Hello Toggers!

Christmas lights and night time strolls
Take an evening walk
 
At this time of year it’s tempting to curl up on the sofa of an evening, wrapped up by the fire with a cup of something warming in your hand. But getting outside when it’s dark can actually be a powerful experience.
 
Darkness is a basic human need. Studies have suggested that a lack of it could be linked to depression, insomnia, obesity, heart disease, increases in certain cancers and a weaker immune system.
 
Here in the UK we are blessed to have a number of places where you can really experience a dark night sky. The Yorkshire Dales, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), Exmoor, Galloway Forest Park and Northumberland are designated Dark Sky locations. Night time walks here, taking care of course as you go, can offer you an extraordinary experience whilst also boosting your immune system!
 
When you live in London, as I do, then dark night skies aren’t really an option for an easy evening walk. At this time of year though – there is another reason for an evening walk …

Christmas Lights

Christmas lights and night time strolls

If you’re not in the Christmas spirit yet – this walk will certainly get you there! Whilst you could do it during daylight hours – for maximum effect, you’ll want to do this one after the sun has set. This week we’re following a trail through central London to see the array of Christmas Lights. Our walk starts at Hyde Park and the annual Winter Wonderland and takes us through Mayfair and Soho until we finally reach London’s famous Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square – did you know that the tree is a gift from the city of Oslo in Norway, thanking Great Britain for the support given to them during the second world war!

Christmas lights and night time strolls

Splashing out

This is the time of year when we often splash out on our loved ones. But for some families across the country that’s just not possible. The cost of living crisis hits hard all year, but even more so at Christmas.

One third of primary school aged children in the UK come from homes that are living below the poverty line. There often isn’t the money to buy the essentials. Things many of us take for granted – such as a waterproof coat or a pair of wellington boots – just isn’t an option. But we’re on a mission to do something about that.

With the generous help from our friends and supporters, we’ve been able to provide primary schools across the country with over 8,200 sets of waterproof jackets, trousers and wellington boots to ensure every child, no matter their circumstance, has the opportunity for outdoor play in all weathers. Please help us, to help more children benefit from outdoor play in 2026.

SUPPORT OUR WATERPROOFS & WELLIES CAMPAIGN

Four Things For You

Christmas lights and night time strolls
Christmas lights and night time strolls
Christmas lights and night time strolls
Christmas lights and night time strolls
Christmas lights and night time strolls

Go OverBoard this Christmas!

Did you miss the amazing offers from our friends at OverBoard for their Black Friday sale? Worry not – they’ve got another great offer for you in time for Christmas! You can now save 25% on all products – plus if you spend £50 or more, you can claim a free gift worth £35! This offer finishes on 23rd December – so grab yourself a bargain while you can!

SHOP WITH OVERBOARD
Christmas lights and night time strolls

Whether you’re heading out in daylight, twilight or under the stars, I hope you find a moment this week to step outside, breathe deep and walk yourself happy. If you’d like more gentle nudges and ideas to weave wellbeing into everyday life, you can order a personalised copy of my Sunday Times Bestseller, Hack Yourself Healthy, which is packed with simple, science-backed habits to help you feel better in your body and calmer in your mind.

Julia Bradbury