Ways to feel good

Beauty & Health WAYS WAYS to feel good to feel good

See the top tips from viva.co.nz for boosting your mood and feeling happier.

STAY HYDRATED Even mild dehydration can lead to symptoms such as headaches and fatigue, so if you struggle to drink enough water, try keeping a water bottle nearby to prompt you to take sips regularly across the day.

CARE FOR YOUR LIVER The liver plays a major role in how you feel, function and look each day. Focus on giving it more of what it loves, and less of what it doesn’t — more whole foods, particularly bitter foods like green leafy vegetables, and less alcohol and highly processed foods.

MIND YOUR MAGNESIUM For your mood, your muscles, your energy and the health of your mind and body, keep your magnesium level up. Dark leafy vegetables are the richest source — and considering a supplement: most people have low levels and if you have trouble sleeping, taking a magnesium capsule before bed is great for calming the nerves and muscles.

SWITCH UP LONG JOGS FOR TEMPO TRAINING This type of bite-sized training will get lungs working and make it easier to run long distances. If you normally go for a jog at a steady pace at 50 per cent power, try pushing up to 80 per cent for one minute, then back down to 50 per cent. For first-timers, walk for two minutes, then jog for one. Use trees or lamp posts to mark the distances. When you start finding it easy, make the intervals longer.

WORK OUT IN THE MORNING Carve out some time each morning that’s solely for you to focus on your fitness goals. You could go for a run, do some Pilates or light cardio, or even go for a walk while listening to a podcast — anything that gets you up, and active. Exercising in the morning could be more achievable than trying to squeeze a workout into your lunch break, or after work. A high-intensity workout late at night can lead to excess cortisol running through your body, which can disrupt your sleep pattern. The power hour isn’t about giving up sleep to get up early, so it’s important to go to bed earlier too.

BE GOOD TO YOUR GUT The microbiome is the bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microbes that live in the large intestine or colon. The microbiome is shaped by genetics, but it can also be impacted by lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. As we get older, having an abundance of ‘good’ bacteria living in our gut is increasingly important to fight infection and prevent the onset of diseases. One of the best ways to improve the “good” microbes in our gut is through eating high-fibre foods, as well as probiotic- and vitamin C-rich food.

DITCH THE TECH With the term “doom scrolling” firmly in the lexicon — that means endless scrolling through negative news media, social media posts and immersing oneself in general bad vibes — it could be time to try a tech cleanse. Extended time away from our phones and computers, or simply deactivating social media accounts for a while, has a multitude of benefits, from sleeping better to lessening feelings of anxiety, FOMO (fear of missing out) and, most of all, freeing up time for other, more analogue pursuits.

JUST BREATHE Diaphragmatic breathing is one of the most effective ways we can reduce stress hormone production — and it’s free! This can have a profound effect on numerous aspects of our health, including energy levels, sleep and digestion, to name just a few. Try taking 20 long, slow breaths, with particular focus on extending the exhalation, and notice if it leads you to experience a sense of calm.

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