Beat Festive Burnout

Something to read “'Let Down Your Hair' by Susie Boyt. Reading is my favourite thing - I try and read at least two hours each night as escapism! This was the last book I read, and it’s probably my favourite of the year - a tender, painful but often amusing take on motherhood and addiction.”

Something to do “Walk, because my mental illness wants me trapped inside my own head and getting out is a momentary rebellion against it.”

Something to eat “Toast and honey, every morning, something comforting and reassuring to start my day.”

Somewhere to walk “Wandsworth Common, because it’s local and it enables me to imagine I am in the countryside, and not the crowded city.”

Something to read “I’m enjoying Katie Piper’s book, ‘Start Your Day With Katie: 365 Affirmations for a Year of Positive Thinking’, at the moment. There’s a positive inspirational thought, quote or mantra to read every day before you head out into the world.”

Something to do “Run - it is not an understatement to say running has changed my life. Exercise is so important for my mental health. Our bodies release endorphins when we run and I feel slightly high for the rest of the day after a jog. It’s like all the positive thoughts in my head are aligned after a run.”

Something to eat “Apple/rhubarb/blackberry (or any other fruit) crumble with custard. You can’t have comfort foods all the time. But treats are important for your mental well-being from time to time.”

Something to spot “A robin in your garden or local park. The robin who visits our garden often stands quite close to keep an eye on what I’m up to. That moment when you look at each other is priceless - it makes me smile, and I find it incredibly comforting.”

Somewhere to Walk “I never tire of walking along the Wales Coast Path. Wherever you start along it, you’re surrounded by breath-taking scenery. It may be the wind, or the sounds of the sea, or just the fact that I’m in my beloved Wales, I find it cleanses my mind, in a way that no other location can.”

Something to read “Simple affirmations that I have written or gathered whilst I was well and placed somewhere I can easily find. These might be in a card from a friend, or something I wrote and can be as simple as to remind me that I am loved. These serve to me remind me that the darkness passes.”

Something to do “Call a friend - with no intention. I tend to withdraw so keeping connected is so important. Our mental health can make us believe that we’re incapable of being loved, but connection is vital.”

Something to eat “Some homemade soup - I often don’t feel like cooking and always forget how easy soup is to make.”

Something to walk “The changing of the Season, the tree leaves are changing colour, the birds are migrating South, woodlands are rich with fruits - a truly natural wonder and sensory overload.”

Somewhere to walk “The Beach - an early morning walk at low tide in the non-Summer months (preferably with a dog) is a real treat and refreshing. There’s usually nobody else about and you feel like the only person in the world.”