When you first start out….
It may be tempting to have your blinds or curtains closed when you’re not feeling sociable.
But is this the way you want to continue? Hiding away all the time.
It may seem obvious to do this and initially, when you start out, it may be the only thing you can manage. At least you’re hopefully away from what is initiating your panic attacks or whatever exacerbates your anxiety.
But change doesn’t happen all in one go. Change happens in stages, remember the ‘little wins’. Anxiety will make it difficult to leave the van to begin with. You may only venture out for the necessities. This is why I pitch up where there is at least a toilet. You need a reason to get out.
Once you’ve made that first step, the beauty of the surroundings will encourage you to do much more……….
Walking
Walking is considered to be one of the best activities to improve mental health.
It is deemed to improve mood enhancement, cognitive function, and creativity and problem solving.
The physical health benefits:
Regular walking strengthens the heart, improves circulation and can lower blood pressure.
Walking burns calories which may help in maintaining and losing weight.
Walking lubricates the joints and strengthens the muscles which support them. This may alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and reduce joint pain.
A walk following a meal can help reduce blood sugar levels. This may help someone managing diabetes or a preventative measure against it.
Regular walking can enhance immune function, and may diminish the incidence of illness.
See my previous blog post https://vanessapinnington.com/van-checklist-essentials/ and look at the final section: exploring and getting around for ideas about how to make the most of the area where you’re pitched.
(Refs: Verywell Health and Harvard University)
Having a Routine
It’s always a good idea to have a plan each day.
Now, if you’re anything like me, you will want to instill some kind of normal into your day. This is mine:
Wake up early
Sometimes too early but we’ll deal with sleep in another blog post. I’m usually up by 7am, but often awake much earlier.
First things first
I always have a shot of RAW organic apple cider vinegar turmeric and ginger. I used to drink the plain RAW apple cider vinegar but now I prefer this.
Apple cider vinegar may provide several health benefits, including blood sugar regulation, weight management, and antimicrobial properties. However, more evidence is needed to support the research already carried out.
Ginger and turmeric are often highlighted for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive properties. Ginger may reduce inflammation and pain in conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
(Ref: verywellhealth.com, naturalremedyideas.com, healthline.com, bbc.co.uk)
When I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my left hip, I followed the GP’s instructions and searched on the arthritis-uk.org website for advice about what may help me.
Then it’s a cup of fresh coffee OR a cup of green tea. It depends on my mood. If I feel a little bloated or ‘frumpy’ then it’s the green tea. Mint tea is another option as it settles my tummy.
Breakfast – a must for me before any kind of exercise.
Choices:
Overnight oats
Turkey rashers with egg in a pitta
Veggie sausages and egg in a pitta
Quick and easy blueberries and natural yoghurt
Swimming/Surfing
This activity may be considered as season or weather dependent, but I can assure you, people do this all year round.
Yes, you need to be careful. There are no RNLI lifeguards around in the winter months, but if you go with a group, the term ‘safety in numbers’ certainly applies.
Seek out ‘The Blue Tits’ or cold water swimming groups or cold water swimming communities. The Blue Tits are a group of people who meet regularly for cold water swimming or wave jumping in Pembrokeshire, Wales. There are many other groups around the country who offer the same welcoming community for cold water swimming.
Body boarding, as you will have seen by my Insta and FB posts, is my favourite thing to do alongside my best friend. It’s fun, it’s good for my physical health, and being outdoors, especially in the sea, it’s also the best thing ever for my mental health.
Reading
You cannot dismiss the advantages of reading a book. I find reading to be a calming process. It grounds me and settles my head, diminishing those overwhelming thoughts.
If it’s a nice day, pack your rucksack, head out for a walk and find a peaceful spot to settle with your latest book.
If it’s raining, snuggle up in your favourite hoodie or fleece top, and settle in for the afternoon with the latest book from your favourite author.
Cooking
Check out my blog https://vanessapinnington.com/campervan-cooking-easy-van-life-meals/ for some easy recipes and suggestions for life on the road.
Cooking is therapeutic. Who doesn’t want a lovely meal to look forward to? And if you read my posts and blogs, there are many meals you can make without breaking the bank.
Listening to music
Sometimes it’s calming when you can put your headphones on and chill out to your favourite tunes.
My headphones are the best thing ever, an essential on my list of ‘must-haves’.
For listening to music on my phone or watching a programme or movie on my IdeaPad, they are one of my ‘best buys’.
Airpods serve the same purpose but I just prefer these.
And this little beauty is also one of my favourite items.
If you fancy singing along to your ‘hit’ list whilst cooking the dinner, or enhancing the sound of your movie after a good day of walking, then you’ll need one of these. But, don’t annoy your neighbours!
Both of the above items can be easily charged through a 12V USB port.
Happy travels,
Vanessa x
Please remember that the information contained in this blog is from personal experience only and is only offered as a suggestion, is not ‘stand alone’ and should not be used as the sole source of information.
Readers should seek out their own advice, especially if they suffer with existing medical conditions. If already taking any medication, readers should speak to a medical professional before embarking on any new activities or consuming any products mentioned in this post.
Please see the disclaimer on my homepage for further information.
