sURVIVAL tIPS

• Warm dressing – Like it or not, we will all be spending a lot of time outdoors this winter season!  Get yourself a good winter coat, some good walking shoes/boots and a supply of thermals for all of those winter walks and outdoor coffees with friends.
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• Get some exercise - Cold and wet weather can keep us from getting outside and carrying out activities that would usually qualify as exercise, such as gardening or taking the dog for a long walk. Try to keep up such activities whatever the weather or replace them with indoor forms of exercise if you can.
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• Be realistic – We all know from the last lockdown that it is unlikely we will come out of 2020 as chess masters or professional artists!  Set yourself some goals that tie directly into activities you find enjoyable and be realistic about what you are likely to achieve.  Make it about the ‘doing’ rather than the outcome!
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• Avoid comfort eating - Eating a big, stodgy meal in the evening means your body has to work harder to digest it, and going to bed on a full stomach can keep you awake for longer and disrupt your sleep cycle, which has a knock-on effect on your wellbeing the following day. Hearty winter meals can still be enjoyed, just try to eat your biggest meal as early in the day as possible and keep your portion size under control.
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• Get some quality sleep - take steps to create the right environment to promote quality sleep by switching off your bleeping smartphone or iPad and avoiding caffeine after 6pm.  Don’t crank up the heating before bed as this will make it harder for you to sleep. Experts suggest keeping your bedroom temperature at around 18c – not too hot and not too cold.

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