The winter months are (finally) coming to an end, and as we move into spring, there are ways in which we can prepare ourselves for the transition into lighter nights, and warmer days, and blow away those winter cobwebs. Many people’s mental health was tested and impacted during winter, my own included, due to the challenges of work/ life balance. My solution: Pilates, podcasts, and walking. During lockdown, daily Pilates became my saving grace. It not only encouraged me to implement a routine to my day, but I was also exercising and socialising from the comfort of my living room. I was able to connect with my mum through a zoom Pilates class, which felt as though we were not miles apart, but instead yoga mat to yoga mat. It has created a new passion of mine that I never knew existed, and if I could not fit it into my week for whatever reason, I would feel the effects both mentally and physically. I was nervous when I first joined the class. I had a feeling of dread combined with laziness and joining a group who all had established relationships, and an understanding of what Pilates was, seemed quite intimidating. But soon I was confident and felt my strength and ability improve.

As we came out of lockdown, I almost felt sad that this Pilates bubble had burst. I was going back to work and committing to a zoom call every morning was not practical. Of course, I was excited to be going back to work and getting back to ‘real life’, but my routine was changing, and my priorities were shifting. Pilates is something that I have tried to carry forward post-lockdown and will aim to continue into the spring/ summer months, especially now that classes are back to the in-person experience. However, once the excitement of life going back to ‘normal’ had calmed down, I did wonder how I could get back into exercising and look after my mental health the same way that I was in lockdown. I managed to find YouTube Pilates classes that varied from 15 minute stretches, to 30 minute full body workouts that I could do before or after work. This suited me, as I was in charge of my own schedule and routine again.

I made sure I was walking a few times a week during lockdown, and still do now. My walking companion became podcasts. So, if you need something uplifting whilst you walk, Fearne Cotton: Happy Place, will inspire you to find joy in your day. Her interviews with celebrities like Diver Tom Daley; and daytime TV’s Holly Willoughby; emphasise that everyone has their low days, even Fearne herself, who shares her own experiences with mental health. It offers ways that you can find your own happiness in the pressures and chaos of day to life. 

I also became hooked on The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett, who has recently become one of the Dragons on Dragons Den. In this podcast, Steven interviews inspiring and successful businessmen and women, with incredible stories explaining the successes and challenges that they have faced throughout their careers. In his interview with Mel Robbins, who wrote the book ‘The 5 Second Rule’, they discuss self-improvement and recognising your self-worth. When interviewing comedian Russell Howard, they talk about the importance of laughter and how impactful it is, alongside conversations around mental health. 

There are so many podcasts to go through on all the main streaming sites, and depending on your mood or your interests, you can get lost in the world of listening and conversation. For me, this was (and still is) a great way to improve myself, learn about others, or just have a giggle to myself whilst walking down the canals of Birmingham.

By Morgan, E-Commerce Work Experience