From an app for long-distance friendships to a soothing minimalist photographer, we share 10 wellbeing recommendations waiting to be unwrapped
1. Page-turners
Always Remember: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm by Charlie Mackesy
Warming our hearts this winter is artist Charlie Mackesy, who has written a sequel to his bestselling book, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse. Drawing on the wisdom that the four friends learn while facing a new storm together, it’s the reminder we all need to live compassionately and courageously.
(Out now)
2. Out and about
Join the Big Garden Birdwatch 2026
From the 23–25 January, join charity RSPB on a community-wide birdwatch. All you need to do is spend an hour relaxing in your local park or garden, watching the birds, and record your sightings. The house sparrow was the most widely sighted last year. Which species do you think will take the top spot in the coming year?
(Find out more at rspb.org.uk)
3. Act of kindness
Become a gig buddy
The mission behind Gig Buddies is to help those with learning difficulties and autism, who require extra support, to build genuine connections that go beyond professional, paid carers. The charity-led project matches them with volunteers who share the same interests, so that they can enjoy the things they love in good company.
(Get involved at gigbuddies.org.uk)
4. Lend us your ears
‘No Appointment Necessary'
More of us are turning to the internet for health advice, but with misinformation prevalent, it can be difficult to know what’s reliable. Fortunately, Dr Amir Khan and Cherry Healey offer a trusted space, where you can find general health advice, trusted tips, and open conversations.
(Available on all podcast platforms)
5. Plugged-In
Sara – minimalist photographer
There is a beautiful stillness during twilight, which Sara, a minimalist photographer, has an extraordinary talent for capturing. Her delicate portraits, combining the sky and nature, offer a soothing alternative to bright and noisy social media posts, which can sometimes leave us feeling fatigued and overstimulated.
(Follow @misskittinn on Instagram)
6. Lesson Learned
Find out what your creative style is
Whether we know it or not, we all show creativity through the way we think, perceive, and engage. However, to nurture this skill, we must understand our creative thinking style. Retail company Crayola invites you to discover this with its easy self-assessment tool.
(Learn more at crayola-creative-profile.squarespace.com/tool)
7. Tech tip-offs
Cappucino
Brewing the relationships with your long-distance family and pals is easy, with social app Cappuccino. You can record audio life updates, and tune-in to friend’s silly stories as if they were your own daily podcasts.
(Download here)
8. Get going
Hot pilates
Hot pilates is exactly what it sounds like – pilates, but in a heated studio. The heat element adds another layer of depth to the significant benefits that the low-impact workout already offers, such as increasing blood circulation and enhancing the mind-body connection. Not to mention, it’s ideal for the winter period.
(Search ‘hot pilates’ online for a class near you)
9. Square eyes
Our Lives
We are all unique, so it’s only natural that our interests and passions differ as well. In this series, we take a peek into the diverse lives of those doing extraordinary things. From a mountain biker closing in on his eight-year challenge to metal-detecting sisters on a mission to find a Roman fort.
(Available to watch on BBC iPlayer)
10. Treat yourself
Well-Being Candles Essential Oil Trio Gift Set
With candle season well and truly under way, it’s a great time to start building up your self-care routine to carry forward into the year ahead. What we love about these candles is that each scent has been carefully curated to serve a function – to promote sleep, to enhance happiness, and to induce calm.
(Kindredfires.com, £48)
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