It’s now been a year since the first lockdown started in 2020, but let’s all remember the lockdown is beginning to ease, and vaccines are rolling out at a rapid rate. So, we thought rather than dwelling on covid-19, which we’ve all heard enough about, we would look at some ways you can take care of yourself. Read ahead, put some time aside and look after yourself. Let’s be honest; we all deserve some self-care.
It’s probably fair to say we all spend too much time on our phone. Reducing screen time can increase focus, improve sleep, lower your BMI and enhance social behaviour. Sitting looking at your phone can lead to poor posture, increased risk of eyestrain and headaches. During that time on your phone, the likelihood is you’re browsing social media for some of the time. Reducing social media and screen time can also improve mental health. You’ll begin living in the moment, stop comparing yourself to others and start to connect with the real world again. Remember, social media is not real life.
As Spring begins, it brings with it the promise of more sunshine. Ok, we’re bound to get showers, but if the sun is out, why not go out too? Getting some sunlight can reduce stress, strengthen your immune system, fight depression, help you lose weight, top up your vitamin D and give you a nice tan – just remember to wear suncream.
We all love sugar. There’s no doubt that if doughnuts come into the office, they disappear quicker than a needle in a haystack. However, we can all have too much of a good thing. Laying off sugar can aid weight loss, improve and maintain energy levels, help your brain function better and lift your mood, and it can help your teeth and improve your skin. If you need that sweet fix, try swapping the chocolate, sweets and cakes for fruits or some yoghurt with a slight drizzle of honey.
We seem to be learning more and more about the importance of our gut; just ask our friends at NeoVos. By taking a probiotic, you can help balance the good bacteria in your gut and aid your digestive system. Improving your gut health will help your immune system, reduce digestive disorder, improve allergies, and even improve mental health conditions.
It is not just good for the body but also good for the mind; regular exercise can make you fitter, combats diseases and health conditions, improve your mood and body confidence, boosts your energy, and helps you sleep better. If you can create a fitness routine for yourself, you’re going to be far more likely to stick to it. Just thirty minutes three or four times a week will go a long way to helping you realise your goals and ensuring you reap the benefits.
We may feel like we have too much on and are constantly busy with all the different aspects of our lives. Nevertheless, we all need rest to reset and allow our brain and body to recover. Aiming for seven to eight hours of sleep each night is a great start. However, having a bath, reading a book, or just sitting outside listening to the birds are great ways to give yourself some time to alone and allow yourself to unwind.
The NHS recommends we consume 6-8 glasses of water, or other liquid, a day. Consistently having sips of water throughout the day is the best option rather than large quantities in one go. Also, remember that if you feel thirsty, you’re probably already dehydrated. Ensuring you drink enough helps cleanse your body, helps your muscles and joints work better, stave off hunger pangs, keeps your energy levels up and improves your brain function.
Whether it’s snoozing your morning alarm several times, biting your nails, smoking or drinking too much caffeine, reconsidering your bad habits is an excellent option for some self-care. Suppose you want to start breaking a habit. In that case, it’s worth asking a friend for support, starting small, identifying what triggers the routine and replacing the pattern with a healthier or more satisfying option.
With the rise of Marie Kondo and the minimalism documentaries, it seems as though there is a change toward a less is more lifestyle, and now is an excellent time for a Spring clean. Having a tidy around the house has been shown to help reduce stress and distraction, improve your sleep quality and soothe your mind. After all, a clean home means a tidy mind.
Eating with the seasons not only tastes better, but it’s also healthier. By buying vegetables that aren’t in season, they have to be shipped in from other countries, where they are either picked early or will begin to spoil during the shipping process. By eating seasonally, your food will not travel as far. This makes it kinder to the planet, improves the nutritional content of the food, and means you’ll have a more varied diet. We suggest trying asparagus, strawberries, broccoli, beetroot, carrots, peas, leeks, and spinach for some in-season Spring foods.