Keeping new year’s resolutions can be tricky at the best of times, but during a national lockdown nobody would blame you for finding it tough!

Whether your resolution was to be healthier, live more sustainably, shop local more often, increase your fitness, or other, in this week’s BID Spotlight we’re looking at some ideas a tips to help you stick to them!

Keeping healthy at home

leicester market

We know the weather is drab outside but that doesn’t mean you can’t eat the rainbow. Leicester Market is open throughout lockdown with fresh fruit and veg available daily. Traders are offering a range of pre-boxed fruit and veg selections which you can pop down to collect or even have delivered to home. Visit the Leicester Market website for more information.

Of course staying healthy isn’t just about your body but also the mind. The Space To Breath Collective is a local business offering donation based yoga and meditation classes for all levels delivered via zoom and you can find out more via their website. If you or anyone you know is struggling with their mental health, LAMP is a local charity providing free community mental health advocacy for people living in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, and you can find out more via the LAMP website. Leicestershire Partnership Trust has also now launched a dedicated phone line for people of all ages to access 24 hour urgent mental health support. Call 0116 295 3060 or pass the number to anyone who might be in need.

Be more eco-friendly

nada zero waste leicester

This is a big one every year as people make shifts in their lifestyle to live in a more sustainable fashion. We have plenty of businesses in Leicester to help you do just that! Of course NADA in St Martin’s Square should be one of your first points of call for essential supplies and accessories. You can shop online and arrange for collection or local delivery during lockdown.

You can also make little changes to the way you shop for clothes. Leicester has a number of fantastic second hand clothes shops including British Heart Foundation and Sue Ryder in the Lane. Plus head over to The Wardrobe website and check out their range of Run & Fly clothing, which is sustainably made and offcut fabric given to schools in Leicester for art projects.

If you’re looking to make changes with your little ones then head over to the Just Fair Trade website, as you can shop online whilst they’re closed. Pick up some fantastic sustainable toys, accessories and children’s clothing.

Veganuary

currant affairs

Yes, Veganuary is a big one! Are you trying the vegan lifestyle for the first time? We’ve recently chatted to both Currant Affairs and Healthy Route about their tips, and both are open throughout lockdown for your essentials. If you’re a chocoholic then make sure you check out Leicestershire’s finest chocolatiers, Cocoa Amore, who have their own vegan chocolate or maybe pop by Leicester Coffee House to pick up on their fine vegan cakes.

Of course we can’t talk vegan without mentioning Prana Cafe, Leicester’s 100% vegan cafe on Horsefair Street. They might not be open at the moment but it’s absolutely one for your vegan radar once restrictions are lifted.

Keeping fit

kettlebells

With the gyms closed it can be very frustrating for those looking for a new year fitness kick. However why not invest in some equipment at home? You can pick up weights, workout equipment, running gear and more from the Withers Sports website AND they’ve got an extra 10% off everything online until 31 January.

Shop local

A big one for us! Every year more and more people make the resolution to support local as much as possible in their shopping habits. We might be in lockdown but this is absolutely still possible. Firstly, just look at all the ideas already mentioned above! Also, remember that many of your favourite cafes and restaurants are offering takeaway or delivery services throughout January. Your order can make all the difference to their lockdown. Visit the Independent Leicester website to keep up to date with the latest news and updates.

 

Our BID Spotlight features are brought to you in collaboration with BID Leicester.

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