Hello hello hello
Good morning from rainy north London
Hello and a happy Sunday to you!
I’ve woken up naturally for the first time in ages so am writing you an Uplift as planned before I secure Glastonbury tickets at 9am this morning (manifestation attempt).
The temperature has dropped and it’s raining a lot these past few days so I hope anyone with SAD is doing OK - particularly after the clock change. Here are some resources for anyone struggling.
Because I am not working full-time at the moment, I’ve been able to get out loads in the day and even somehow did 22k steps in the rain yesterday, which is really boosting my mental wellbeing. When I wake up to the sound of rain, I can often want to curl up under a blanket and stay inside, which is OK too. Today, with the rain so heavy and sounds of thunder where I am, I am leaning towards this option. I am lucky to have two skylights in my flat so right now I can hear one of my favourite sounds - rain pouring onto it. If you can hear a similar sound right now, I hope it gives you a cosy Sunday feeling.
It’s been two weeks since I last wrote to you and when I did, I was really run down with a bad cold while on a cat sit. I usually eat loads of crap when I feel unwell but this time round, I managed to really nourish myself and nurse myself back to health. It was when we were having that run of unseasonably warm Autumn weather too so I was able to get out for short walks in nature and feel better.
Since then, there have been lots of things to celebrate. Last weekend, I went to see the London Gay Men’s Chorus Halloween Ball at Alexandra Palace Theatre. It was a joyous and uplifting occasion and so nice to catch up with a couple of friends I haven’t seen for ages. I’d not been inside the restored theatre at Ally Pally and it’s such a beautiful space.
Another lovely activity last weekend was attending a Samhain sound meditation near Seven Sisters by the incredible sound therapist Michelle. I am very drawn to ritual and find sound baths very beneficial. What I loved about this one is that Michelle uses her singing voice as part of what she offers. Dreamy.
On the Sunday, the oldest member of my close family, who is actually my dad’s cousin, turned 90 and two of my cousins and myself helped out for the day, which was quite full on as there were nearly 50 guests across the afternoon. She was on her feet chatting to friends and family for the whole six hours of festivities, which is quite remarkable. She’s not your average 90-year-old.
(Photo by Tilly Barnes)
Since I haven’t had a routine defined by work, I have sometimes found it difficult to get up at a reasonable hour every morning. However, I have two friends who I’ve agreed to be accountable with and since we met the week before last, I committed to getting up at 8am every day until we next meet. There have been a couple of 9am starts but mostly awake by 8am and out of bed by 8.30am so the intention has really helped.
I’ve continued going to the gym so when I get up, sometimes one of the first things I want to do is go and workout. Other things that are happening: I have started the functional medicine journey now and I am about to have a period of cutting out wheat, dairy and sugar, so do wish me luck! This week, I also finally finished my counselling course. I’ve passed the first two units subject to moderation, so I am just waiting to hear back on the final two, which included a video demonstration as the final task.
As a reward for finishing my course, I treated myself to a Shakti mat, which gives the experience of acupressure because it’s covered in little spikes.
I knew from the descriptions that it starts out feeling pretty painful and you’re meant to build up resistance by wearing a top when you first use it. However, I decided to try and be hardcore and go straight in with just a cotton bra. I’ll share my reaction now for your amusement.
My back was very red afterwards! I am looking forward to building up resistance and feeling the benefits. You can find out more info here (sadly not sponsored!)
OK, let’s get some good news for you.
Uplifting News Stories
National Black Cat Day has really made a difference | via Twitter
Fans praise Disney's first-ever 'plus-sized' heroine in new film | Tyla
Self Esteem becomes first artist to sell out Royal Albert Hall on three dates | via Twitter
Features Worth Sharing
19 best autumn walks in the UK | The i
PMDD: ‘It’s a double stigma of menstruation and mental illness’ | The Bristol Cable
Cat Name Quiz | Cats Protection
This video made me laugh
OK, that’s it from me this week. I have loads more to share but Glasto tickets call. Remember to be kind to yourselves and I’ll speak to you soon.
BB XX
This is The Uplift, a newsletter by me, Becky Barnes. If you enjoyed it, feel free to buy me a coffee.
The Uplift features good news and self care. I also have a podcast about life advice.
Thank you for the encouragement x
The acupressure mat is clearly an accessory to have with you.
I personally chose the one from https://acupressure-mat.co/ to be sure to have the original item.