-In
Dr Alex George
Youth mental health ambassador Dr Alex uses his platform on Instagram to help others build their mental fitness. He talks about his own struggles and what he’s learnt, as well as providing wellbeing reminders and informative clips from his popular podcast ‘Stompcast’.
(Follow @dralexgeorge on Instagram)
6. Lesson Learned
Learn to batch-cook
Batch cooking is a great way to help us save money and time, but many of us don’t know how to do it effectively. Cooking expert Suzanne Mulholland, dubbed ‘the Batch Lady’, has free online video courses on her website with tips and tricks on how to batch-cook like a pro.
(Visit thebatchlady.com for more)
7. Tech tip-offs
CALM – offload your thoughts
For those days where you just want to vent your frustrations without talking to your nearest and dearest, the mental health charity CALM has just what you need to offload your thoughts. You’ll find a blank space on their website where you can type anything that’s on your mind, made specifically for your eyes only.
(Visit thecalmzone.net/get-support/offload-your-thoughts)
8. Get going
Make art with Strava
Art can be found in many surprising ways, even on a fitness app. On Strava, the idea is that walkers, runners, or cyclists can map out their route in the forms of shapes or squiggly lines to make art before doing the distance. Adventurous Strava artists have been spotted creating animals, words, and even animated characters.
(For examples and inspiration, visit strav.art)
9. Square eyes
A Real Bug’s Life
For insect-curious adults, or nostalgic ones who loved watching the Pixar classic A Bug’s Life as a child, this short animated series is an enthralling live-action adaptation. Thanks to cutting-edge technology, we get to enter the microworlds of various bugs, and catch a glimpse of what mischief they get up to.
(Watch on Disney+)
10. Treat yourself
Mini Paper Plant Kits from Clockwork Soldier
Make your own homemade houseplants with these beautifully illustrated lavender, aloe vera, and succulent paper kits. Fun and easy to make, they are the perfect crafting activities for when you want to go screen-free and enjoy a peaceful moment. Not to mention, they’re maintenance-free!
(Sold separately at £7.50 each, clockworksoldier.co.uk)
Comments