You, feeling even better
Put your hands up of you made New Years Resolutions this year? And how many of them involved restriction? Dry January, no sugar, strict diets; all of them so hard to keep up long term. This year why not focus on adding in one or two great habits to help you feel even better. All of them fairly simple yet proven to have a positive effect on both physical and mental health. For 2023 I really encourage you try even just one of the following:
Journal. It doesn’t need to be anything profound but sometimes expressing your thoughts on paper can be really cathartic. It can help you process things that have happened. First thing in the morning I like to write a few key things about the day before. Sometimes feelings, sometimes things that have happened to capture the memory
Cold showers. Not my favourite thing to do but the health benefits are huge. Checkout @iceman_hof for an incredible account of the benefits of cold water. And if water isn’t for you, even being out in the cold can help build brown fat (the good stuff) and help your immune system.
Eat better. Not diet, no one enjoys restricting. But fill your body with nutritious, delicious food. More plants and more protein are great places to start and scientifically proven to support your health (check out @tim.spector for evidence based information)
Get out in nature. Take in beautiful, natural surroundings for a calming effect
Sunlight in the morning. Particularly before 10am for a great dose of vitamin d. You’ll be helping regulate your circadian rhythm too helping you sleep better (winner winner)
More water. Simple. When you’re dehydrated, you feel terrible. Your body needs water to function properly. Dont wait until you're thirsty. Sip away all day!
Yoga / flexibility. Any kind of mindful movement to stretch out the day and counteract any tension you might be holding.
Meditate. However you choose. This might be just sitting peacefully and emptying the thousands of thoughts in your head. Or use an app. Calm is great
Less screen time. Especially two hours before bed. Blue light can really impact your sleep. My husband and I both have blue light blocking glasses and it really does have a positive effect on our sleep.
Talking of which, more sleep! Easier said than done if you have tiny ones. But focusing on better quality sleep can make a huge difference. Go to bed earlier, try not to eat too late, ensure your room isn't too warm and try lavender scents to help your drift off.
Which ones will you try this year? Keep them up. Let me know if I can help getting you started and see how they can make you feel even better