Hello and a happy *Monday* to you,
I’ve decided to sent a special Monday edition of The Uplift today because there is a real sense of a lot of people struggling with anxiety these past couple of days.
The news cycle is pretty relentless and people have told me they are finding the messaging from the government and all the systems to book boosters etc pretty confusing.
So: Here is a really clear guide to Covid boosters from the BBC
Following Boris Johnson’s address to the nation on Sunday night, I had a strong sense of déjà vu of how I felt at times when big announcements were made in 2020. I’m feeling pretty resilient right now, but I remembered how I had sometimes felt alone, so last night, I decided to tweet this:
Quite often, my tweets get one or two likes, but this tweet seemed to really resonate with people. It made me realise how many people are struggling right now, which is why I am sending you this newsletter.
In life, you have to find out what works for you. You’ll know I am a huge advocate of being your own best friend and also tuning into your inner knowing. But sometimes it also helps, especially at low times, to share self-care advice.
So here’s mine:
I think self-care basics such as getting enough sleep, going outside, a little bit of exercise, nourishing food and being mindful of alcohol consumption are going to really help me in the next week or so. If you’re lacking motivation, are there some easy go-to meals you can stock up on? I’m a big fan of microwavable frozen jacket potatoes for an easy comfort meal made in five minutes.
Remember, you can turn off the news. You can put away your phone or at least turn off notifications. If you’re a journalist like me, set times where you’re going to get off social media or put your phone away.
You can cancel plans if you want to. And don’t take it personally if people want to limit their social interactions right now. I am looking forward to lots of things in the next couple of weeks but I’ve also cancelled a couple of things and am playing other plans by ear. Follow your gut.
Find things that lift your spirits - have a list of go-to podcasts, TV shows, films, people to phone or hang out with, books, photos and music that you can turn to when you want to switch off. For me, here’s a handful: How To Fail with Elizabeth Day (I really enjoyed the Holly Willoughby episode); Gogglebox and I have an uplifting playlist on Spotify, which includes You Got The Love by Candi Staton and This Is Me from The Greatest Showman. Dancing optional.
Treat yourself if you can. Obviously we all have different budgets but recent enjoyable activities for me include savouring a delicious piece of cake, an Epsom salt bath and getting my nails done. Remember, you are worth it.
OK, so onto working from home. Those of us who can work from home have been advised to from today. I am freelance so I spend a lot of time working from home anyway, but this week I was meant to go back to the office for some shifts. So, I am working full-time from home this week.
I asked people to share their top tips and here’s what they said. In summary: Go outside for a walk while it’s light, try and stick to a structure, take breaks, and exercise.
Uplifting News Stories
‘Real-life Matilda’ adopted by her teacher after spending half her life in care | Metro
Features Worth Sharing
Why insects are more sensitive than they seem | BBC
Rose Ayling-Ellis And Giovanni Pernice On Their History-Making Strictly Journey | HuffPost UK
A cheery tweet for you
OK, sending you love and solidarity. And if you’re feeling happy, that’s great too.
Look after yourselves,
BB x
This is The Uplift, a weekly newsletter by me, journalist Becky Barnes. If you enjoyed it, feel free to buy me a coffee.
The Uplift will arrive in your inbox every Friday, featuring good news and self care. I also have a podcast about life advice.
A bit about me: I’m a journalist living in London. You can find me on Twitter and Instagram.