Looking after yourself isn’t rocket science. There are a few basic rules that we all know we should follow to keep ourselves happy and healthy. However, our crazy busy lives can get in the way and we’re often guilty of neglecting ourselves and our own wellbeing, especially at busy times of the year like Christmas when you have a gazillion things on your to-do list.
Staying on top of everything, especially looking after yourself can be tricky. I’m totally guilty of this right now. Here’s a little reminder of those basics that you shouldn’t ignore over the festive period – or any time of year in fact!
Get enough sleep
We couldn’t get more basic here. Sleep. Essential for your mental and physical health. It is through good sleep that the body heals itself and transforms short term memories into long term memories. It’s good for your beauty regime too; while you sleep, all those brilliant anti-ageing ingredients in your nightcream get to work so you can wake up glowing.
Not getting enough sleep can have some serious side effects that can affect your underlying health. I know how easy it is to stay up later than you should because you’re faffing about or you’ve got lost in the scroll. But I cannot stress how important it is to get enough shut-eye. Work out how much sleep you need to feel good in the morning – we all need different amounts – and make sure you get into bed on time!
Get to bed earlier and see how you feel when you wake. You will quite possibly feel like a brand new woman.
Eat healthier
This really is a bit of a no brainer, and something you can fit into your lifestyle with relative ease if you can exercise a bit of self-control. But when it’s cold outside I always find myself craving and reaching for comfort foods, and sugar. With a bit of willpower, you can make a change though. Stock your cupboards full of healthy stuff and you’re halfway there.
If you can swap those sugary treats for healthier snacks, you will honestly feel so much better. Your body will begin to detox, your skin will start to glow, and you will have more energy. And you’ll crave sugar less too. We can all do with reducing the amount of sugar we consume. I admit though, this is a tough one to stick to at Christmas!
Walk, don’t drive
Adding a bit of walking into your daily routine could have a lot of benefits. If you can introduce a bit more exercise into your life, even if it is only ten minutes a day, it will improve your overall health. Even better if you can fit half an hour of jogging in every so often.
Exercise is an area I’m really struggling with at the moment. I now work Monday to Friday so finding time to exercise has proved difficult. I walk our son to and from school every day which I really enjoy, but I know I need to do more and get my heart rate up more often. Definitely one for my New Year’s resolution list!
Stop taking on too much and delegate
We’re all guilty of this right? We don’t like to say no. But saying no to people and getting help where you need it, can help keep your stress levels under control.
At a training course I went on a few years ago, they told us that if someone else can do what you do 75% as good as you, then don’t be afraid to delegate.
I know it can be hard to let go of things – I have this issue with having a cleaner – but there is nothing wrong with getting some help if you need it. Whether it’s cleaning, childcare or you’ve got birthdays coming up and you need someone to organise children’s parties, don’t feel bad about calling in the experts. It’ll save you precious time and let you focus on your priorities.
Drink more water
Yes, we hear it all the time but that’s because it’s so important. Swap that sugary drink for water and your body will love you for it.
Aim for six to eight glasses (or 1.2 litres) per day. Drinking plenty of water will help keep your organs functioning correctly as well as hydrating your skin. You’ll feel more alert and overall, more rejuvenated.
Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post.