This month, Vicki Harris, of key partner From Suffolk With Love, has felt the need to up the self-care, what with everything going on in the world right now. And her tips include anything from cold water swimming to having a digital detox
It’s been a roller coaster of emotions these last couple of weeks, with the ongoing war in Ukraine and the latest climate change report from the IPCC telling us that we are no longer able to avoid the impacts of climate change, no matter what action is taken from here on in. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless, so I wanted to share the steps I take for self-care when it all gets a bit too much.
Firstly, to try and help calm my mind I get outside and walk. The place I feel most at peace is at the beach, the sound of the waves as I’m walking along has a real calming effect. As I wander along looking for any interesting beach finds it’s like a meditation for me, where the rest of the world seems miles away in those moments.
You may not be lucky enough to live near a beach but there may be some woods or a forest near you that you go to and get that same feeling of peace. If not, just sitting on a bench in the park, watching the world go by will help.
Another thing I’ve found that works for me is cold water swimming. It feels a bit mad at times but it’s a really clarifying activity, as you don’t think about anything else apart from finding your breath in the cold. It’s not for everyone but if this is something you are interested in starting, please do so safely! The Bluetits website has loads of good safety advice and if you have a group near you, they are really welcoming and are always happy to include anyone that turns up. There are no fees for joining or swimming, just a great bunch of like-minded people getting together and enjoying the mental and physical health benefits of cold water.
A third thing that I find helps with the overwhelm is to switch off from news and social media for a few days. There is such an overload of information and opinion that it’s easy to feel increasingly anxious about world events. Turning off your phone for a few days can help ease that anxiety and help you to spend more time in the real world with your friends and family. If you’d like a little help with this, you could try my Digital Detox Box, which has some connection cards, with prompts that help you connect with your surroundings and the people you care for, along with some treats to compliment those prompts.
If you are really struggling, please reach out and speak to someone that can help you manage your anxiety, be that a friend or a healthcare professional.
From Suffolk With Love offers planet-conscious, plastic-free gift boxes. All items are handmade by some of the best small producers in Suffolk
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