Be Happy Now!

Modern day life usually moves at 100mph, we are busier now than ever and consequently the simple pleasure of learning to cook, the enjoyment of creating new meals and trying new, exciting tastes has become less popular. Now is a great time to look up new recipes and start enjoying the simple pleasure that taking the time to cook can give. There is nothing more satisfying than cooking a delicious meal to share with family and even if dining solo the therapeutic process of cooking something you love and enjoy brings immense pleasure. Let us use this time to explore the kitchen and new tastes, we’ll thank ourselves for it in the future!

Contact friends and family now, use the hours you might have spent commuting to work to reach out to family and friends and enjoy the positive feelings this will bring to you and them. There are so many ways of keeping in touch now; WhatsApp, Twitter, Messenger, and Instagram to name a few, but nothing beats hearing a friendly voice. Pick up the phone, having a spontaneous, 2-way conversation, sharing a story, reminiscing about a loved one and laughing together blasts any online communication out of the water! Write a letter or send a card, we’re so used to seeing bills on our doormats that receiving a handwritten letter or card instead is a joyful surprise. We all know the saying ‘laughter is the best medicine’ well that is more important now than ever.

Having a regular fitness routine increases our happy hormones, boosts our mood, relieves anxiety and helps fight depression. If that is not a reason to dust off the trainers and sweat bands then what is?! Fitness doesn’t have to be high-impact, gentle exercise such as walking or yoga are great for you and allow reflection at this time. Having your own fitness routine will allow you to stay fit and strong this winter and leave you feeling energised and ready for the New Year. Once you’ve mastered cooking then start to think about comforting, nourishing meals, staying in doesn’t have to be boring, buy quality ingredients where you can and enjoy the health benefits of eating well and exercising without fitting it around a busy commute. Get a good night’s sleep, sleep has a huge impact on our physical and mental wellbeing so indulge in that extra hour in bed, keep the curtains or blind down and snuggle up in that winter duvet!

An easy way to combine the above steps is to take your exercise outside and ask a friend or loved one to join you for a walk or run, there’s nothing like blowing away the cobwebs and getting outside. Spending time outside in the fresh air with nature has significant physical health benefits, reduces stress, stimulates creativity and increases your vitamin D levels, in turn making you happier, what’s no to love? There is no better time to get out than this autumn, marvel at the colours of the trees, kick the leaves, and soak up the rays of sunshine on a bright cold day.

There is literally no better time to do the things you have always wanted to do, whilst the world takes a breather, use this time to do something you have never had time for; read that book, write that story, play that game of chess with a family member, build a cushion fort with your children but mostly enjoy the magic of being at home. If tackling a personal goal is not for you right now, that is ok, just taking the time out for a slower pace of life is a great benefit. When the night draws in, close the curtains, light the fire and watch all the films on your bucket list, that way 2020 might not seem so awful.