Be inspired this year!

THIS ISSUE

Eye cream

A grain of rice per eye

Face cream

A blueberry-sized amount

Facial oil

The size of a pumpkin seed

Cream cleanser

A raspberry-sized amount (less if using a wash or gel formula)

SPF sun face protection

Half a teaspoon for the face and neck

Face mask

A strawberry-sized amount

Serum

A pea-sized amount

lot can happen in a year – and 2020 proved that like no other! But instead of dwelling on the difficulties we all faced, let’s look to those who managed to turn the lemons of last year into lemonade. These four women are proof that small changes can add up to a big difference – whether cutting out sugar and caffeine, trying a new activity, or just taking more time each morning to be mindful. They’ve lost weight, gained inner and outer strength and are healthier than ever.

If you’re looking to upgrade your mind and body in 2021, look no further for inspiration…

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“In the two weeks before lockdown I embarked on my first ever dietary ‘cleanse’ in an attempt to manage my peri-menopausal low mood and anxiety – cutting out sugar, alcohol, coffee and more – all the things I’d usually turn to in a crisis! I’d started to feel as if my body was trying to tell me something. I’d noticed that my reaction to alcohol was changing – those weekend drinks just weren’t as fun as they used to be, and I felt more exhausted and low afterwards. I knew changing my diet would be hard – but experiencing those feelings was even harder.

“I signed up to a cleanse with health coach, Madeline Rains (www. lovemadeline.com) as I knew I’d need expert input and would be much more first few weeks I took it steady but then I noticed by week four I was doing it faster, recovering quicker and feeling less exhausted after each run. I also learnt quickly that

I needed to wear a good sports bra and I treated myself to some new running clothing to hold my wobbly bits!

“To my surprise I was actually enjoying my morning runs, it was good thinking time. It was great as the streets were much quieter due to the schools being shut and people motivated and likely to succeed in a group.

“I was apprehensive about cutting out so many of my daily staples. It was hard to imagine what on earth I’d be able to eat other than ‘squirrel food’. I worried that it would take me hours to invent and cook new, healthier dishes. I was used to hot buttered toast with extra peanut butter for breakfast, grabbing a sandwich for lunch, and cooking cheesy pasta for the kids for tea – so cutting out wheat, dairy and even peanuts seemed like an impossibility.

“Sometimes I’d find myself heading towards the chocolate, which usually working from home, and I said hello to regular runners and dog walkers which was nice. “I completed the nineweek programme and felt amazing. I had a real sense of achievement. I definitely feel fitter, I look more toned, especially my legs, and my clothes are loose. My mood really improves after a run and my brain fog lifts. I really hope to keep it up, it’s been fun most of the time and I recommend it to other people, especially those who think they can’t do it – if I can achieve it, anyone can.” meant I was struggling in some way. But instead of sugar, I probably needed some self-compassion, some mindful deep breaths, and gentle encouragement to find a different way to meet my needs.

“After a lot of trial and error, I found new ways to look after myself. My go-to treats became a hot bath with a book, watching a cheesy movie, reading in bed, body scrubs with gorgeous oils, spending time in the sea, walking in nature, or simply taking a few minutes to breathe properly.

“A month in, I started to notice mental health improvements and reduced arthritic pain; and a few

‘Sometimes I’d head towards the chocolate, which meant I was struggling in some way’

months later, the physical changes were obvious – greater energy and weight loss. I hadn’t had a big emotional crash in a while; I felt steadier and more in tune with my needs. I’m fitting into clothes that I haven’t worn since the early days of motherhood – it’s like discovering a whole new wardrobe!”

Turn the page for inspiring stories about yoga and mindfulness meditation

“During lockdown, I felt the need to take better care of myself and my wellbeing – I wanted a more balanced life, so I joined an online Ashtanga yoga group in March. It’s been a revelation and totally transformative for my health, both physically and mentally. “I remember that first online class. It was day 14 of the pandemic and I had been sitting at home for days, feeling isolated and anxious. Then I went online and suddenly all these friendly faces were there on Zoom, and I was so happy to see them. It was an intense boost to my wellbeing.

“As a result of doing daily yoga, the anxiety I felt because of the pandemic became more controllable. My blood pressure dropped from 144 to 128. On top of that, my digestion improved, I became more flexible, my frozen shoulder got better, and I found I have way more strength.

“I’m now doing 45 minutes to an hour of yoga a day. It’s like my daily walk – it’s become something I have to do.”