Category

wellbeing

Category

There’s no doubt that good skin, health and wellness comes from within. Periods of being busy or having fun can mean we don’t always eat a balanced diet, get enough rest or hit our weekly exercise goal which is why it’s good to get a little helping hand. Cutting edge, premium nutrition brand, Swiss Vitae offers a range of science backed supplements that support and improve health and wellbeing. House of Coco Wellness Editor, Anji McGrandles caught up with founder, Peji Kanani to find out more about the brand that is taking the wellness market by storm.

What led you to set up Swiss Vitae?

I began my career in one of the world’s largest technology companies, specialising in bringing FMCG brands to market through tech solutions. Years of working in a high-intensity corporate environment began to take its toll on my health and in 2021, I left the corporate world to focus on my own health and wellness.

In pursuit of optimal health, my research led me to Switzerland, whose population is one of the healthiest in the world and to set up Swiss Vitae. As a brand we are committed to produce the highest quality, scientifically backed supplements. Our mission is to empower every customer with the ability to gain and maintain optimal health, from the inside out.

What sets you apart from other supplements on the market?

We need our nutritional support to be flexible, and what better way than to choose liquid vitamin and minerals. Our shots are developed in Switzerland and produced in a state-of-the-art GMP certified facility. Liquid vitamins take less time to break down and be absorbed. If your body struggles to absorb nutrients, a liquid vitamin is easier to take than pills or tablets.

Bioavailability refers to how an ingredient is transported and absorbed into the bloodstream. Some ingredients on the market are less bioavailable than others. Swiss Vitae uses hydrolysed marine collagen peptides which are so small they are absorbed faster and more efficiently into the bloodstream ensuring they get to work immediately with very little wastage. Liquid shots have almost 95% absorption into the body versus pills or powder which is around 30%.

Tell us a bit about Swiss Vitae and the range

The current product range consists of three products. Immunity is a multivitamin for everyone. It’s a blend of 20 unique vitamins and minerals to strengthen your natural defence and immune system to help you feel more energetic.

Weight Control stimulates fat burning and boosts your energy. The unique blend of l-carnitine, garcinia cambogia, corn stigma and chromium picolinate improves the body’s metabolism, counteracts the absorption of fats and can help the body from producing free radicals.

Marine Collagen improves your skin. Our liquid shot is 12 times more powerful than any gel or powder. Each shot contains 3000mg of hydrolysed type 1 marine collagen, 120ml hyaluronic acid, which means you will see results much quicker and faster with our formula than any gel or powder.

Collagen is trending right now, who should take it and why?

Collagen is a type of protein that gives structure to tissues such as the skin, bones, ligaments, tendons, organs, teeth, muscles, and blood vessels. Collagen accounts for 33% of the body’s total protein mass. As we age, our collagen supply naturally depletes. This can result in tired and dull-looking skin, which is prone to wrinkles, and limp, lifeless hair. Using only natural ingredients, our unique formula is proven to support healthier, better-looking skin. Our collagen shot contains marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, and seven different vitamins and minerals for improved skin health.

How important is it to include a supplement in your wellness routine?

We are all putting our best efforts into living our best life. We know to eat a balanced diet, get a good night’s sleep and live as active a lifestyle as our body allows however it can be difficult to tick every single box, every day. Adding supplements into your routine is a great way to give your health that extra boost.

How do you know the right supplement for your needs?

Healthy eating is important, there is no discussion about that. Many people are healthy eating on a daily basis, but still lack vitamins in their diet. Only a small percentage of people consume 250 grams of vegetables and two portions of fruit daily. Therefore there is a good chance that you are also deficient in some vitamins and minerals every day. Taking a high quality, all-round supplement like our Immunity Shot will ensure you are giving your body a good boost of vitamins.

What are the ‘essentials’ when it comes to supplements (i.e. what should everyone be taking for optimum health)?

Everyone has a different lifestyle and at different stages of their health journey so there is no ‘one size fits all’ answer. Our essential product would be Swiss Vitae Immunity which is a blend of 20 vitamins and minerals to support a healthy immune system. Thereafter, it really depends on what your specific goals are. If you are active and looking to strengthen your joints and recover faster from workouts along with improving your skin elasticity, the collagen shot is a good option. If you are looking to reduce your body weight, our weight control drink which contains essential amino acids together with natural herbs will help you.

With stress levels rising and people looking for ways to boost their immunity levels and enhance their nutrition, wellness experts say this is the ideal time to introduce supplements into your wellness routine. Adding our easy-to-take supplements to your daily food intake and exercise regimen could go a long way towards keeping you healthy during pressured, challenging periods.

Do you have any top tips for people looking to boost their overall wellbeing?

A healthy lifestyle is important. If you take good care of yourself, you will feel better both physically and mentally. Time for yourself is key so aim to get a good night’s sleep, social contact and frequent exercise, as well as a balanced diet. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. Swiss Vitae products are an easy way to incorporate positive healthy changes into your lifestyle. With one shot, you are all set for a new day.

What’s your vision for the brand?

Our vision is to inspire people to live healthy and happy lives. To realise that self-care is not a chore and that building good habits can be very simple. We expect further growth to come from the expansion of the product range and innovative product introductions such as sleep, anxiety, sexual well-being and recovery.

House of Coco readers can receive 40% off their first Swiss Vitae order just add HouseofCoco40 at checkout.

Gone are the days of neon pink rampant rabbits (although no shade if that’s your vibe, no pun intended). We are now living in the golden age of organic lubes, oils and sprays. Toys that can be mistaken for ornaments and crystal dildos that are pure works of art.

Self care should be the number one priority on everyone’s agenda and what better form of self care is there than self or shared love. The mighty orgasm has been proven time and time again to aid mental health. With releases of dopamine (the happy hormone), oxytocin (the love hormone) and serotonin (the mood increaser) it is important now more than ever, that we cum together, or alone, it really doesn’t matter as long as you are doing it. Below is a round up of everything you need to help get you there in the classiest way possible.

Oils & Lubes.

Oils and lubes not only enhance your sexual play but can make it more comfortable which will lead to more pleasure for all parties. However, it is important to remember that anything you are using on or in intimate areas should be of the highest quality and chemical and paraben free.

Set the scene with Lab Tonica Saucy Mood Mist, a sensual aromatherapy mist with ingredients such as jasmine, sandalwood, black pepper and rose. Spritz this libido boosting scent around your room or over your body and breathe in the heady aroma that is sure to get you in the mood. The scent is formulated to stimulate both physical and emotional desire and increase blood flow to extremities. This all-natural potion is indulgently musky with gentle florals. Light a candle (see below), give it a spritz and fall into the ultimate sensual experience. £15 50ml.

Get things warmed up with Coco De Mer. All the products they have to offer from toys to oils to lubricants are of the highest quality and exude luxury and decadence.

To kick off your V Day extravaganza, or any other day for that matter, we suggest the Enraptured Figment Massage Oil followed by the massage candle of the same scent. Light the candle and relax in its heady aroma whilst your partner gives you the most delectable of massages. Switch from the oil to the candle by using the delicate serving spoon (included) to drizzle the warm, melted oil further enhancing the experience with a gentle heat. Not only do these products provide the ultimate foreplay duo but they also look beautiful on your nightstand. Oil £35 200ml, candle £40

Toys, toys, toys.

There seems to have been a shift of late and more people are having open conversations around women’s health and what exactly that means. I am of the generation where talking about periods was ‘gross’, buying tampons along with that night’s dinner offering was awkward, especially if you were doing the shopping with your new beau. Thinking back to the day my period started I remember embarrassment and hushed voices as my mother whispered through the portaloo door – only I could get my first period at Pony Club whilst wearing white jodhpurs – “make sure the pad is in the right place, god knows we don’t want a leak”.

We have come along way since then but there is still not enough being done to educate both girls and women as to how their cycle really works. Too few of us know how our cycle can work for us, not to mention the hormonal contraception we are all put on quicker than you can say “but what about condoms” from a young age and then wonder why there are so many issues with mood, libido and even fertility further down the line.

In my early thirties I started to become a lot more aware of my body both mentally and physically and realised I had been on contraception without a break for 17 years, and never thought to question it. Despite living with M.E. and depression no conversation was ever had to see if there was any correlation. I am not saying there definitively is, but maybe it would have been good to explore whether the pill was affecting my mood rather than just whack me on some antidepressants and be done with it.

I decided enough was enough and had my implant removed so I could at least see what it felt like to have a natural cycle. It took a while for my body to get used to the natural way of life but once it did, the changes were incredible. More energy, being able to feel the highs and lows of progesterone and estrogen spikes rather than a base level plateau of ‘meh’, better skin and weight loss. Sounds great huh? But the one thing that wasn’t so fun was the rage. This sounds dramatic but believe me it was like clockwork, five days before my period I became a she devil, screaming at my long-suffering partner, hating everything and everyone. I could tell this was to do with a hormonal surge but I wanted to gain a better understanding of what was happening and if there was anything I could do to help it. Enter Menstrual Cycle Coach, Carly Procter of Nourish and Flo. We worked together over a six week period (no pun intended) to really help me understand my cycle and how to work with it, rather than against it. Each weekly session centered around a different topic including nutrition, exercise, working methods eg, when to plan meetings, pitch work, admin; and as we uncovered more and more it all started to make sense – of course I’m absolutely knackered on this day, my body is trying to gear me up for menstruation and here I am asking it to get to the gym, pitch to a new client, make a three course meal and write a column. Menstrual Cycle Coaching is not about reinventing the wheel it is about learning how your body works and small changes that can be made to increase productivity, to rejoice in rest and to honour the absolute miracle us women go through monthly.

I took some time to talk to Carly further to get an understanding of what she hopes to help women achieve moving forward.

  • Before we dive in, could you give me a bit of background as to how you came to be here? Have you always worked in coaching / women’s health?

I have always been interested in health and well-being but had no idea what I wanted to do as a career. While I was figuring it out I trained as a beauty therapist in Brighton and then moved up to London and found work in a Kensington spa. I then decided I wanted a career as a nurse. After 3 years of training I really wanted to go into women’s health in some way. Things didn’t work out that way, and ended up working in the busiest ICU in London. I still had this itch to coach people, particularly women, and guide them to better health and well-being so I went part time in my nursing job and trained as a Nutritional Therapist. I specialised in women’s health, teaching women how to find the root cause of their health issues, eat better, and live a more fulfilling and healthy life. As time went by I wanted to go a little deeper and I started geeking out on all things menstrual cycles and periods. I am now a certified Menstrual Cycle Coach, teaching women how to work with their hormonal ebbs and flows, and not against them, to achieve better health and smoother periods.

  • And what was it that made you want to make the transition from nursing and nutrition to focusing more on women’s health?

The more I learnt, the more passionate I became. After my own experience of coming off hormonal contraception, I realised how little I knew about my own body. The more conversations I had with other women, the more I realised how little they also knew about their own physiology. Through no fault of their own, most didn’t know the basics of how their menstrual cycle worked. It is something that is only briefly touched on at school and then barely spoken of again, yet it is the very foundation of womanhood. For too long women have been done a disservice when it comes to their bodies and their health and I feel so passionate to be a part of what I see as a revolutionary time for women reclaiming themselves.

  • As a woman, and this is something we touched on during our coaching sessions, I feel there is still a lot of shame around discussing periods and it is all a bit taboo (even though the year is 2022) why do you think this is and what ramifications do you think that has had on women in general?

Unfortunately, we have been socially programmed for years to see periods as unpleasant, painful and disgusting. If that is all you hear then that is what you’ll believe, even if it’s untrue. It was a subject that even our own mothers or grandmothers wouldn’t talk about. It means women feel embarrassed to talk about it to the point that even buying sanitary products is a shameful experience for many. If you are reading this and feel this way, ask yourself this: why are we embarrassed about something that is so natural and the very reason we are all on this planet? How can something so incredible be seen as anything other than beautiful? Your menstrual cycle should be celebrated and not something to feel shame about!

  • When you began your journey into this subject, what did you find the most interesting or surprising aspect?

The game changer was learning the power of cyclical living. Cyclical living is about learning to adapt your life according to the phases of your menstrual cycle. Each phase has a hormone shift which enables menstruators to experience variety in their cycle. We are taught that the ups and downs of hormones are a negative thing. Where actually, if you learn how to listen to your body and adapt your life accordingly, you can use these ebbs and flows to your advantage.

  • We have spoken a lot about how we think girls should be educated about their periods and everything that surrounds them – if you could go back and talk to pre pubescent Carly, what would you say and do you have any suggestions / advice on how mothers can support their daughters through the transition?

The most valuable thing you can offer someone starting, or about to start their period is your unwavering support and an open ear. Whether it’s a daughter, a niece, or a friend’s daughter, let them know they can talk to you or come to you with any questions. Secondly, a girl’s very first period should be celebrated! This could be something simple like a girly day out, or a gift box of goodies filled with things like period products, nail polish, bubble bath and their favourite snack. Whatever you do, make it a special occasion to make their experience as positive as possible.

  • Can you give me a snapshot of how to celebrate your cycle to show how we should be using our femininity as a reason to celebrate rather than hide away?

Let’s use day one of your period as an example. Your reproductive hormones are lower in this phase, which means your energy might be less, you might have an increased appetite and you might feel a little groggy. Check in with yourself and listen to what your body is telling you. How do you feel? What feels natural and instinctive to you?

You want to focus on being as nurturing and nourishing to your body as possible. This might be allowing yourself a little extra time in bed in the morning. It might be putting on your favourite comfy clothes or lounge wear. It might be turning your phone to aeroplane mode while you sit mindfully with a warm cup of tea and a nourishing bowl of porridge. It might be running yourself a bubble bath and treating yourself to your favourite chocolate (yes, at the same time!). Your period is also the time of high intuition, so you may enjoy reflecting on the past month and journaling your thoughts and feelings. This phase is all about you and celebrating the arrival of your period with indulgence and down time.

After menstruation we move into the follicular phase, our hormones are starting to rise – this is the perfect time for earlier mornings, girly dates with friends or just treating yourself to something feminine such as flowers.

Once we move into ovulation everything is at a high – oestrogen is giving us all the good vibes and great energy. This is the perfect time to hit PB’s at the gym, putting your favourite outfit on and going dancing, flirty dates with your partner and nourishing yourself with fresh, colourful foods. Think of this time as summer solstice and that feeling of letting loose and dancing in the fields – that’s what this is about.

The fourth phase is the luteal phase, things are slowing back down ready for menstruation. We start to retreat and hibernate. I like to do things like hunker down and read my favourite book, say no to things, put boundaries in place. This is the time for boujee candles, nights in, getting cosy and preparing ourselves for the next stage.

If women can work in restructuring their cycles in this way and even look forward to each phase and what it represents, the results will be amazing.

  • If you had five minutes to educate our male counterparts – I know, it’s not much – what message would you drive home to try and get them to think about women’s health a little differently?

That their support is crucial for us to be the very best version of ourselves we can be. Men and women have very different hormone cycles. Women’s are a lot more complex, with several transitions throughout our lives. Therefore, all we ask is for your patience and understanding. Encouraging your female partners, family and friends by letting them know you are open to conversations around their hormones and menstrual cycle really is the most incredible thing you can offer a woman.

  • Do you think it is possible to restructure your life in a way that works in harmony with your cycle?

Absolutely! For too long many women have lived their lives fighting against their biology. Let’s start using what we have, by listening to our bodies, paying attention to our hormones and learning the art of cyclical living to enhance your health and well-being.

  • What do you hope to achieve as a coach when working with your clients?

I teach women how to tune into themselves to become more intuitive with their bodies to give them back control of their health and well-being. My clients learn how to eat, move, handle stress, manage their lives and celebrate their menstrual cycles for more ease and flow in their lives.

  • What is next for Nourish and Flo?

I am just so proud to be a part of a menstrual revolution that is happening right now! My focus is on working with amazing women and menstruators to inspire them to own their hormones and to embrace their menstrual cycles. I want to drive the message home that women don’t need to be suffering with problematic periods. It is completely possible and within your reach to have enjoyable menstrual cycles and I’m excited to teach you how!

To find out more about what Carly has to offer visit her IG here or drop her an email carly@nourishandflo.com

Collagen is having a moment right now, I can’t scroll through my social feed without seeing a fresh faced celebrity claiming this elixir is responsible for their glowing youthful skin. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about, so I spoke to Peji Kanani, founder of Swissvitae supplements.

Collagen makes up 30% of protein in our bodies and is an important building block for your skin, hair and nails. Collagen is a protein that contains key amino acids giving the skin its plump appearance, elasticity and strength. From around the age of 30 the body’s collagen production begins to decrease, this can also be accelerated by too much sun, processed foods, alcohol and smoking. When our levels start to drop we get visible signs of ageing like thinning hair and wrinkles.

While collagen is mainly coveted for its beauty properties it does more than just support healthier and better-looking skin. Collagen is an essential factor in muscle health and recovery, gut health, hair and nail strength, bone and joint health, and hormone health. You can support your collagen levels with a supplement but with so many on the market from liquids, to capsules and powders how can you be sure you are using the most effective product? Kanani recommends marine collagen. He says, “marine collagen is Type 1 collagen – the most abundant kind and is a rich source of amino acids, including proline and glycine”. Marine collagen comes from a variety of sea life, including jellyfish and fish. Once the fish’s flesh has been removed for food, everything that is left is cleaned. At this point, the collagen is extracted. It then goes through a process called hydrolysis. This breaks down the collagen into collagen peptides, which are small units of protein. Marine collagen contains a higher collagen content than other sources. It is also considered an eco-friendlier option because it prevents fish visceral from being wasted.

It is possible to keep our collagen levels high by eating a diet rich in protein and vitamins, however, it can be difficult for the body to absorb this so-called native collagen. To help with the absorption of collagen in the body, Swissvitae UK’s supplements take a liquid form. Kanani says “Liquid supplements have the advantage of their form. The liquid is already ready to be absorbed, meaning that your digestive tract can start absorbing the nutrients as soon as it starts its descent into the stomach. Research shows that up to 90% of nutrients are absorbed within approximately 30 seconds, and the entire absorption process takes up to 4 minutes. That’s a leading factor as to why liquid supplements are known to have an absorption rate of 98%. With the added value of having smaller, easier to breakdown molecules, it makes the efficacy of the absorption better, too. Powder form typically has an absorption rate of less than 30%”.

With most things don’t expect changes overnight. To see and feel the benefits you need to be taking the supplement regularly for at least three months. Swissvitae’s collagen shot contains marine collagen as well as hyaluronic acid and four different vitamins and minerals for better skin health so you’re getting more bang for your buck.

You can order your collagen shots from Swissvitae

New to the wellness scene is The Body Lab. Located in West London, the brand is pioneering a new and unique health offering to empower people’s lifestyles. Exclusive to the UK, the facilities have been expertly curated to meet the rise in demand for those looking for optimal health that’s intelligent, informed, and more connected than ever. From the Hyperbaric Hydroxy AirPod that speeds up the body’s healing process, the first of its kind in the UK, and the coldest whole body Cryotherapy Dual Chamber in Europe at -110 degrees Celsius, to enhanced recovery treatments such as the Float Tank, The Body Lab London is set to disrupt the luxury wellness market.

Overseen by industry professionals in the vibrant atmosphere of an expert-led facility, the state-of-the-art therapies are designed to improve the body’s ability to perform and recover at its best. The treatment benefits include reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, accelerated fat loss, increased metabolism and stimulation of collagen production. The company vision is to offer the most comprehensive and holistic journey to optimal health currently available on the market.

The Kensington HQ screams the kind of luxury synonymous with a five-star hotel, Dyson hair tools and ADEM hair and skincare products feature in the changing rooms. The Wellness Lounge has been designed as a relaxation area to enjoy the range of premium coffees, protein shakes and juices.

High-end fitness equipment has been carefully selected from leading industry brands to create a world-class gym facility, including Prime Fitness, Atlantis Strength, Watson, Eleiko, Keiser and Technogym. Bespoke personal training is offered as standard across all membership packages and is unlimited with The Body Lab London’s Signature Membership package. There’s also an on-site podcast room where expert guests will be dropping in to discuss all things wellness and keep members updated with the latest news. The facility itself features the highest standard of air purification and ionisation plus lighting that mimics the body’s natural circadian rhythm (i.e. warm in the morning and evening, cool in the day). Every sensory factor has been considered from the music to the scent in the air, to optimise training performance.

John Attard, Managing Director of The Body Lab London says: “The Body Lab London is the ultimate premium lifestyle experience that will revolutionise the wellness and fitness sector and we’re excited to be providing facilities and treatments like no other. All of our therapies, programs and expert-led initiatives are scientifically proven, and we’re excited to be offering some of these for the very first time in the UK, combined with state of the art facilities and leading innovations.”

The Body Lab London has the wow factor as well as the expertise and tech to take your wellbeing to the next level.

Membership packages range from £5,000 – £18,000 per annum. For more information visit The Body Lab London

Getting quality sleep is so important. Sleep helps us recharge and gives us energy for the day ahead. The quality of our sleep is directly affected by our surroundings, which is why it is crucial that we make our bedroom a calm and relaxing place to be.

There are plenty of options to suit all budgets to make the bedroom a more relaxing space. This article will discuss some of the best ways to change up your bedroom and get high-quality sleep.

Choose Calming Colours

The colour scheme for your bedroom is essential. It is best to avoid overly bright colours and choose shades that help you relax. You should consider blues, greys, greens, and whites for the bedroom. If you have artwork in your bedroom, you could consider pieces that promote good sleep avoid anything that is very busy or brightly coloured.

Add Some Greenery

Plants are excellent for boosting relaxation and promoting healthy sleep. You could consider adding one or two plants to start. Choose something easy to care for, like a succulent if you’re a houseplant novice. You could also consider investing in fresh flowers for the bedroom. This will add a splash of calming colour and some relaxing scents to your bedroom.

Find The Right Lighting

It is vital to get the lighting right in your bedroom. You will need lighting to help set the mood depending on what you’re doing in the bedroom. For instance, you will need brighter lighting for when you’re getting ready for the day ahead and softer, relaxing lighting in the hours before you go to sleep.

A dimmer switch could help adjust the lighting depending on what you’re using your bedroom for at the time. You should also consider some lamps or free-standing lights to give you many options for lighting the bedroom.

Upgrade Your Bedding

If it’s been a while since you last updated your bedding, doing so now can be beneficial. You could consider investing in brand new pillows, mattress, and bedsheets for a decadent and luxurious feel. You could look for higher thread count options to give you the best in softness for your sheets. It is crucial to replace your mattress and pillows if you notice they are no longer giving you the support you need for a good night’s sleep.

Avoid Clutter

Clutter is responsible for a lot of stress in our lives. Having clutter in the bedroom is likely to result in poor sleep. You could consider taking the time each day to do a quick declutter and then do a more thorough clear-out once a week. It’s also beneficial to ensure you have plenty of storage space for all of your belongings.

A fitted wardrobe is an excellent way to ensure you have enough storage space. You should choose a high-quality wardrobe that will stand the test of time and provide the ideal solution for clutter. Take a look at some of the fantastic choices for DIY fitted wardrobes from Online Bedrooms for some inspiration.

Create A Bedroom Fragrance

The scent of your bedroom can make a big difference in ensuring quality sleep. You could consider using scented candles to fill the room with a lovely fragrance or choose a Reed diffuser or Room spray. You should consider scents like lavender and chamomile for the perfect bedroom scent.

Make Your Bed

Making your bed each morning can set you up for the day ahead and make returning to bed in the evening more enjoyable. It’s a good idea to incorporate making your bed into your morning routine to make a habit of the practice. A day bed with trundle is a versatile option that provides a comfortable space for lounging or reading during the day and a convenient solution for accommodating overnight guests. By making your bed, you can create a tidy and inviting atmosphere in your bedroom, promoting a sense of order and relaxation throughout the day.

Avoid Electronics

The blue light emitted by our phones and other electronics interferes with our natural sleep rhythms. It is best to avoid using electronics in the hours before you sleep. You could consider making a space in the bedroom where you put your phone and other electronics before bed. You could also consider using blue light reducing apps or glasses if you struggle to go without your phone during the evenings.

Use The Right Window Dressings

Window dressings are important to help keep the noise and light from the outdoors out of your bedroom. The window dressings you choose will be particularly important if your home is on a busy main road or if you regularly work during the evenings and nights. You could consider blackout curtains that will ensure your bedroom remains dark and relaxing while you sleep.

Keep The Bedroom For Sleeping

It can be tempting to use the bedroom to do chores, work, or other things not related to sleep. This is understandable, but it can lead to difficulty sleeping and relaxing in your bedroom. It is best to avoid doing anything in the bedroom that will weaken your association of the bedroom as a place to relax and rest.

The winter blues are definitely a thing. The days are short, you spend less time outside, and the weather is miserable. Winter is cold, damp and dark. But that doesn’t mean you have to be too! Winter may have set in, but with winter also comes the magic of Christmas and Ney Year’s Eve. See, it’s not all doom and gloom. If you can feel your mood and positivity disappearing as fast as summer, here are six things to do to keep the winter blues at bay.

  1. Stay Active

It is a well-known fact that exercise makes you feel good. It releases those happy little endorphins all around your body that give you a boost of positivity. Making sure you stay active in the winter is essential for keeping your energy for life alive. It may take a little bit more motivation, but there are plenty of fun ways to keep yourself active during winter, and not all of them involve you braving the elements. Get that body moving and the winter blues will find it hard to catch you!

  1. Dress to Feel Good

An outfit that you feel strong, confident and beautiful in is hands down the best armour against any gloomy feelings. Get yourself dolled up every once in a while, even if it’s just to go shopping. Putting some effort into your appearance will have you walking with your head up high. Whether it’s digging out your favourite pair of shoes from the cupboard or flaunting one of these flattering plus size dresses that complement your figure perfectly and are superb for the festive season, you deserve to feel good about yourself.

  1. Redecorate

Refresh your space, refresh your mind. If you’re tired of looking at the same old four walls with their outdated décor and clutter, maybe it’s time to have a bit of a revamp! Winter is the perfect time to redecorate your home to give it, and yourself, a new lease of life. Your living space has such a huge effect on your mindset, so spruce it up with a fresh lick of paint and some spanking new furniture to get it looking like the house of your dreams.

  1. Find a New Hobby

We get to a certain age and kind of just level out. We forget that trying new things is fun and exciting, and taking part in an activity that we truly love and enjoy is essential to our well-being. You still have to do things for you, and there are so many hobbies that are perfect to try out in the winter months. Master that cupcake recipe, learn how to play chess, do some online yoga classes. Try something new and fun to keep you entertained and feeling good during winter.

  1. Self-Love

This is arguably one of the most important things to do, all year round. Take time for yourself to nurture your mind and body. This can include long relaxing bubble baths, cooking and enjoying your favourite meal or having a glass of wine in the evening. Treating yourself on the regular will bury any winter blues that try to surface.

The weather may be dull and cold, but you certainly will not be if you follow these five steps to wash away the winter blues.

Lockdown saw virtual gym sessions soar in popularity and as a result people are now looking for a new way to work out. Expensive monthly gym subscriptions are being cancelled and replaced with more flexible options like Osaki pro admiral that provide a private, professional space to train in with state-of-the-art equipment.

Founded by London-based personal trainer Guido Basola, ELYSIUM caters to PTs looking for a professional space to train clients as well as those looking for somewhere to do a solo or group workout with friends. Coming from a luxury fitness background, Guido has taken his previous experiences and created a dynamic space that will change the way people view fitness and personal training.

With sites in Aldgate and Seven Dials and plans to open in Clapham, Battersea and London Bridge, the micro gyms are priced at £25 per hour and need to be pre-booked prior to arrival via the ELYSIUM app.

The boutique training spaces are routinely cleaned throughout the day and aim to cultivate a safe and inviting community feel, this includes an SOS function on their app, which enables members to access any site 24/7 in case of emergency. The micro gym equipment you will find here are easy to use and operate. Even as a working mom you can make most of your time here without any hassle and the worries of breaking the bank.

Don’t be mistaken – the ‘micro gym’ isn’t just a scaled down version of your local big gym. ELYSIUM boasts top of the range exercise equipment. From a cardio perspective, guests can work with the Concept2 Rower, SkiErg and BikeErg to improve lower-body conditioning and aerobic fitness. For strengthening workouts, the Power Racks come with custom-built lever arms for chest, shoulder and deadlift support. Home gym equipment specialists, BLK BOX have also provided a standard rack of dumbbells and Kettlebells for joint exercises including chest flyes, shoulder raises or biceps curls. The gym’s also feature a Primal Strength Commercial Cable Crossover, for arm, chest and shoulder muscle workouts.

Founder Gudio Basola commented: “At its core, ELYSIUM is a fitness facility that focuses on the individual, their needs and training priorities. By removing the daunting floor size of a large gym, people can focus on themselves and what they want to achieve in the hour or so that they are with us. Over lockdown, there was an increase in demand for personal trainers and with ELYSIUM we can provide a space for that demand, without the high commission rate of a big corporate gym.”

The micro gym offers the best of both worlds; a quiet, professional space for fitness enthusiasts and personal trainers, with all the benefits of a high end, state-of-the-art gym. Expect to see sites pop up on a high street next to you.

Find out more and book your training slot at ELYSIUM

Wellness is a word that has well, become something we say nearly every day. The demand for products that enhance our wellbeing is increasing and is re-vamping what we look for within beauty.

If you’re looking for luxurious, effective, and mindful products, then let us introduce you to Nubyén. A brand that focuses on clean cosmetics and activewear. Making women look and feel good

Made in England using only clean, vegan, and cruelty-free ingredients, Nubyén manages to keep science at the core. Nubyén is created by Dr. Lola and a team of practicing Medical Drs alongside Clinical scientists and co-founding Veterinary Scientist, Hanna.

After a trip to Ubud, Bali with her husband, the importance of wellness was something Dr. Lola Rachel realised. That was when Nubyén was created. Since then, Nubyén has become a coveted brand with many cult products. A loyal following means the brand is currently available on FeelUnique, Revolve, Beauty Bay and launched with Net-a-Porter earlier this week.

Ever expanding, with now over 20 beauty products and an activewear range, Nubyen is set to reach new heights. #TeamCoco was lucky enough to have the chance to ask Dr. Lola a few questions about her routine and thoughts on wellness.

The pressure to look perfect is ever-increasing and ‘normal’ is less sought after. At what point did you realise you wanted to offer less invasive options?

That’s a very good question. I feel that we are under pressure consistently. We place our identity in our image. This is normal, however, this can breed insecurities especially with external pressures. I believe that we all have things that make us truly beautiful. Sometimes the things that we loathe another loves. I, therefore, love the notion of us celebrating the features that we have and accentuating them.

As a Dr. have you noticed an increasing interest in wellbeing?

At Nubyén we truly believe in the 360 approach to beauty that beauty, active and wellness go hand in hand. People are becoming highly educated in the products and ingredients that they use and consume. Another area I see is biohacking space where people try to optimise their performance. This can be done via eating habits, learning about hormones, gut health, using clean products and exercise.

The products on Nubyén act as alternatives to cosmetic procedures. At what point would you recommend a procedure?

Nubyén hopes to empower you. Whether you opt for surgical procedures or not. We do not judge and believe that everyone has freedom of choice. Our products also enable people to try without the full commitment of an invasive procedure. We also love that our products are reversible too!

What is your favourite product?

Personally, I love Nubyén Nude, Nubyén Lip Filler, Beautox & Elevated Mood Oil. (I couldn’t help but squeeze in four of my faves)

What is your current beauty routine?

I try to invest some time into my beauty routine, so try to set intentions for my day. First, I cleanse, with Nubyen Allantoin cleanser, then follow with a toner. Before moisturising with Nubyén Validate CBD Supercharged Glow facial moisturiser, which I add a drop of Nubyen elevated mood oil. Lastly, I do my brows but I have noticed I do not feel complete without a lip plumper; I love the feeling of the tingling.

When you think of luxury lingerie, sleepwear, and swimwear, La Perla is a brand that comes to the forefront of your mind. When you think fragrance, cosmetics, and body care, it’s not one you tend to think of. Yet, it should be as the brand has stepped into the world of luxury and mindful beauty.

Earlier this year, the Italian brand launched La Perla Beauty. By doing so they created beauty products with a conscience that are still luxurious and perfect for any dressing table.

Fragrances

La Perla Haute Perfumerie Collection follows the ethos that fragrances are deeply personal due to the memories they evoke. The La Perla fragrance collection is full of unique fragrances that ignite the senses. Each is presented in opulent glass bottles that are refillable; luxurious, and ecofriendly in one.

The ‘My Day’ fragrance has become a #TeamCoco favourite. A citrus and pink pepper opening lead into a heart of jasmine, iris, and orris. Before drying down to a base of tonka bean. Creating a sophisticated and warm yet subtle fragrance that lasts hours on the skin.

Bodycare

Sensual moments call for soft and sensually scented skin. La Perla has created a collection of body products that are as indulgent as they are beneficial. The range of shower gels, moisturisers, and serums all have a subtle scent that provides the perfect base for fragrance. The products are enriched with prebiotics for a healthy skin microbiome. The shower gel is slightly scented and deeply cleanses whilst hydrating your skin. The moisturizer nourishes the skin and leaves a slight sheen to the skin. The serum helps to firm the skin and absorbs quickly; perfect if you’re in a rush in the morning. If you’re looking for more intense hydration, the balm is ideal.. If you’re wearing silk, then silky skin is the perfect pairing.

Makeup

If you need new cosmetics and are looking for luxury, fragrance-free, clean and recyclable then La Perla Make-Up is definitely worth considering. A branch into mindful beauty in the luxury industry, ranging from lip products to mascara, the products are the perfect addition to any makeup bag, especially for simple beauty on the go that can instantly enhance your look.