As the cold nights draw in and we get to grips with another lockdown it’s easy to feel trapped in your house but making sure you still get fresh air is the best way to stave off negative thoughts and help you remain connected to the outside world. That’s why we’ve put together a few tips to help you enjoy some (cold) fresh air safely:
Stay active
You’ll feel the cold much less if you stay moving while you’re out and about – try researching local country parks or open spaces that are still open during lockdown and go for a brisk walk. Or if you want to take it up a notch, include the whole family and play some simple games like frisbee to keep the blood pumping.
Keep it short and sweet
A little goes a long way, especially in colder weather. Don’t stay out long enough to start feeling uncomfortable – just enough to breathe some fresh air and escape your bubble for a bit. You’re much more likely to want to get out again the next day if you don’t let yourself come home frozen on your first trip!
Bring a flask
What could be better than sipping a hot drink – we personally think hot chocolate is the most comforting choice – while wrapped up in a scarf, hat and gloves? If you don’t have one already, now is the perfect time to invest in a thermos to bring on your excursions, plus they come in some fantastically funky designs these days so you can let your personality show while out and about.
One for the kids – keep them occupied
Whether it’s a simple leaf collecting exercise or a scavenger hunt challenge between siblings, giving your kids something fun and interesting to do while you walk is a great way to keep them engaged and not focused on the cold and wet. There are hundreds of ideas on sites such as Pinterest, but some of our favourites include: collecting fallen leaves, feeding hungry birds on your route and counting how many you see, and a photo scavenger hunt (taking photos of the items on the list ensures you abide by the country code while still having fun!).
Will you be making sure to give yourself some time outdoors during this lockdown, and the rest of winter? Make sure you find us on social media to share what you get up to – we’re on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
