Finding the balance

Finding rituals to realign our mind is the perfect way to help manage stress and improve our overall wellbeing. We all go by the saying of ‘there just aren’t enough hours in the day’ (I am one that used to say this often) yet sometimes fail to take a step back and appreciate those little things around us that actually enable us to think about not having enough time in our days!

In this edition, I’d like to share with you some of the practices that I use to sustain my health and wellbeing in every moment of the day...

GRATITUDE

In order to live well we must strive to live with a grateful heart. What are you thankful for? What motivates you to get up in the morning? What positives did your day bring? Rather than wishing for the things you could have, try to adopt an appreciative attitude and count your blessings for the things you do have; a roof over your head, a family, a good circle of friends, or a job that enables you to eat and live well.

EAT BEAUTIFUL

Having a healthy diet and fuelling your body with good nutrition will improve your mood, body functioning and appearance. Eating nutritionally well doesn’t mean following a specialist diet or eating particularly small portions, it means finding a balance and knowing the basics of good food. Making a conscious effort to pick up healthy foods in the supermarket can make a huge improvement to your lifestyle. It is also a good idea to eat with the seasons. Winter is hibernation time where the box sets come out and the fires come on. This season can be quite difficult on the skin therefore it is important your nutrition includes essential fatty acids, antioxidants and good oils! Key nutritional foods in winter include white fish, sesame seeds, carrots, leeks, oranges, onions, red cabbage, rhubarb and turnips.

H20

It goes without saying that water is a vital part of life. The amount we drink plays a huge part in our general health and wellbeing. Those common feelings of haziness, lack of concentration or irritability can often boil down to dehydration. It is recommended that on average, men and women drink between 2-2.5 litres of water per day. If you do not enjoy water on its own, why not try adding a slice of lemon, cucumber or mint to add natural flavour?

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

The countryside we live in is not just a pretty place. Setting out into the beauty of our borough allows us to reduce stress and unwanted tension. Being out in the open air, a park or a walk over the hills just a couple of times a week can have a measurable effect on our mood and mindset.

POSITIVE SELF-TALK

The way we speak to ourselves and the people we surround ourselves with can significantly impact our wellbeing. Sometimes we find ourselves having a conversation with ourselves, often subconsciously but small words of kindness and encouragement directed to ourselves on a daily basis enables us to build self-esteem and achieve our goals.

MOVEMENT

Not all movement has to be strenuous. Dance and yoga are both types of feel good exercise. It’s difficult to hold on to worry, stress or anxiety when dancing in your living room to your favourite song or concentrating on holding the downward dog with your heels touching the ground. Try not to take yourself too seriously, think about when you danced as a child without a care in the world! It’s supposed to be fun, if all else fails, dance it off!

TIDY SPACE, TIDY MIND

The environment in which we live and create for ourselves can either enhance or limit our health and wellbeing. Consciously creating a calming home and work environment contributes to higher levels of wellness. Do you go to work to an untidy desk, a dusty keyboard, an unwashed coffee cup or last weeks to do list somewhere on the desk? Just looking at this in a morning can subconsciously raise your stress levels. A neat and organised atmosphere will minimise distraction, enhance productivity and increase efficiency.

REST & SLEEP

How ironic that when we are children we do everything in our power to stay up late and avoid bed time, yet when real life adulthood and responsibilities arise, here we are desperate to climb into bed before 9pm. In our modern world there is very much a ‘power through’ expectation through a constant state of doing right up until lights out. We try to push through even though there are signs that we need to slow down and take a break. Having a sleep supporting routine may be necessary to fully rest and recharge for the recommended 7-9 hours per night. Here are some practices to calm the mind:

Breath counting - lying on your back with your palms facing the ceiling, breathe naturally for a few moments before counting as you inhale and exhale. Try to regulate your breathing so the seconds on the inhale match the seconds on the exhale.

Make your own Lavender Pillow Spray - 2 tbsp witch hazel / 10 drops lavender essential oil / 6 tbsp water / Small spray bottle

ARBONNE

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E: lhhealthandwellness@outlook.com Instagram: lhhealthandwellness