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wellbeing

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2021 is the year for more meaningful holidays and we’re looking to expand our horizon and try our hands at learning something new when booking our holidays this year.

From daring free-diving lessons to heartache healing programmes, we’ve curated some of the most enriching luxury wellness and learning breaks from around the world. Because after the drama of the last year, there’s nothing better than a holiday that can uplift and energise the soul.

Learn to Free dive at Alphonse Island

Alphonse Island, one of the gems of the Blue Safari Seychelles portfolio, is offering free-diving experiences that will excite even the most enthusiastic adventure seeker. The free diving experiences are taught by Zimbabwean Frediving record holder Christian Burger.

The two-day free diving course covers everything from dive theory to pool skills before students can explore the depths of the Indian Ocean. There’s plenty to explore above water in Alphonse Island too with its stunning natural surroundings, exceptional facilities and first-class staff.

Alphonse Island offers freediving package from two days to seven days starting from $368 (USD) (including theory and tuition). Accommodation in a Beach Suite on a full-board basis with inter-island return flights starts from $6860 per person based on two people sharing.

For information contact reservations@alphonse-island.com. www.alphonse-island.com

Sleep under the stars in Botswana

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to sleep under the stars in the desert? Well, with luxury safari operator Desert & Delta, now you can enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience of sleeping out under the stars in the Salt Pans of Makgadikgadi, one of the world’s largest salt flats.

The experience is complimentary for guests staying three nights or more at Desert & Delta’s beautiful Leroo Le Tau lodge. If camping out isn’t your cup of tea, guests can choose to visit the wildlife rich Nxai Pans instead. For the ultimate luxury experience, guests can also journey to the pans via a ‘doorless’ helicopter, offering incredible views of Botswana’s unique desert landscape.

This ‘Sleep-Out Under the Stars’ experience is available from 15th August – 31st October 2021, and 15th July – 31st October 2022. While it is complimentary for guests staying three nights of more at the Leroo Le Tau Lodge, those looking for a more private experience can book a solo trip for a total of $750. For more information visit https://desertdelta.com/

Learn to build an Igloo at Hotel Le Coucou

The Hotel Le Coucou in Méribel has introduced a number of outdoor learning experiences to our elevate your next ski trip. Guests can learn to build an igloo or join a Snow Yoga or Snow boxing class, or even paraglide amongst the clouds.

Nature enthusiasts can also hike in the forest or explore the snowy landscapes with via snowshoe, snowmobile or even sled dog, proving that Méribel as more than just a ski destination. The five-star Hotel Le Coucou is part of the Maison Pariente group and has 55 suites and rooms, two private chalets and a boutique Tata Harper spa too. Perfect for a luxurious alpine experience, unlike anything else on Three Valleys.

Nightly rates at Hotel Le Coucou start from 460 Euros on a half board basis. For reservations and information email reservations@lecoucoumeribel.com. Please note that Hotel Le Coucou is only open for the ski season.

‘Heal your heartache’ at Chablé Yucatan and Chablé Maroma

There is no wellness break more enriching than one that heals the soul and Chablé Yucatan and Chablé Maroma’s bespoke ‘Heal your Heartache’ programme may be exactly what we need after all the drama of 2020.

The programme was designed to help guests rekindle an inner connection and increase their self-worth. It includes sunrise and sunset yoga in the jungle, a ‘Sound of the Sea’ massage ritual and a cleansing ‘Rain Goddess’ ritual which includes a body exfoliation (to scrub away all memories of your ex).

The experience concludes with the Temazcal ceremony which is an intense steam-house treatment that promises to reconnect guests with their inner spirit. Where do we sign up?

Rates at Chablé Yucatán start from $1,106 (approx. £790) per night for a Casita with private pool, including breakfast and taxes. Rates at Chablé Maroma start from $850 (approx. £608) per night for a Villa with a private pool, including breakfast and taxes. For more information visit https://chablehotels.com/

Master outdoor yoga at the Grand Hotel Kronenhof

The Grand Hotel Kronenhof, just six miles from St. Moritz, has installed outdoor spa platforms so you can master outdoor yoga amidst the beauty of Engadine Valley. The four wooden platforms, assembled on various levels on the hotel’s calm-inducing gardens, are the perfect socially-distance solution to learning Pilates, Yoga and Meditation. Not to mention they also offer incredible views of the glistening Val Roseg glacier and the breath-taking Staz forest too.

Grand Hotel Kronenhof summer rates start from CHF455 (approx. £390) for two people sharing a double room on a half-board basis. Alternatively, upgrade to a “Suite Summer Deal” from CHF599 (approx. £515) for two people sharing a Suite on a B&B basis. Book online at www.kronenhof.com or call +41 81 830 3030.

Learning to love ourselves as we are and embrace our bodies with confidence, care and love, is one of life’s biggest challenges. Many of us struggle with our body image, comparing ourselves to public figures and influencers instead of loving exactly who we are.

Reaching a point of body confidence and self-love takes time. In her book “The Body is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love”, Sonya Renee Taylor seeks to inform her readers on how to love themselves, as they are, in their bodies.

The rise of body inclusive celebrities and fashion models is also pushing the conversation of body confidence forward. Versace used body inclusive models for the first time in their fashion show last year, and music star Lizzo is a passionate advocate of celebrating who you are.

Nevertheless, even the most body confident amongst us need to boost their mood from time to time. While these tips and tips are not fixes for body struggles, when you are feeling down or just need pepping up, they can go a long way to help you out.

Invest in glamorous underwear

When you look good, you feel good, and looking good goes right down to your underwear. If you are in need of a body confidence boost, invest in some sexy lingerie for yourself and give yourself the ultimate instant pump up for your body image.

Matching sets are a good place to start or go all in on the glam front and treat yourself to a sexy body or bustier that will have you feeling empowered all day. Besides underwear, buy swimsuits that flatter your body. Too many women feel insecure and uncomfortable about wearing swimsuits because they’re not confident about how they look in one. But the right swimsuit shows off the parts of your body that you love most and give you an instant confidence boost.

Affirm your beauty

Giving yourself a body confident pep talk could really help boost your self-image when you are feeling a little low. Choosing a few, or even just one of your favourite things about your body and repeating it over and over can help.

It could be anything, no matter how small. Your hair, eyebrows, eye colour. Pick something you really love and cherish it and tell it that it is beautiful, it will boost your mood infinitely. Moreover, you can also check some helpful information from Charlotte Plastic Surgery to explore options for body-enhancing procedures if you feel that it aligns with your journey towards self-love and body confidence.

Bold but simple make-up

Time and time again it has been proved that rocking a bold lip colour can help all women feel more powerful and confident. We aren’t saying you have to do a full face of make-up, as it might not be your thing, but a bold lip even just in your house can give you the confidence boost you need.

Play around with different shades to find the one that works best for you and your skin tone.

Talk to your best friend

Sometimes, we just cannot give ourselves the confidence boost we need, and we have to call in the big guns for a big boost of self-love. We are often much more critical of ourselves than we are others. Calling your best friend is a great idea for an added, objective body confidence boost from someone you care about.

No matter what stage you’re at in your body confidence journey, we all need a little boost sometimes. So be kind to yourself and try some of our tips next time you are feeling low.

Two of the biggest subjects we are most concerned about at the moment are wellbeing and mental health.

If our wellbeing isn’t looked after our mental health declines, and if our mental health isn’t too great then our wellbeing will take a hit – these two things go hand in hand for overall wellness.

So, how can you tackle one without causing adverse effects on the other?

Well, there are plenty of things you can do to tackle your wellbeing, from the simple things like enjoying a long bath, listening to calming and relaxing music, watching the birds, or breathing in fresh, clean air. There’s also spending time with friends and family, eating healthy food, and getting more exercise, which all help towards an overall better wellbeing.

Take a bath, listen to music, watch the birds, breath fresh air

From a mental health perspective, this can be a great deal trickier, as we don’t always know if we’re feeling a little down, whether we’re suffering from depression and anxiety, or indeed if things have got so bad that the only way is out.

Therefore we have compiled a list of just 5 tips, which may help towards great wellbeing and stronger mental health.

  1. First and foremost, if you are feeling overwhelmed and can’t see any way out of the fog, then you must always reach out to a professional organisation that can offer the correct type of advice.
  2. Secondly, we understand that the simple things can be too difficult sometimes, so try writing down the positives that you do have in your life, it may help towards gaining some clarity in your mind.
  3. Thirdly, this is easier said than done but if you can remove yourself from the situation it may help. Go for a walk, take some time away from social media, look at taking up a new hobby, read an all-consuming book that takes your mind away from your troubles and worries.
  4. Surround yourself with only positive people and positive news, pop others to one side that bring you down (even if only for a few days).
  5. Do something you love, whether it’s yoga or cooking, reading trashy magazines or playing with your neighbour’s dog.

Seek help, write down positives, go for a walk, do yoga

None of the above tips have been put together by professional metal health specialists, but if it’s a professional that you are looking for, we can happily say that West Yorkshire-based Charity, The Cellar Trust are that organisation.

The Cellar Trust are a registered mental health charity that supports people with mental health problems, across the Bradford district to move forward in their recovery and live independent, fulfilling lives.

The Charity exists because mental health problems exist and because they are complex. We all have mental health and our state of health can change at any time. Mental health problems affect everyone in a different way and they can be devastating. The purpose of The Cellar Trust is to support people when they face these challenges, and to empower them to move forward.

There are many ways in which The Cellar Trust can help you. They offer crisis support, peer support, self-development workshops, telehealth, and specialist training for employers amongst other things.

You can contact The Cellar Trust if you personally need support, or if you are a business owner who wants to train your staff in mental health awareness.

The thing to note is that you don’t have to deal with mental heath issues alone. It’s good to talk. To relax your mind and for better well-being try biking with a help of a motorized bike kit.

Visit The Cellar Trust to find out more

Seeing friends, eating healthily, and exercise are all good for wellbeing

For more Health & Wellbeing

Whether you’re already living a healthy life or you want to try and get started, it’ll make you a happier person who lives a longer life. There are many experts in the world who suggest a wide variety of different health options to look good, feel good & live long. There are seen wellness suggestions that have stuck around and remained consistent when people talk about staying healthy and living long lives. Follow these seven wellness suggestions to live a happier, healthier life.

Healthy intake of food

The food you eat is the most important factor in living a healthy life. You can work out all you want, but you’ll never be able to outrun a bad diet. That said, eating the right foods will set your body up for a successful future of longevity and good health. Green vegetables, fruits and protein are three areas of food you can focus on to guarantee a healthy life. Protein will help protect your body and repair damaged muscles.

Green vegetables provide nutrients to your body and help with blood circulation and bowel movements. Fruits provide vitamins that you can’t find almost anywhere else and essential acids. All of these things are vital ingredients to having a healthier body and living a healthier life. You will never be able to work out enough so you can eat what you want.

Taking protein powder

Protein is such a vital part of a healthy lifestyle that you should dedicate extra money to investing in the right protein powder. The right protein powder will allow you to recover more quickly. Protein powder is great for building muscles and repairing them. If you’re lifting weights, running or just simply very active, protein is necessary to keep the body strong and healthy.

Daily exercise

Daily exercise is another key point in living a healthy lifestyle. Exercising every day will keep your blood flowing, your heart pumping and your body feeling great. One way to start exercising daily is to exercise at least once a week followed by compression therapy. The next week, make it twice a week. Keep building this pattern until you’re able to exercise every day in a week.

This build process will make it possible to start working out every week until you’ve reached a point that daily exercise is just part of your regular schedule. Once you’re at this point, your body will be so conditioned to working out every day that it won’t matter if you want to or not, your body will force you to workout. Want to know why Full-Body Workouts are Best for Most People?

Yoga thinking of positive results

Yoga & positive thinking go hand in hand. It’s a relaxing exercise that can promote peace in your body. Doing yoga will help you to increase your blood flow while reducing stress at the same time. It’s best to have positive thoughts while you’re doing.

Yoga because it’ll help you relieve extra stress. Yoga is all about controlling your breathing and your body at the same time and will help to teach you self control.

Supplements

If you’re missing out on a specific vitamin or your body is always low on vitamins, taking a supplement can help your body get the nourishment it needs without eating that food. For some people, vitamin D and l-carnitine are hard to come by in their daily diets.

Consuming these supplements with a pill is one of the best ways you can ensure your body is getting all of the nourishment it needs. Additionally, you can buy multivitamin supplements that will cover a wide range of different supplements, so you don’t have to worry about focusing on just one supplement at a time. By the correct multivitamin supplement for your age and gender if you choose to take this route.

Meditation

Meditation is similar to yoga, but there are fewer body movements and more breathing. Meditation is meant to focus on mental health instead of purely physical health. It’ll help you reduce any fogginess in your brain and keep you in a positive mindset while also helping blood circulation and reducing your chances of having a migraine.

Meditation is typically the most impactful when done early in the morning or right before bed at night.

Stretching

Stretching might seem like something that’s basic, but it’s essential to getting a good workout in. You can’t just jump straight into a workout and expect to do your best. You need to meditate first, and then you’ll be able to limber up the right way and get the workout in that you’re looking for.

Stretching also helps to reduce the chance of injury in the body. Injury can cause long term stress on your body and might even be permanent. It’s best to stretch to avoid your chances of being injured.

Valentine’s Day is all about love so make sure to show yourself some this year. Treat yourself, pamper + preen and raise a glass to the número uno …you.

PERLcosmetics Powder Clay Mask with Illuminating Oil

Be your own mixologist this Valentine’s Day with PERLcosmetics. Self-love activists this 14th February can tailor the DIY clay mask to their skin needs without the worry of the clay being too oily, too dry or not the right texture. Using ingredients such as kaolin clay, for detoxing pores, pearl powder for illuminating and brightening tired and dull complexions to pomegranate seed oil, which works to calm and soothe irritated skin, PERLcosmetics will help stressed skin and help your skin fight hyperpigmentation. Run that bath, light those candles and allow yourself to be totally pampered. £29.50

Taittinger Rosé NV Half Bottle

A half bottle of this sensational Rosé Champagne is the perfect size to enjoy all to yourself this Valentine’s Day. If more is required and you want to upgrade to a full bottle? No judgement here. The fresh fruit flavours make this fizz a delicious accompaniment to fruit desserts and selected cheeses. Stocklists include Champagne Wine Company, Partridges of Sloane Square and Amps Fine Wine Merchants. £28.85 per half bottle.

Jack and Beyond Red Velvet Brownies

The luxury red velvet brownies from Jack and Beyond, an online cake shop with bakery and café in London are a sight for sore eyes. Made with silky dark callebaut chocolate and finished with beautiful patterns, they achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and intense chocolate, ideal for the day of love. The lavish red velvet brownies melt in the mouth and are the perfect indulgent treat to gift yourself this Valentine’s Day. The full range of brownies includes white chocolate and pistachio, salted caramel, peanut butter and vegan chocolate and raspberry brownies. The treats can be delivered straight to your door. £28.00 per box of 8.

Bottle Bar and Shop Strawberry Gin Liqueur

The tipple of Valentine’s Day 2021 is the pink-hued Strawberry Gin Liqueur. Bottle Bar and Shop are an independent company based in Catford South East London creating all their own delicious infusions and cocktails. The Rock Rose Gin infused with fresh English strawberries makes for the perfect drink on its own with ice or mixed to create a fruity cocktail. For something more decadent, pour in some bubbles of your choice, add a strawberry and raise a toast to YOU this Valentine’s Day. £28.00 per bottle.

2020 was the year of change. Coronavirus disrupted routines, bringing with it uncertainty, home schooling and Zoom fatigue as we juggled working from home, lockdowns and isolation. This year, it is no surprise we are looking for ways to get ahead of the game and proactively manage our wellbeing. If you haven’t yet introduced adaptogens into your wellbeing regime now is the time to get on board.

Adaptogens are non-toxic plants and herbs that claim to help the body’s resilience in dealing with physical and emotional stresses. They have been used for hundreds of years in Ayurvedic practices but are quickly becoming a big hit on the wellness scene, popping up in everything from supplements and tonics to herbal teas and smoothies. Some are also said to have anti-aging properties and are featuring in skin care products.

Adaptogens literally help the body to adapt, adjust and recalibrate itself depending on our emotional and physical surroundings. They normalise bodily imbalances by supporting adrenal function, regulating hormones, and counter the negative effects of stress. Different adaptogens have unique properties that play an essential role in supporting the mind and body and this can include aiding sleep, boosting energy and improving the immune system.

With another UK lockdown in full swing, I wanted to give myself the best chance of thriving rather surviving so started taking Ionix Supreme, a wellbeing elixir that is crammed with B vitamins and adaptogens like eleuthero, schisandra, wolfberry, red ginseng, bacopa and amla, which all support mental wellness, helping you tackle the challenges of everyday life.

Six weeks in and my sleep has improved, I have more energy and clearer skin. Unlike some supplements, this one is jam-packed with adaptogens giving your overall wellbeing an upgrade. If you are looking for more of a holistic approach to improving wellness, then this ticks all the boxes.

Here is the 6 adaptogens that you need on your radar.

Schisandra

Schisandra berries are packed with antioxidants including vitamin C, which contributes to maintaining normal function of the immune system. This is a powerful herbal adaptogen typically used to build resilience to stress and to balance energy levels.

Eleuthero

Eleuthero is commonly known as Siberian ginseng. It provides extra energy when you are run-down. Traditionally used to rebuild Chi energy, it is often used to help recovery from cold and flu. Eleuthero also helps the liver detox from harmful toxins.

Wolfberry

Thanks to its high antioxidant levels, wolfberry can help prevent anti-ageing. It supports healthy vision and healthy bowel flora and can strengthen weak muscles and ligaments.

Amla

Often used to reduce inflammation and support blood sugar control. It is a rich source of vitamin C and iron. Amla’s antibacterial and astringent properties mean it is great for the immune system.

Maca

Maca is a nutritional powerhouse that is dense in amino acids, vitamins and minerals. It is said to improve your mood and boost your libido. It is a natural energiser so increases your energy.

Ashwagandha

I can’t talk about adaptogens without mentioning the jewel in the crown, Ashwagandha. Known as the superpower amongst adaptogens, it’s taken mainly for reducing cortisol levels and lowering stress and anxiety.

As with all supplements, it is important to be aware of risks and run them past your GP if you are taking any prescribed medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Ionix Supreme is available from £28

Twixmas is upon us and never has there been a year where onesies, a good Christmas film and as much festive feeling as possible is needed. However January is right around the corner and we are here to help you achieve your fitness goals for 2021. Whether you are a fitness freak looking to make the most of January or have a general 2021 fitness resolution in sight, here are a few items to consider trying (or buying for fun) for 2021. You don’t have to dedicate yourself to a daily HIIT class to see results with small changes. Try these suggestions to stretch more, get your steps up and move more.

Massage Gun

Every good fitness lover knows the important of rest and recovery and Christmas is the ideal time to take a moment to replenish those muscles with lots of turkey and chocolate orange. Now that’s ticked off the list, use January to focus on rejuvenation rather than indigestion. One such tool is a massage gun, think your own personal masseuse, whenever and wherever you need.

You may already be familiar with a foam roller for easing muscle soreness, however a massage gun can not only be a time saver, but also a great investment for anyone who has stiff muscles. This is true, whether the source of those aches and pains is hunching over a desk for more hours than you should, or an intense gym session. The massage guns of old were clunky, loud and heavy, making handling them more difficult than it should be. The new generation are light, easily manageable, much quieter (though still expect some noise), and there are a range to suit your budget. Take a look at flowsportstech.co.uk, theragun.com and renpho.com

Weighted Arm and Leg Bands

Weighted arm and leg bands can also be another way to take your daily activities to a new level, whether it’s spring cleaning, heading out for a walk or stretching and yoga at home. Add and remove as you needed, a simple way to up your daily fitness goals without taking it to the extreme. If you already enjoy fitness, you can also use these to up your regular regime. They are also very inexpensive, can be easily packed and used anywhere, so whether you are working out at home, in the park or you travel regularly, they will easily fit into your schedule. If you have to have the latest in sportswear chic try shopbala.com or for a cheap and cheerful selection decathlon.co.uk have several to choose from.

Fitness Dice

Keeping your fitness regime fun and flexible is another great way to ensure success! Making sure that you try lots of different types of exercise and just move your body is the main thing. Keeping it different can be tough, especially where home workouts are concerned. Buy some fitness dice to create your very own fun and varied workouts. Simply roll the dice and depending on the set of dice you choose, the exercise, number of reps or time you do it for changes. Find more suggestions for a variety of home work outs here.

Another super portable fitness idea, you can use them in a group or individually and you will be amazed at the variety of workouts which you can enjoy. Roll them a few times before you start your workout to get your regime for that session and you are set! Who needs a personal trainer? Save your money for fabulous activewear instead! Most sets are cheap and cheerful and can be found at sites like etsy.com and phoenix-fitness.com

Flowers and plants can be pretty to look at, but they also have a major positive effect on your health and wellbeing. Several types of research have proven that plants and flowers make you more productive, improve your mood, and have a positive effect on your health.

For our emotional and physical wellbeing, the environment around us plays a vital role. In hard times, it gets hard to focus on the bright side of a situation. When this happens, the things around us help us to focus on positivity and reduce our stress.

So let’s examine the role that flowers play in improving our enjoyment of life.

Flowers stimulate positive emotions

It’s often said that flowers have mood boosting properties, and placing arrangements around the home can improve your mood and reduce stress. There’s an important reason for this. Flowers are a beautiful part of nature, and so feeling a bit of happiness at seeing flowers is simply natural.

However there’s also a bit of color psychology at play. While there isn’t much empirical research available on color psychology, there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence in marketing, art, interior design, and other fields.

It may simply be a memetic association, being told that yellow makes you feel feel happy and optimistic, so you come to associate yellow with happiness and optimism. Or red with passion and love.

Whatever the case, colors brighten up our lives. It stands to reason that because flowers come in a variety of colors, they can be chosen to reflect the mood of a room, and create ambiance.

Boosts healing procedure

Flowers have long been traditionally sent to hospital patients along with “get well” wishes, but there’s actually scientific evidence that flowers do actually have beneficial effects on patient recovery.

According to the above published research papers, “contact with plants is directly beneficial to a hospital patient’s health […] Patients with plants in their rooms had significantly fewer intakes of pain medication, more positive physiological responses (lower blood pressure and heart rate), less pain, anxiety, and fatigue, and better overall positive and higher satisfaction with their recovery rooms than their counterparts in the control group without plants in their rooms.”

Flowers enhance the connection between people

Flowers make a thoughtful gift for many different occasions, as a way of expressing a feeling or sentiment. You might send flowers to your mother for Mother’s Day, or give a bouquet of roses to a romantic partner, as expressions of love and endearment.

You might also give a co-worker flowers on their birthday, or to pay respects to someone that has lost a loved one. In all these cases, the giving of the flowers serves different meanings, but they overall strengthen the connection between two people.

Furthermore, gifting flowers or plants to your loved ones on special occasions or any random day can tell them how much their existence in your life means to you and you love them to the fullest. Which also improves the relationships and understanding.

Enhance a person’s performance

Keeping yourself around plants and flowers gives you an increased emotion of liveliness, increases your energy levels, and makes you feel happier. The clear and enhanced state of mind and heart effects and enhances your performance.

Being around plants can affect your life and performance at the workplace and home positively. Also, the natural environment has a great role in increasing your energy levels. Plants and flowers can change your way of thinking for life positively and make you lively and active.

Flowers and plants stimulate optimism

People who keep plants and flowers around the home are likely to be outdoorsy people. They tend to have a more optimistic vision of life in general.

Being in a natural environment and physically interacting with plants and flowers grows people’s feelings and emotions for liveliness and energy. Moreover, it also has a huge positive impact on their mind and improves their mental health.

Keeping plants and flowers lessens their stress. Plants comfort human beings and give a positive way for people to process their stress, depression, and frustration. This provides them with happiness and positive energy.

Wellness is more than being free of disease or illness. Wellness is an umbrella term used to define a “state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing; not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Wellness is not an overnight change; it is a dynamic progression.

In order to promote wellness, it is best to incorporate small habits in your routine that will directly contribute to your overall health and wellbeing. Your everyday habits harbor a significant impact on your physical, mental, and emotional health.

Making the shift towards leading a healthier lifestyle is no easy feat. It requires persistence, patience, and consistency. Flipping over a new leaf may be tempting, but it is far from realistic. It is best to focus on introducing small elements in your day-to-day life and making them last for the longer term.

We all know about the basics: diet, exercise, the works. Let us make the process easier for you by being slightly more specific. The following is a list of ten routine habits that will contribute to your wellness.

  1. Wake up early

Waking up early is essential for good health. The human mind and body follow a circadian rhythm that regulates sleep patterns as per the sun’s rising and setting.

The circadian rhythm also regulates cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a hormone that plays an integral role in the body’s metabolism, immunity, stress response, and energy levels.

Cortisol levels rise with the onset of sleep and peak around 9 am. As the day progresses, these levels decline gradually. Hence, following the body’s natural circadian rhythm as cortisol levels is the ultimate way to boost overall wellbeing, energy levels, and productivity.

  1. Drink water before anything else

Hydration is critical for optimal health. Water helps regulate your body temperature, lubricates the joints, promotes excretion, and protects the spinal cord. 60% of the human body comprises of water. Insufficient hydration, therefore, can lead to dehydration. Dehydration, in turn, may lead to headaches, fatigue, blackouts, and more.

It is imperative to drink water at all times throughout the day. However, a great tip to boost health is to drink water after you wake up before consuming anything else. Water helps hydrate the body, improve digestion, and boost metabolism. Therefore, refrain from drinking juice, tea, or coffee; sip on a glass of water instead.

  1. Make time for movement

Most of us lead sedentary lives, which makes movement and exercise all the more imperative. Exercise harbors countless health benefits for the mind, body, and soul. In order to make the shift towards a healthier lifestyle, make time for movement in your daily routine.

Start simple and go for a 20-minute walk. Work on your flexibility. If you enjoy going to the gym, well and good. Pick out a hobby that enables you to move more such as swimming, cycling, dancing, etc. You do not require any fancy gym equipment to get the job done. You can manage a decent cardio workout by merely walking up and down the stairs repeatedly.

  1. Spend time outdoors

An excellent way to feel infinitely better is to expose yourself to some fresh air every day. Spending time outside is the best way to take in some fresh air as well as some much-needed vitamin D.

A deficiency in vitamin D has been proved to result in bone pain, fatigue, weak immunity, depression, and mood swings. Moreover, taking in the fresh air helps enhance respiratory health. So take some time out from your hectic daily routine and go for a walk outside.

  1. Go for a walk

Walking may seem like a simple and easy fix, but it truly works wonders on your physical as well as mental health. Walking helps your fitness by enhancing cardiovascular health, preventing weight gain, improving your posture, reducing the risk of chronic illness, and alleviating fatigue, depression, and more.

Moreover, walks enable you to spend time outside and take in sunlight and fresh air. If you cannot go outside, walk inside. What matters is that you keep moving.

  1. Avoid eating out

A tried and tested way of making a wellness shift is to avoid eating out. Cook your meals yourself. Yes, it may seem like a task, but it is a necessary human skill everyone should know.

Preparing your own meals enables you to control the quality of your food and appreciate it more. Ditch the takeout and pre-made meals. Think of cooking as self-care, and you will find yourself feeling motivated to make your own meals.

  1. Eat vegetables

There is a reason why you have been told to eat your veggies ever since you were a child. Vegetables are healthy, period. Rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients, vegetables boost gut health.

As per the results of various studies, vegetables also help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and or cardiovascular issues.

Moreover, incorporating more vegetables in your diet leaves little room for processed foods, added sugars, and refined carbs.

  1. Go to bed early

Sleep is the only way to enable your mind, body, and soul to really unwind, relax, and rejuvenate. Unfortunately, most of us fail to get the recommended 8-hour sleep to fix every night owing to our busy and hectic schedules. This lack of sleep may not seem like much, but it may result in significant damage to your health.

Sleep issues have been proven to result in memory issues, high blood pressure, mood swings, reduced immunity, digestive problems, and increased aging. Moreover, sleep issues lead to weight gain due to hormonal imbalances, including leptin, insulin, cortisol, etc.

Going to bed early will enable you to get up earlier as well. Therefore, if you are a night owl, try this for a change.

  1. Practice balance exercises

Balancing exercises are super important as they not only enhance agility, mobility, flexibility, and balance, but they also enhance blood circulation and improve your overall posture.

Bad posture can stress your ligaments and result in body pain. Balance exercises, such as yoga, pilates, and tai chi, can help prevent fatigue, muscular pain, and body aches.

Some people tend to shy away from balance exercises because they feel like they are not flexible enough. Moreover, some people do not feel fully comfortable with the poses.

Well, for starters, yoga enhances flexibility. Therefore, you do not need to be flexible from before; that is kind of the point of balance exercises. As for feeling uncomfortable with the poses, we recommend wearing form-fitting yet stretchy clothes that enable movement but also provide good support.

For women, a good sports bra and tights get the job done. For men, anything works. Just be sure to get some quality boxer briefs for good support and comfort.

  1. Have a healthy breakfast

A healthy and hearty breakfast is the ultimate way to kick start your day. It helps improve heart health and lower your risk of diabetes.

Experts suggest eating a high fiber breakfast with a good protein serving to keep you energized and full. Find creative substitutions for unhealthy food. Try to eliminate high fat and sugar foods from your diet slowly and gradually and opt for whole grains, low-fat dairy, and natural sweeteners instead.

  • Parting thoughts

Making the shift towards a lifestyle that promotes wellness does not mean pulling a complete 180 degrees and turning a new leaf. Change is hard; do not overexert yourself.

Focus on making small changes in your routine and working your way up. This is not a race so take your time. The process may be tedious and challenging, but the end result is always worth it. So what are you waiting for? Take the first step. We promise; you will never look back.

Societies ranging from Japan and China to America, have been using tea as a health remedy and immunity booster for centuries now, and with good reason. Its popularity today is still very high and it is no secret that it is the most consumed beverage in the world, right after water. You can find thousands of different tea flavors made from herbs and spices as well as from tea plant leaves, and all of them may boost your immune system, as well as fight off inflammation. Some teas have shown the ability to prevent neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Other teas boost your digestive system, prevent heart disease and cancer, and induce relaxation.

Researchers say that tea is the most healthy natural drink found on this planet, providing us with a long-lasting impact on our wellness. For us to indicate which type of tea is the healthiest is impossible because there are thousands of teas with plenty of health advantages and benefits. But if you are asking yourself how you can tell which tea is healthiest for you or which one works best for your lifestyle, the health and wellness industry has documented the powerful and positive health effect of one specific tea in the last decade. The green tea Chinese native is considered the one with the most health benefits for human health. It is one of the less processed types of tea and made from unoxidized leaves. Because of that, it contains the most antioxidants and beneficial polyphenols, making it a top health booster.

So put your kettle on, because we are sharing some of the biggest benefits hidden in this special beverage.

Find your Green Tea

Green tea varies in different types and most of them come from China or Japan. They share one common characteristic, they all come from the tea plant Camellia sinensis. The difference between them comes from the different locations where the tea is grown, the small changes in how the tea is cultivated, the different climate in locations, methods, production processing, time of harvest, and a whole host of other factors.

One of the most famous green teas is Matcha. It is manufactured in the Uji region of Japan. This powdered green tea is used a lot in the health and fitness industry. Some people do not like the bitter taste of green tea, whether from the loose leaf or tea bags. So there are other options for getting the same health benefits, without having to force down a drink. Green tea supplements are very popular nowadays, as a substitute. They can be found in a few types, from bottled and sweetened with sugar or artificial sweetener, green tea pills to green powdered tea extract, which can be used easily.

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Superpower nutrient components of green tea

Tea contains many nutritional substances that are very good for our health. These include mineral salts like nickel, sodium, and potassium. Also, there can be found small traces of others like phosphorus and calcium. But the most highly valued components with the best properties are xanthic bases. The main one is caffeine, but there are also small amounts of theophylline and theobromine, which are responsible for boosting brain activity and physical performance, giving us an extra shot of energy for our daily activities.

These compounds are also found in other natural whole foods but, sadly we don’t eat enough quantity to reap the benefits. So a much easier way is to drink a couple of teacups throughout the day.

Another compound that makes green tea so important for those who want to improve their health is theanine. This amino alkanoic acid is rich in psychoactive properties and with the high theanine content in tea, your levels of dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA, and serotonin will improve. All of those can help in significantly reducing physical and mental stress while also relaxing your body and mind.

Theanine is also capable of preventing the decline of your memory due to age. It has a positive impact on your brain by improving your concentration, problem-solving, and your attention to detail.

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Scientifically proven wellness benefits

We know that traditional Chinese and Indian medicine used green tea to heal wounds and control bleeding, aid digestion, improve heart and mental health, and regulate body temperature. Today, many medical and scientific studies have shown that green tea is highly beneficial for its positive effects on human health, and multiple preventive and therapeutic effects.

One study followed over 40,000 Japanese participants between the ages of 40 and 79 for 11 years, starting in 1994, all of them drinking at least 5 cups of green tea per day had a significantly reduced mortality from cardiovascular disease, than those who drank less than one cup of tea per day.

Green tea is also linked with lowering cholesterol levels and body weight. It is capable of burning fat, and aside from that can also boost a person’s metabolic rate.

It also promotes better skin and bone health. The properties of green tea can fight wrinkles and other premature signs of aging. This is possible through the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the tea, and the polyphenols present in green tea, along with alfacalcidol, a common form of Vitamin D, can help improve the strength and structure of your bones, which can significantly reduce your risk of suffering from osteoporosis.

Finishing words

We hope this quick read helped you find the numerous and amazing health benefits from a blend of green tea leaves. Those we mentioned, besides various other benefits, can be taken full advantage of by developing a healthy everyday habit of consuming two to three cups of tea at least. The health benefits and nourishment of your mind, body, and soul can be seen immediately.