Winter lockdown feels like a very different beast to Summer lockdown. It's wet, it's cold, it's keeping us safe but sad. I've had many conversations with you lovely lot recently about mental health and how being isolated is causing depression and anxiety issue for many of us.
With Valentine's Day not far away it got me thinking about WHO I LOVE? There's the obvious ones, my kidi winks, my hubby, my mum, my brother, cousins, aunts, uncles and my bestie. Anyone missing?
Actually yes there is, ME!
I feel this lockdown has encouraged me to wear my warm, comfy pyjamas more often, to snuggle on the sofa watching tv more often, to eat more comfort foods, bowls of hot rice pud topped with jam, homemade apple crumble and custard, chocolate sponge, I could go on and on but I wont it's making me hungry! The weather has discouraged me from exercising and as a result I'm left feeling a little low.
If I loved myself shouldn't I be acting a little differently?
What advice would I give my bestie if she was feeling this way? Maybe I would suggest......
Making a weekly date night with yourself. Run a bubble bath, light some candles, listen to some music.
Make the effort to dress up, paint your nails, style your hair for no reason other than to feel better and to get out of those crusty pjs.
Invest some quiet time in journaling. Writing down how we feel is a great way to express our emotions when we can't have face to face time with our bestie. It helps us make sense of what's going on in our head and can make issues seem smaller.
Write yourself a love letter. Sit and write all the things you love about you, be really honest you don't have to show anyone.
GO OUTSIDE, nature is a fantastic healer. Wrap up warm, grab that brolly and get your wellies on. A little rain never hurt anyone.
If this is the advice I would give my best mate why aren't I doing it myself?
Well this week I have tried all of the above and I can honestly say I feel much better for it.
This February 14th is a great opportunity to share the love with those that matter to us the most. Send a Valentine card to your other half, send a Galentine card to your bestie, send a love letter to your kids telling them all the wonderful reasons why you love them so much. Share the love more this year than ever before with others and yourself.
Covid has ,unfortunately, given us a glimpse into what life can be like for the thousands of over 60's living within our towns and villages who deal with loneliness and isolation every single day. To see how I am planning to try and make a small difference to elderly people living within my rural community you can read here about my plans for 'Sit & Knit' groups. Alternatively you can listen to an interview I had with the lovely Lewis from the podcast Somerset Stories where we discuss ethics, morals and giving back. As part of my commitment towards being a conscious brand trying to make a difference, I intend to donate 10% from the sale of every adult scarf to Age UK Somerset because it's nice to be nice.
I hope my ramblings have got you thinking and inspired to show yourself some kindness. Please know that if you are feeling a little low you are not alone, talk to someone, share that worry I guarantee you will feel much better.
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