The sun warm against my arms, I walk with friends following the path of the River Dove in the Peak District. The air is sweet with the earthy scent of plants, and we pass countless others out enjoying the day. I love making the most of what we have in the UK - whether it's a week relaxing by the coast, a weekend city break, or day trips to explore closer to home. And summer, in particular, is a prime time to get out and about.
'Our day-to-day lives can feel repetitive, and so days out and a break from routine can really help to reduce these feelings of monotony,' says Dr Charlotte Russell, a clinical psychologist and founder of The Travel Psychologist. 'Exploring new places, or even seeing old places with new eyes, can help us to connect with our curiosity, which can be very beneficial to our wellbeing.'
Choosing the perfect escape
We all look for different things in a holiday or day trip. 'What we've enjoyed in the past can help us to identify what we find most enjoyable, meaningful, and engaging,' says Dr Russell. 'However, we may want something different from this next trip, or there may be factors that influence what we currently need. For example, if we're feeling burnt out from work, a holiday involving rest and gentle exploration is likely to be the best option. If you're feeling disconnected, then I'd advise planning activities you've enjoyed in the past, alongside the opportunity to try some new experiences.
Denne historien er fra September 2023-utgaven av Psychologies UK.
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Denne historien er fra September 2023-utgaven av Psychologies UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Why Are We So Sensitive About Being Sensitive? - Feeling empathy, energy and emotion keenly is not a failing - it can be your strength and your superpower, discovers Yasmina Floyer
All of us are sensitive - it is the very nature of being human. However, as with most behavioural characteristics, it exists on a scale. Jenn Granneman, founder of the world's largest community for introverts and co-author, along with Andre Sólo, of Sensitive (Penguin, £10.99), tells me about the characteristics of someone who is highly sensitive: 'Simply put, if you're a highly sensitive person, your body and mind respond more to the world around you. You respond more to heartbreak, pain, and loss - but you also respond more to beauty, new ideas, and joy. You're more affected by everything around you, but you also draw more from these experiences.
Try a Little Kindfulness - Make kindness a conscious practice and infuse your life with everyday abundance, writes Dr David Hamilton
The more we care about others, the more we realise that most people are just like us - trying to figure things out and hoping for a good day. It's easier to fear what you don't know, but once you get to know people, the world seems a lot smaller and cosier. So next time you're tempted to scroll past someone's problem, dismiss someone's feelings, or just be in your own little bubble, remember: the world's a better place when we all give a little f*ck. Let's sprinkle that stuff everywhere like it's magical kindness glitter!
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Presenter, podcaster and author Gabby Logan talks to Psychologies about health, happiness, and overcoming hurdles in midlife...When TV presenter Gabby Logan started to experience brain fog in her late 40s, struggling to recall the correct word or name on live TV, she initially put it down to tiredness. 'I couldn't quite get that name or articulate in the way I had previously been able to, so I was concerned, but it coincided with lockdown and not doing any telly for a while. I remember feeling quite nervous going back to live TV.' But the former international gymnast soon realised that it was a symptom of perimenopause and promptly went onto HRT, which she says has balanced her hormones.
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Summer break or make!
Hello, lovers! September is here, and the lazy holiday season is behind us. And for many-me included - now feels like the perfect opportunity for a personal kick up the backside, and to embark on a relationship reset. In my work, it's typically women who take the first steps accessing couples' help, but recently (and encouragingly) I've noticed an uptick in men reaching out to get relationship advice and wanting to put the work in.
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As the seasons shift and shudder, threatening rhythm and routine, Heidi Scrimgeour embraces September in all its bittersweetness...
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Caro Giles fills up her cup with summer colour and awaits autumn wonder...
