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Sophie Robinson
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07 Jan 21

How to take on 2021

As we slide out of 2020 and creep into 2021 it’s been a subdued mood, opposed to the usual ‘out with the old, in with the new’ fanfare with fireworks that we usually celebrate. While we all were desperate to say ‘Farewell’ (or something more expressive) to 2020, we are not out of the woods.

Here is the UK we are under another strict lockdown. My heart goes out to all the kids missing their friends at school, parents faced with the impossible juggle of work and childcare and those feeling lonely and isolated at this time. In short, it sucks.

I’m in no hurry to ‘smash it’, start the ‘hustle’ or set aggressive business ‘goals’. It’s just not my style anyway and I urge you the tendency to resist putting any added pressure on yourself. But as the recent news surrounding the pandemic is unsettling, I’m slowly getting my head around it. We have been here before and can implement the strategies to cope. For me, when things feel out of control, I start to take a look at what I can try to control. And that’s my mindset. So this post is a little different than the usual cushion plumping fare. Indulge me while I share what has really been quite a transformation for me in terms of coping with feelings of anxiety and overwhelm.

COLDWATER THERAPY

For anyone who has been following my Instagram stories, I have been doing a lot of cold-water therapy! Inspired by the Wimm Hoff method, I’ve been taking cold showers every morning for the past few months and taking a sea swim once a week in Brighton. Here is me taking a dip on New Year’s Day! Yes, it’s freezing and deeply unpleasant, but the rush of feel-good hormones and mood boost it gives me that stays with me for the rest of the day makes it so worth it! If you are intrigued, the way I first got inspired was listening to Fearne Cotton interview Wimm on her podcast The Happy Place. I’ve since bought the book, downloaded the app and installed a cold water plunge bath in the garden!

sophie robinson wimm hoff cold water sea swimming new year

Weekly dips into the English channel down at Brighton beach has kept me motivated and in a powerful state of mind. If I can do this, surely I am invincible!

 

POSITIVE PRACTICES

Another thing that has helped me tame my anxiety is reading positive books. I hit a low point in the middle of last year and my best friend recommended ‘Notes on a nervous planet’ by Matt Haig which is full of very practical advice about controlling feelings of overwhelm, distress and panic. Biggest take away tip has been to ban my phone from ever entering my bedroom! I make sure I don’t look at it first or last thing in the day.

Instead, I’m focusing on better morning and evening routine. Another brilliant book that has helped my state of mind loads is Think like a Monk by Jay Shetty. It’s a lovely read and bursting with accessible wisdoms and ideas that are easy to apply. My biggest take home from this book so far has been setting a morning routine. The Monks way is to have a positive, gentle and peaceful morning that sets you up for the day. The way I am doing this is getting up 15 minutes earlier each day to afford myself some quiet ‘me time’ before the rest of the house gets up and it all kicks off! My cold shower or garden bathtub plunge is part of that too and not looking at Instagram or the news until I’ve done it.

Another quick shout out to Humankind by Rutger Bregman. I loved this book so much I bought all my friends and family a copy for Christmas! Within it Bregman makes the argument that, contrary to what the media, both ‘fake’ and ‘real’ would have you believe, humans are fundamentally kind. Bregman analyses data, history, philosophy and sociology to win the argument that believing in the true nature of human kindness and altruism can change not only how we think and feel about one another, but act as the foundation for achieving positive change.

Reading has become at the heart of gaining knowledge and insight on how I apply positive practices in my day to day life

WORKING OUT

Exercise has been a new thing for me in 2020! I was never a lover of lycra but taking up weight training from home with Team Yo has been transformational, not just on my butt but on my moods too. Weight training has been particularly successful at helping me reconnect with my body and feel grateful for my health and vitality. Cardio has always just made me feel puffed out and stressed but whatever works for you! Due to the lockdowns I’ve also never walked so much and having that connection to nature has been fundamental to us all! Here’s more to that and hitting 10,000 steps a day, my current target!

 

VISION BOARDING

This is something I do the start of every year and is much more effective than any ‘new year’s resolution’ for many reasons. I’m not going to go into too much depth here as I’m going to do a whole post on it in the next couple of weeks as I’ve received so many questions over on Instagram about how and why I do it. Needless to say, it’s an incredible way to help you feel positive, steadily moving towards your aspirations with no pressure or feeling of failure and gives you a big dose of the good vibes! Here is mine for this year which for the first time I think ever doesn’t have any big plans for my house! I’m sure I’ll be adding something as the year rolls out, but we did so much lockdown decorating, for now I feel satisfied! But you now…watch this space!

LITTLE PLEASURES

While we can’t make plans for big trips, nights out, parties or events my attention turns to the little pleasures and they are no less worthy. I really urge you to think how you can make yourself feel good in an everyday way that doesn’t require loads of effort or money. Here are a few of mine.

  • A beautiful mug to drink my morning coffee from
  • My electric blanket. Slipping into a warm bed gives me all the thrills!
  • Beautiful room scent. Currently loving Miller Harris scented candles.
  • A freshly made bed. (You can see where my pleasure points are!) But making my bed every morning is part of my feel-good routine that kicks off my day positively.
  • A tidy kitchen at night. This one was from Michelle Ogundehin who claims in her book Happy Inside (another worthwhile read) that cleaning away the pots and wiping down the surfaces last thing at night should be as regular as brushing your teeth. It really helps my morning routine when I pad into a tidy kitchen first thing to have my coffee in my favourite mug.
  • Fresh flowers. Yes, they are a luxury, especially at this time of year, but a splash of fresh colour and a chirpy flower head really does brighten my day.

At home with Sophie Robinson photographed by Alun Callender

AND EVERYTHING ELSE

And all that’s left is to practice gratitude. That sometimes feels hard when there is so many hardships facing us, but it really works when it comes to managing feelings of anxiety. I’m a real one for taking a pragmatic ‘it is what it is’ outlook and then looking at how I can control my perspective. Gratitude is a really personal thing but ideas for me include a fridge full of food, a warm and beautiful home, people who love me, birdsong, my dog’s sofa cuddles and the ability to connect with all of you online. I’ve never got round to keeping a Gratitude journal although that does sound like an excellent idea. But a few moments in the morning and when I go to bed to be thankful for anything in the here and now does the trick.

 

Which just leaves me to thank you for reading this post and making it all the way to the bottom! I hope you have found a little pearl of inspiration here. I’ve only discovered these coping strategies because of the people who have shared them with me. If you have anything that’s really worked for you please do share them in the comments below. My vision for 2021 is that I will never stop learning and finding new inspiration!

 

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New year goals, decorating and trends, Podcast show notes S10 Ep1 Happy Christmas!

comments

Helen on 08.01.21

What a lovely post. On your recommendation, I just bought the book Humankind. Best wishes

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Katie on 08.01.21

Took my first cold shower this morning! Very invigorating. Of to paint the hall and finish my gallery wall!! Love your blog and being part of the Colour tribe.

Reply
Sophie Robinson on 08.01.21

Yay! What a great start to the new year!

Reply
Debs on 15.01.21

Hi Sophie, my son got me into watching “Yes Theory” videos on YouTube where a lovely group of American lads “seek discomfort” and most of the time, overcome it. In one of their videos they went to see Wim and it was such a great episode that I also started taking cold showers but they are a bit more challenging in this very cold weather! x

Reply
Sophie Robinson on 20.01.21

Wim Hoff is such an inspiration!

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Just jumping on here to high five all the parents Just jumping on here to high five all the parents who saw their kids off to school this morning after two long months of home schooling. While some are bouncing out the door my Arthur was full of anxiety this morning after so long at home, going back to school feels overwhelming. However I know that once he is reunited with his friends he’ll be back in the swing by the end of the week helped along by his amazing teachers who have just been incredible throughout this whole ordeal. 🙌  And I’m slightly giddy at the thought of reclaiming my office and being able to actually focus on work. Gosh it’s been hard hasn’t it but things are looking up! Have a gorgeously productive Monday folks! 

📷 @aluncallenderphoto 

#backtoschool #homeoffice #workingfromhome
It was an absolute JOY to pop up on @interiordesig It was an absolute JOY to pop up on @interiordesignmasters_tv last night and I feel super lucky to have been part of the show and to meet the talented line up of designers that @michelleogundehin had lined up! Michelle is a rare gem in the design world. She’s 100% authentically committed to championing the power  of design to exalt our experience. Which has nothing to do with ego and everything to do with creating extraordinary and thought out spaces that make us FEEL GOOD. Nothing does this better than a pink polka dot beach hut in my view! 
It’s this little bit of magic that’s hard to translate on mediums like Instagram and TV. You have to take our word for it! 
And while I’m  here, so much love for my Mac, the DM’s have been insane! I bought it last year from my fave little boutique @sirene.boutique and the label is @muntheofficial . Glad it brightened up your screens! 🥰 

#interiordesign #interiordesignmasters #interiordesignmasters_tv
Interiors Design masters is on the telly tonight! Interiors Design masters is on the telly tonight! BBC 2. And I’m sidling up with the fabulous @michelleogundehin and hilarious @chattyman on a joint mission to bring you the best in interior design talent. The competition hots up at this half way point as the designers are given beach huts in tonight’s challenge. The perfect brief that demands full throttle on the creativity while throwing every practical problem at them too. A tiny multifunctional space, sea, sand, sunshine and rain storms. And two judges who want to feel transported to sunnier climes. What could possibly go wrong! If I wasn’t blown away by the high winds I was whipped away by the incredible talent of @moneypennyinteriors @interiorcurve @charlottebeevor @lynseyforddesign @micaelasharpdesign . Enjoy! It’s a real beauty of a show, see you tonight at 8! @interiordesignmasters_tv 

#interiordesignmasters #
DAY 20 of #easywininteriors and I’m bringing the DAY 20 of #easywininteriors and I’m bringing the outside in! 20 days ago I was feeling heavy with lock down fatigue and endless grey skies, rain and endless mud. But as we reach the end of February the sun is coming out  and we’ve just been treated to the most beautiful blue skies and birdsong this weekend! It feels amazing that spring is around the corner, a time of rebirth, new life, hope and optimism. While this challenging period has highlighted to us the importance of home and our interiors have never mattered more, our outside spaces have also become fundamental to our wellbeing. I feel it’s really important to incorporate the great outdoors indoors. You can do this with a collection of houseplants and fresh flowers but also in the way your decorate. It’s no coincidence that we are drawn to floral and botanical motifs in our wallpapers, fabrics and artworks. They make us feel connected to nature and that makes us feel good. Nothing feels better than natural materials and indeed it’s been scientifically proven that when we touch real wood, it actively lowers our blood pressure. So if you don’t already, celebrate all of nature’s gifts and incorporate them in your schemes somehow.
So here we are, my 20 day count down to bring you to the doorstep of March has come to an end. I’ve loved seeing your #easywininteriors and getting a glimpse on how important our homes are to us and how they have the power to give us a little boost no matter how small. The wonderful  @kinteriorsuk has taken on the hashtag and will be posting daily for the next 10 days in March and so if you want to keep the easy win inspo  flowing, give her a follow, she has lots of ideas lined up for us all to get involved with. Thanks so much for following ime on this journey and hurrah for Spring! 

In the words of George Michael 
“I think I’m done with the sofa
I think I’m done with the hall
I think I’m done with the kitchen table baby
Let’s go outside!”🌷🌈😍 

#thegreatoutdoors #thegreatindoors #outsidein #happyinside #colourlover #banthebeige
DAY 19 of #easywininteriors and we are almost acro DAY 19 of #easywininteriors and we are almost across the finish line! Today my easy win to brighten up your home is artwork. I’m obsessed. I can remember the first piece of ‘art’ (as in not a framed poster) was back in 2000 at Battersea affordable arts fair and I bought a limited edition litho print of a blossom tree  and it felt so grown up! I still have it now, up in my hallway and it’s been in five different homes since I bought it. Collecting art, (as well as posters in frames) really makes a house a home for me and I love how certain pieces really make me remember particular times in my life . This is my latest piece, a portrait of my dog Lucy. I’ve discovered so many amazing artists here on Instagram but when I fell upon @georgiafiennesstudio I knew I had to have a piece of her work in my home. It’s just heavenly! I’ve never commissioned a piece before so it feels even more grown up but it’s just perfect because I love chintz and I love my dog and she bought both together. I’ve just got to wait to take it to the framers and then I can hang it in pride of place. I might have a switch about too and give the walls a new look while I’m at it. 🤩 

#easywininteriors #minibullie #minibullterrier #ihavethisthingwithchintz #ihavethisthingwithflowers #colourlover #banthebeige #artathome #portrait #countryinteriors
DAY 18 of #easywininteriors and I’m getting the DAY 18 of #easywininteriors and I’m getting the paintbrush out! Giving old and unappreciated brown furniture of coat of colour is not just easy but quick too and you get ooodles of satisfaction giving something a new lease of life. Since the sun is starting to poke it’s head out it’s the perfect opportunity to fling open the windows, roll out the dust sheet, and calm your senses with the therapeutic strokes of a paint brush. I transformed these battered old Ercol chairs that I found at a car boot sale with an undercoat of Zinsser and a top coat of eggshell so they really can withstand the knocks. ( here’s a tip, use a sash  brush for spindly furniture) I love how the pink legs pick up on the pink in the wallpaper. I’ve got a couple of pots of chalk paint waiting in the wings. This just might be the weekend to tackle the bedside tables at last! Have a wonderful weekend  and I hope the sun shines on you wherever you are! 

CREDITS Reclaimed terracotta tiles @ca_pietra_  Borastapeter Rubarber wallpaper @wallpaperdirect Clock @newgateclocks Doors painted in Rose Ash Light @sanderson1860 Everything else is vintage 

#easywininteriors #kitchen #countrykitchen #upcycle #upcycledfurniture #countryliving #countrylivingmodernrustic #countrykitchen #greenkitchen #greenandpink #interiorinspo #interiordesign
DAY 17 of #easywininteriors is all about making do DAY 17 of #easywininteriors is all about making do with what you’ve got and making it work. For most of us, decorating our home and choosing all the things we want to go with it is a long if not a life time journey and there are plenty of compromises along the way. One of the ways I make do with things I’m less happy about is with distraction. You can use colour to draw the eye and highlight the bits you do like and similarly blend away the areas that need to fade into the back ground. For me joinery, radiators and my unattractive windows all get painted in the same colour so they fall to the background and then the cushions and artwork can come to the fore and catch your eye. I painted these lovely old solid wood doors bright yellow on a whim with some left over paint. It was a quick and easy way to inject a burst of  colour joy. So don’t discount doors and architraves as a fun way to play with colour, but only if you have nice ones. 
On the PODCAST today @mad_about_the_house and I discuss more ways you can make do. I interview leading interior designer and queen of colour and pattern @nicolahardingandco who has amazing insights on how to go about planning your schemes, conjure mouthwatering colour palettes and work with what you’ve got. And our style surgery is from Callum who finds himself stuck with a shiny blue green sofa which he doesn’t love and doesn’t know what to put with. Obviously cover it with cushions and distract the eye with A bright yellow door Callum! 

If you have a question for our style surgery do please send it in as we are lining them up for the next series and we’d love to hear from you! Drop us an email to thegreatindoorspod@gmail.com.You can here all our ramblings and insights on today’s show The Great Indoors and thankyou to @katetaylorldn for producing the show. 

#thegreatindoors #bluesofa #yellowdoor #banthebeige #interiorspodcast #podcast #interiordesign #interiorinspo
DAY 16 of #easywininteriors and I’m extolling th DAY 16 of #easywininteriors and I’m extolling the benefits of an occasional chair. I’ve always loved occasional chairs primarily for their decorative function. I’m a patterned fabric addict and so an occasional chair I’d another opportunity to add more pattern, more colour and another cushion to boot! But during these extended periods of lock down and staying at home I’ve appreciated the quiet little corners they offer. I’m lucky enough to find a space for one here on my landing but they can also find a home in a bedroom, a home office, under the stairs or indeed #lifegoals in the bathroom. So rather than playing second fiddle to THE SOFA put your occasional chair in pride of place and grab yourself 5 minutes solitude! Most of mine are junk shop funds bought back to live with my hoarded stash of remnant fabrics. So it’s time to raid grannies attic and  create a seat that makes you smile . 🥰  use the hashtags #easywininteriors to share your favourite corners of escape.

#easywininteriors #vintagearmchair #armchair #occassionalchair #colourlover #banthebiege
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