Stress hugely takes its toll on both our physical and mental health. It’s so vital that we find techniques which help us to feel relaxed and at peace. Perhaps you’re looking for a new stress-busting tactic to add to your routine? If so, be sure to try out a few of these simple ideas.
1. Yoga
Yoga is one of the best exercises to de-stress and experience a sense of relaxation. By practising yoga, you’ll experience many benefits, including building your core strength, increasing your flexibility, toning your body, and improving your balance. To get you started, the Daily Yoga app is a fantastic tool. The application features hundreds of different classes at various levels. Here you’ll find everything from slow and chilled Hatha yoga to up-tempo Ashtanga.
2. Mindfulness
Mindfulness means aiming to focus on the present moment, and being completely attentive, instead of worrying about the future or past. Though it’s not an abstract idea, it’s harder to do than you’d think! Meditation overlaps with the art of mindfulness. By clearing the mind, we permit ourselves to be present and engaged. To help you to learn more about mindfulness, try reading books such as ‘The Gift Of Presence’ by Caroline Welch.
3. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has been praised for centuries as a fantastic relaxation tactic. The idea is to use various essential oils for their health-boosting properties. You can choose to add essential oils to a bath, inhale them, or apply them to your skin. Remember to mix essential oils with a carrier oil before application; this is because some oils are too potent to apply directly. Different oils have different properties; for example, ylang-ylang is excellent to boost your mood, and lavender is the best essential oil to relax.
4. Gratitude Journaling
Studies have indicated a connection between showing gratitude and feeling happier. If you’re looking to feel less stressed out, it’s a great idea to start a gratitude journal. The practice couldn’t be simpler; all you have to do is write down the things you are grateful for each day. Even if you can only think of one thing per day, in time, you’ll get used to the practice, and have more ideas! Nothing is too small to express gratitude for, whether you’re grateful for your scenic walk to work or for the taste of your morning coffee!
5. Herbal Remedies
Sometimes we need a little help to unwind, and luckily there are plenty of great herbal remedies which can help us out. Ashwagandha is a great herb to ease stress; it’s known for reducing the presence of the stress hormone in our bodies. As well as this, herbs like St. John’s Wort and Rhodiola are perfect for easing the symptoms of anxiety. Another fantastic way to relax is by trying CBD, made using a compound from the cannabis plant. If you prefer to smoke, try a CBD infused vape or consider using bongs for something more recreational and fun.
If you are taking any kind of medication you’ll need to discuss herbal supplements with your doctor, to ensure that they are suitable. When all else fails, take things back to basics. Simple practices like keeping fit and getting extra sleep can do wonders for easing stress.
*This is a collaborative post*
Post a Comment
It seems that the temperatures are going to rise again. Maybe there’s a chance for a British summer after all for those of us who have replaced their yearly trip abroad by a staycation holiday. It doesn’t matter where you go for your summer break. We all know how to recognise a Brit on holiday: they’re turning a delicate shade of dark pink in the sun!
However, other skin conditions could also turn your face red without sun exposure. The typical sun rash, for instance, is unpleasantly common in summer. Most people experience a minor rash as a result of sweat, sunscreen protection allergy, the friction of the fabric on the skin, etc. In other words, you could turn red without getting a sunburn. Here are four different conditions that can affect skin pigmentation and are easily confused.
Psoriasis
You might have heard of the autoimmune disease that creates red, dry, itchy, and scaly areas on the skin. Psoriasis, unfortunately, is a genetic disease, which means that if there’s a history of it in your family, you may be at risk. The autoimmune condition can be triggered by a variety of symptoms and typically starts in adult age – which means it could happen to you tomorrow! Thankfully, however, in 75% of cases, topical cream applications such as Grahams Psoriasis Cream can improve the skin dramatically and keep red patches under control.
Eczema
Eczema is an allergic reaction to a trigger. Most people are familiar with the condition, which is why other less common skin issues such as psoriasis or rosacea are often confused with eczema and overlooked. In doubt, you should also consult a GP to make sure you’re using the right products! You can quickly soothe your skin with safe, natural remedies as recommended by Holland and Barrett, such as coconut oil and honey. However, to prevent the allergic response, you should identify your triggers and protect your immune system.
Acne
How can one mix up acne with any other skin condition? The answer is simple: Many allergic or autoimmune skin conditions can develop pimples and bumps similar to acne. One other issue that becomes more visible in summer is acne scars. In summer, when the skin is exposed to the sun, it can dry out some areas quicker than others. Red acne dents or raised scars tend to get more difficult to hide. Most people revert to cosmetic treatments to help the skin heal. Treatments that remove the outer layer of skin and boost collagen production can remove acne scars.
Rosacea
Rosacea can affect up to 10% of the population, typically between 30 and 50 years old. It can appear out of the blue and cause red and swollen patches to appear on your face. It’s not curable, but most people find relief with topical cream treatment, medication or laser therapy. On the first onset, it can easily be confused with eczema or sunburn. However, if the red patches don’t disappear, you will need to make an appointment with your GP to receive a diagnosis.
Red patches that appear on the face can flare up for a variety of reasons. Don’t dismiss skin redness in summer. It may not be a summer rash or your typical sunburn. More often than not, understanding your skin issues is the first step to managing the condition and getting it under control! And remember: your GP can provide much better support than self-medication!
*This is a collaborative post*
We all have days when it seems like everything’s going our way, we’re feeling great, and the whole world seems to be that little bit brighter. And then there are the days that just seem like a slog; these are the ‘nothing days’ that really aren’t all that enjoyable. While sometimes it’s all about luck, there are things you can that’ll push you in the right direction. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some useful tips that’ll have you enjoying each and every day.
Imagine What’s Possible
Sometimes, good things just come into our path. We head out into the world, and the world provides. There’s magic everywhere, after all, and if you keep your eyes open, then you never know what’ll happen. However, you can’t always expect the world to make your day! Sometimes, you’ve got to make it happen yourself. You can do this by keeping one particular thought in your mind: ‘what’s possible’? Just by thinking of how you can make the day as awesome as possible, you’ll find that you naturally make it better.
Get a Good Night’s Rest
You could plan the best day ever, but if you’ve got no energy, then you’ll find it difficult to enjoy things. While you can’t always be flying with energy, there are things you can do to help. The first is to get a good night’s rest. You’ll be much happier and ready for action if you’ve slept well. If you struggle with this, then look at making some improvements. There are many things you can do. You could meditate before hitting the hay, or look at getting additional help; CBD has a calming effect that can help with sleep. You’ll also want to ensure that your bedroom is conducive to resting well; it’ll be much easier to reach the Land of Nod if it’s dark and quiet.
Starting the Day Right
They say that you start as you mean to go on. If you’re starting the day in a chaotic way, then it’ll be no surprise if your day seems pretty chaotic too. On the other hand, if your morning is filled with happiness, then that’s what you’ll day be like. So how do you start the day right? Start by getting up early enough so that you’re not rushed. From there, it’s all about doing positive things. For example, you’ll be onto a winning day if you go for a quick run, have a cold shower, and then have a healthy and filling breakfast. You’ll leave home feeling on top of the world, ready for whatever comes your way.
Eating Well
And talking about eating healthy food: a good day will always be filled with delicious meals. It’s the simple pleasures that can really make life worth living. Take the time to prepare life-affirming meals using fresh ingredients, and ideally get your loved ones involved.
Meeting With Friends and Family
More on your loved ones: while it’s possible to have a pleasant day on your own, the most memorable ones will be the days where you’re surrounded by the people that you love the most. Of course, it’s not always possible to have long get-togethers, especially during the week. But depending on how close you live to your friends and family, you might find that it’s possible to have short meetings. Crossing paths can really boost your mood. You can sometimes go several weeks without seeing friends and family when life is busy, but it’s recommended to make an effort.
Mix Up The Routine
Life can be deeply enjoyable, but it can also be a little “samey.” That is to say, we get stuck in a rut -- we’re just doing the same thing over and over. And while this might not be all that bad, it’s unlikely to be too exciting either. So if you want to give your day a nudge in the right direction, look at mixing up your routine a little. You’ll find that just doing one thing that you don’t normally do can remind you just how fun life can be.
Moments of Relaxation
Finally, focus on relaxation. We’re all working a lot more than we used to, and that means that many of us aren’t as relaxed as we should be. If you want to be in a happy mood, then look at learning how to relax. Once you do, you’ll find that you’re able to achieve a level of peace that makes all your moments more enjoyable and fun.
*This is a collaborative post*
There might be something about your physical appearance that you're not entirely happy with; it could be a new thing or something that has been with you for some time. Our bodies and physical appearances do change as we age and respond to life events. This is entirely normal. It’s healthy, for instance, for the size and shape of our bodies to alter, for our hair to thin and sometimes to disappear, and for blemishes to appear on the skin in response to regular exposure to the sun. For many people these changes can be unsettling, and may take some time to adjust too if treatment is not an option. For others there are some cosmetic procedures available to fix minor age and lifestyle related issues.
That said, a cosmetic procedure can be a big decision to make and it’s a good idea to reflect on your real needs and motivations for such an option. All procedures carry some risk, they can be expensive, and if you aren’t completely happy with the outcome it can have a serious effect on your mental and emotional health. In some cases, more so than the issue in question. Consider the changes that are occurring, is it something you’ve wanted to change for a long time? Are you strong enough mentally to cope with a treatment that doesn’t turn out as you hoped. Remember, your physical appearance is only one part of who you are and your wellbeing can be improved with healthy eating, meaningful work, and nourishing friendships.
Skin Rejuvenation
Over time our skin begins to tell a story: the story of our youth, the vacations we took in our twenties, and of its general daily maintenance. At some point we may look in the mirror and notice some unwanted blemishes have appeared. This is when skin rejuvenation treatments can help. They are a minimally invasive treatment that can resurface your skin using lasers or remove blemishes with chemical peels. Laser resurfacing, for instance, removes the top layer of skin and encourages new growth underneath. Consider skin rejuvenation if you notice sun or age spots, or your skin has been damaged from bad acne.
Hair Transplant
Contrary to popular belief hair loss can affect women as well as men. There are two transplant methods to choose from the FUE hair transplants
or the FUT method. The FUE method however is by far the most common. It involves removing individual hair follicles from other parts of the body and transplanting them on the head using small incisions. On the day, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area, and hair follicles will be extracted using a unique tool. The procedure is non-invasive and you can leave the clinic after thirty minutes. Special aftercare should be ensured for ten days following the treatment and results can be expected in two or three months.
Facial Rejuvenation
Facial rejuvenation doesn’t only mean a facelift - it also includes an eyelid lift, a neck lift, and a brow lift. These are non-invasive procedures intended to restore your youthful appearance. With a neck lift, for instance, a combination of liposuction and muscle tightening is used to remove any unwanted fat and to straighten out wrinkles. It can be done in conjunction with a facelift for optimal results. Your treatment options for facial rejuvenation will depend on your personal goals which can be discussed during your consultation.
Body Contouring
If you're a mom who has recently given birth, you might think about body contouring as a way to restore your pre-pregnancy dimensions. Treatments include a tummy tuck, liposuction, and thigh-lifts. A tummy tuck will remove any excess skin and fat brought about by pregnancy by making an incision below the belly button and separating the skin from the abdominal wall. It will also remove stretch marks by tightening the abdominal muscles. For best results, this treatment should be combined with exercise and healthy eating.
Facial Contouring
Facial contouring is a non-invasive reconfiguration procedure to enhance your facial features and reduce the signs of ageing. As we age our skin naturally loses its firmness and wrinkles begin to appear - especially around the eyes. The procedure uses a combination of techniques such as dermal fillers, liposuction, and botox, to eliminate the signs of aging and create more symmetry in the facial features eliminating natural inconsistencies. The type of treatment you decide on will depend on your physical characteristics and your personal goals.
*This is a collaborative post*
Many of us have been struggling with lockdown, and now that it is starting to ease, you may have clocked up a few things you want to change or improve upon. That might be to do with losing weight, getting our finances in order or finally going for that promotion in work. But what some of us would really like is to change is our lifestyle in general. This tends to cover the food we eat, the way we feel both physically and mentally, and are habits like whether we smoke or drink. But, too often we can feel held back, that something stops us from achieving that lifestyle we so desperately want. With that in mind, here are some areas that could be the cause of you feeling you can’t achieve your goals, and hopefully this might help you get back on track to make those changes.
Is your body stopping you?
Sometimes we can have the very best intentions of getting fitter, eating healthier and just feeling good about ourselves, but our bodies can have different ideas. You may find that you feel pain or struggle to take on exercise, and that might be because you have an underlying problem or a niggling injury. Which is actually more common than you would think. It might be time to visit a specialist such as an osteopathic clinic or a doctor. It’s worth tackling whatever is causing you pain or discomfort head on to help you carry on as you mean to go on.
Is it your mindset?
Our minds are powerful tools, and they can ultimately play tricks on us. We may start with good intentions, but if you have a negative mindset and thought process then the chances are you won’t carry on or just quite. Negative thoughts can impact us more than we realise, so it's important to work on that thought process and try and have a positive outlook and approach to daily life. Doing this could have a huge impact in more ways than one.
Are you setting unrealistic goals?
We all have that big goal and motivation, it will possibly be the reason you started this journey, but those goals are often the big end result, and sometimes if we focus too much on that we can get disheartened when we don’t get results. While those big dreams are good, it’s worth setting yourself small, realistic goals to help you on track. This can be a big motivator to help you stick to the path.
Do you really want this change?
If you find yourself struggling the question you need to be asking yourself is if this is something you really want to do. Is it for you or to make someone else happy. Subconsciously you may be happy with the way things are, and someone else is encouraging you to make the changes. It might be time to address those issues.
Do you want to know how to stop being held back?
Finally, figuring out what the root cause is can only be a positive thing. It will help you move forward and tackle the issues before it stops you achieving your full potential. Keep positive and stay on course and you will start to look and feel exactly as you want to.
Let’s hope highlighting these things helps you get back on track.
*This is a collaborative response*
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)