10 things to do in October

Mental Health

Express yourself through all creative outlets. Make colouring mindful, get busy in the kitchen, and create a safe space for you to express your own thoughts and feelings

1. Page-turners

In Their Shoes: Navigating Non-Binary Life

Award-winning editor, writer, and public speaker Jamie Windust shares their own experiences on everything from fashion, dating, relationships and family, through to mental health, in their debut book. This read is a call to arms for non-binary self-acceptance, self-appreciation, and self-celebration.

Out 21 Oct, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, £12.99

2. Out and about

Virtual Book Club

Connect with your fellow bookworms, choose a book, and share your thoughts over Zoom. If your friends don’t fancy it, you can join an online community such as ‘Between Two Books’, run by musician Florence Welch from the band Florence and the Machine, with a group of more than 30,000 readers you can connect with.

Search @BetweenTwoBooks on Facebook

3. Put on a show

The Colouring Sessions

Pick up your pencils, put on your favourite playlist, and take a mindful moment with The Colouring Sessions. These album covers have been stripped back to basics for you to download and create your own design, while pressing pause on the worries of everyday life.

Browse the templates at thecolouringsessions.com

4. Lend us your ears

‘The Different Minds Podcast Series’

Celebrating the variety of ways our brain can work and interpret information, ‘The Different Minds Podcast Series’ is hosted by broadcaster John Offord, who is joined by guests including our very own head writer Kathryn Wheeler, to talk about topics from building better mental health, to the power of the subconscious mind.

Listen to the podcast on iTunes and Spotify

5. Plugged-in

Blair Amadeus Imani

Follow historian, author, and activist Blair Imani for insightful and uplifting content. Blair hosts ‘Learn o’Clock’ every Sunday, to educate her online community on topics such as LGBTQ+ rights, racism, and political issues. It’s clear from her feed that Blair is dedicated to making the world a better place, and she’s doing exactly that.

Follow @blairimani on Instagram

6. Tech Tip-Offs

Deliciously Ella app

Make plant-based cooking easier with the Deliciously Ella app. Discover more than 400 healthy, plant-based recipes, with instructional videos and step-by-step images. You can also get moving with a wide selection of yoga videos, ranging from beginner to advanced. Fresh content served every week!

Download from the App Store and Google Play

7. Square eyes

The Great British Sewing Bee

Knitting needles at the ready… It’s time to find Britain’s best amateur sewer. Hosted by comedian Joe Lycett, each week sewers take on exciting new challenges as they compete to be named Britain’s best home sewer. Crochet away!

Available on BBC iPlayer

8. Treat yourself

The Wellbeing Journal: Creative Activities to Inspire

Creativity and reflection can have a powerful, positive influence on our lives. Developed in partnership with mental health charity Mind, The Wellbeing Journal includes activities, quotes, and space for you to write about your own thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

£9.99, available to buy on amazon.co.uk

9. The conversation

National Baking Week

It’s time to get creative in the kitchen! A spot of baking is great for our mental health, so dust off your old cake tins and bake to your heart’s content. You could even hold a bake sale to raise money for a charity that’s close to your heart. Check out our dark chocolate and banana muffins recipe on p68 to get you started.

14–20 October, follow #NationalBakingWeek

10. Get going

The Paw Runner

The power of pets to improve our mental health is limitless. The Paw Runner is on a mission to get humans and their dogs fit, healthy, and happy, helping you to bond with your four-legged pals as well. Take up the challenge of one of its bronze, silver, and gold activities to keep you motivated, as you enjoy the wellbeing benefits of spending time outdoors with your pooch.

Get involved at thepawrunner.com


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