Reset & REBOOT
TV and radio presenter Gaby Roslin on easy ways to give yourself an extra feelgood boost this summer
‘Meet somebody you haven’ t seen in ages’
Ihave decided that I am not going to write about holidays. I know that sounds ridiculous as we’re here in the middle of summer, but I’ve just had a conversation with a friend who can’t afford to go away. She lost her job in the pandemic and says she has no money for a holiday. She asked me to give her some ‘time off’ ideas that don’t cost anything. Apart from the obvious one I always say, ‘Walk, just walk’, I had a few options. 1 Listen to something funny. My friend said she listens to podcasts, including mine (which is very supportive of her), but most are more about how to help yourself cope, so I told her to listen to some comedy instead. The funniest, in my opinion, is Parenting Hell with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe. This makes me howl and if you need to properly giggle, then have a listen to it. 2 Find the nearest water to you and take a seat. Sitting by water is so good for the soul and has been found to lower stress and anxiety. If you’re lucky enough to live by the sea, there are studies that show it helps both general and mental health. You will also have better air quality, be fitter and more positive. It doesn’t have to be the sea – it can be a small lake, canal or river. Any area of water, no matter how big or small, helps. Canal trips, lake boat rides or river crossings that aren’t too pricey… all will give you a different perspective. 3 Meet up with someone you haven’t seen in ages. It will feel like a holiday. Remember to ask questions about their life, reminisce and have a laugh. 4
Fake-tan it. I’m someone who’s been using fake tan for ever and ever. My two favourite brands are Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel, which I use on my upper body, and James Read Sleep Mask Tan Body for my legs. I also mix in James Read’s Click & Glow Face Tan Drops with my night moisturiser every couple of days. When doing my arms, neck and chest, I use my hands to rub it in and keep blending. I always wash my palms with soap and water afterwards and dry them with a hand flannel. I then clean carefully under my nails and around the nail bed, wiping gently over my knuckles and joints. Don’t forget to wipe away any residue from your elbows and armpits. 5 Lie down in some grass in a park. We all did this when we were younger, but as adults, we get stupidly self-conscious. In the pandemic, when we were allowed out once a day for walks, I told my daughters to come and lie down in the grass. They laughed, said I was daft but did it and we all instantly felt relaxed. If you don’t believe me, try it! 6 Visit a museum or art gallery. Most are still free and, even if you go in for a short while, it’s amazing what seeing something other than your own four walls can do. 7
Lastly, eat outside. We do this when we go away, but not as often at home.
My friend rents a flat with a small communal garden, so she says she’s going to pop on her fake tan, take a bucket of water to sit next to, lie down in the grass and listen to a comedy podcast. Sometimes, we all need to think of the simplest ways to give ourselves time off. I promise I’ve done all of the above and they have all helped me. Whatever you’re doing or not doing this month, make sure you give yourself that time to reset.