Blog

The unsustainable world of fast fashion

/in , /by

There’s something rather wonderful about a little shopping spree and a funky new wardrobe, especially as the seasons change and new outfits beckon! We can get our hands on the latest trends at a fraction of the catwalk price… but is this really a good thing? Well, it might be great for the fashion-conscious among us and the retailers who profit from it, but the massive rise of ‘fast fashion’ in recent years has come at a very high price for the environment.

The truth behind the clothes
As the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee 2019 points out, “The way we make, use and throw away our clothes is unsustainable. Textile production contributes more to climate change than international aviation and shipping combined, consumes lake-sized volumes of fresh water and creates chemical and plastic pollution.”

Once you realise how these clothes end up on the shelves, the processes and the impact on the environment, it’s pretty clear there needs to be a change from the current fast fashion trend to a more sustainable way of buying our clothes. We’re at the heart of the problem in the UK, where it’s estimated every person buys 26.7kg of clothing a year – higher than any other European country. That’s a shocking statistic! I know I’ve certainly been guilty over the years of going on a good shopping spree with no idea of the wider impact – but not anymore!

So what can we do?
Well it’s clearly a huge issue and we could all start by doing our bit to spread the word! Talk about it with your friends and family and take a few simple steps to make an impact:

Buy less
Do you really need to buy that new winter coat, or can you dig out last year’s coat from your wardrobe? Think twice before buying anything new.

Buy second-hand
There are so many options, with loads of online marketplaces to choose from and charity shops on every high street which are wonderful for grabbing yourself a bargain!

Buy better quality
It should last longer and means you shouldn’t have to buy new things quite so often – better for the environment and your wallet.

Buy from sustainable brands
Support brands that take into account their environmental and social impact where possible, it really does make a difference.

Don’t throw your clothes away
If a zip’s broken or a hem’s come down try and repair it yourself, or if it’s beyond your sewing skills support a local tailoring business – it’ll be as good as new! I did this recently with a favourite jacket and loved that I could still use it. Donate what you don’t want or need anymore to a charity shop, or arrange a clothes swap with friends.

I’ve already started on my slow fashion journey and haven’t bought any new clothes for myself in months. I’m determined to keep this in the back of my mind for any future purchases and look to buy second hand more where I can (and fix where possible, too!) – do you think you can make a change to how you shop for clothes?

The case for staycations

/in /by

With everything that’s happened over the last few months many of us have seen our original holiday plans postponed or cancelled altogether. And with loads of flights cancelled and some hotels remaining shut or operating at reduced capacity, our traditional idea of the summer getaway has all but disappeared.

But this doesn’t mean you can’t get away. Far from it. Step forward the staycation.

We usually look to holidays to give us a break from routine, time off work and the chance to relax or explore somewhere new. These are things that can all be done with a staycation. And if the weather’s anything like it has been in parts of the UK recently then it could feel like you’re abroad too.

What are the benefits of a staycation?
Our home nations across the UK are often some of the most desirable to visit by tourists and they regularly score highly in travel guides of must-visit destinations. As well as giving you the opportunity to be a tourist and explore your own town, city, or country with fresh eyes, there are loads of other benefits staycations have over traditional foreign holidays.

Flexibility
Staycations are traditionally a bit closer to home than your usual long-haul trips abroad. This means as well as being able to speak the language, you also have a bit more flexibility in terms of when you come and go. Travelling by public transport will give you more options than flying, and the majority of bus and train tickets can be bought on the day. Although cheap deals can usually be found if you plan ahead and book in advance.

If you’re travelling by car you’ll have even more flexibility to come and go as you please. No rushing to the airport for delayed flights, you can take your time and even stop off for lunch wherever you want. There are no luggage limits either, so you can pack that extra pair of jeans or shoes. And depending on where you’re staying, you can even take your pets with you too.

For those of you who love the great outdoors and don’t mind a bit of adventure, then camping gives you even more freedom. And that’s not to mention the health benefits spending time in nature provides too. But if you are wild camping make sure you take all your rubbish with you and leave only footprints.

Reduces your carbon footprint
Air travel is a huge contributor to global emissions, with a one-way flight from London to New York emitting one ton of carbon dioxide per passenger! Travelling locally, or even cross-country, by public transport can be much better for the environment, and in turn your health with less air pollution being produced.

Staycations also give us the opportunity to rediscover the joy of the journey. When flying over countries by plane we miss out on the experiences we can have when travelling through quiet towns, peaceful villages and vibrant cities. It also gives you the opportunity to connect with a place and the people, and there’s no substitute for local knowledge, so you might just end up discovering another hidden gem.

The rise of this slow travel and responsible backpacking in recent years is primarily in response to rising carbon emissions and over-tourism. By opting for staycations and travelling through places you might find you have even more great experiences.

And for the cycling enthusiasts among you, why not give bikepacking a go – packing your bike with everything you need and pedalling to a new place or to explore some beautiful scenery.

Supports the local economy
Depending on how you travel and where you stay, staycations can offer a cheaper alternative to going abroad. The rise of bikepacking and wild camping can drastically reduce your travel and accommodation costs. But the money you do spend in the local economy stays there. Research shows that £10 spent with a local independent shop can result in up to an additional £50 going back into the local economy through circulation and re-spending in the local community.

We’ve embraced the staycation in our team with people holidaying a little closer to home in the Northwest Highlands in Scotland, Malham Cove in the Lake District, Truro in Cornwall, and Woolacombe in Devon. Let us know if you’ve been on a staycation and share your hints and tips in the comments.

Show yourself some kindness

/in /by

I was chatting with a good friend from uni a couple of days ago, when she mentioned she’d been asking herself some big life questions and worrying about them. Should she go backpacking instead of building a career, and if not now, when? Is she even in the right industry? Should she be looking for a long-term relationship, like most of our other friends?  

At times it can really seem that everyone else has a plan whilst you’re still drifting along with no clear direction. I’m sure the expectation to have ‘ticked things off the list’ by a certain time or age  – graduating, saving for a house, getting engaged or having children for example – can resonate with most people.

This got me thinking. I’d spent a bit of time reassuring her that no-one has a concrete plan, despite the pressure to be following one, and you can only do what feels best for you at the time. It didn’t take much on my part to show her some kindness . . .

This isn’t particularly ground-breaking – but our chat was a real positive mood booster for her. It made me consider how easily we’re able to be kind to others, yet find it much harder to be kind to ourselves.

So often we’re our own toughest critic – whether it’s tied up in making progress at work, the way we look, friendships or other relationships. Sometimes we say things to ourselves we’d never dream of saying to other people, so maybe next time you hear the negative internal monologue, take note and ask yourself –

How could I be a little kinder to myself?

Positive affirmations are a really popular way to train your brain to think positively. Our brains think the things we tell ourselves are true, and we can use this to improve our wellbeing and change our mental outlook.

A great positive affirmation I’ve seen online relates to body image. Try replacing ‘I have chunky unattractive legs’ with ‘I have strong legs that allow me to walk, run, and get the most out of life’.

And in the middle of this pandemic, I’m encouraging myself to replace ‘I am unfocused and not giving my best performance’ with ‘I am doing my best to get through a pandemic and working in a way that is best for me’.

It seems everyone I follow on Instagram has been baking loaf upon loaf of banana bread, embarking on new fitness regimes, and staying in touch with friends over a string of Zoom quizzes. I’ve decided to be kind to myself and remember this isn’t a true reflection of people’s everyday lives. Lockdown isn’t a competition to see who can be most productive.

The way we treat ourselves has a huge impact on our mental health, and so, in reflection of this year’s theme of kindness, I want to remind everyone how important it is to be kind to yourself.

How long can you keep £10 in your wallet?

/in /by

In what was a rare moment during lockdown, I reached for my wallet and the orange tint of a £10 note caught my eye. It’d been sitting there, silently hidden since 20 March and we’re now in July!

It got me thinking, when normality resumes (I live in hope…), could I keep up this habit of spending less? And if I did, what could I do with the savings?

For lots of us our spending habits have changed during lockdown, as we’ve reprioritised what we spend our money on. Lockdown might even have helped highlight what’s important to you and what you’re willing to part with your hard-earned cash for.

We all know we should review our finances regularly, but how many of us really do? I found once you’ve done it for the first time and you see the potential savings you can make it really spurs you on to check your outgoings regularly and try to keep up your good habits.

So what can you do to take up the challenge?

Review your direct debits
Are they all necessary? Are you paying for subscriptions or memberships that you no longer need? I’ve replaced a gym membership with online classes which has saved me a tidy sum each month. Reviewing your TV package and looking at your mortgage rate can add up to hundreds of pounds of savings across the year. But please make sure you know exactly what you’re cancelling before you do – you don’t want to find out too late that you’ve cancelled insurance that you really need!

You are what you eat
Lockdown has forced lots of us to do more cooking and even inspired me to try recreating my favourite takeaways. Before lockdown, I’d often spend £10 a day on food and coffee, but home-cooked lunches, even if they’re just leftovers from last night’s dinner, have helped me save a packet so far. And they taste great too! I mean, who doesn’t love second day lasagne, right?

Making and taking your own coffee can also save you loads. My sister was splurging her way through a student loan but couldn’t understand why. Turns out the innocuous coffees she was buying after each class added up to over £200 a month!

Would like to meet
Lockdown has highlighted how we socialise and what’s important. It’s made me realise I don’t need to spend a fortune in a bar or restaurant to enjoy a really good time with friends or family. Spending quality time and not money is something I’ll definitely look to continue once restrictions are lifted!

And this has been true for the time we’ve spent together as a family too. I used to feel I had to plan elaborate daytrips for my children, which inevitably ended in exiting through every parent’s nightmare – the shop! But I’ve realised that given the choice, my children prefer being at home and creating their own adventures.

APPreciate your money
With everything that’s happening just now it can be easy to lose sight of where you’re spending your money. I’ve found paying with cards rather than cash really helps me keep track of my spending. And budgeting apps like Yolt, Money Dashboard, and Loot can help you manage where your money’s going and highlight where you can make savings.

Make it work for you
Lots of employers have workplace discount schemes, but few of us actually use them regularly. An employee survey we ran recently for a company, found that only 5% of their employees regularly used their company discount scheme and 50% had never used it at all! Check if your employer has one and save it in your favourites on your computer or just put a post-it note on your screen to remind you to use it until you get into the habit.

It’s also worth checking if your company has a cashplan, or dental care plan you can take advantage of. The savings from these can really add up!

Let us know if you’re going to take up the challenge and share your saving tips!

Let’s talk about loneliness

/in /by

The current coronavirus pandemic and resulting lockdown has presented us all with challenges, and for many of us it’s brought the challenge of loneliness into sharp focus.

Working from home and only being allowed to leave for essential travel and shopping has increased these feelings of loneliness. And with loneliness having a detrimental effect on our mental health, it’s really important we look after ourselves and each other.

Creating an awareness of the challenges we face is exactly what Loneliness Awareness Week is designed to do. Hosted by charity the Marmalade Trust, Loneliness Awareness Week takes place this week, 15-19 June. This year’s campaign aims to “empower everyone to understand loneliness one conversation at a time.”

What can we do?
Communication is key, so the Marmalade Trust recommend the following three ways to get involved:

  • Social media
    Share a post about loneliness, your own experiences or even some tips to help others. If you’re not sure what to say but you want to show your support, you can download and share one of the Marmalade Trust’s social media graphics and include the hashtag #LetsTalkLoneliness.
  • Build your understanding
    Check out the Marmalade Trust’s Loneliness Awareness Week website to develop your understanding of loneliness and learn how you can help others feel more connected. They have loads of ideas for reaching out to others at home, at work and in the community – from hosting weekly catch-ups and sending letters, to creating Whatsapp groups and joining clubs.
  • Pledge
    You can sign the Marmalade Trust’s loneliness pledge here. They’re also happy for you to share their graphics on your Facebook or Instagram stories to help keep the conversation going. And don’t forget to tag friends who’ve helped you when you’ve felt lonely.

The more people we can reach, the more people can join the conversation!

It’s good to talk
Although lockdown might not have been a positive experience in itself, hopefully we can take positives from it. Maybe we’re all now more aware of loneliness and what we can do to combat it? We’re not saying you should try to strike up a conversation with every stranger you meet, but you can make sure you speak to your friends and family.

If you feel loneliness is starting to affect your mental health and wellbeing make an appointment to see your GP to make sure you’re getting the right support.

Learning new skills during lockdown

/in /by

Lockdown life has impacted all of us. For some it’s been an incredibly difficult time. For others, lockdown has influenced daily life in some very interesting and unexpected ways. It’s been an opportune time to learn a new skill or do something meaningful and positive for our wellbeing that we haven’t tried before.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve had to adapt pretty quickly and add to your skillset to provide some essential things. While there are other things that have been a welcome experiment, as we find ourselves willing and able to give things a try with more time spent at home.

As well as teaching the kids how to cut the grass and helping them with their school work, I’ve also been inspired by some of my friends and articles I’ve read about being more self-sufficient and trying out new things. So here are some of my favourites:

  • Grow your own – we’ve been turning our hand to fruit and veg we can grow at home. The great thing about this is there are options for everyone, from growing seeds and plants in pots on your windowsill to creating your very own veggie patch in the garden – rhs.org.uk/advice/grow-your-own is a great source of information for anyone wanting to try growing their own produce.
  • Home baking – like so many people I know, I’ve created and nurtured a sourdough starter. It’s been a fascinating experiment and I’ve loved the mindfulness this simple thing has brought to my life (see theclevercarrot.com/2019/03/beginner-sourdough-starter-recipe) as well as the home baking that’s followed. I don’t think there are many households that haven’t upped their baking in the last few weeks, particularly those of us with kids. It’s homely, it’s tasty and it’s very rewarding – something we can all continue to do long after lockdown is over. If you’re looking for baking inspiration, take a look at www.bakingmad.com
  • DIY and home improvements – with more time at home and in the garden, it’s been a great opportunity to get some of ‘those’ jobs done. My husband (a reluctant DIY-er!) and I made a planter, raised plant holder and a table out of some old pallets. I’m amazed at what we managed to create and I really enjoyed the process – and I love that we were able to upcycle too.
  • Hairdressing talents – have you taken to cutting your partner’s, or your own, hair? Maybe you’ve even braved a shop-bought hair dye to do yourself, or your skills with the clippers have extended to the family pet? We had to clip our very furry spaniel and give him a DIY groom… I was pretty impressed with what we managed to achieve and now know that we’re sorted in the future if we need to do it again.

  • Learning a language – I know lots of people have used their extra time at home to do this, it’s great for those who like to travel and also for the CV if you really put the time and effort in. Sites like Duolingo are very popular and bbc.co.uk/languages has lots of fun activities for both adults and children. My daughters have been practicing some Spanish from videos sent by family who are having lessons!

What have you spent any down time doing, and what new lockdown skills have you learnt?

5 ways to boost your mood during lockdown

/in /by

I think it’s fair to say that life’s a bit of a rollercoaster for many of us at the moment. Full of ups and downs and the accompanying highs and lows in our mood that come with navigating our way through the uncertainty of a global pandemic.

Many of us are spending most of our time at home now, without the usual social interactions that come with our normal workplace (and even if we can go to work, it’s with huge restrictions and socially distanced), or going about our daily routines of school drop-offs, shopping and visits to the gym / coffee shop / pub / parks etc. And with all of this isolation and separation can come a knock to our mood.

So here are a few simple ideas to help lift your mood if you’re feeling a little low:

  • Turn up those tunes! Music is a well-known mood-booster, so find a favourite upbeat song to listen to, crank up the volume and just take some time to let those feel-good vibes nourish your soul! Music has always been a main go-to for me to lift my spirits and it really does work!
  • Have a laugh – there’s a lot of research to back this one up and apparently, laughter really is the best medicine for when we’re feeling low. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural feel-good chemicals and promote an overall sense of wellbeing. So why not put on your favourite comedy show and let those endorphins work their magic.
  • Get moving! A favourite for me and my family is to get dancing! If I can see we need a little pick-me-up, I’ll turn the radio on and we’ll just dance around the kitchen together – it works wonders! Another idea is to find a short video online, I’ve found some great dance HIIT and Zumba workouts on YouTube that I can easily fit in when I have 20 minutes to myself. Without doubt I come away feeling so much better than when I started.
  • It’s good to talk – communication is so important in getting through these strange times and a phone call / video call with your best mate or a loved one can really help you to feel connected. If you need to, vent your frustrations and get them off your chest, or talk through how you’re feeling and get some support from family and friends – we really are all in this together!
  • Look at old photos – whether that’s looking through photos on your phone or laptop, or flicking through an old photo album from years ago that’s gathering dust in the back of a cupboard, take a few minutes out to look back at happy times you’ve had. Focus on those good times and happy memories and feel gratitude for those times for a dose of feel-good vibes.

Let us know if you’ve got any other mood-boosting ideas to share with us! Look after yourselves.

5 ways to look after you mental health while at home

/in /by

Our daily lives are almost unrecognisable in comparison with a couple of months ago. If you’re lucky enough to be working, it’s likely you’re  now working from home and  finding new ways to do your job, as well as interact with colleagues and loved ones. Spending most of your time indoors can bring its own challenges though, so we’ve put together our top five tips to help you look after your mental health.

Keep active
Exercising can have great benefits for your mental health because the release of endorphins during physical activity can help lift your mood. The latest Government guidance says we can go outside to exercise, so you can use this opportunity to stretch your legs and breathe in some fresh air. Don’t feel the pressure to run, cycle or do anything too strenuous if you don’t feel up to it though – do what’s right for you. The NHS recommends 150 minutes exercise per week, which can be done by walking. But if you’re looking for some inspiration for home workouts, we’ve got a whole blog about them here. Also make sure you get up from where you’re working and move around regularly – at least once an hour!

Communication is key
Working from home can leave you feeling quite isolated, so it’s important to stay connected with other people. Regular chats and reassurance from others can help calm feelings of anxiety, so use video calls where possible. Apps like Skype, Zoom, FaceTime and WhatsApp all allow you to see your colleagues and friends face to face. And it might sound obvious, but just because you can’t see your colleagues and loved ones, doesn’t mean they’re not there.

Create a good working environment
It can be hard to replicate your office set-up at home, but our top tip is to try to create a space where you want to work. Natural light and fresh air, as well as a good desk chair and correctly set-up screen will help you feel more comfortable. Try to personalise your space with photos and desk plants. Bringing nature into your life can benefit your mental wellbeing by improving your mood, reducing feelings of stress or anger, and help you feel more relaxed. And if you can, try to have separate work and living spaces – this will help you distinguish between the two in your mind so you can ‘leave’ the office at the end of the day.

Keep your mind occupied with the right stuff
Find ways to relax, be creative and keep your mind stimulated with positive things. Whether it’s crafting, trying new recipes, writing or just putting some music on to sing and dance to, research has shown these activities can help boost your mental health. Arrange calls, catch-ups, and quizzes with your friends and family. Also, if the news worries you – try to limit how much you watch and read, and only from sources you trust.

Eat well and stay hydrated!
You might find your appetite changes slightly as your routine changes, but it’s still really important to eat regularly and stay hydrated. As well as the physical health benefits of a healthy diet, mental health charity Mind tell us eating healthily can improve your mood, give you more energy, and help you think more clearly. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals and plan in healthy snacks throughout the day that’ll stop you reaching for the biscuit tin. The same goes for staying hydrated – if you don’t drink enough fluid, you might find it difficult to concentrate or think clearly.

There’s lots of help and support available, so make the most of it! As well as the care network of your family, friends, and colleagues there are loads of free resources out there to help. Most companies have Employee Assistance Programmes to support their employees and there are also loads of great apps to help with mindfulness, meditation and relaxation techniques.

And finally, remember – we’re in lockdown. Just getting through this is an achievement in itself. So give yourself some well-deserved credit. Find what works for you and do that. Take care and stay safe.

The ultimate guide to working out at home

/1 Comment/in , /by

With so many resources available for home workouts, finding something that fits around your current work or family commitments during this uncertain time shouldn’t be a workout in itself. Exercise is one of our only saviours at the moment and structuring your new home workout routine to include exercise can be hugely beneficial for both your physical and mental health.

I’m the first to admit to being gym-obsessed and my pre-coronavirus week would be centred around 6-7 sessions. Naturally I was filled with panic at the thought of not being able to go to my regular classes and training sessions. Luckily the digital world in which we exist has made it really easy and dare I say fun, to adapt my training based on my limited space and equipment.

Now in week 4 of working from home, self-isolation and social distancing, here is my ultimate guide to home workouts and some of my favourite apps and resources to help you design your own home workout style:

STRUCTURE: Plan home workouts into your daily routine and stick to it. Think about what’s going to work for you. There isn’t a right or wrong time to workout, just whenever is easy for you to commit to on a daily basis. Consistency is key to nurturing a new routine.

NO EQUIPMENT NECESSARY: Having no equipment doesn’t mean you can’t do a home workout. In fact, your own bodyweight is the only thing you need to get a sweat on and your heart pumping. From short bursts of High Intensity or HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) to Yoga, Pilates and body weight challenges. Don’t underestimate the power of bodyweight training as an effective way to maximise your workout in a short space of time.

TRY SOMETHING NEW: Try to incorporate something new each week rather than doing the same thing each day. This could be as simple as a single exercise variation or a completely different style of workout. Use this time to change up your workout styles.

HAVE A WORKOUT BUDDY: Find yourself a workout buddy to make you more accountable and to help keep you motivated. Whether a friend, family member or colleague, schedule your times to work out together over Zoom, Skype or FaceTime. Why video? Because when you see others working out and they can see you, you’ll definitely put in more effort.

CREATE A DEDICATED ‘WORKOUT SPOT’: Now this all depends on your available space and it may require you to move some furniture around, but a dedicated workout spot will help you focus and get in the mindset. If you can, try and keep this space visible and set up so there’s no excuse to not workout!

Recommended apps and resources

For Everyone: Youtube
There are millions of FREE home workout videos and channels on Youtube. Some of my favourites include:

MADFIT
FitnessBlender
XHIT Daily

For the Runners & Cyclists: Strava
Many people are hitting the streets for their daily outside exercise allowance. Track your run, walk or cycle route with the free Strava app and each day compare your distance and pace.

For Livestreams:
Following a livestream workout is the closest experience to actually being in a gym class with fellow members. Greater atmosphere, sense of community and nowhere to hide! Lots of gyms are offering their regular classes as livestream editions – many are free for their members but much like classpass, you can also pay to join a single livestream class.

For Dance: Seen on Screen
SoS offers dancers of all levels the chance to learn routines inspired by stars including Beyoncé, Rihanna and Britney Spears. The dance studio is providing its followers with the opportunity to learn the routines at home by following live-streamed tutorials on its School of SOS Instagram page and on video chat platform Zoom. 

For the Kids:
Home workouts for kids don’t get much better than PE with Joe by The Body Coach Joe Wicks. Streamed live everyday on his Youtube Channel, you and the kids can take part live and make this fun energetic workout part of your daily routine.

For the Soul:
Anyone just want to dance around their kitchen or living room like you’re partying the night away? Why not set up a dance party with your friends over Zoom or Facebook Messenger and take it in turns being DJ. Dancing is food for the soul!

An Easter to remember! Some fun ideas for a lockdown family Easter

/in /by

For many of us, Easter is usually a time to unwind with family, catch up with loved ones and enjoy some quality time together. But Easter 2020 is no ordinary Easter. We’ve been in ‘lockdown’ for three weeks and for some, holiday plans won’t be as hoped and the kids (and for that matter, parents too!) are ready for a break!

But Easter gives us a great opportunity to focus on something a little different, with loads of resources out there to help us entertain the kids and make this time together special and memorable. Here’s a few suggestions for things to do this Easter:

Get baking! Don the aprons and raid the cupboards – there’s so many things you can make together no matter what your level of culinary expertise is (pretty low here!), from colourful Easter biscuits and chocolate nests to hot cross buns and Easter simnel cake if you’re feeling adventurous! There are lots of great recipes available at www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/easter-baking to suit everybody’s needs.

No Easter would be complete without an Easter egg hunt! Without doubt my daughters’ favourite Easter tradition (I wonder why!) and it’s easy to set up – but you can make it as easy or as complicated as you like depending on the age of your kids (or how much energy you want to put into it!), what space you have available give current restrictions (and the weather!), and how much chocolate you want them to consume! There are some great options to help you which are available in the supermarkets and also online at www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/blog/10-easter-egg-hunt-ideas-free-easter-egg-hunt-kit, www.madeformums.com/school-and-family/easter-egg-hunt-clues/ and www.thepurplepumpkinblog.co.uk/easter-egg-hunt-kit-free-printables/

Feeling creative? There’s so many ways to get crafty and creative at Easter and it’s one of my favourite times of the year for this because there’s so much inspiration around – whether you want to make an Easter bonnet, create colourful Easter pictures or get interactive online, you’ll be able to keep the kids happy for hours! Some of our favourites are www.thepurplepumpkinblog.co.uk/free-easter-printables/ and www.wiseoceans.com/dive-into-the-classroom/eggcellent-easter-activities/ for something a bit different.

Games for all the family – why not play some games, especially if the weather’s nice and we can get outside in the garden! You could have a family egg and spoon race (with real, decorated eggs, if you dare!), create an obstacle course or head back indoors and play some family board games.

Whatever you’re doing this Easter, we hope you have a relaxing and fun time together (even if some of it is via video call!) – and stay safe. We’d love to see your pictures – share what you got up to in the comments.

Finding a new ‘normal’

/1 Comment/in /by

What a very surreal few days/weeks it’s been! Adapting to a new normal, with restricted movements and trying to ensure that we and our loved ones, and wider community, stay safe and well.

We’re all learning quickly, finding what works for us, and how to stay sane and look after our wellbeing during this worrying and difficult time.

After a week of us all being at home together, I feel like we’re getting a handle on it (most of the time!) and these are some things I’ve learnt so far (it’s been a rollercoaster!):

  • Everybody’s ‘normal’ will be different. It took us a few days to suss out what we all need from our day to make it work so everyone’s kept reasonably happy (two of us working from home with two young daughters about – had to lower my expectations, too!), and that will look different for all of us depending on our circumstances. Think about the key things you need in your day to make it positive and productive, both for your working life and home life (food/fresh air/to-do lists/chatting with friends, family and colleagues/wine etc!). Accept that there will be good days and bad days through this!

  • If you’re working from home, make sure you get your set-up as right for you as you can, and ideally somewhere you can walk away from/close the door on! I’m used to working from home, but I’ve invested in some new equipment to make it much more comfortable and a nicer experience. Remember to switch off from work – our working and home lives are now very intertwined, but we need down time now as much as ever. It’s easy to keep nipping back to the laptop (guilty!) so set boundaries and stick to them.

  • Take regular breaks and stay connected – at work you’d have a chat with colleagues that would naturally break up your day and you’d take a lunch break, or you’d see your friends at the school gate, meet up for dinner or head to the pub for drinks. So make sure you add breaks into your day to take a breather, move around if you’ve been sat at a desk, and arrange those virtual catch-ups with friends and family.

  • Do something for you! For me it’s going for a run or taking my daughters and dog out for a walk/run and I strongly believe that for as long as we’re allowed, this is one of the best things we can do for our mental and physical wellbeing – I will certainly be a better Mum/person for it and better able to deal with this bizarre situation. Social distancing rules applied at all times, obviously!

  • Home learning with the kids – we’re not a school! I’ve very quickly realised I have to take the pressure off. Both of us trying to work and keep two daughters happy is way more challenging than I’d expected! So we’ve now got a daily schedule for the whole family, factoring in any work calls/commitments, and then we split our day up to take it in shifts with our daughters (traditional working hours have gone out of the window!) that is a mixture of ‘learning’ activities and play time, and making sure we can still do our jobs as best we can. The kids need structure, as do we, and this has helped massively. But our schedule is simple and flexible. We’re not a school (although my husband is a teacher – but as someone pointed out the other day, that’s not the relationship they have, he’s their Dad!) and this is our home, so we have to find a happy medium that suits us all.

  • Focus on the positives! A slower pace of life, no commute, more time at home, saving money – at the most unsettling of times, we’ve been given the opportunity to slow down and to focus on the important stuff. There’s so many amazing acts of kindness and people really pulling together as a community – it’s heart-warming!

Have you got any other tips to share to help others through this challenging time?

It’s me time

/in /by

Life is busy. Whether it’s juggling a job and family or just trying to fit in some sort of social life around everything else you have on – things can get hectic.

And at this time of year when many of us have set ourselves resolutions along with a whole host of other goals and ambitions to strive for, it can sometimes feel like any time we’re not doing something is time wasted.

But this 100 miles-per-hour lifestyle could actually be detrimental to achieving those targets we set ourselves. Research suggests doing too much and not taking time for yourself can lead to burnout and being less productive than you’d like.

Why should I take some time for myself?
A number of experts recommend slowing down and setting aside some quiet time on your own. It can help you switch off and even improve your social skills, as you’re less likely to be tired, strained or stretched.

Taking some time for yourself can also help you reset and focus on what you want. Amy Morin, author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do, believes time spent alone can improve your concentration, productivity, as well as sparking creativity. And studies have shown the ability to spend time in your own company is linked to increased happiness and improved stress management.

So what can I do?
The idea of putting some time aside purely for yourself can seem daunting and maybe even a bit selfish. But self-care really isn’t something to feel guilty about!

There are loads of things you can do to take some time for yourself, but what’s most important is that it’s something you feel happy doing in an environment you’re comfortable in. Some of our favourite activities to help switch off include:

  • reading
  • practicing mindfulness
  • going for a walk
  • yoga
  • self-care and pampering yourself

So next time you have a spare few minutes, why not use them to focus on you. It might just help you in more ways than you think.