From a magical outdoor activity to a podcast that offers a calming escape, we’ve hand-picked 10 recommendations to transform your wellbeing
1. Page-turners
Clay: Easy Air-dry Clay Projects to Make at Home by Sarah Reeves
Aside from having therapeutic benefits, air-dry clay is more affordable than traditional clay because it doesn’t require specialist equipment to use, making it a more convenient at-home craft. In Sarah’s guide, she shows us how we can get stuck in with making minimalist home pieces, from coasters to bookends.
2. Out and about
Go on a light trail
The dark winter nights call for grand stately homes and botanical gardens to be transformed into dazzling trails illuminated by light, and it’s magical in more ways than one! Wander under twinkling tree lights or stroll through sparkling tunnels, and let the community festivity commence.
(Search for local illuminated light trails near you.)
3. Act of kindness
Recycle your stamps for MS Society
That’s right, recycling your used postage stamps can actually help raise funds for MS Society, a deserving charity that helps those with multiple sclerosis. All you have to do is send your cut-out stamps to Derek Dawson – who is continuing the wonderful fundraising work of his father, who died in 2012 – to sell on.
(Get involved at mssociety.org.uk)
4. Lend us your ears
‘Big Zzz: Sleep Stories for Grown Ups’
If you’re struggling to catch those necessary Zs, check out these short stories designed to help you meditate after a busy day, and drift into a peaceful slumber. You might find yourself on a train travelling through a sleepy countryside, or sipping tea in a midnight bakery.
(Available here)
5. Plugged-In
Velzy Dahl
Turning silly conversations, that have been overheard by strangers, into fun comic-style anecdotes is illustrator Velzy Dahl’s specialty. Her lighthearted series will leave you feeling charmed by the innocent nuances of these everyday interactions, and, in turn, make you more hopeful about the world.
(Follow on TikTok @velzy_dahl)
6. Lesson Learned
Discover different world flags
One unfamiliar, but interesting, hobby is vexillology – the study of flags. With 195 unique flags from countries around the world, there is plenty of history and culture to learn about. Memorising them is also a great way to train your brain, and a handy nugget of knowledge to ace your next pub quiz!
7. Tech tip-offs
Worrydolls
When you’re worried, sometimes giving yourself the space to acknowledge those feelings, and why they’re coming up, is enough to help free yourself from ruminating about it. Worrydolls provides that space. The app encourages you to let go of what’s on your mind by telling a friendly virtual worry doll all about it.
(Download here)
8. Get going
Rucking
It’s an accessible full-body workout trend that evolved from military training, but it’s not as intimidating as it might sound. In fact, it’s something many of us already do without realising. The idea is to walk or hike (whichever you are most comfortable with), carrying weight on your back to improve strength.
(Search online for rucking tips)
9. Square eyes
Inside Our Minds
Neurodiversity is experienced differently by each person. So, we love that Chris Packham, who has autism himself, has teamed up with other neurodivergent people to help paint a picture of how exactly their brains work, and how they see the world differently, through the power of film.
(Available to watch on BBC iPlayer)
10. Treat yourself
Affirmation colouring book
For those who struggle to internalise affirmations the usual way, this affirmation colouring book could be your solution. Jam-packed with illustrative pages and phrases to colour, it’s a wonderfully creative way to add an additional layer of depth to your practice, while unwinding from a busy day.
(keepitbright.co.uk, £10)
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