Make the month of romance about loving yourself, every day. Create an outside space you can enjoy, find the courage to open up about mental health by listening to others, and check-in with yourself on the app that helps you to take five
1. Page-turners
RHS Your Wellbeing Garden: How to Make Your Garden Good for You – Science, Design, Practice
Are you curious about how the great outdoors can enhance your wellbeing? RHS Your Wellbeing Garden explores the secrets of design, plants, and gardening itself, to help you get the most out of your green space.
Out 6 February, DK, £16.99
2. Out and about
Nottingham Festival of Science and Curiosity
A week-long festival that takes science out of the lab and into our everyday lives. This festival is a celebration of knowledge and curiosity, giving visitors a chance to ask questions as well as share what they know. Interactive, fun and free events will take place across Nottingham, with opportunities for people of all ages to get involved.
12–19 February, for more information head to nottsfosac.co.uk
Nottingham Festival: nottsfosac.co.uk
3.Put on a show
The National Wedding Show, London
Are you planning the wedding of your dreams? Start your day with a glass of bubbly before you walk around with your wedding party to find everything you need for your special day. The show will also be held in Birmingham and Manchester in March, so don’t worry if you have other engagements.
15–16 February. Visit nationalweddingshow.co.uk to find out more
4. Plugged-in
Norbert the dog
Meet Norbert, the very small therapy dog with a very big heart. A quick glance at Norbert’s Instagram profile is enough to put a smile on anyone’s face, but our furry friend is also a registered therapy dog who volunteers at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Follow @norbertthedog on Instagram
5.Tech Tip-Offs
Stop, Breathe & Think
How often do you take the time to check in on yourself? Stop, Breathe & Think helps you to do just that. Pause for 10 seconds of breathing before selecting how you’re feeling, on a scale of great to rough. You can also add in your emotions, and receive recommended breathing and meditation exercises based on how you’re feeling.
Download from the App Store and Google Play, find out more at stopbreathethink.com
6. Lend us your ears
‘Open Mind with Frankie Bridge’
In her ‘Open Mind’ podcast, Frankie Bridge talks about the mental health challenges she has faced, and invites guests such as Giovanna Fletcher and Andrea McLean to share their experiences. Frankie’s new book Open is also out in February, where she shares her journey with mental health.
Listen to the podcast on iTunes and Spotify
7. Square eyes
Dolittle
A reboot of the family favourite Doctor Dolittle will be coming to our screens in February! Featuring a star-studded cast, including Robert Downey Jr, Tom Holland, and Emma Thompson, the animal antics are set to have you smiling from ear to ear.
In cinemas 7 February
8. Treat yourself
Doughlicious
There’s nothing like a batch of warm home-made cookies… or so we thought! Doughlicious ready-to-bake cookie dough comes in a range of flavours, from classic chocolate chip to tasty peanut butter, along with vegan and gluten-free options. Enjoy the taste of freshly baked cookies without making a mess in the kitchen.
£3.99, visit doughlicious.co.uk for more
9. The conversation
Time to Talk Day
We can all help to change the way people think and act about mental health problems. Time to Talk Day encourages everyone to be more open about mental health, and this year it’s using the game ‘Would You Rather?’ to help break the ice and get the conversation flowing.
6 February, get involved at time-to-change.org.uk
10. Get going
Run Your Paws Off – Love Your Dog
Run Your Paws Off are champions of ‘canicross’ – it’s all about being outside and enjoying running with your dog. Their ‘Love Your Dog’ event includes a 5K or 10K off-road course, so whether you’re a keen runner, or looking for a new way for you and your pet to get fit, this is pawfect for you!
16 February, find out more at runyourpawsoff.com
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