Lifestyle

Why Comfort TV Helps Us

LAURA BLOOMFIELD | STUDENT CONTRIBUTOR

Source: Tabitha Turner

With the rise of streaming services which have overtaken cable television, we have an abundance of TV to watch. Despite there being so many new, exciting shows to enjoy, people often reach for an older show. Despite watching it multiple times, people continue to watch these shows. Comfort TV is a phenomenon we can all relate to: you decide to watch a show you already love after a long, perhaps bad, day instead of something new. We watch these shows because it’s a less intense viewing experience. Our emotions aren’t rapidly changing because of the show’s events, and we’re not shocked by a cliff-hanger or a character’s death (I’m looking at you, Stranger Things). And then don’t have to wait a year or two to find out what’s going to happen next. We already know, and besides, the next season is ready to be played. The characters are engrained in our memory. The first few episodes don’t feel like a mission to learn everyone’s names. The characters’ faces are familiar, and their backstories are well known. Overall, our comfort shows are more relaxing than a new show because the work has already been done. We can enjoy the show for it is rather than learning everything about it. In the many lockdowns we had in the UK, I feel like comfort TV rose. The pandemic was (and still is, but to a lesser extent) a period of time with many unexpected events. Every day something new would happen, mostly bad news. Lockdown was a very overwhelming and anxiety-inducing time, as well as lonely. We were cut off from seeing most of the people we care about and were stuck at home with little stimulation. Watching a comfort TV programme reduced the long list of things to worry about because the plot isn’t surprising. You don’t have to worry about your favourite character. Also, Comfort TV became a form of escapism. You could go to work in The Office, live in Stars Hollow in Gilmore Girls, and you could socialise in Friends. The experiences we couldn’t have could all be done from our own living spaces. Before and after lockdown, comfort TV is still here. We still need a break from our lives and people we will continue to choose their favourite shows again and again.

Free Outdoor Activities to do This Summer

ANNA MORENO | CONTENT WRITER

As the exam season draws to a close, many students will be excited to leave their house and enjoy the beginning of an exciting summer. However, some may find that along with their burst of motivation to go outside after weeks of revising indoors, comes a heavy increase in expenses, and they may find their wallets quickly emptying. Certain activities such as pub nights out and spa trips can be quite costly, especially with the inclusion of travel expenses. The cost of trains alone can increase expenses by a great amount if you are travelling a long way and do not own a railcard. Nevertheless, there are ways to enjoy being outside of your home without spending a large sum of money, allowing you to save for the occasions when you do decide to splash out.

Visiting a Museum Visiting any museum or gallery is often free of charge. Unless you intend to visit limited-time exhibitions, which can vary in price, exploring a museum on your own or with a friend is a great way to spend the day. Of course, you may need to pay for travel and possibly food if you decide not to bring a packed lunch, but for the most part it is a cheap and affordable way to spend the day away from home.

Going on a Picnic There is no better way to spend a sunny afternoon than being surrounded by nature with some good food. You can make your own sandwiches, cakes, and cocktails to bring with you. Go with some friends, a partner, family, or on your own and sit in a nice spot to enjoy the warm summer breeze. It may also be a good chance to dress up and take some pictures. Of course, make sure to wear sun protection to shield your skin from the sun. Exercise Exercising outdoors is also a great way to enjoy the sun and keep fit. This can take the form of running, cycling, or simply going on a walk with your pet. You can also play sports such as football in the park with friends and family. Use the Space in Your Garden If you are lucky enough to own a garden, it can be a comfortable place to spend a sunny afternoon. This may be an ideal choice for those who do not want to venture too far from their home but still want to enjoy the sunshine. Grab some friends and host a barbecue or simply sit and read a book. You can also do some gardening if you want to spend the day with nature, tending to beautiful flowers and plants. These are just a few ideas to get you started, but hopefully some of these activities will appeal to many of you who are looking for a way to enjoy the summer without over-spending. Exam season is over, take a break and unwind. It is time to reward yourself by doing the things that you enjoy!

Source: Runnymede Hotel

How to Unwind After Exams

REBECCA DE SÁ | CONTENT WRITER

Congratulations, exams are done! And, if you have a few more to go, then the thought of a well-deserved break can be something to pull you through. The build-up to exams is truly exhausting. Late-night study sessions, immense stress, and lots of last-minute cramming. It is no wonder that so many students feel burnt out at the end of exam period, if not before! So, here are some tips on how to unwind after exams and reset so that you can make the most of the summer ahead. Take a week, or at least a couple of days, to do absolutely nothing The period immediately after exams can be as equally exhausting as the exams themselves. Many students fall into the habit of post-exam rumination, and this can lead to more stress and anxiety. It is important to take some time off to relax and focus on yourself. Do not put pressure on yourself by writing massive to-do lists or thinking about results day. Instead, watch a new Netflix series or read a book that you have been putting off, spend time with your family, or even catch up on some well-deserved sleep. Whatever it is, make sure that you are taking the time to rest and recover. Tidy up Without a doubt, your bedroom has been the subject of your frustration during exam season. If you find that you have papers or books sprawled around, take time to declutter your space. One of the most satisfying things to do is to close all those tabs on your laptop or device. Take this further and do a digital declutter. Organise the files on your laptop and sort out your google drive. Cleaning up the physical space around you and your digital one is guaranteed to make you feel less overwhelmed. Have a pamper day Book yourself a spa weekend or do it yourself at home. Indulge in a bath filled to the brim with salts, bath bombs, and bubble bath; go for a massage or do a face mask and a guided meditation. Get outside and enjoy the fresh air Get your 10,000 steps in by taking a nice long walk outside. Surrounding yourself in nature releases endorphins that can improve your mood. A great way to beat the post-exam blues! Go on holiday Jetting off can be expensive. But there are airlines that offer cheap deals to different countries. You could even jump in the car with your friends and do a road trip across the U.K. Immersing yourself in an environment other than the library really will do wonders for your mental health.

Exam season is tough. That is why taking time to relax and unwind is important to ensure that you make the most of the next few months before you find yourself back at university in September, or in a new role. Spend time with your family and friends and take time to focus on yourself, and more importantly, enjoy this newfound freedom while it lasts!

Source: Pixabay

CYANN FIELDING | LIFESTYLE EDITOR

As individuals, we have been conditioned throughout our lives to experience events in pairs or groups. The idea of sitting alone at a restaurant table having a meal to yourself is something seldom enjoyed by individuals. We go to the cinema in pairs or groups, we go out for a meal with family or friends, we play sports as a team, we travel together. While there are a few people that enjoy these pastimes by themselves, including travelling the globe in their own company, as a society solo travelling has not been fully embraced or respected as an individual’s accomplishment. Travelling alone may be daunting. Why would anyone want to experience different cultures, opportunities, attractions and so on by themselves and not have someone else or some other people to share those experiences with? The answer to that, is that sometimes, there is no better company than your own company. The daunting feeling is actually the answer to the fear of travelling alone. By embracing the fear of being by yourself and navigating yourself through a different country and culture without your support bubble, is actually the source that propels you to navigate yourself and immerse yourself in new surroundings. Some key things to break down when thinking of travelling alone are the key fears that everyone is confronted with when contemplating a solo holiday. Fears such as where to go, where to stay, how to travel to different locations, what food to eat/cook, the feeling of being alone, missing home and lacking confidence, are all things that can be easily rectified.

The fear of where to stay is completely up to the individual. If you want to be on the cheaper end of the spectrum and potentially wanting to meet new people, hostels would be the place. Hostels offer a cheap alternative to hotels, especially in more expensive locations. Whilst many individuals fear hostels, as you are grouped with unknown people, many hostels have single sex dorms and different sized rooms, meaning you might only have to share with a couple of other people. Additional to that, your personal belongings are safe in a locker that you can access, and most hostels offer a group and shared space to hang out and meet new people over breakfast each morning. On the other end of the spectrum, if you want to indulge yourself, are higher end hotels which allow you to really relax and have your own space without the worry or interference of another person in filtrating that space. Travelling to and from different locations in a different country can be completely confusing and nerve wracking, however, there are many guides, and the simple use of Google Maps can aid in locating yourself and also getting you from A to B. Within a few days of your holiday, and using local transport, confidence will grow in using different modes of transport in the country visited. Again, what to eat or cook or where to eat can be resolved by simple searches on the Internet or visiting the local supermarket to where you are staying. Whilst different countries offer different cuisines, your staples like vegetables, pastas, meats, etc are all accessible through different countries’ supermarkets. The final three are much more personal and mental issues towards solo travelling. The fear of missing people and feeling lonely is something that stems from within and can be rectified by keeping yourself busy. Contacting those you love and embracing time with yourself is also of central importance. And for the final fear of lacking confidence, this is something that is completely normal being in new surroundings - whether that is you moving from one road to another in your hometown or moving from the UK to America and not knowing the culture, the laws, etiquette and so on. This is something that will grow by just putting yourself out there and visiting places. After going in a few shops, you'll know the customs of payment. After going on travel a few times you'll know how to operate different transport systems in that country, after eating out, you'll know how to tip appropriately. Confidence like the confidence you have built throughout your life will also build throughout your vacation. Travelling alone is not something to fear. While the thought of it may seem intimidating, travelling alone is one of the most selfenlightening and inspiring opportunities an individual can have. Not only can you do your holiday at your own pace, visit the places you want to go to, eat the cuisine you want to, and focus solely on yourself without the worry of another person’s enjoyment - you are free to explore a different place with your own eyes, and without the influence of others or the media.

The Art of Travelling Alone

Source: Her World