From an act of kindness helping unwell children to a lesson in the sweet sound of birdsong, explore these wellbeing recommendations
1. Page-turners
Cloudspotting for Beginners by Gavin Pretor-Pinney and William Grill
There is one mindfulness tool that stays with us wherever we go, and it lies in the sky above us: cloud-watching. Experts from the Cloud Appreciation Society have written a beginner’s guide for those who are inspired to try this slow-living hobby, where you can discover different types of clouds and how to identify them.
(Out now, £20.00)
2. Out and about
Have a laugh at a comedy club
They say laughter is the best medicine, and there’s strong evidence to prove this. According to the University of Warwick, laughing can help aid our wellbeing by alleviating worry, diminishing feelings of isolation, and more. So, if you’re looking to have a good belly laugh that leaves you feeling warm and fulfilled, head on down to your nearest comedy club.
(Search for a local event near you)
3. Act of kindness
Recycle your jewellery with WellChild
WellChild is a life-changing charity that makes it possible for severely ill children with complex medical needs to be cared for in the comfort of their own homes. When you donate unwanted or broken jewellery and watches, WellChild recycles them and uses the proceeds to help fund their mission.
(Visit wellchild.org.uk for more)
4. Lend us your ears
‘That’s Helpful with Edwina Stott’
The premise of this self-improvement podcast is to leave listeners feeling like they’ve learned something helpful for their wellbeing, which can positively impact their life. Each episode unpacks one skill, hack, or idea backed by science, with podcast host Edwinda Stott and expert guests.
(Available now on all podcast platforms)
5. Plugged-In
Old Friend Club
Each video posted on the Instagram account ‘Old Friend Club’ is an interaction between a host and a retirement home resident who has seen it all and experienced so much. You’ll find wholesome conversations, life lessons, and plenty of chuckles.
(Follow @oldfriendclub on Instagram)
6. Lesson Learned
Learn how to identify birdsong
There’s something so delightful about waking up to the sound of birds chirping, but are you able to recognise which bird call belongs to which species? With Woodland Trust, you can learn how to identify the calls of some of nature’s most wonderful birds, from a chirpy robin to a rattling wren.
(Find out more at woodlandtrust.org.uk)
7. Tech tip-offs
Blinkist
As adults with a never-ending list of responsibilities, carving out time to read or learn something new can feel almost impossible, but it is doable with Blinkist. The app summarises teachings from books, podcasts, and experts into 15-minute insights so that you can feed your curiosity in smaller chunks of time.
(Find it on the app store)
8. Get going
Buddy up
Finding the motivation to exercise can be challenging when going it alone, so why not partner up with an exercise buddy who has similar fitness goals to you? Having a trusted friend by your side is like having a personal cheerleader to keep you motivated and committed, and can make exercise less chore-like and more fun.
9. Square eyes
Joy – The Birth of IVF
In recognition of a breakthrough treatment that changed the lives of so many women, the moving drama, Joy, takes us back to 1978 where we see the birth of the first IVF baby, and the 10-year long journey behind it with the three pioneers who made it possible.
(Available to watch on Netflix)
10. Treat yourself
Zero-waste cleaning set
If your resolution is to become more eco-friendly this year, start small by swapping your current washing-up products to this plastic-free cleaning set. Included is a beech wood pot brush made from sustainably sourced wood with tampico plant bristles, a scented handmade dish soap, and a compostable Swedish dish cloth.
(£16.95, www.battlegreen.co.uk)
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