Eight Ways to Look after Yourself this Winter

Do you remember your first mobile phone?  I do because I was late to the party.  Many of my friends and family had mobiles long before I did.  I was trying to resist the change and I didn’t like the idea of having to carry one around with me all the time.  How silly that seems now.

There are far stranger things happening in the world right now.  Many parts of life seem on-hold, and you can feel trapped or in limbo.  When will this be over?  When can I visit my friends and family again?

We don’t the answers, and it can get us down.

Back in 1994, the mobile operator Orange launched its campaign “The future is bright, the future’s orange.”  Sadly, the next six months look vaguely bleak compared to years gone by.  However, all is not hopeless.

In times like these I lean into a simple yet easily forgotten idea:  Focus on what you can control, and forget what you can’t.

Over the years, many scientists and researchers have delved deep into the subjects of human suffering and wellbeing.  We now know some straightforward evidence-based ways that you and I can look after ourselves.

Earlier this century, the New Economics Foundation published it’s Five Ways to Wellbeing framework.  Based on interviews with multiple experts in various fields they arrived at five things we can do every day that will significantly boost our wellbeing.

A mentor of mine, Dr Kelly G Wilson at the University of Mississippi goes further to highlight the importance of good nutrition, sufficient sleep and limiting your exposure to toxins.

Check out this snazzy infographic which tells you all about the eight ways to wellbeing.