As lockdown enters week 9 (we think?) are you finding this enforced time together relaxing or tiring? According to recent You Gov figures, 87% of us think we are coping pretty well, although 25% felt it was putting a strain on their relationship. So, if you’re looking for new ways to find a little me-time away from it all, look no further.
Just chill
Even though we are confined to a much smaller space than we are used to, it is possible to create a special place in the house or garden to just chill. Treat yourself to a comfy chair from Argos, with some colourful new cushions, plus the perfect footstool. Then treat yourself to some new books and your favourite music from WHSmith and create a new lockdown relaxation playlist. It’s all about recognising the need to walk away from work/family/the phone and taking a little time out before moving onto the next task.
Find a new relaxation routine
Many of us have found time to add one hour of permitted exercise into our lives. Whether it’s a gentle walk around the block, a vigorous jog or a speedy bike ride, it’s all good news for our mental health. Exercise reduces levels of the body’s stress hormones, and stimulates endorphins in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood enhancers. So now the one hour restriction has been lifted, you have all day to watch some inspiration from Sports Direct before you get going.
Pamper yourself
Online sales of toiletries have increased, showing that with non-essential stores closed, many of us have rushed to order that special moisturiser, bubble bath or face pack. Good to see that taking care of our skin and looking good is still high on the agenda. Check out the latest natural beauty products from Holland & Barrett and bath and body gift sets from Savers.
Learn to paint
From getting DIY tasks done around the house thanks to Poundstretcher, to enjoying the challenge of painting by numbers, we seem to have been getting creative. And with offers on kids art and crafts supplies from Rymans and great deals on stationery essentials from Poundland it’s no surprise that local Kent schoolchildren have been hitting the paint pots to create rainbow displays that spread hope and happiness during this period of lockdown. Plenty of evidence that the nation’s artistic skills are on the rise. The perfect way to relax the brain after a busy day.
This picture of Nina Nicholls and her daughter, Summer, at their home in Gravesend is from the article on Kent Online. If you have pictures to submit please send to mykentfamily@thekmgroup.co.uk
We hope to see you St George’s Shopping Centre again soon, but in the meantime, please stay safe, keep healthy and stay in touch!
