Join Griselda Murray Brown, FT Magazine's commissioning editor, and Cordelia Jenkins, its editor, as they delve into a charming winter survival guide. They share practical tips for embracing the season, from the joy of warm lightbulbs to the treasure of reading forgotten books. The duo humorously debates the merits of electric vests while reflecting on how to appreciate winter's cozy aspects. They also reveal the emotional complexity of the season, highlighting community cooking and the nostalgia of Christmas movies. Perfect for brightening those chilly days!
Embracing winter involves creating cozy experiences and engaging in personal projects to foster a positive mindset about the season.
Practical tips for surviving winter include investing in proper attire and adjusting daily routines to enhance comfort and enjoyment.
Research linking high animal protein diets to increased cancer mortality stresses the need for balanced dietary choices and regular physical activity for prevention.
Deep dives
Embracing Winter
The discussion highlights differing perspectives on winter, with some individuals feeling a strong connection to the season while others adapt to it reluctantly. One guest embraces winter by creating a positive narrative around it, emphasizing cozy activities and a love for the aesthetics of the season. Another guest shares experiences from growing up in Scotland, mentioning the early dark afternoons and the necessity to seize daylight hours to avoid feeling cooped up. The conversation reflects a balance between enjoying winter’s unique offerings and confronting its challenges, ultimately encouraging a shift in mindset towards reveling in winter’s charms.
Practical Tips for Winter Survival
A variety of straightforward recommendations for making winter more enjoyable are shared, focusing on practical ways to enhance daily life. One suggestion includes warming socks in a tumble dryer before wearing them, providing a cozy start to the day. Others underscore the importance of investing in proper winter attire, like heated vests, to better cope with the cold. Practical advice also includes mental strategies, such as creating alternative weather locations in apps to reframe winter experiences positively, ensuring that individuals remain comfortable and entertained during the season.
Cultural Discoveries and Entertainment
The winter season presents an excellent opportunity for cultural discovery, encouraging people to engage in activities like reading, watching movies, and attending performances. The guests discuss their preference for relaxed standards in entertainment during winter, suggesting that it allows for enjoyment of previously dismissed content, such as Christmas films. They explore the idea that winter can be a time for personal projects, like revisiting forgotten books or cooking endeavors, promoting a cozy retreat into creative pursuits. This shared sentiment of lowering expectations during winter fosters a sense of camaraderie and warmth among those embracing the season.
Impact of Lifestyle Choices on Cancer Risk
The relationship between obesity, diet, and cancer risk is deeply explored, underscoring the link between high animal protein intake and increased cancer mortality. This has been corroborated by studies indicating that high animal protein diets are associated with a higher risk of cancer-related deaths, while a balanced intake appears to mitigate these risks. The podcast also illustrates the effects of lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise on cancer prevention, including the need for regular physical activity to maintain muscle mass. Notably, individuals in European countries generally have better health outcomes compared to those in the U.S., attributed to dietary differences and lifestyle habits.
Utilizing Professional Support for Weight Management
The discussion highlights the importance of professional guidance for successful weight management and lifestyle changes. Personalized support from dietitians can help individuals navigate dietary restrictions and preferences, especially during lifecycle events such as pregnancy. The speaker mentions how working with a support team can lead to significant health improvements, emphasizing that sustainable weight loss requires time and commitment rather than quick fixes. This structured approach, involving regular check-ins and nutritional counseling, can lead to successful weight management and long-term health benefits.
Today we are bringing you a winter survival guide, full of deceptively small tips that will make winter unmeasurably better. How do we best appreciate these cold, dark months? How do we stay stimulated, but also reject the grind? Our FT Weekend Magazine’s resident “winter goddesses” Griselda Murray Brown and Cordelia Jenkins join Lilah armed with tons of delightful suggestions, from buying warm lightbulbs to reading your friends’ dusty old books. They also fight about electric vests. It’s a joy. We hope you love it.
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As you know, the show is ending in early January – we’re still collecting your cultural questions. What’s rolling around in your head? How can we help? Email Lilah at lilahrap@ft.com, or connect with her on Instagram @lilahrap.
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Links (all FT links get you past the paywall):
– For our summer episode, search ‘How to have the perfect summer’ wherever you listen. Here it is on Spotify
– The FT Magazine’s advent special is full of tips for enjoying winter
Special FT subscription offers for Life and Art podcast listeners, from 50% off a digital subscription to a $1/£1/€1 trial, are here: http://ft.com/lifeandart
