wellbeing - House Of Coco Magazine

Accessories March 24, 2023

Coco Wellness News

Discover the latest in wellness with Coco Wellness News. Whether you are looking for the latest wellness product, heading off to a retreat to reset or want to try the newest fitness studio, we’ve got you covered. Our Wellness Editor, Anji McGrandles shares the skinny on all the hottest wellbeing news.

Try the limited edition DIRTEA beauty-boosting menu at Farm Girl

To celebrate the launch of DIRTEA’s new ‘Beauty Mushroom’ powder – DIRTEA Tremella, they have collaborated with Farm Girl on a beauty-boosting menu, jam-packed with delicious skin-saving drinks and dishes. Tremella aka nature’s Hyaluronic Acid is renowned for its beauty and skin-enhancing properties and has proven to improve skin tone, elasticity, and hydration, resulting in thicker hair, stronger nails and a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. The Farm Girl x DIRTEA Beauty Boosting Menu will be available to enjoy at both Farm Girl Soho and South Kensington.

Feel Electric

Struggling to find time in the day to squeeze in that all-important workout? Then give your fitness routine a boost with an EMS workout at Feel Electric. Get fitter faster using EMS technology to offer a time-efficient and high-intensity workout, suitable for even the busiest of lifestyles. Loved by athletes, footballers and celebrities, the workout is short enough to do on your lunch break and still gives you enough time to get a bite to eat afterwards. Feel Electric has studios around the UK and new openings underway.

Manage monthly cramps

Period Harmony was set up by siblings, one of whom was dealing with bad menstrual pain and was looking for something that was convenient, worked effectively and gentle on the body. The result is the ‘Monthly harmony patch’, an alternative, accessible solution to naturally take the edge off pain for up to eight hours during an uncomfortable period.

A new luxury resort for grown-ups brings next-level wellbeing to the Greek Islands

Opening in June 2023 on the island of Crete, beach-front resort Pnoé Breathing Life represents a new chapter for the luxury wellbeing scene in Europe. Whether you want to improve your fitness, nurture inner health or simply rest and reset, Pnoé offers a selection of wellbeing solutions. Guests will have access to recovery programmes such as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Zerobody and Breathwork therapy, alongside a state-of-the-art fitness facility and professional personal trainers. A stimulating workout can be balanced with a visit to the waterfalls of the wet area, the Himalayan salt stones, a wood-fired sauna or the impressive ice fall. Pnoé also has an onsite beauty salon, as well as a Guest relations service to ensure that every need and requirement can be taken care of.

The must-have gym and beach accessory for summer

The La Pochette Wet Bag is essential for regular gym and spa lovers. Made from 100% recycled plastic bottles this stylish kit bag is perfect for storing wet swimwear and sports kit whether you are hitting the beach or relaxing at the spa. Lightweight, compact and featuring multiple compartments, it has a triple lock system to ensure reliable, leak-proof storage of wet kit.

Get an on-demand wellness coach

Fitness entrepreneur, former professional ballerina and all-around powerhouse, Chrissy Sundt has launched Silver Linings Live, a new community-based on-demand, holistic wellness app with daily live classes. As well as delivering personalised support, it incorporates fitness and wellbeing sessions from a host of world-class experts. Silver Linings LIVE is an exclusive place, where members are prioritised, receiving information about new challenges and masterclasses first. Alongside the expert teachers and nutritionists, the Silver Linings Wellbeing community can ask questions and get responses to stay on track. Clients can arrange additional support on the community chat and book soon-to-launch ‘check-ins’ with Chrissy and other experts via Zoom.

Dynamic Pilates

Recently opened London Reformer Pilates is a boutique new studio, based in Marylebone. Developed by West 1 Health, they have collaborated with the experts of the London Pilates Academy to bring together the very best trainers in London. Taught by the academy’s experts, each upbeat, fitness-based reformer class of up to six people is tailored to ensure a personalised experience. Using the studio’s beautifully designed machines to support a full body workout, dynamic sequences are inclusively tailored to welcome everyone from beginners through to seasoned athletes.

Biohack your way to wellness

New, luxury wellness destination Grey Wolfe bridges advanced science with spiritual and traditional wellness practices. This wellness sanctuary focuses on tailor-made experiences, catering to people seeking alternative therapies for healing, body and health. The standout state-of-the-art biohacking treatments are what makes it unique. As well as having an Infrared Sauna they offer innovative Rebalance Impulse treatment. Using a combination of stimulation and cognitive therapy, the Rebalance Impulse (RI) is targeted at fighting chronic stress, improving sleep quality, and strengthening the immune system using neuroscience with dynamic light pulses and monotherapy. The RI gathers biofeedback and neurofeedback, to better understand how the nervous system is responding, along with your brain activity and the positive effects the body experiences during your session. All this information forms part of ‘brain training’ and is beneficial for restoring healing and relieving chronic stress, and PTSD through EMDR, and improving memory, anti-ageing, emotional balance, well-being, enhancing sleep quality, pain management and immune system.

Accessories February 16, 2023

The best wellness stays in California

Incorporate a bit of zen into your Californian break at one of these unique wellness stays. From thermal springs and equine therapy to sleep programmes, there is something for everyone.

Discover horse whispering at Carmel Valley Ranch

Carmel Valley Ranch is set in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains across 500 acres. In 2019 the resort was reimagined with enhancements including The Market & Creamery, two interactive culinary spaces and redesigned suites. They also introduced experiential programming which includes equine therapy, exploring the special bond between human and horse. Each equine experience provides the opportunity to join experts and horse whisperers in the expansive, state-of-the-art outdoor arena, perched high above the beautiful Carmel Valley.

Embark on an ocean safari Base Camp Channel Islands, Channel Islands

This a five-day “wildness + wellness” adventure offered by Wild Earth Travel is perfect for water lovers. Get up close with some of the marine creatures and animals inhabiting Channel Islands National Park’s largely untouched coastal ecosystem offshore between Ventura and Santa Barbara. Catch a glimpse of sea lions, island foxes, and dolphins, as well as taking part in guided hikes, yoga and fitness classes. Take in lectures from experts, and one-on-one photography lessons.

Get some shut-eye at The Post Ranch

Big Sur’s iconic Post Ranch Inn has partnered with The Sleep Doctor – Dr Michael Breus, one of the USA’s most renowned sleep experts – for this program which offers a comprehensive approach to improve the way you sleep each night. Coupled alongside their guestrooms that naturally promote rest and relaxation being free of TVs and alarm clocks and featuring organic mattresses and bedding, without any chemicals or dyes, there’s no better setting in which to embark on a journey to a better night’s sleep. The package is available as an add-on to any reservations of two nights or more. The package includes dinner at Sierra Mar featuring the Sleep Serenity Menu, two 60 minute Sleep Menu Spa Treatments, on demand access to Sleep Sessions with Dr Micheal Breus’ special seven-part video series created specifically for Post Ranch guests and a sweet dreams gift bag.

Embrace Hollywood glamour at The Peninsula, Beverly Hills

Check-in to The Peninsula, Beverly Hills and book into their rooftop retreat. Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor frequented the place and spent six of her honeymoons here. Go all out with a precious-gem treatment—rich oils containing bits of ruby, emerald, sapphire, and diamond are said to draw upon the stones’ healing powers.

Detox like an A-lister at The Ashram, Calabasas

Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, The Ashram is an oasis of health and tranquillity. Hollywood elite, Julia Roberts, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Oprah have all reportedly experienced one of their programmes, which starts each day at 5.30am to undertake multiple fitness classes and 10-plus-mile hikes, all fuelled by plant-based meals.

Create a bespoke wellness stay at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa

The Cal-a-Vie Health Spa is enveloped between vast dreamy fields of grapevines and lavender in San Diago. Discover a life-changing wellness retreat combining luxurious European spa philosophies with the California concept of fitness, health, and nutrition. At Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, packages are custom-made for the guest experience, offering a self-care hideaway that is both intimate and astonishingly gorgeous.

The Centre For Wellbeing at Fairmont Grand Del Mar

One of only 60 Forbes Five-Star spas in the world, this beauty and wellbeing focused resort spa offers an extensive menu of treatments as well as a custom organic product line. An opulent homage to the Renaissance, The Centre For Wellbeing aims to quieten the mind, soothe the body and embolden the spirit. The perfect backdrop to refresh and rejuvenate, the scenic Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve boasts abundant flora and fauna— as well as wild herbs, mineral-rich clays and local elements utilised at the spa. Treatments performed in 11 spacious rooms—and a luxe couples suite—are designed by renowned consultant Anne Bramham. Arrive early to take advantage of the lounge areas featuring wet and dry saunas, indoor whirlpools, relaxation rooms and cosy fireplaces. Spa guests also receive access to the adults-only relaxation pool, indoor and outdoor fitness centres, and amenities like all-natural spa products, signature hot teas, seasonal snacks and handcrafted chocolates

Live like a monk at Shasta Abbey, Mount Shasta

Shasta Abbey is located near the base of Mount Shasta, surrounded by a stunning 16-acre forest. This Buddhist monastery welcomes outsiders into its beautiful, sacred space. The three-day Introductory Retreat encourages visitors to try Soto Zen through guided meditation, Dharma talks, and mindfulness.

Reboot at The Coast Ridge

This retreat near San Francisco, offers a 4-day health and wellness programme. Days kick off with a sunrise yoga followed by long hikes along the rugged coastline through redwood groves and along coastal trails. After a successful morning on the trail, professional instructors teach a series of exercise classes focused on core and strengthening while restorative yoga ends the day. Each full day you will eat delicious plant based food geared to keep you going, and get pampered with a massage from an incredible massage therapist. Attendees of the four-day Reboot stay in The Coast Ridge’s secluded estate, which overlooks Stinson Beach.

Experience the great outdoors

Dawn Ranch is a great base to experience a wellness stay. Located on the Russian River with redwood groves and orchards, it’s a 15 minute bike ride to Armstrong Woods where you can practise forest breathing. They also host free group energy healing sessions for hotel guests with Raymond Storms, their intuitive healer in residence. Raymond is a reiki master as well as an opera singer! You can also get out on the river on one of the complimentary kayaks the hotel provides.

Essence Portrait at Alila Ventana Big Sur

The Spa Alila offers treatments embedded in the Big Sur landscape. Guests can take this immersion a step further by watching their inner landscape unfold in brilliant colours during an Essence Portrait with Sofanya, who paints their aura through unique colour patterns to help you discover your spirit guides, animal spirits and soul mates. The spa also offers an AstroSoma treatment. When an aspect or archetype of our nature has been “hurt,” it tends to compensate—remaining hidden, stuck, or projected, and frequently attracting lessons for further learning and growth. AstroSoma is a cutting-edge modality that combines a gentle energy muscle testing with the guidance of one’s astrology natal chart to bring awareness and transformation, leading to permanent improvement in one’s life, self, and goals. Couples sessions in both modalities aim to design a healthy and co-creative goal, followed by a process that informs what is at the root of mutual dissonances, revitalizing the relationship. Guests are required to provide their birth information (date, time and place of birth) to the spa at time of booking before the session.

Thermal waters at Fairmont Sonoma’s Willow Creek Spa

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is home to a 40,000 square foot spa which includes an ancient thermal mineral spring that feeds five pools ranging from 92-102 degrees and a Roman style bathhouse complete with Roman soaking pool and hot tub, Halotherapy Sauna and Aromatherapy Steam Room. The water contains 27 different minerals and comes from 335 metres below the resort. Treatments include Watsu and Vinosculpt.

Japanese-inspired wellness in Sonoma County

Tucked into the Sonoma Valley hamlet of Glen Ellen, the Gaige House is a secret hideaway with 23 guestrooms channelling a modern, Asian flair. The secluded setting along Calabazas Creek includes an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, calming fountains, private zen gardens and a meditation alcove where guests can a listen for the melodic sounds of local birds, frogs, and crickets as they quietly reflect and connect with nature. Their Ryokan Zen Creekside or Garden Suites feature a deep soaking granite tub and zen rock garden. Amenities include yukata robes with obi sash, Japanese geta outdoor slippers and zori indoor slippers, bottle of sake, Yoku Moku cookies and cast iron tea set.

Fitness December 23, 2022

Quick workouts for the festive season

It’s the time of year when personal wellbeing can take a back seat which can end up making us feel sluggish and not so great. If you’re looking for a quick way to boost blood circulation, aid digestion and increase energy levels then these bite-sized workouts could be just what you need this festive season. ‘Fitness snacking’ is a method of working out that can be structured into quick rounds just once or twice a day, making them perfect to squeeze into a packed holiday schedule.

Fitness Professional Haylene Ryan-Causer, founder of the Energy Studio at Volonté in London shares some of her top snackable sessions!

Beat the bloating bubbles with this CHAMPAGNE workout:
Feel fabulous and burn up to 80 calories in just ten minutes

X 2 rounds
Running on the spot
Air Squats
Running on the spot
Glute Bridges
Running on the spot
Mountain Climbers

Be Mindful with this MULLED WINE workout:
Burn up to 210 Calories in just 20 minutes

Go outside and find some stairs (approximately 20)
X5 runs up and walk down followed by 10 Squats – X3 rounds

On just one step
X20 Up and Downs on each side, 20 Calf raises on the floor – X3 rounds

The Energy Boosting Eggnog Workout:
Fire through over 340 Calories in 30 minutes

X2-3 rounds – followed by a 10 minute fast walk or jog
X5 Burpees
X10 Jump Squats
X15 Push ups
X20 Sumo Squats
X25 Jumping Jacks
X30 Crunches
X25 Jumping Jacks
X20 Sumo Squats
X15 Press Ups
X10 Jump Squats
X5 Burpees

Do These Digestion Friendly Workouts:
‘Many factors contribute to poor digestion, especially a sedentary lifestyle. Your gut and brain are connected through neurotransmitters. High intensity training and exercising with weights increase the amount of nerve inputs to the muscles and therefore increasing the activity of a neurotransmitter.’ – Haylene Ryan-Causer, founder of the Energy Studio at Volonté

Here is a short daily workout to aid with digestion:
X20 High Knees
X5 Plank to Crouch
X5 Half Burpees
X10 Deep Squat Jumps
X20 Plank Jacks
X20 Alternating crunches
X10 Windscreen Wipers

Strength training moves to try:
Squats
Deadlifts Lunges
Horizontal push
Horizontal Pull
Vertical push
Vertical Pull

Volonté’s Energy Studio has been created from Haylene’s belief that the future of fitness studios revolves around building community-led spaces that draw on deeper human connections. With a vision to create a nourishing social environment to restore, energise and connect, each fluid and restorative workout utilises functional equipment. This includes barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells and bands combined with bikes and rowing machines to offer highly rewarding, purpose-led fitness experiences with tailored workouts and mentorship.

With a collective spotlight on nutrition and wellbeing, the studio and café is intrinsically linked, uniting as one with a feel-good menu that supports an effective, full-body workout. Volonté, translating into the French feminine noun for ‘willpower’ – is the realisation of Haylene and her business partner Vidushi Binani, who she has personally trained since the age of 12. It is this personal relationship, combined with their contrasting expertise and ethnicities that inspired the female-duo to create a forward-thinking, inclusive wellbeing space.

Volonté, 299-301 Brompton Rd, London SW3 2DY

www.cafevolonte.co.uk

@volonte_energy

Monday to Saturday: 7am – 7pm

Sunday: 9am-6pm

Accessories October 28, 2022

Wellness Advent Calendars guaranteed to add some Zen to December

If in the run up to Christmas, you are looking for a dose of goodness and a sprinkle of zen, we’ve got you covered. Check out our round up of the best wellness advent calendars.

T2, ‘Sip the future hello’ advent calendar, RRP £22

This December, start each day with a bit of positive-tea with the ‘Sip the Future Hello’ advent calendar from Aussie-born tea specialists, T2. Available in two limited editions, as easy to brew teabags or loose-leaf blends, the ‘Sip the Future Hello’ advent calendar will delight any tea connoisseur. Visually stunning and guaranteed to raise a smile with its cheerful design, the ‘Sip the Future Hello’ advent calendar folds out to reveal small daily suggestions to inspire you and help boost your daily brew.

ESPA Wellness Advent Calendar, RRP £160.00

Discover a wellness goodie guaranteed to bring a little calm to your day with ESPA this advent. Each day of December begins with a harmonising gift of luxurious textures, soothing scents and powerful ingredients through the selection of 25 luxurious full size and deluxe minis, from invigorating cleansers to lavish creams and rich essential oils.

Myprotein, RRP £74.99

Myprotein is back with another calendar for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious shoppers looking to stay on track during the festive period.

Each door contains a delicious snack, vitamin or pre-workout, but also a daily challenge, wellness tip or nutrition titbit to help keep you active and motivated during a time when it becomes easy to remain sedentary. Some of these include encouraging you not to count your macros, doing a random act of kindness, trying a plant-based meal and doing fifteen repetitions of any exercise.

Myvegan, RRP £74.99

Myvegan has launched a vegan alternative designed for those who want to partake in a plant-based diet or those looking to cut down on animal-based products. The advent calendar is the first of its kind for the brand, containing 24 vegan snacks and indulgent treats helping gym-goers and conscious eaters to stay on track during the festive period.

Yankee Candle Advent Tree, RRP £89.99

Countdown the days of Christmas with the Yankee Candle Advent Tree. Each door reveals one of their much loved and new fragrances, including White Night Stars and White Spruce & Grapefruit. Expect an array of candle care accessories, frosted glass tea light holder, silver wick trimmer and snuffer.

Onolla’s Winter Wellbeing Calendar, RRP £250.00

This beautifully curated advent calendar includes sustainable, natural products as well as access to insider practices and transformative tools from experts such as Deepak Chopra, Katie Brindle of Hayo’u Method and astrologer Shelley Von Strunckel. Nurture your mind, body and soul this Christmas.

Health October 19, 2022

Sleep Saviour – a gadget to help you relax and upgrade your sleep

Like so many of us, I have an up and down relationship with sleep. All it takes is a change in routine or something as simple as the clocks going back to throw my sleep cycle into array. If, at this time of year, you find it difficult to fall asleep, you are not alone. As days shorten with winter, our bodies’ circadian network responds biochemically to mark the change and tells our body to sleep more to sync with the external world. However due to modern lifestyles that are so often intertwined with electronic devices, irregular work patterns and more, many find it difficult to fall asleep at night after busy days full of prolonged exposure to tech, especially screens that emit blue lights (like our iPad and phone). Step in Morphée, a non-digital sleep and meditation aid, designed in collaboration with experts on sleep and sophrology (a relaxation therapy) to help improve your snooze time.

The portable circular beach wood device is no bigger than your palm and uses a simple three key system with no screens or digital interfaces, so you don’t have to worry about pesky blue light disturbing your slumber. The first key allows you to choose from one of eight themed sessions such as breathing, cardiac coherence (slowing the heart rate), napping, visualisations, and nature sounds. The second key is a choice of eight training sessions per theme and finally the third key determines the length of each session – either eight or 20 mins. The Morphée was a big hit in our house. My teenage daughter loved it and after one week reported back that it was helping her switch off her normally late-night, busy mind. I finally managed to prize it off her and also found it great for relaxing and disconnecting from the day. The first night I popped it on I went for the 20-minute session, I don’t think I got past five minutes, and I nodded off. Morphée gives you the option of a male or female audio guide, both have that chocolate smooth tone that instantly makes you drop your shoulders and unclench your jaw.The rechargeable battery gives approximately one week’s worth of daily listening, which can be heard via integrated speakers or personal headphones. What I liked most about the Morphée was it is ergonomic, great for sleep but also a good device to help you wind down. To avoid disturbing your slumber when the clocks go back try the Morphée top tips for a good night’s kip.

Turn off technology

Whether it is a new episode of your favourite show, a meme that your friend sent over or a working email that you are eager to answer, it can probably wait till tomorrow. Co-dependence of your phone is the number one enemy for making designated time to rewind your body before sleep. Make a short list of things that need your attention and turn your phone onto “don’t disturb” mode before going to bed so you won’t fall into another doom-scrolling rabbit hole.

Take a hot shower

Numerous studies have lead credibility for warm baths promoting sleep quality. The human body is conditioned to associate colder temperature with sleep, so when your body temperature drops after a hot bath, it will automatically tell your brain it is time for your body to rest. Put on some soothing music and have a few drops of essential oil in the water. Not only will it help you get sleepy, but also helps you soothe and relax after a long day.

Ensure your sleep environment is comfortable

Although it is exceedingly obvious that we should avoid any distractions if we aim to sleep better at night, we often ignore the environment around us because we are so used to our living conditions. Whether it is noise, scent, temperature or even your bed sheets, be aware of your sleep environment so you can identify any potential distractions that will keep you awake at night. Fix it if you need to.

Make yourself a hot drink

While a large meal before bed is probably going to make you toss and turn, a hot beverage is a tried-and-true method to help you feel relaxed and calm at night. There is a plethora of drinks with different active ingredients that can help induce melatonin at night too. Be it milk, hot Cocoa, chamomile tea or just water, enjoy a warm drink but make sure it doesn’t contain any caffeine or irritants, otherwise your relaxation beverage will do exactly the opposite.

Incorporate meditation to your bedtime routine

Sometimes the best way to stop a racing mind is not trying to steer away all your thoughts but rather being mindful about it. For beginners, using guided audio sessions is an easy and economical way to start the meditation journey.

Morphée is available online and at Selfridges priced at £79.99

Fitness October 18, 2022

The London Fitness Studios Guaranteed to Level-up your Exercise Regime

If you’ve lost your mojo for working out and need some fitness inspo, check out our round-up of the London studios guaranteed to level up your exercise regime.

Exhale Pilates

Exhale Pilates’ founder Gaby Noble is an advocate for the true classical methodology, specifically called Contrology, Pilates, in its most authentic form. Uniting fitness and health with recovery, Gaby and her equally passionate team – all who have completed over 600 hours teacher training, are on a mission to educate and inspire people to help them realise their personal abilities through the original works of Joseph Pilates.Each intimate private session or mindfully taught class at their two north London locations focuses on the body, mind and spirit.

For more information and to book visit Exhale Pilates

Sweat Society

Brand new luxe fitness space, Sweat Society in Surbiton Surrey, is just 18 minutes from Waterloo. This chic space has a cool LED lit gym and offers a range of fitness solutions from personal training to strength classes, hybrid to spin, there’s something to suit everyone.

Volonte

Described as Chelsea’s new destination for inclusive wellbeing, Volonté offers the ultimate 360 fitness experience, sessions guide individuals to optimum vitality under the expertise of founder, Haylene and her team of instructors. They do this by energising the body with aerobic workouts, building strength and skill with purposeful, movements to restore the breath, and calmly renew the mind.

With a collective spotlight on nutrition and wellbeing, the studio has a café jam packed with a feel-good menu ideal to refuel post-workout.

Rumble

Dalton based fitness and wellness studio, Rumble, is now in three new London locations including Primrose, Fitzrovia and Shoreditch.Their popular Rumble Circuit will mix up your workout for overall body strength and fitness. From spinning to sparring and deadlifts to detoxes, combining the latest cutting-edge training with the most advanced technology – all under one roof for the ultimate fitness experience.

Vita

Vita is a boutique fitness studio situated across six floors in the super stylish Sloane Square, Chelsea. Customised ‘fusion workouts’ combine Pilates, yoga and barre techniques giving you the perfect mix of core-strengthening, muscle-lengthening and body-sculpting workouts. Vita is the fitness destination you’ll want to hang out at all day. As well as the studios, the fourth floor houses chic changing rooms, and a treatment room dedicated to physiotherapy, osteopathy, sport massage and nutrition to complete the holistic 360-degrees wellness offer. In addition, the ground floor features a health café serving up delicious breakfast bowls and supercharged salads. Book your class at Vita Boutique Fitness

Bermondsey Boxing Club

Bermondsey Boxing Club is the third venue to open in London under Manya Klempner – former blue-chip female banking executive. The boutique club is home to an impressive custom-built 18ft boxing ring and welcomes all skill levels. Take part in some solo-sparring or join one of their weekly group classes like BOX!BOX!BOX!, Fighting Fit, Boxing Medley, Boxing Tactics, and Circuit Blast. They have all the trappings of a boutique fitness studio, with the same grit and character you’d find in your local amateur club.

wellbeing October 4, 2022

3 Quick Ways to Improve Your Quality of Life

Life has its ups and downs, so it’s impossible to feel perfectly happy and content all the time. However, there are many ways to ensure you will always find your balance quickly, no matter what life throws your way. Most of us tie our happiness to impressive achievements like buying a home or getting a promotion. However, when it comes to long-term well-being and satisfaction, our day-to-day lifestyle and habits play a much more important role than those milestones.

Here are three quick and easy ways to improve your quality of life.

Find and Nurture Your Passions

Is there something you love doing but never have time for? Do you let life get in the way when it comes to your hobbies and passions? Trying new things, learning new skills, and exploring your interests may not seem a priority if you have a busy schedule. However, these things are essential for your personal development.

Carving out time for activities that bring you joy is one of the quickest ways to improve your quality of life. Your hobbies can bring out the best in you, help you make new friends, lower your stress levels, and give you an outlet for your creativity. Moreover, they can replace the mindless scrolling many of us are guilty of.

Are you ready to invest more time in your passions and interests? Visit the Happy Hobbyists website to find many valuable tips.

Spend Time in Nature

Most people underestimate how deeply our minds crave the peace only found in nature. Even if you love bustling urban environments, spending all your time in a concrete jungle is not ideal. Numerous studies have shown that getting out into a green space can reduce stress and anxiety, improve physical and mental health, and lead to a better mood.

The modern world can be too hectic and overwhelming. And nature is the perfect antidote. So, find ways to reconnect with the natural world. Go for walks in a nearby park. Organize hiking trips with family and friends, or plan lunch breaks in your backyard. Even something as simple as placing a houseplant on your desk or walking on grass can be beneficial.

Prioritize Food, Sleep, and Exercise

A healthy and balanced diet, a good night’s sleep, and regular exercise are the three indicators of health and well-being. To maintain a good quality of life, you need the energy to tackle everyday challenges. When you don’t eat well, get enough sleep, and exercise, you don’t give your body the energy it needs, so you cannot live up to your full potential. To enjoy many active, productive, and fulfilling days, you must be well-rested and give your body all the necessary nutrients. Don’t forget to move your body too. Exercising is vital for your present and future self.

Follow our tips to improve your quality of life. Don’t let external circumstances or other people dictate your mood or happiness. Find what your body and mind need, and carve out time for your needs.

Beauty September 26, 2022

Elevate your glow from the inside out

With holidays a distant memory, dark nights, cold weather and shorter days drawing in we could all do with a boost of summer glow. Holding on to that summer sparkle going into Autumn starts from within. When you look after yourself on the inside it shows up on the outside.

Supporting your wellbeing routine with a supplement will help improve your sleep, gut health and enhance your skin and hair giving you that fresh, ‘just got off holiday’ glow.

“If you’re considering incorporating supplements into your routine, it’s worth exploring the best time to take L-theanine, as discussed in this informative article on optimizing your wellness from within. For insights on whether morning or night might be the ideal timing, check out this helpful resource on smartervitamins.com.”

With so many supplements promising an array of health benefits it can be hard for find the right one for you. We asked HUX founder, Damien Byrne, how to get started with a supplement regime. He says, “The category is confusing, overwhelming, boring, and largely full of ineffective products. You need a trusted health supplement partner from when you wake up, to when you go to sleep that addresses a specific problem. As a general guide, ingredients that are plant-based, naturally derived, of organic origin and provide at least 15% of your RDI (recommended daily intake) is a good starting point. The HUX Superfoods Blend provides essential daily nutrition – greens, superfoods, critical vitamins, plant protein; think of it as a daily insurance policy for your health.” When it comes to supplements know there’s no one size fits all. Start by identifying where you want to boost your wellbeing and use this goal to find the product best for you.

For optimum results you need to be taking a supplement daily for a minimum of three months to notice the difference. Byrne recommends, “First thing in the morning, on an empty stomach is the best time to take supplements as your body is most open to receive the nutrients, you most likely haven’t consumed anything else that will block the absorption and you are more likely to remember to do it if it is part of a regular, daily routine. The exception is a sleep supplement though, which should be taken one hour before bed.”

Supplements are not a quick fix or magic pill, you need to have a balanced varied diet, drink lots of water and avoid too much caffeine and alcohol. Here’s a round-up of some of the best supplements to supercharge your beauty and wellness regime.

Beauty from within

The new HUX Beauty capsule is a supplement governed by science, not magic. It features a powerful blend of all the proven nutrients your body needs for thicker hair, stronger nails and more radiant skin. This includes 100% of the daily nutrient reference value (NRV) of vitamins and minerals including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Zinc, Selenium, Iodine and many more.

Beauty by HUX, £45 for 20 servings or £36 on subscription

Support your immune system

This great-tasting, superfood greens drink powder promotes general well-being, supports digestive and immune health, and provides powerful antioxidant protection. The convenient on-the-go single serve packets contain more powerful antioxidants and phytonutrients than 2 cup of lettuce, 4 cups of spinach, 4 bananas and 4 cups of papaya!

Perricone MD Super Greens Dietary Supplement Powder, £60.00 for 30 servings

Plump skin

These collagen gummies are an expert blend of nutrients, with 500mg of marine collagen and 1200ug of retinol per serving. Make these gummies a tasty addition to your overall wellbeing and beauty routine, including vitamin C – an essential vitamin for collagen formation, immune function and cognitive health.

Myvitamins Collagen Gummies, £32.99 for 60 servings

Banish blemishes

Created by a panel of experts and nutritionists, Skin Saviour is a science-led formula of 11 ingredients including clinically studied gut-friendly bacteria (‘probiotics’), prebiotics, botanicals and nutrients for healthier ageing and a clearer, glowing skin complexion. Including Acidophilus, Hyaluronic Acid, Grape Seed, Green Tea, Bilberry and essential vitamins at optimal levels.

DR VEGAN Skin Saviour, £24.99 for 60 capsules, 2 a day, or £21.24 if you subscribe and save with 15% discount

Feed your brain

With brain nutrition the foundation of mood stability, mental clarity and a vital marker for mental health, it’s little wonder that Nootropics are a trend that’s here to stay. No ordinary Nootropic, HUX’s capsules contain Cognizin as their lead ingredient, which is gold-standard, clinically-proven to improve cognitive function, concentration, focus and enhance your mental energy. Combined with additional active ingredients such as Lions Mane Mushroom, L-Theanine, Niacin, B6, B12 and Ginkgo Biloba, this is a powerful nootropic complex, designed to give you an edge on daily life.

HUX Nootropic, £45 for 20 servings

Great gut health

Gut Feeling is a prebiotic mix that helps support great gut health. Promoting healthy gut bacteria and balance this supplement is great for restoring digestive health and reducing bloating.Containing inulin and digestive enzymes as well as Ginger, Celery, Jerusalem Artichoke and Apple, Gut Feeling addresses the gut-skin axis.By improving your gut health you with see a difference in your skin.Good gut health also supports mind health. Add water for an instant celery juice.

Gut Feeling, £22.90 for 40 servings

Sleep on repeat

Sleep is the single most effective thing we can do to reset our brain and body health each day, HUX has assembled the highest quality, cutting edge ingredients to achieve this standout natural sleep aid. The Sleepcapsule contains a hero ingredient called Levagen, clinically proven to enhance quality of sleep, improve cognitive function the following day, provide quick relief from people suffering from joint pain and stiffness, plus reduce muscle damage. Combining this with Ashwagandha, Magnesium and Chamomile flower powder makes this one of the most effective sleep products on the market.

Sleep by HUX, £45 for 20 servings

For hormone balance

Forever Beautiful is a mix of powerful beauty berries from Amazonia that support your skin health from the inside out. Containing Chia seeds, Acerola cherries, Acai berries, Blueberries, Maca and Maqui this blend of adaptogens and superfoods is bursting with benefits from reducing inflammation and redness related to acne to supporting hormone balance.With one serving containing over 100% of your daily vitamin C it nourishes your skin.Simply add Forever Beautiful in the morning to your smoothie, acai bowl, yogurt, or oatmeal for healthy skin.

Forever Beautiful, £22.90 for 40 servings

wellbeing September 13, 2022

#CocoLive, Wellbeing By The Lakes, Dorset

Wellbeing by the Lakes is a 4-day boutique wellness festival that is set within 26 acres of one of the world’s most beautiful sculpture parks ‘Sculpture By The Lakes’.

One of the amazing sculpture at Sculpture By The Lakes

Nestled away in the Dorset countryside in Pallington near Dorchester. Three years on from its inception, Wellness By The Lakes is the definitive festival where you can truly kick back and unwind in a unique setting.

At Wellbeing By The Lakes, there’s a myriad of fantastic talks and classes that you can attend which includes different types of yoga which includes Vinyasa Flow, Face, Rocket and Laughter yoga.

There was also an incredible Acro Yoga performance by the lakes in the park which made for a truly enriching setting.

Wellness by the Lakes at Sculpture By The Lakes

The sculpture park is made up of several lakes and even has the fast-flowing River Frome running alongside it.

There are several sculptures throughout the park which have been crafted by both the park owner, and visionary creator Simon Gudgeon as well as pieces of art from some of the UK’s leading sculptors.

Sculpture By The Lakes is a real haven of peace and tranquillity where spirit meets nature and as you might expect, it’s the perfect backdrop to the festival.

This is especially true when you are participating in classes like sound healing (including transcendent sound healing) shamanic healing meditation, crystal sound healing, gong baths, skincare workshops, flower garland workshops, breathwork workshops, forest bathing and more.

There was also a fantastic class on the law of attraction too.

The event includes a wide variety of wellness educators and advocates, from best-selling authors and life coaches to fitness and yoga instructors.

Two of the standout talks were from Dr Jenny Goodman who is a qualified medical doctor and the author of ‘Staying Alive in Toxic Times: A Seasonal Guide to Lifelong Health’.

She shared insightful knowledge on simple, yet effective changes that we can all make to make healthier and informed decisions which are kinder not only to ourselves but to the planet.

My personal favourite ‘Wellbeing by The Lakes’ moment was a phenomenal talk from the coach and celebrated author Donna Lancaster who uses her best-selling book ‘The Bridge’ to teach people about healing from grief and how to live your most authentic life.

This empathetic, empowering, beautifully written roadmap gives the reader the tools for dealing with life’s setbacks and how to heal yourself in order to become the most authentic version of yourself.

One of my favourite things to do was to meander around ‘The Market Place’ which was packed with stalls from independent and local artisan producers selling everything from jewellery, clothing and ceramics to homeware, essential oils, art and so much more.

We got to try one of the best Kombucha I have ever had in the shape of Boochacha and tried some of the incredible oils over at Ayten Aromatherapy where founder Sarah Ayten has effortlessly fused performance art with aromatherapy, creating a fantastic range of premium therapeutic grade essential oils which tackles everything from fatigue to getting your mojo back.

Wellbeing by the Lakes is the ideal remedy for helping people to relax, recharge and feel healthier and happier in the most beautiful and tranquil setting.

It’s the perfect environment to not only just enjoy a festival with a difference, but to help people to fully engage with wellness practices and experiences. It provides an enlightening experience and allows you to come away feeling fully restored and revitalised.

Adventures August 8, 2022

Time to Heal With Forest Bathing in Morzine

My moment.

As I sat on the freezing cold boulder that drew me in to the bend of the icy river, I gave in to the truth that nature was healing me. That was what I was feeling.

I slowly breathed in the oxygen that felt thick and forceful, lovingly created for me by the forests around me, and that they had kindly offered to feed me with.

Pursing my lips to prevent the leaving rush of air, I held onto the exhale with a dizzying purpose. Hearing only the sizzle of the water as it bubbled through the rocks on the river bed, I closed my eyes. Resting the back of my hands on my crossed legs, I felt the Earth pull me back to lay down in peace.

I was forest bathing, Shinrin Yoku, in the snowy Alps near Morzine.

The moment.

The trip to Morzine could have been any snowboarding trip. Adrenaline filling every moment from the unnatural downward sliding to the all-natural buzz from dancing all night in your boots following Après.

Don’t get me wrong, it was all those things and more. The food and drink scene in Morzine leaves an indelible impression, as does the historical surprises discovered by chatting to the locals.

Yet, this trip to Morzine was more memorable than ever before. Proof that even if you still haven’t fallen head over heels in love with skiing or snowboarding, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a snow trip with friends or family.

Simone, our magical forest bathing guide, greeted us with the calmest, warmest, and most welcoming smile to take us on our enlightening tour.

Shinrin-yoku is a widely popular medicinal practice in Japan. It offers the opportunity to reconnect with our natural ability to heal, recharge our batteries, and therapeutically remedy blood pressure issues, anxiety, and depression.

With Magical Snow Treks in Morzine, guided by Simone, you’ll fully immerse yourself into the forest, re-awakening your digital-living battered senses.

Their moment.

We began our experience at a point in the forest where we asked permission to enter. One of our group, a guy who recently lost his mother, shed a tear at this early point. The powerful pull of nature often has a visceral effect on those who least expect it, when you and your group go all in.

The still silence of our movements meant that the forest and its inhabitants were comfortable in loudly being themselves around us. We showed them that we respected their home and were giving in to whatever lessons they were to teach us, if any at all.

After moving on from the forest gate, snowshoes strapped on and full cold weather hiking gear, it was time to give and receive with the forest.

Simone is a beautiful soul wondering around in this bonhomie radiating human being. She coaches and guides in a way that makes normal-people sense. Nobody felt silly or that they were getting anything wrong. There we’re moments of silence, receiving energy, offering thanks, and deeply getting to know the forest.

She asked us to get to know part of the forest that we felt pulled to, so I made friends with a tree stump that looked like it was reaching out for a hug. I don’t feel stupid about admitting that we had a chat. I asked if they were okay with what happened, they told me that it has been hard but with the support of the entire forest, the moss, and the animals around them they were thriving.

Your moment.

I’m a tree hugging, deep thinking, energy conduit so this was heaven to me. I often feel the receiving or giving of energy intensely. However, even if none of this represents you, please give forest bathing in Morzine a shot.

You’ll experience a slow walk through nature, with time to look around and take in an environment that you rarely get to relax in.

The final piece of the journey is enjoying freshly picked Norway spruce bud tea amongst the orchid filled clearing at the end. The perfect place to chat with your group about how the last couple of hours made you feel. You may even be surprised by yourself and others.

It truly is an inspiring way to relax, just a few hours out of the day or night and the chance to see more of the area in a new and mindful way.

To book your experience visit www.morzine-avoriaz.com.