Reda's February Blog
The picture pretty much sums up any free time I had in January. After a hectic holiday season, January can be a really good time to take a moment to reset and spend time on yourself. The prospect of a new year can be quite overwhelming and so it’s important to take some time to focus on your mind and take care of yourself.
It often feels like you need to make huge new resolutions and whilst it’s a good time to set some new goals they don’t need to be big and bold. In fact, making smaller, more achievable goals will make you feel better and you’re more likely to complete them. Make sure to not put too much pressure on yourself!
Looking after your mental and physical health is really important. I haven’t made any specific goals this year, instead opting to ‘just do a little bit‘ I have some daily practices I am working towards, but also not getting mad at myself if I don’t hit them. One of those is walking.
Having Treacle, our rescue dog, means we have definitely been walking more regularly than before. I know how much benefit I get from being outside. Its free for all and always there, whatever the weather!
Even when I am tired I just lace up my boots, put my coat on and start walking. Often the times I can’t be bothered end up being my longest and most enjoyable walks. When you don’t want to, it probably means you need to. Just put your boots on and get outside!
My favourite thing to do on my walks is voice-note my friends (or listen to voice-notes from them), it’s a great way to catch up with people at a time that works for you.
I also love to listen to a podcast. Sometimes I do neither and just listen to the sound of the river and Treacle chasing after birds.
Listening to the sound of nature, breathing in fresh air, stomping through muddy fields, watching the river gushing by and feeling rain fall on your face.
Nature is incredible, I’m a big fan! There is loads of research around the healing power of nature and the closer I get to it the more I realise its magic!
When I’m having a bad day, a walk never fails to help.
When I’m stressed, sad, angry or just feeling irritated or annoyed at the world. I find going for a big stomp in the fields really helps. Try it!
