The Guardian recently ran an article called 100 ways to slightly improve your life without really trying. What a great idea we thought. So here’s a truncated version to help you stick to your New Year resolutions - or make new ones with Crediton’s help!
1. Exercise on a Monday (nothing fun happens on a Monday).
Lords Meadow Leisure Centre in Crediton not only has a swimming pool and gym but runs studio cycle, yoga and dance mix classes on a Monday.
2. Bring fruit to work. Bring fruit to bed!
Thorne’s Farm Shop has a wonderful selection of fruit and veg and if you go along at the right time of year you can also pick your own. Also visit Four Seasons on Crediton High Street where you’ll find plenty of choice.
3. Consider going down to four days a week.
It’s likely a disproportionate amount of your fifth day’s work is taxed anyway, so you’ll lose way less than a fifth of your take-home pay. If you need advice on how it might work for you, pop into Citizen’s Advice for a quick chat.
4. Plant spring bulbs, even if they’re just in a pot.
There are plenty of places to get some. Try Homeleigh Garden Centre near Crediton or Bow Garden & Aquatic Centre .
5. Keep a bird feeder by a window, ideally the kitchen.
It’ll pass the time when you’re washing up. You’ll find everything you need from Tuckers or Mole Avon Country Stores.
6. Keep your children’s drawings and paintings. Put the best ones in frames.
You can get them framed beautifully at Signal Framing in Copplestone.
7. Start a Saturday morning with some classical music – it sets the tone for a calm weekend.
Another option would be to pop out and hear some music. You’ll often find that Crediton Farmer’s Market has live music in the square on a Saturday morning.
8. Always be willing to miss the next train.
An interesting one - and don’t panic because as of this spring trains will be running to Okehampton and Exeter half hourly.
9. Connect with nature: stand outside barefoot for a few minutes – even when it’s cold.
If you would like to spend some time in the great outdoors around Crediton then you’ll find some wonderful spaces and parks. We’ve also got many walks on our website that are easy to follow.
10. Join your local library – and use it.
Crediton Library is very special and offers not only books, but children’s events, book groups, free computers and wifi, printing facilities and a home library service.
11. Stretch in the morning. And maybe in the evening.
Try some yoga with Jojo Hogan. She holds friendly and accessible classes in Colebrooke or private tuition in Sandford.
12. If you’re going less than a mile, walk or cycle.
About half of car journeys are under two miles, yet these create more pollution than longer journeys as the engine isn’t warmed up yet. You’ll find a couple of articles about cycling and electric bikes on our website.
13. Instead of buying new shoes, get old ones resoled and buy new laces.
The Crediton Cobbler is the place for you!
14. Read a poem every day.
Keep a compendium, such as A Poem for Every Day of the Year, by your bed.
Poetry books can be found in abundance at The Bookery and at Once Read, Once Loved of course.
15. Buy secondhand.
Refurnish is a real treasure trove. But there are also many other antique and charity shops in Crediton to choose from.
16. Buy in person!
Keep our communities thriving by spending time in the shops of Crediton and the villages in and around the town.
17. Learn how to floss properly.
You’ll find a good choice of dentists in the area if you need some help.
18. Say hello to your neighbours.
Loneliness is a big issue for people - particularly in these Covid times. If you’re lonely or know someone that might need some company, there are also a number of support groups. You can find details here.
19. Learn the basics of repairing your clothes
The Maker’s Boutique and Workshops, recently opened in the old Firehouse building, is the perfect place to get started.
20. Learn the names of 10 trees.
Lewis Cottage Garden, between Colebrooke and Spreyton, is probably a perfect place to do it. They open their garden regularly to the public and you can read regular tips from them in our articles.
21.Call an old friend out of the blue.
22.Buy a newspaper.
Ideally The Crediton Courier of course, on sale every Friday.
23.Volunteer
Volunteering can also be great for your own health. We recently wrote an article all about being a volunteer gardener at the Community Allotment. You can read it here.
24.Sing!
Joining a choir is a great way to make new friends and get out and about. There are all sorts of choirs in the town. The Decibelles meet at Crediton Congregational church on a Tuesday night. They’re an all female choir and sing popular music, sometimes performing at community events.
25. Ditch the plastic cartons and find a milkman.
Kelland Dairy will deliver their free-range milk in glass bottles to your door. Or pick up delicious fresh milk any time of day or night at the Sandford Gate Milk Company self-service station next to Mole Avon Country Stores.
26. Join a local litter-picking group.
Litter picks have been a thing in Crediton, most recently organised by The Turning Tides Project in conjunction with Crediton resident Matt Hulland, the Material Reclamation Facility manager at Exeter City Council.
27. Buy a bike and use it. Learn how to fix it, too.
There’s no better place to do that than the The Bike Shed, Crediton’s local bike shop for over 30 years, and now with stores in Barnstaple and Exeter.
28. If in doubt, add cheese.
Can we suggest stocking up from The Kitchen @25 - we think you’ll find there’s plenty of choice to keep you happy.
29. Set up an affordable standing order to a charity
30. Make a friend from a different generation.
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