Finance expert Nisca Shah shares the exact rule she uses to take control of her money, and it’s surprisingly simple.  She breaks down what to do with your income after tax, so you’re not just saving randomly, but actually building a life that includes fun, freedom, and a future.  It’s about structure, not sacrifice.

65% Fundamental, 20% FUN, 15% Future You

Click here to view the podcast.

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**NOT IRELAND

In her book 'Walk Yourself Happy' Julia Bradbury explores how nature can soothe anxiety and stress, how a mountain or a tree can keep you company in times of grief, and the importance of building nature into your everyday life, so you eat well, sleep better and move more. Walking, one of the most accessible activities for most of us, is the fastest and easiest way to embed yourself in nature. 

Our woods are home to amazing plants and animals and they’re all free for people to enjoy responsibly.  Find a wood, use your location or key your town/city to discover a wood near you Woodland Trust

Can you increase your steps whilst at work?  Take all opportunities, get up and walk to a colleagues desk to communicate.  Have a walking meeting.  Take the stairs where possible instead of using a lift.  If you have access to outside space a quick walk will  increase your steps, boost your metabolism and get you that much needed fresh air.  

Travel to and from work.  Are you able to walk to or from work.  Maybe park further away to get in those extra steps.  Each increase in the steps you walk will be of benefit to you.  Even a few extra steps will increase your strength and fitness.

All those that complete the form to increase their steps will be added to a surprise draw to receive a 'Walk Yourself Happy' Book!

If you're based at our Head Office site check out our Next2Nature Walk

Rise People state that not taking breaks 'can have increased long term health risks' To read their full article click here and see below for a quick guide to some practical tips.

It’s easy to forget to take breaks, especially when you’re engrossed in a task. Here are some practical tips to help you stay on top of your breaks, and ensure you’re getting the most out of them:

1. Set a timer: Use a timer or app to remind yourself to take breaks from your desk. It’s easy to get caught up in work, so a timer can help you stay on track

2. Incorporate movement: Use breaks as an opportunity to stretch, adjust your posture and walk around. This can help boost your energy and improve circulation

3. Change tasks: If possible, use your break to switch up your tasks. For example, if you have been working on a computer, take a break by doing something hands-on

4. Eye care: Practice the 20-20-20 rule for your eyes. For every 20 minutes of screen time, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This simple technique gives your eyes a rest and helps reduce the likelihood of digital eye strain.

5. Mindful breaks: Use breaks as a chance to clear your mind. A mindful break is an effective way to reset your brain, improve your mood, and increase overall productivity

Check out more information about taking a break with Posture People

We have many network groups at NEXT

Make yourself familiar and why not join one.  You don’t need to have an affiliation or have any knowledge of the groups this is an opportunity to find out more …

See SPACES and NETWORKS

LIFE AT NEXT

See Communities

NEXT communities

Sports and active hobbies are a great way to get moving, which is really good for everyone's physical and mental health.

Getting kids moving and having fun again has never been more important and it all counts towards the 60 minutes of physical activity (including 30 minutes outside of school) they need every day. www.nhs.uk/

See Better Health/Healthier Families for more ideas, information and ways to try new sports or activities.

Your Sports & Social Club also have various opportunities to try a new Sport or Activity.  At just £1 a month for membership it's a cost effective way to try something new.  For membership details and for more information see the links below.

Based at NDL Warehousing & Distribution & Doncaster Online Call Centre click here

Based at Enderby, Radar Road, London, The Barn, Leighton Buzzard, Ockendon & Bristol click here

Research indicates that people who speak more than one language develop a better memory, talent for problem-solving, ability to concentrate, and tendency to be creative than people who speak only one language. Knowing at least a second language also reduces the chances of cognitive decline as you age. 

Why not a learn a language?  It's an opportunity to try something new with others. Our European neighbours have a wealth of different languages therefore the opportunity to put your learning into practice is greater.

If you'd like to go it alone there are options for free tuition.  See the links below:

The Open University Free language courses

BBC Languages online

Learn A Language

There are many free language Apps available too.  Check out this You Tube video from Corinna Languages here 

Explore the topic of neurodiversity and autism in our D & I Knowledge Bites.  Lucy gives us a more detailed understanding of this condition and the support that can be provided, including any adjustments that can be offered for our people at NEXT.  To view click here

Learn more see our ‘ABLE’ network 

ABLE Community 

Festivals are inherently social events, bringing together people who share a love for music and celebration. Whether dancing to your favourite band's set or relaxing in a communal area, the shared experiences at a festival foster a sense of community and camaraderie that's hard to find elsewhere. Thought Catalog.com

Could this be the year that you have this experience.  There are many types of festivals from Wellbeing, literary, all genres of music, fitness and even running festivals.  There is something for everyone.  Where will your choice of festival take you?

See the full Festival Calendar in the UK here and for the Wiki list of World Festivals click here

Have you found that you are cooking the same recipes, the only difference being that they are on rotation?

2026 could be the year to stimulate your palate with new flavours.

Set up your own cookbook of favourite recipes to expand your meal repertoire.

Speak to your family, friends and colleagues and request their favourite recipe.

If you're lucky enough to be invited to dinner and you adore the food, there can be no better compliment to the chef than asking them for the recipe.

Make 2026 the year that you speak to the seniors amongst your friends and  family and learn those much loved recipes.  Write them down for posterity.  Your relatives and future generations will thank you.  Maybe film them in action, what a wonderful opportunity to create a lasting memory.

Embrace the child in you!

When did you last belly laugh?

Play is essential for the young and old.

To get those laughing sensations going play some games, those that favour laughter over competitiveness.  Often the more non-sensical and silly the better! 

Games can increase laughter and fun for example the game TWISTER which involves physical contortions with the aim being not to fall over.

How to play TWISTER 

What did you enjoy when you were young?  Could you take that activity up again?

Try these simple things to get back into that child like frame of mind.  

Run down a hill

Have a go on a play park at a time when it’s not in use for kids

Think about how you feel!

So you’ve tried decluttering only to find that a month or even a few weeks later you’re back to living in a mess

The 'one touch' rule could be the solution if keeping your home tidy feels like a never ending challenge.  

We're all guilty of placing something down on the kitchen counter rather than storing it away properly. Maybe it’s because it lives in a different room, or maybe because it is just slightly more convenient.

The 'one touch' rule is one of the easiest cleaning tips I have ever tried, and it really helps to make a habit of putting things back where they belong the moment you finish using them. One of the biggest tidying mistakes we make is creating piles of things that are near to, but not actually in, their proper ‘homes’.

To get started see Chiana Dickson 'Homes & Gardens' One touch rule

I'm not artistic and had a crafting experience on a Wellbeing Retreat.  We were asked to pick an object and paint and decorate it.  I was not alone amongst our group of Yogi's and we made our feelings known.  We were here to move our bodies, not to partake in something where we lacked skills.  We were encouraged to take part and after the anguished chatter there was a calmness.  I found that I was enjoying the experience.  It reminded me of the many times I coloured in as a child and how content I was in that silence.

The resulting piece was not something that anyone would buy but I realised that, that wasn't the point.  It was the doing that was important, the opportunity to make the space and create.

I keep that little pot on my dressing table and it serves as a reminder that the experience is what's important.

Regardless of your skill, the experience of making, crafting, painting is the point.  We are all creative beings.

Try our CRAFT SPACE LAN  for inspiration.  

There are many craft courses available, see some here

And for more reasons to craft see CITYLIT here

'Engaging with museums and galleries through both visiting and participation has clear, evidence-based benefits for mental and physical wellbeing. Research shows improvements in mental health, life satisfaction, and social connection, alongside reduced risks of depression, dementia, and loneliness.

Emerging physiological studies also suggest that even brief museum visits can lower stress hormones, blood pressure, and heart rate, while regular long-term cultural engagement supports better mental health, cognitive function, and longevity.' Art Fund

Do you know which museums or galleries are in your local city?

Would you like to support local theatre or artistic activity?

Every visit encourages learning and offers support to cultural activity locally and further afield.  It also offer a shared experience that can open discussion and debate.  There's no better way to engage and learn about others.

Search for Museums, galleries and exhibitions by name or location with Art fund EXPLORE