Hi all, I’m on holiday so I’m on not going to do a proper newsletter today. Instead I wanted to leave you with some things to check out. I did mean to get up early and send this but instead I had to get up early to pack. It’s been a hectic week. The result is I am actually writing this from the campsite thanks to the joys of a personal hotspot and my old laptop.

I’m also to remind you to take a break if you need it. Breaks – even a short camping trip to Wales – are so important for our wellbeing. On this topic, here’s a brilliant read about why we should take the whole summer off.

Amelia Tait says: “Post-pandemic – or the middle part of the pandemic that I’m calling post-pandemic because I adore to be deluded – there is a greater argument for time off. Firstly, if you’re into the concept of “deserving” things (outdated, puritanical, unimaginative), then we deserve it. We’ve been through a lot, what with all the panic buying and social distancing and nostril-staring. Secondly, I’m sure if you asked an economist, they’d say something like, “If everyone has a big old holiday then people will spend more money, which is good.”

This may seem outlandish but Amelia reminds us that weekends are invented and when the idea first got mooted, people had a similar reaction! So suffice to say I’m behind this concept! Obviously this probably won’t be possible but maybe we can try and incorporate more micro-breaks into our daily lives to make this summer a nice and chilled one. Single people deserve a rest too and don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise!

On that I am going to sign off to enjoy the BBQ my friend is making. I hope you can take some time to do something lovely this week even it’s just a bubble bath or cooking yourself a nice meal.

Have a good week,

Nicola

Twitter: @Nicola_Slawson | Instagram: @Nicola_Slawson

Things you should check out

• "Why I'm single and happy" – in case you need a reminder that this is possible!

• Under-35s experiencing an ‘epidemic of loneliness’ as 20% have one or no close friends, finds study – Important to note loneliness is not just something the elderly experience.

• On that note, do join the newsletter’s Facebook group – I got some lovely feedback the other day that I need to reply to (Sorry Mina!) but it was great to hear that people have made genuine friendships through the group. Make sure you answer all the questions otherwise you won’t be let in.

• Terri White: It's Time To Cut The Crap About Older Motherhood – Terri isn’t single but I wanted to share for those who would like to be mum but aren’t yet. There is still so much stigma but articles like this are so important.

• The agony aunt column is going out this week to paying subscribers! Sign up to receive it!

• I had my very first article published in Psychologies magazine, a publication I have long wanted to write for. I’m thrilled and would love you to read my feature. Please tell me if you do. I would love to hear your thoughts. I don’t think it’s going online, sadly, so think this is just for UK readers.

nicola_slawson

A post shared by @nicola_slawson

About me

For those who don’t know, I’m Nicola Slawson, a freelance journalist who lives in Shropshire, UK. If you would like to support what I do, please consider subscribing to be a paid supporter of The Single Supplement. If you would prefer to make a one-off contribution, you can also buy me a coffee, here’s the link to my Ko-Fi page. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter.

Did someone forward The Single Supplement to you? Sign up here.