Wellbeing FOR MIND & BODY
Feelgood tips and advice from our health and beauty editor Kate Langrish
Clean start
I’d never been one of those people who find joy in the washing-up (more to the pity) until I discovered the new essential-oil-infused cleaning products from Aromatherapy Associates. With zingy peppermint and tea tree oil, Aromatherapy Associates x Laundress Support Breathe Dish Soap (£25, aromatherapyassociates.com) and Surface Cleaner (£25) give a mood-boosting lift to humdrum household chores. Meanwhile, Signature Detergent in Deep Relax (£35) will infuse your bedding with soothing camomile to encourage restful slumber.
TURN OVER A NEW LEAF
My new year’s resolution is to write a diary. We’re not talking Pepys here – just jotting down my thoughts, feelings and things I’d like to remember. It was something I tried on a wet and windy camping trip last summer. I found that taking a few minutes each evening to think about what I’d enjoyed – or not! – that day made me feel less anxious about the holiday not going to plan and reflect instead on the carefree moments of fun.
Journalling in this way can be therapeutic. Writing down worries can make them seem less overwhelming and taking time to notice the good things helps train the brain for a more positive outlook. Any notebook will do, but a wellness journal (Papier has a good selection from £24.99, papier.com), with prompts to record mood, energy levels, goals and gratitude, gives a good framework if you’re unsure how to get started.
Shelf help
Thirteen Ways to Smell a Tree (HACHETTE, £12.99) INVITES YOU TO CONNECT WITH TREES THROUGH THE SENSE MOST ALIGNED TO OUR EMOTIONS AND MEMORIES. ESSAYS EXPLORE THE EVOCATIVE SCENTS OF TREES AND SUGGEST PRACTICAL WAYS TO EXPERIENCE THEM, FROM INHALING THE DELICATE SCENT OF SPRING BLOSSOM TO SAVOURING THE SMELL OF A NEW BOOK AS YOU OPEN ITS PAGES.
Add a little New Year’s Eve sparkle with Dear Dahlia Mesmerizing Moment Collection Palette in Celestial Glow (£49, lookfantastic.com). The pigmented eyeshadows create shimmering combinations, while extracts of cacao seed and shea butter protect the delicate eye area. Boost your immuni-tea! At the start of a cold, infuse half a teaspoon each of dried echinacea root, dried elderberry, fresh ginger and honey in a mug of hot water.