Find joy in the little things. Listen to the podcast bringing families together, explore the beauty in your local area, and discover the app that helps you express yourself through music
1. Page-turners
How Do We Know We’re Doing It Right?: Essays on Modern Life
Modern life is full of choices. But how do we know what our best life looks like? And what if we get it wrong? Journalist Pandora Sykes explores the questions, anxieties, and agendas that consume our lives, to help us find our own path to contentment.
Out 16 July, Cornerstone, £14.99
2. Out and about
Wonderful walks
With many of us taking advantage of our hour outdoors to go on a walk, you may have found a new love for rambling. Now we can safely venture a little further afield, you might be looking for new surroundings to explore. The Ramblers share hundreds of walking routes around the UK, to help you enjoy the great outdoors.
To find a walk near you, visit ramblers.org.uk
3. Put on a show
Karaoke night
Although we may not be able to visit the traditional karaoke bar, we can still sing our hearts out and put on a show. Join together with your household, or a group of friends over Zoom, and belt out your favourite tunes. You may not be pitch perfect, but singing can do wonders to lift your spirits.
Find the lyrics to your song choice at youtube.com
4. Lend us your ears
‘The Good Stuff with Deborah James’
Brought to you by award-winning podcaster Deborah James, and her two children Eloise and Hugo, ‘The Good Stuff’ is here to help families stay positive while staying inside. Deborah and her kids investigate research on all things positive, and share good news sent in by people at home, as well as stories from around the world.
Listen to the podcast on iTunes and Spotify
5. Plugged-in
Lionel and Lilo the Hedgehogs
Did you know hedgehogs can smile? Lionel and Lilo are proof they can! These spiky but sweet hedgehogs will bring a prickly handful of positivity to your Instagram feed with their uplifting captions and cute photos.
Follow @lionelthehog on Instagram
6. Tech Tip-Offs
Cove: music for your mental health
Music can be a great tool to help us express our emotions. Listed on the NHS app library, Cove helps encourage self-expression when you are struggling to talk about how you feel. You can pick a mood, then tap to add chords, melodies or percussion. Let your creativity flow.
Download from the App Store
7. Square eyes
The A Word
Now in the beginning of it’s third series, The A Word follows Joe Hughes, a 10-year-old who is autistic. The series gives an insight into complicated relationships, as Joe and his family discover their version of ‘normal’.
Available on BBC iPlayer
8. Treat yourself
The Little Box of Positivity
There are times we can all use a little pick-me-up. The Little Box of Positivity contains 52 beautiful cards of uplifting quotes and inspiring affirmations to brighten your day. Spread the happiness by sharing the words on your card with a friend.
£12.99, view the full range at summersdale.com
9. The conversation
Samaritans Talk To Us
Samaritans are there for anyone who needs someone to listen, every day of the year. In July, Samaritans branches across the UK and Ireland hold events to raise awareness of the services they offer in their communities. Show your support and thank them for being there.
July 2020, get involved at samaritans.org
10. Get going
Pilates with Lottie Murphy
If you’re looking for a change from the usual fast-paced workout, pilates is a great alternative. Lottie Murphy shares video classes to help you relax, unwind, and develop strength and flexibility.
Search Lottie Murphy on youtube.com
