November swept in, with gusty gales and rain storms interspersed with glorious autumn sunshine and fabulous rainbows. The trees are beginning to look bare now, and as the colour starts to drain away from nature, we guard against the grey with warming fires and twinkly garden lights.

Statistics show that many people really struggle as the nights draw in. (That phrase really reminds me of a friend’s father who used to declare happily, “Winter drawers on Christopher!” as soon as the first frost was mooted). Sadly, a lot of people find life hard at this time of year, with many of us finding ourselves in the grip of Seasonal Affective Disorder, or winter depression. All the advice suggests you should go for a walk in the morning when the sun is strongest, take plenty of exercise and eat healthily, but that’s easier said than done when you really just want to curl up on the sofa with a bar of Toblerone.

I have days when I’ve been working alone and long to see a friendly face, so I make sure I go for a walk somewhere bustling and busy where I can at least chat to someone’s dog or share a cheery “Good morning” or two en route. One of the best places for this is in Bovey Tracey – and be sure to go on a Tuesday or Saturday when you can grab a lemon cruffin (a mix of croissant and muffin) from the divine Van du Pain, a local artisan bakery who park up outside the Coop. You can walk from Station Road car park through the busy Mill Marsh park and then into the National Trust’s Parke for a brisk walk along the river. You are guaranteed to feel better after an hour or so of fresh air, beautiful scenery and friendly people.

Alternatively a trip to the woods is not to be sniffed at. Many cultures have long recognised the magical powers of ‘Forest Bathing’ and noted the importance of the natural world to our wellbeing. A simple walk amongst the trees can give your immune system a boost, lower your blood pressure, reduce the production of stress hormones and improve feelings of happiness. There is truth in the saying, “I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees!”

On a rainy day, I make for the Exeter Trading Hub – a fascinating place to browse, with antiques, vintage goods, retro items and a lovely coffee shop. I’ve just celebrated two years of living in my little cottage and almost all my furnishings have been rescued and revived from second hand shops, flea markets or Facebook Marketplace! Yesterday I took ownership of a gorgeous red velvet sofa which set me back twenty whole pounds. Now I just have to fight the dog for my corner.

As we head towards the end of the year I’m proud to say I’ve stuck to #NothingNewIn22 – I haven’t bought a single new item of clothing all year and it’s been so easy that I’m definitely going to carry on next year. I just need to think of a hashtag – #FastFashionFreeIn23 perhaps? Finding second hand clothes in charity shops is so much better for the environment, the money goes to a good cause and you have the thrill of hunting for things that are really special. (I have also discovered Vinted but proceed with caution – it’s a bit addictive!)

Freelance life continues to be a crazy mix of newsletters, business blogs, grant applications, CVs, editing and proof reading. Working with Heather from Woofstock continues to be an absolute joy and her book is going to be fantastic – it will make you laugh and cry. I’m also working on a little picture book about Mo… Watch this space 😊

• You can find more information about the Van du Pain on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/thevandupain/
• The Exeter Trading Hub is on the Marsh Barton Trading Estate : https://www.facebook.com/exetertradinghub/
• Mo’s drawing was by the super-talented Iain Welch who I hope to work with next year (no pressure Iain). He has some lovely Christmas cards and prints for sale https://iainwelch.co.uk/
• Don’t forget to get your tickets for Woofstock! https://www.woofstockuk.co.uk/