Still feeling a bit flat after the Winter festivities? Wondering how to find your mojo again as we move towards February? Here's how, the Mill Cross Retreats way.....
1. Take a break (every day)
We often think that the only time to properly take a break is “on holiday” and given how rare these are and how big the gaps are between them, is there another way?
Here at Mill Cross Retreats, we believe in taking a little time out every day-maybe having a little walk outside, spending 30 minutes tidying the garden, talking (yes, pick up the phone!) to a friend, having a dance to your favourite songs or reading a book or magazine for a while.
These simple ideas will help you have a little “me” time every day and increase your own resources to feel better and brighter.
If you have the time and the inclination, it’s is also a great time of year to get away from it all for a break for a couple of nights or more- there are great deals to be had on www.airbnb.co.uk when the beaches and moors are quiet and you can find space and peace to enjoy them without the crowds or you can hunker down by a roaring fire with a good book and simply step off the busy world.
2. Spend time in nature
We all agree that spending time outside in nature is just great for mind and body. www.firelands.com say that being outdoors helps to boost your mood, relieves stress and improves sleep! We’re lucky to have Dartmoor on our doorstep and get out for long hikes whenever possible but if time is short, a half hour “village walk” across the fields, noticing the sheep, seeing snowdrops and daffodils getting ready to sprout and savouring the view is a tonic.
If you live in a city, you can still enjoy the parks or canal-side walks, notice the birds and plants and how much the seasons bring change.
3. Nurture your gut health
Fact- your gut biome and emotional well-being are linked.
You don’t have to be an expert to know that eating nourishing, wholesome foods will make you feel better and sleep better. Simple guidelines are- include good quality protein at every meal (you can very cheaply be “full of beans”) and good proteins to boost your feel good hormones, eat unprocessed whole grains which will help you sleep better (wholegrain brown rice, whole oats), add complex carbohydrates such as leafy greens and eat good fats like coconut oil, cold pressed olive oil and organic full fat milk and cream.
Try to at least cut down on anything sweet or processed and try nuts, seeds and fruit instead. Add live full fat yoghurt and include fermented foods like kimchi or kombucha or perhaps even try making your own sauerkraut- it’s really delicious! Good food really is the key to all well-being…… why not join us on a cookery workshop at Mill Cross Retreats and fire up your passion for great food.
4. Keep it Hygge
Hygge is the Danish art of being comfy and cosy. Lighting a fire and drinking hot chocolate with friends, hunkering down with a candle-lit lantern and reading a book, being outside in a forest with your family. Those great Danes know that all of this makes lowering stress and feeling great.
At Mill Cross Retreats, we try to keep it Hygge everyday- simple and joyful furnishings, cosy corners, real fires and space outside. We also recommend the wearing of smashing scandi-style sweaters (channel your inner Sara Lund) and woolly hats to really help you find your inner Dane!
5. Learn something new
The craft council say that learning new crafts helps to improve mood as well as releasing neurotransmitters that promote joy and well-being and reduce stress. Whilst we can’t all be expert or brilliant (or neither in my case!) at detailed work, just having a go at learning something practical like a new craft in a supportive environment is surprisingly enjoyable and what’s more, is that you have something to show for it afterwards….
Even a short session following a Youtube video or an online article definitely makes me feel happier and more positive, despite my lack of skills. We facilitate crafting courses regularly at Mill Cross Retreats led by expert crafters where you can learn in a small group and have delicious organic refreshments and lunches. Go on- have a go!
To find ways we can help you recharge at our little place in a big world- staying, crafting or woodfired cookery classes, visit www.millcrossretreats.com
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