Wellness & Mindset

Adventures March 22, 2021

Not your average luxury holiday: Four enriching breaks we’re booking this summer

2021 is the year for more meaningful holidays, and we’re looking to expand our horizons and try our hands at learning something new when booking our holidays this year. Because who said that vacations are just all about lounging by the pool?

Finesse your skills with the Scottish Fiddle at Glenapp Castle

If you’re looking to learn a new skill this summer, why not learn to play the Scottish Fiddle? The luxury Relais & Chateaux property, Glenapp Castle, is offering Scottish fiddle lessons taught by local expert fiddler Mark Mitchell. Aspiring fiddlers will take a beginners course, including one-on-one lesson time, so they can distinguish their Jigs from their Strathspey’s in no time.

The Learn the Scottish Fiddle break at Glenapp Castle begins at £350. This includes a full traditional Scottish breakfast served daily, gourmet three course dinner each evening, six-eight hours of private beginners fiddle lesson with Mark and a Scottish Fiddle Certificate, personalised by Mark for more information visit: www.glenappcastle.com

Take a culinary tour of Georgia with Carla Capalbo

Georgia is known for its rich cultural and gastronomic traditions, which blend Iberian and Colchian civilisations. Not to mention, it offers 8,000 years of winemaking heritage and has plenty of incredible vineyards to explore. Adventure operator Wild Frontiers is offering a culinary tour of Georgia led by renowned food and wine expert Carla Capalbo – where they can learn the art of Georgian cooking straight from Carla and local food experts.

The Tastes of Georgia: A culinary Tour with Carla Capalbo tour from Wild Frontiers Travel begins from £2,995 (land only price) for 9 days. Tour departs in June 2021. www.wildfrontierstravel.com/

Learn to drive a supercar with Ultimate Driving Tours

Now this is an enriching experience unlike anything you’ve seen, because Ultimate Driving Tours gives car enthusiasts the chance to learn how to drive a supercar with its five-day self-drive experience. Guests can learn to handle a Ferrari through the winding curves of the Swiss and Italian alps or experience the power of a Lamborghini through the German Autobahn.

Ultimate Driving Tours’ Self-Drive experiences start from £5,250 per person for 5 days and 4 nights and includes a planned and managed drive, car rental, insurance, delivery and pick up, a detailed handover, on call support and luxury accommodation. www.ultimatedrivingtours.com

Live out your mermaid fanta-SEA at Pullman Maldives

Aside from already being a fantasy destination, the Pullman Maldives is also offering guests the chance to live out their mermaid fantasies with the resort’s ‘Become a Mermaid’ package. The package is perfect for both kids and adults and consists of two mermaid swimming sessions. They also come with makeup and glitter and beautiful mermaid tails too.

The ‘Become a mermaid’ package includes two swimming pool lessons (1.5 hours each) from £192 + 10% service charge + 12% GST. Or do a mermaid photoshoot from £76 for 10 digital photos at the swimming pool. Also includes 10% service charge + 12% GST

wellness March 15, 2021

12-Hour Wellness Retreat At Home Without Visiting A Spa

Are you counting down the days until you can visit a spa and enjoy a wellness retreat with healthy food, yoga, mediation, spa treatments, and relaxing next to a pool?

How about an at home virtual retreat complete with awakening live yoga class by Wellness Works, healthy cook-along session with renowned nutritionist Rosemary Ferguson, peaceful meditation sound bath, and lots of OTO’s CBD products?

This coming Saturday 20th March is the Find Your Space retreat date, a 12-Hour Wellness Retreat At Home Without Visiting A Spa.

The carefully curated day retreat will feature a host of energising CBD experiences, self-care practises and a live cook along with nutritionist, naturopath and Vogue-contributor Rosemary Ferguson, allowing you to ‘Find You Space’ and truly be in the moment.

Yoga

First, you will join Wellness Works, as they guide you through some grounding and energising rounds of pranayama. Second, this will be followed by a mood boosting, invigorating yoga flow to find space within the body and mind. Third, the practice will come to a close with some positive affirmations, leaving you feeling aligned and alive.

Cook-Along

Rosemary will be curating three dishes, for breakfast, lunch and dinner to perfectly complement the retreat. Following her philosophy of making healthy living achievable, join Rosemary for a live lunchtime cook along and exclusive masterclass, teaching skills to put into practice everyday. In addition to the day, this will bring an overall sense of fulfilment.

Sound Meditation

Finally, to finish off the retreat, you will be invited to wind down with OTO’s award-winning sleep products and nourishing overnight face mask, accompanied by a transformative sound mediation session using mantra, visualisation techniques, breath work and of course gong, hosted by founder of IO Project, Goldierocks.

OTO

Designed to help focus the mind, amplify key moments, and bring balance to your day. Furthermore, the retreat will be accompanied by a set of thoughtfully curated OTO CBD products. Including:

Mini Focus roll-on
Discovery set of 3 x Focus, Amplify & Balance CBD Seltzers
Award-Winning Sleep Drops
Ritual Hand Balm
Silk Eye Mask
Mini CBD Night Mask
Tote Bag
Mini Cosmetic Pouch
Bespoke Retreat Slippers

Priced at £200 per person, visit OTO to book your place this coming Saturday 20th March, for the 12-Hour Wellness Retreat At Home Without Visiting A Spa.

For more about Wellness with House of Coco

United Kingdom March 9, 2021

5 Tips To Great Wellbeing and Strong Mental Health

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.

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.
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.
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.
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).
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

Health February 8, 2021

Upgrade your Wellbeing with Adaptogens

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

Wellness & Mindset January 28, 2021

For Truly Meaningful Experiences, Travel Less and Reflect More

Many people love to travel even if we don’t necessarily understand why we know that it brings variety and fun to otherwise mundane lives.But when people truly love something, it permeates their lives. For instance, dog lovers don’t simply own a pet or two. They get premium-quality dog-grooming shears, dress up their pets for shows, and build routines around them.

Are you really benefiting from travel by allowing each experience to infuse your life with more meaning?

Or are you just taking pictures and buying souvenirs like everyone else?Understanding the scienceThe potential benefits of travel have something to do with the mechanics of our brains. The mind has a property called neuroplasticity.

It affects how readily we adaptand how receptive we are to new information.Neuroplasticity is at its peak during childhood and declines in adulthood. As we settle into routines, our minds tend to become fixed in terms of thinking and processing. It usually takes a deliberate effort to jolt ourselves out of that mindset, and as a source of novel experiences, travel is a great way to do that.Without knowing the science, most people can still benefit from travel. However, their enjoyment tends to be short-lived.

They visit places to see the sights, taste the food, or do some shopping. They share their experiences with others, which is simultaneously a form of comparison that invites status envy and FOMO (‘fear of missing out’). Limited to such forms of pleasure, anybody would feel that returning to the same place can only yield diminishing returns.Consequently, many people approach travel with the ‘bucket list’ mindset. After all, most of us have limited opportunities and resources to go on a trip for leisure.

Why not maximize your trips by going somewhere else each time and trying to squeeze as many attractions as possible into each visit?

A spiritual approachIn the Middle Ages, books were a rare and valuable commodity. In fact, Gutenberg’s printing press signaled the end of this era. Before this invention made the mass production of books possible, every tome was hand-made.This time-consuming task was often the job of monks in religious orders. Thus, the creation, preservation, and most importantly, the reading of books was part of a greater collective spiritual activity.Unsurprisingly, the Bible was the most read book in the Western world during this period. And monks studied scripture using a technique called lectio divina. Under this method, reading is only one component of the process. Afterward, you think about what you’ve just read.

This is followed by singling out the most meaningful word, phrase, or sentence and repeating it like a mantra, as though trying to become one with it. Finally, the reader takes rest to contemplate those words further.While the origins of lectio divina are naturally steeped in religion, it still holds value for those of secular orientation.Once rare, books are now commonplace. So is reading, and for many, it has ceased to be practiced as a skill. People read casually, often to check a ‘must-read’ book off their list.

Seldom do we proceed to meditate in-depth on a book we’ve read. Even rarer is the reader who goes through the ‘oratio’ and ‘contemplatio’ stages of reflecting on the printed word.Contemplation and travelIncidentally, becoming engaged while reading a book is also a good way to increase your neuroplasticity and heighten learning. And the lessons of the lectio divina can be transposed to how we approach our travels as well.

Have you considered taking a ‘less is more’ approach towards travel?

Instead of packing your itinerary full of must-see attractions and spending less than half an hour at each stop, improve quality rather than quantity.You’ll feel less pressure to do what everyone else is doing. Fewer intra-day trips will consume less time and energy. Without the rush and hassle of sticking to a hectic travel schedule, you can slow down the pace and actually enjoy the moment and place you’re in.Afterward, give more time to reflect on what you’ve experienced. Don’t get caught up in planning what’s next on the agenda or feeling frustrated that things didn’t go according to plan. They seldom do when you’re traveling.

Relax, be still, reflect on your day, and express gratitude for the novel experiences you’ve had. Single out something that made a particular impression and chew on it. This process will help travel permeate your life and bring greater meaning to it. Along the way, you may realize that there’s no point comparing your experiences to others and that what matters is how we go about our own unique journeys.

Lifestyle January 18, 2021

How to Live Healthier and Happier in 2021

If your 2021 goals include healthier and happier living despite Covid, civil unrest, and the challenges that dawn daily, keep on doing what you’re already doing to live a healthier, happier life: Discover bicycling or up your game and ride more. Follow our tips, and you’ll be in the best mental and physical shape of your life.

According to Alek Asaduryan from YesCycling, these are the six basic steps to adding bicycling to your life.

1. Get your hands on a bike and schedule short trips, increasing your distance slowly, so you don’t feel overwhelmed.

2. Enlist a cycling partner. It’s harder to skip a ride when you know that someone else is depending upon you to show up for scheduled rides.

3. Master easy bike maintenance tasks. You’ll feel smarter. More independent. Safer, too. Keep reading to find out which tasks are the most important to learn.

4. Sign up for an easy bike race in a category that feels comfortable. No 24-hour ultras until you’re ready!

5. Change up routes and terrains. Terrain unfamiliarity will shock your muscles, test your cardio, and you’ll be introduced to new scenery.

6. Promise yourself a sexier bike once you’re hooked. Need motivation? Hang an IOU on your ‘fridge to remind yourself of that promise.

Eat more local produce

Getting your butt onto a saddle is just the first step to increasing your health and happiness. Why work hard to tone your temple when you fill that sacred space with crap? Registered Dietician Liz Amisson wants to convince every health-conscious person on the planet to eat local. You’ve probably been dining on produce that has been trucked from far distances, most likely in excess of 100 miles away.

Not only does produce begin to lose nutrients after it is picked, but within the first 24 hours, fresh fruits and vegetables continue to bleed nutrients. Not many people know that produce on display at supermarkets are picked before ripening, so add that extended time to the equation when evaluating “fresh foods” on store shelves. Instead, enjoy completely ripened fruits and veggies at local farmer’s markets.

Here’s another reason to stick to farm-fresh produce: Variety. Every season has its superstars – summer peaches, fall apples, and seasonally-grown grape varieties. You’ll stay healthier, save money and please your taste buds if you stick to just-picked varieties. Because they ripen more slowly, you get extended benefits when buying green bananas and hard avocados, super fruits that play major roles in a healthy diet.

Knowing how to fix your bike makes you happy and healthy, too.

Admit it: When you overcome challenges and prove to yourself that you’re capable of mastering skills like diagnosing and repairing a bike, you feel invincible. That’s what education can do for you. Acquiring repair skills not only ups your self-confidence but boosts your self-esteem, too. These seven basic skills are critical to know:

1. Fix a flat tire. It’s easier than you think.

2. Learn to change your brake pads. Turn to YouTube for instructions.

3. Replace a broken spoke. Let your bike shop pro show you how.

4. Undertake a chain cleaning and suspension. Supplies? And old toothbrush and chain lubricant.

5. Adjust derailleurs. Here’s a tutorial:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkZxPIZ1ngY.

6. True a wheel. Stop the wobbling. Yes, it helps to own a truing stand to get the job done, but it’s not required.

7. Repair a broken chain. Start by learning to replace a few links and graduate to the entire chain.

What tools should you own? Your kit should include a spare tube, a few plastic tire levers, a hand pump or CO2 cartridge, bike multi-tool, and zip ties or ski straps. Don’t have a tool budget? Put these items on your wish list when your birthday rolls around.

10 routine habits that contribute to your wellness

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wellness & Mindset December 6, 2020

Pillow mist fit for a queen : Olverum

This year has been a tricky one for sleep. Even those of us who tend to be out like lights have found trouble drifting off. Luckily, cult wellness brand Olverum have developed their scientifically helpful – and delicious – Restful Sleep Pillow Mist.

Olverum was founded back in the 1930s and is still run by the family today. Their small but perfectly formed collection of sumptuous products are sought after by many (including the British Royal Family) for their luxurious scents and also their health benefits.

Olverum’s Restful Sleep Pillow Mist is a new formulation with four layers of aromatherapy support for a good night’s sleep.

Unlike too many tired and sickly sweet pillow mists, Olverum’s offering is complex and fills linens and bedrooms with an alluring scent. Working alongside the classic lavender, in this case High Altitude Lavender, we have geranium oil which helps slow heart rate, Bergamot which elevates your mood as you snuggle down and Roman Chamomile, a natural hypnotic.

Even after all that science, I can attest that this pillow mist works. On first use, I spritzed my pillow and sheets and, while noticing the mist’s delicate but interesting scent, gradually nodded off not waking until the morning.

Olverum Restful Sleep Pillow Mist RRP £25 for a 50ml glass bottle.

To find out more about Olverum’s collection, head to Olverum.com. Olverum’s products are also available to purchase at Space NK.

Beauty November 30, 2020

4 Quick Wellness Hacks to Boost you and your Workspace

Most of us are working from home right now, which has resulted in increased working hours and screen time as well as having to turn our living space into a makeshift office. If you and your workspace are in need of a wellbeing boost then try these quick wellness hacks.‍

Protect from screen effects

ilapothecary Digital Face Mist (£29/50ml) Packed with vitamins, antioxidants and anti-viral properties to help treat skin screen inflammation (Active Soy Extract is known to protect from screen effects)

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‍Soothe sore eyes

Hayo’u Method B eauty Restorer (£38) Hold the cooling jade crystal over the eyes to relieve fatigue, alleviate puffy eyes or twitching eye muscles

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Lift the room

ilapothecary Beat the Blues Room Spray (£10 for 15ml) This transformative blend helps to clear the atmosphere and creates an uplifting space in which to work

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Relieve tension

Hayo’u Method Body Restorer (£38) Body gua sha is a quick and easy way to release tension after sitting for long periods. Press stroking across the neck and chest also boosts the immune system and circulation

Italy November 19, 2020

Christmas Gifts to Restore your Zen

2020 has been a stressful year, so this Christmas give yourself or loved ones the gift of calm and relaxation. Whatever your budget and wellness need, we have curated our favourite wellbeing boosting gifts to help restore your zen this Christmas.

Lunar Chi Candles

These handmade crystal candles are created with love, light, charged with Reiki energy and come in a range of beautiful scents. Their best seller, Solicitude, is good for anxiety, combining a sprinkling of Geranium and Lavender Essential oils, as well as Amethyst, Rose Quartz and Blue Chalcedony stones. If you cannot find a scent you like, Lunar Chi offers a bespoke candle service to create the perfect candle to suit your needs.

From £20, available at lunarchi.co.uk

Sensate

For anyone feeling stressed out, Sensate is a smart piece of wellness tech that emits low frequency vibrations. These work through bone conduction to calm you down and put your body into repair mode. The device links to your phone via an app. All you have to do is select the soothing soundscape you want to listen to, pop on the eye mask provided and place your Sensate on your sternum. There are 10, 20 and 30 minute sessions you can complete depending on how much time you have. When used regularly it can improve sleep, mood, reduce anxiety and stress. Davina McCall is a fan.

The Sensate is available from Indiegogo at a special price and free shipping for House of Coco readers, of £172 CocoSensate

Be Strong Be Kind Florence Bangle

The Be Bangle is a beautiful, handcrafted enamel and 18ct rose gold plated piece of arm candy that not only looks good but is also your daily motivational reminder to be strong and kind. With an engraved quote on the inside it is a perfect dose of positivity.

£70 from florence-london.com

Lumie body clock

Light at the start of the day is the most effective way to reset your internal clock and the daily cycle of hormones, metabolism, and sleep. The Bodyclock Glow 150 from Lumie will introduce you to the benefits of sleeping and waking with light, so that you can experience a more regular sleep and wake pattern.

£99 from johnlewis.com

Positive Planner

This mindful gratitude journal inspires better mental wellbeing every day with positive affirmations, daily reflections and mindfulness activities.

£20 from www.thepositiveplanners.com

Subscription to Buddy Box

This little box of loveliness is a great monthly pick-me-up. Packed full of thoughtful, self-caring, mood-boosting goodies, the BuddyBox is a subscription box to nourish, inspire and encourage self-care.

Starts at £21.50 per month, available at blurtitout.org/buddybox

This Works Great in Bed gift set

On days where you need a little extra help to wash off stresses and prepare for sleep reach for this trio of sleep solutions by This Works.

£25 from thisworks.com

Ginger Fox 100 Thoughts Positivity Cards

100 motivational memo cards to inspire a better you. When you need a boost, pick a card, place it in the front of the handy desktop frame and focus on the positive affirmation.

£9.99 from amazon.co.uk