Words by Sid Madge of Meee

Being seen. Being heard. Being loved. Being connected. It’s all part of being human. And yet for too many of us COVID has limited how we connect, reduced our connection and diminished our connectedness. We’ve had to socially distance to get the pandemic under control but many of us are feeling the impact on our health and happiness. There’s even a new term for it – languishing. If thriving is optimal mental health, languishing is the polar opposite.

So, what can we do to reconnect? I’m a great believer in instant change, little ‘micro-moments’ of learning or adaptation that allow us to actively take charge of our situation and emotions in the moment, reset and bring more of our best to help ourselves and others. Each micro-moment intervention is designed to be actionable in a minute and I’ve written three books on these micro-moments for life, work and family.

Here are a few ways to re-connect and plug back into life – in just a moment.

Getting Connected to Yourself

I recently heard a great podcast about cultivating a spiritual practice, with Lisa Miller and Rich Roll. I love that there is now real science to back up what we’ve known for thousands of years. “We don’t make our way in life, we discover it.”

Lisa talks about relationships and how they need to move from being transactional (what we can get from each other) to transformational, where we support and help each other to reach our goals and be our best selves. When I think of my journey and how I’ve reconnected with myself, my children and the world around me the joy, love and connection I now feel is overwhelming at times – in a very good way! 

Take a few minutes to really tune into yourself and imagine your perfect life. Ask yourself, if money or location didn’t matter, what would a perfect day look like? We’re not talking about extreme experiences like climbing Mount Everest, or being uber successful, but consider what your average day would be like in your perfect life. What’s so surprising about this exercise is that we are often much closer to it than we imagine. How many of those perfect life events or activities can you already do right now?  So do more. Connect to yourself and what makes you happy, peaceful and contented.

Getting Connected to Others

We are all connected. Imagine holding hands with the ones you love. Then imagine them holding hands with the ones they love. And then imagine them holding hands with the ones they love. I wonder how many times we would need to do this to be connected to everyone on earth. Possibly just six times!

Six degrees of separation is the idea that all people are six or fewer social connections away from each other. As a result, a chain of “friend of a friend” statements can be made to connect any two people in a maximum of six steps, or six handshakes.

In Covid we have retreated but it’s time to push out again. Take a minute to think about someone you’ve not seen because of Covid. A friend or family member. Call them and arrange to meet up. Go for a walk outside in nature or go for a coffee or if they are too far away hop on FaceTime or Zoom. It might feel a bit odd to start with but it’s still possible to connect and laugh and enjoy each other’s company and companionship without being in the same room.

A Daily Random Act of Kindness
This may sound a bit cheesy, but there’s actually a lot of psychological research that shows that acts of kindness are contagious. They even spread throughout social networks and influence people we don’t even know.  

Kindness is also one of the only things that doubles when you share it. Just one act of kindness a day reduces stress, anxiety and depression. Your body becomes flooded with hormones that help you and the person you’ve helped feel healthier, happier and calmer.

Make a commitment right now that you will demonstrate a random act of kindness every day. Hold a door open for someone, smile at someone you don’t know and mean it. Help someone struggling with shopping bags up the stairs. We can all find ways to be kinder and more connected in everything we do. We may not always be thanked or even acknowledged but we will always feel better, and that positive energy will spread.

Being Grateful

The other thing this crisis shows very clearly is how dependent we are on certain professions. Around the globe, there are governments coming up with lists of so-called vital professions. If you look at those lists, you won’t find the hedge fund managers or marketeers, you’ll find the garbage collectors and the teachers and the nurses, people who are often not paid that well, but as it turns out are the people we can’t live without.

Take a minute to think about the people you are most grateful for. Make sure you let them know – every day. Think about the other things in your life that you are grateful for. Your health, your home or job, the ability to walk in nature. A cozy room on a winter’s evening, having a laugh with your friends. Just take a few minutes at the start of each day and before drifting off to sleep to count your blessings, despite the challenges we face.

There is a lot about the world we can’t change right now but there are lots of little things we can change to connect more authentically with ourselves and other. By doing them, we can make big changes for the better at home, at work and in our communities.

This unexpected, provocative and visionary partnership, a first between Swatch and Omega, is the culmination of a trend of collaborations between luxury and street brands to create innovative new products that blend the best of both worlds.

The brands have drawn their design inspiration from space, to create a collection of eleven Swatch models named after planetary bodies, from the giant star at the centre of the solar system to the dwarf planet at its periphery.

All of the Swatch designs are in the brand’s patented BIOCERAMIC, a unique mix of two-thirds ceramic and one-third material derived from castor oil. Although colors like pink and pale blue offer strong clues that these are not your standard Omega Speedmaster watches, a hard-core Moonwatch fan would be hard-pushed to find the difference in the overall look. The key Moonwatch design features are all there. The asymmetrical case, the famous tachymeter scale with dot over ninety and the distinctive Speedmaster subdials, which all work perfectly.

Omega’s Moonwatch is legendary and a must-have for collectors. Swatch’s witty BIOCERAMIC MoonSwatch collection makes the iconic design accessible to fans everywhere. It’s a down to earth take on the watch that went to the moon, which is a perfect representation of Swatch’s joy of life and innovation philosophy.

The new collection comes in rarely seen colors. Each MoonSwatch feature its own mission statement, inspirational engravings and joint OMEGA X SWATCH logos on the dial and crown. The battery cover on each watch features a depiction of its planet.

A spacesuit-ready VELCRO strap adds a final touch of astronaut chic.

The Swatches are only available in selected Swatch stores on Earth !

Mission to Uranus
Pale blue tribute to the Greek god of the sky.

Mission to Pluto
Dedicated to the “dwarf” planet in grey and burgundy.

Mission to Venus
Celebrates the planet of love in powdery pink with oval subdials.

Mission to Saturn
A watch in beautiful beige with Saturn’s rings at 6 o’clock.

Mission to Mars 

A timepiece in fiery red with “Alaska Project” watch hands.

Mission to Neptune
Celebrating the ice giant in a freezing deep blue.

Mission on Earth
A celebration of our precious planet in blue and green.

Mission to the Sun
The star of the collection in bright sun-brushed gold.

Now all the travel restrictions have been lifted and the clocks move into Summer time this coming weekend, we can start to move back to normality, a phrase I’m sure you were starting to think you might never hear again.

So when work is all getting a bit too much and your boss is giving you a hard time about coming into the office more, you can start to think, to daydream and imagine yourself booking a flight and heading off for a much needed bit of time out, whether that’s a city break, like Lisbon, adventure activity in Dubai or blowing off some, much needed, steam in the world’s party capital Ibiza.

But of course, you’ll need to have a bag packed ready to cater for whatever jaunt takes your fancy. A brilliant way to answer this quandary is with a capsule wardrobe, a set of clothes that can take you through any eventuality that may come your way in the space of a weekend away.

One problem that will get you wherever your chosen destination, is getting there. Airlines are really ramping up those hidden charges, so what starts as an excellent bargain weekend in the Sun, can quickly become a costly affair.

One way to prevent being stung in this way is to travel light, packing a capsule wardrobe that can take you from beach to bar and bungeeing to exploring without breaking a bead of sweat.

We’ve managed to answer this challenge with packing just five items without including your wash bag or all important underwear.

First up we have the classic Adidas Originals- Stan Smiths. We’ve moved on a long way since the 90’s where you’d be turned away from a nightclub, bar or even restaurant from wearing sneakers. Nowadays seeing a well dressed gent teaming a suit with a pair of premium footwear of this ilk is commonplace and acceptable is even the most formal of settings.

Then we have, the multi-purpose chino. I’ve gone with the classic stone, this time from BOSS. Jeans are brilliant but your Chino is far more versatile and will have you looking dapper when you team it with the pieces from this capsule wardrobe. Also, once again Stone is easy to match with black, white, navy or grey, which are the key colour foundations which building a practical, contemporary capsule wardrobe.

Moving onto another classic, this time in the shape of the white t-shirt. Like with the trainers times have changed and smart is far more important than formal. This is a great example of a good quality timeless Tee from Adidas. But it you are wanting to be a little more pushing in options, I have your back, how about a multi-pack of T-shirts from BOSS or Calvin Klein in the all important foundation colours of Grey, White and Black ?

OK, OK I hear you, what about during the day if I want to take a dip in the hotel roof top pool or get at one with nature in the sea. We’ve got you in these dark grey cami swim shorts by Brave Soul. Quick drying so can be worn as shorts during the day to keep you feeling and looking equally cool. Team it up with a tee in all of the colours as we’ve built your wardrobe to be tonal and match with each other seamlessly.

Lastly, but probably most importantly what about something to wear if the evening are still a little nippy and to lift your outfit into a smart casual status. This Lightweight Shacket from Very themselves is perfect ! Button it up to give a little more formal look, works brilliantly with the Chinos and trainers and can be folded nearly and carried in your bag when not in use.

A bag that’s a good point what are you meant to carry this multi-purpose, tonal, contemporary capsule wardrobe in ? Yep we’ve thought this through. Check out this great retreat rucksack from Herschel, also in Navy but available in a number of colours. Will easily fit all of these items and your wash bag and your passport and a bottle of water and charger no problem. Plus all the while fitting into ANY over head baggage compartment and complying with any airlines stringent baggage policies.

Ohhhh one last thing, you’re heading for some Sun, Sea and possibly sleep, sangria or sense awakening, so finishing touches are essential and these sunglasses by Polo, Ralph Lauren rounds off any outfit whatever the occasion.

Quick I think they’re calling the closing of your gate !

Santa Cruz Skateboards has been an industry-leading manufacturer of board sports lifestyle products for over 40 years. Established in 1973, Santa Cruz defined a generation with eye-popping graphics and innovative products that continue to resonate with tastemakers, professional riders and younger generations. With some of their graphics being some of the most iconic in skateboard history. Santa Cruz is a mecca for skate and surf culture.

So therefore, Santa Cruz Skateboards launches a Spring 22 collection that honours its skateboarding heritage. Santa Cruz Skateboards has been at the forefront of skateboarding style and skate-inspired style since its inception. The menswear collection extends an almost 50 year legacy of taking striking graphics and overtly eye-catching designs and transcending from its home in the skate scene onto the wider style world for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you skate, want to skate or just like the style and have no intention of getting on a board, Santa Cruz’s staple, Classic, Organics, SCB and Speed Wheels capsules will bring the inspiration and options.

Alongside familiar styles and favourites like the ‘Classic Dot’, which first emerged in 1978 and various rebirths of Jim Phillips’ now-legendary Screaming Hand graphic, timeless styles and cuts are reinvented by introducing new graphics and colourways that create memorable clashes.

Highlights in the collection include the Unite Hidden Hand jacket and its screaming hand-printed twill, which take a clean-cut style and give it that unmistakable Santa Cruz touch. The toned-down retro colour blocking on the Castle Rock Jacket and Ridge Vest is right on trend with a utility styling.

Short sleeve Cuban collar style shirts come back in strong with an electric pink Broken Dot shirt, and from the Organics capsule, the Cabana Shirt with a tropical leaf/screaming hand graphic fusion. The standout has to be the Advertising shirt which has dived into the archive of the Speed Wheels capsule for inspiration. This capsule specifically celebrates the golden era of the Jim Phillips Studio and Santa Cruz Speed Wheels from 1985-1991

On the flip side of these eye-catchers are wardrobe must-haves like the Classic Work Pants and the baggy oversized Local Pant, available in various colours, which when worn casually or dressed up are obvious spring picks. T-shirts are abundant, from the Classic Label and Classic Dot to various new logo reworkings.

Santa Cruz’s boardshorts and swimshorts take centre stage when temperatures start rising. From the subtle Classic Dot Swimshorts to the in-your-face Camo screaming hand boardshort, those pool days are looking good.Not forgetting the accessories – reversible bucket hats, tote bags, socks, sunglasses, caps and backpacks. Consider all of your festival needs covered.

But come on, it’s the UK and once those April showers hit, turn your eye to the fully equipped Reign jacket, with its waterproof and ripstop fabrics; if “when” you get caught out, you’re protected without looking like you’re heading to the alps.

(image by Thom)
Research has shown that over 80% of children (aged 12-15) may have been subjected to harmful experiences online, which has led to heightened searches for ‘cyber safety’ (20.5K) and ‘cyber security’ (451.9K), according to Google trend data.

Child game platforms such as Roblox have amassed over 47 million daily active users globally and are moving towards metaverse technology. With increasing concern over child safety in the metaverse  and social media usage, experts at OnBuy Smart Watches spoke exclusively to cyber security expert James Bore, who has been in the industry for more than 10 years and has provided  professional advice for keeping children safe online. 

To accompany James’s advice, in-house experts at OnBuy Smart Watches also manually trawled through internet safety threads across major parenting forums, such as Mumsnet , Netmums, and MadeforMums, to compile a uniquely collated list of cyber security threats and top tips directly from parents as to how they can protect their children online.

Expert Comments from Chartered Security Expert, James Bore: 

(Image by John Schnobrich)

1. Open Dialogue

Ensuring that children are aware and encouraged to talk about anything that they’re unsure about. This means creating a safe space where your child won’t feel judged or worried about being told off for anything that happens. It is far too often that when people do prey on children online, they use the idea that adults in the child’s life will be angry at them, and that things are their fault. The difference it can make when they can have clear, honest communications with parents or guardians is huge, and is arguably the biggest step towards online safety.

(Image by FLY:D)

2. Explanation of safety and censorship tools.

Allowing your child (particularly older children) to understand why certain rules are in place and what they do. Children are inventive, and most parental control tools can be worked around by any child with a sense of curiosity and a desire to push boundaries.

Other key questions and conversations for parents to ask and discuss include:

• What social media applications do they use, if any? Do they have any games with social media functions or chat?
• Make sure they understand privacy settings, and go through them with them.
• Make sure they understand that people lie, and they should not meet anyone they only know online.
• Do they understand about online harassment and bullying, how to recognise if they’re targeting someone, or being targeted, and what to do about it?
• Do they play any games which allow in-game purchases, and do you have control over their ability to spend

OnBuy Smart Watches scraped online parenting forums to reveal 5 key ways parents can protect their children online easily: 

(Image by Bram Naus) 

1. Explicit websites

Search engines for kids and filtering programmes can be effective in allowing parents to control what sites children can see. Netmums recommends Net Nanny –  which  monitors online content, limits screen time and filters sites to protect your children. OnBuy Smart Watches discovered that parents also recommended the following search engines for kids – Aj Kids and Kids Search, whilst users on Mumsnet suggest censoring thread titles on the forum (keep Mumsnet forum names PG) so that children are not exposed to explicit words if they happen to look over at the computer screen. 

2. Inappropriate instructional websites

Netmums refers to ‘inappropriate instructional websites’ as sites that promote step-by-step instructions for inappropriate topics such as concealing anorexia or taking drugs. These can be accessed through other genuinely useful instructional sites, and so run the risk of being taken seriously by children. 

OnBuy Smart Watches found advice on all of the reviewed parenting  forums pointing towards blocking inappropriate websites, or downloading software that prevents pop-ups and inappropriate instructional sites from popping up. 

(Images by John Schnobrich)

3. Chat room safety

Mumsnet users suggest bans on ‘Whatsapp’ and social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter are all rated 13+) for younger children. However, parents are aware that there may be other chat room apps so suggest daily monitoring of your child’s phone. Regular checks can ensure that your children are staying safe on chat rooms and that nothing goes unmissed. 

Other users on the forum also suggest locking or removing the device overnight, so that your child gets adequate sleep and isn’t exposed to unsolicited and unmonitored messages when unaccompanied.  

4. Cyberbullying

According to the Anti-Bullying Alliance – one in five schoolchildren in the UK has been a victim of some form of online abuse.

Netmums highlight the importance of open communication with your child, in a bid to quickly identify when bullying might be taking place. Parents also suggest teaching your kids techniques for dealing with cyberbullies, such as muting chats and reporting bullies on social media. If your child is a victim of cyberbullying from their peers, Mumsnet advises getting their school involved. This will escalate the situation and send a clear message to the bullies that their behaviour is unacceptable. It will also make your child feel more supported and safer in the school environment.

(image by John Schnobrich)

5. Phishing

Mumsnet users advise to send any incidents of online phishing to: report@phishing.gov.uk as soon as it’s spotted. Other advice includes either ignoring phishing emails/messages or changing your settings so that mail from that scam address goes straight to the deleted folder.