The joy of staying in: Why we agree with Zoe and Jo
Posted by Claire Hewitt, on April 14, 2026. Tags: Health benefits, Wellbeing
Estimated reading time: 6 minute(s)
On their hit podcast ‘Dig It’, the broadcasters have declared cancelled social plans to be one of their favourite things – here’s why we agree.
It’s a familiar scenario: according to your diary, you’re due to see a friend tonight. It’s a date you both made weeks ago after a lot of back and forth trying to shift other commitments and make space for it. Then your phone pings with a message from them: “Sorry, something’s come up. Can we rearrange, please?”. And guess what? You’re not annoyed about it: deep down you’re secretly relieved.
We all enjoy spending time with friends and family, but who doesn’t (at least now and then) actually love it when meet-ups are cancelled? Now you don’t have to get dressed up and drag yourself out of the house, but instead indulge in an evening of doing whatever you want at home, whether that’s reading in the bath, pottering about in the kitchen, or watching your favourite show on TV.
This specific kind of joy is one that broadcasters Zoe Ball and Jo Whiley have been discussing on their hit podcast ‘Dig It’ (watch them chatting about it on the YouTube version). They may have been stalwarts of the party scene in the 90s, regularly photographed at celeb parties and award show bashes, but now they’re not ashamed to say that cancelled social plans and permission to stay at home is one of the great joys in midlife. Jo admitted that not going out as much as she used to (and ultimately drinking less) meant her younger daughter got a “better version” of her, while Zoe added, “I’m quite boring, I go to bed early, I sleep a lot, I like my little life as it is, but I’m much more available to the people who need me, and to myself.”
Being more present for loved ones in your life isn’t the only benefit of staying in more often. Spending time alone is scientifically proven to be good for your wellbeing. A study by the University of Reading found that chosen periods of solitude can boost our happiness and wellbeing by reducing stress and increasing feelings of personal freedom.
How to get the most out of staying in
Most of us don’t need to be told how to spend our time alone: we’re already on a high after those plans were cancelled. No rushing for our train, no fussing over what to wear, no social anxiety when we’re in a crowded bar or restaurant – it’s the cue for instant relaxation.
But there is such a thing as ‘doing’ solitude well. In her book ‘Alonement: How to be alone and absolutely own it’, Francesca Specter suggests that we need to get comfortable with the idea of ‘positive selfishness’, a concept that doesn’t come easily to those used to looking after the needs of others every day. She describes this as unashamedly doing whatever you want in a way that doesn’t hurt anyone else, as once your own desires have been met you’re more likely to be amenable to compromise when with others.
And how you spend that time should be guilt-free, whether you deem it ‘meaningful’ or ‘meaningless’, such as watching trashy TV instead of doing a few extra lessons on Duolingo, or soaking in the bath rather than attempting a new yoga routine. Choosing a stimulating or enriching activity is a valuable use of ‘extra’ time, but so is doing nothing, because it’s a chance to truly switch off, recharge and turn up as your best self the next time you see your friends.
Royce’s best bras and accessories for relaxing at home
Not going out? Then kick off your shoes and slip into one of the best non-wired bras for larger busts or beautiful wirefree bras for smaller frames. They’re so comfortable you’ll forget you’re wearing one at all! Pair them with cosy PJs and a silky sleep mask for the perfect ‘staying in’ combo.
Mia
Our ultimate lounge bra is also one of our most relaxed and supportive bras for fuller cups (F to JJ). Made from super soft organic cotton, Mia is not only wirefree but also free from any fastenings or components. Featuring non-padded cups, wide straps and underband, Mia can also be worn as a snuggly sleep bra.
Comfi-Bra
Comfi by name, comfy by nature, this customer favourite is made from high-quality, soft and breathable cotton with a touch of stretch. Lightly padded straps, non-padded cups and a front fastening design make Comfi-bra an obvious choice for relaxed evenings.
Blossom
A best-seller for a reason, this innovative bra can be ruched for a plunge neckline or worn as a relaxed crop top. Its triple cup sizing makes it a fabulously supportive bra for bigger boobs (C to H).
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Lola
A great option for smaller cups and the perfect blend of comfort and effortless style for relaxing at home. This athleisure-inspired crop top bra features a supportive racerback design, a wide underband, and soft double-layered fabric with a high cotton content, making it breathable and gentle on the skin.
Impact Free
Impact Free is designed with comfort and ease in mind — perfect for laid-back days and relaxing at home. The high neckline offers reassuring coverage, while the soft cotton-encased underband feels gentle and smooth against the skin. With its supportive yet non-restrictive fit, it’s an ideal choice for lounging in comfort and moving freely throughout your day.
Accessories
Relax and unwind with our cosy sleep essentials. The CottonReal pyjama sets are made from soft, breathable 100% cotton with a comfortable semi-elasticated waistband, perfect for lounging or bedtime. Complete your routine with the eco silk eye masks, made from smooth, softly padded 100% eucalyptus fibre. A gentle, hypoallergenic alternative to silk, they help block out light for a more restful night’s sleep or nap.
