A town in the Scottish Borders is determined to help its residents feel their best this January by launching a new feel-good initiative.
Around this time of year, there are a lot of things happening that can cause low moods and feelings of sadness. Today (January 16) is also known as Blue Monday - supposedly the "most depressing" day of the year.
And although there's no scientific proof to back this up, it's based on real-life emotions often felt at this point in the year. To help people feel happier at this gloomy time, Visit Kelso has launched a scheme to become Scotland's "wellbeing capital" and encourage people to look after their mental health all year round.
After launching on Blue Monday, the new initiative aims to inspire residents and visitors to take a bit of time for themselves each day.
With an army of Wellbeing Warriors on hand to show people how easily small steps can be implemented into your routine every day to look after your physical and mental wellbeing.
The idea behind the initiative is to show people how easily these small steps can be implemented into your routine every day to look after your physical and mental wellbeing.
Visit Kelso members who work in the local community - also known as Wellbeing Warriors - will also seek to take on these small steps everyday within their own organisations.
It could be something as simple as drinking a calming herbal tea while you take a break from work, or carrying out a short breathing exercise to keep yourself grounded during a stressful time.
No matter how you wish to include wellness in your daily routine, Kelso’s Wellbeing Warriors will be there to point you in the direction of self-care.
Lesley Rosher, owner of The Crafty Creative, has been seeing the benefits of activities such as crafting for years.
She said: "People don't always initially think of crafts when thinking about wellbeing but having the ability to give your mind a break from screens, busy schedules, and stresses, is so important.
"Taking a bit of time out of our days to make sure we focus on us is hugely beneficial, and crafting is the perfect activity for this! Your brain can shut off while you have some important me-time."
Many other local Wellbeing Warriors are also promoting easy ways in which their people can add self-care into their routines, offering plenty of inspiration for anyone who wants to take care of their mental and physical wellbeing.
Tina Newton, Visit Kelso volunteer said: "Wellbeing is at the forefront of everyone’s minds right now; we felt it was important to come together as a town to show both locals and visitors that there are quick and easy ways to take better care of yourself."
A list of participating businesses and organisations, and their small steps can be found on the Visit Kelso website: https://www.visitkelso.com/wellbeing-warriors/.
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