SWAP GLOVES FOR MITTENS WHEN IT’S VERY COLD

IN VERY low temperatures, the body switches off the blood flow – and therefore heat – to extremities such as the fingers, toes and nose to protect the vital organs. And mittens decrease the surface area from which heat can escape

– four instead of 10 digits.

ELF-ACCEPTANCE is an important foundation to positive mental wellbeing. Accepting ourselves, both the qualities we like but also the flaws, mistakes and attributes we don’t like, is not an easy thing to do.

A positive first step on the path to self-acceptance is in recognising the parts of ourselves that we don’t like, identifying the things that our inner critic keeps criticising and finding ways to manage these thoughts and feelings more effectively.

Once we have identified these parts of ourselves we can start to build self-acceptance by recognising that we are separate from our actions and qualities.

It’s natural to judge our own actions and attributes as either good or bad, but when this transforms into rating our whole person as good or bad we can get caught in a downward spiral of depression and low self-esteem.

Having the courage to be imperfect, finding ways to be more compassionate to ourselves and embracing our vulnerability can nurture our self-acceptance and enrich our lives and wellbeing.

Learning to be more accepting of ourselves isn’t easy and takes dedication and practice.

One way we can move towards this goal is through self-compassion – a way of relating to ourselves with warmth and kindness. It is about

SWAP YOUR FINGERS FOR THE BACK OF YOUR HAND

IT’S A common way to pick up cold and flu viruses, warns Dr Ackerley. So, if you have an urge to rub your eyes, your knuckles are bound to be less dirty than your fingers. (Better still, use a clean tissue!).

SWAP SHOP-BOUGHT SALAD DRESSINGS FOR HOMEMADE ONES

MOST are packed with preservatives, additives and sugar so simply drizzle salad with extra virgin olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar and mustard for added flavour.