Simple changes that can add years to your life
WE’VE always believed the key to looking and feeling your best at every age starts on the inside. Lifestyle habits, diet and stress are just as important as the latest anti-ageing treatments and skincare.
So it comes as no surprise that one of this year’s top wellbeing trends is self-care.
What is self-care? It’s about putting yourself first and looking after your health and wellbeing by controlling stress, adopting healthier lifestyle habits and most importantly being kind to yourself.
We believe that making a few simple lifestyle switches could add up to 10 years to your life.
By following our self-care rules and indulging in some of the latest wellness treatments and beauty boosters, you’ll be feeling fantastic in no time.
LIFESTYLE TIPS
Be kind to your mind A recent UK poll revealed one in three people would like to improve their mental health. One of the simplest ways to boost your mood is to learn how to deal with stress so find an activity that will soothe your mind.
A relaxing massage, yoga, deep breathing exercises or even a long walk can help. Stop dwelling on the past, stay positive and don’t worry about things until they happen.
Treat yourself
Our hectic lives can prevent us from enjoying ourselves but it is crucial to have some fun.
Research shows laughing and spending time doing things you enjoy will counteract stress, boost immunity and keep blood pressure steady.
So be kind to yourself: have a pedicure or a facial and then lunch with a friend – and don’t feel guilty.
Move more
Exercise is a brilliant way to combat stress. It also builds muscle strength and helps boost immunity and circulation. The best way to exercise is little and often so walk, swim, cycle or go to dance classes. Exercise should give you energy, not leave you feeling drained.
Eat wisely
Cut out sugar or anything that converts into sugar in the body such as white pasta and bread and eat more fruit and vegetables.
The latest research suggests eating your meals within a 12-hour time frame – breakfast at 8am and your last meal before 8pm – helps balance the body’s enzymes which in turn will protect and repair skin.
If you find losing weight impossible, a DNA test can help identify the right diet for you by seeing how your genes respond to certain foods. For more information call 020 7436 4441. Get your beauty sleep Sleep deprivation can damage your mood and affect health. Try to get into a regular sleep pattern and have at least eight hours a night.
Sort out any bad habits such as too much coffee or late-night computer work. If you wake up exhausted, a power nap during the day can be very restorative. Happy herbs Herbs including turmeric, ginseng and liquorice root are known to reduce stress in the body, so introduce them into your diet as supplements or in smoothies.
FEELGOOD TREATMENTS
Be mindful Mindfulness meditation has been proven to contribute to long-term
wellbeing. Regular meditation stimulates endorphin release, turning off stress hormones and lowering cortisol levels. Try this simple exercise. Close your eyes and breathe in deeply for five seconds, then blow away the stresses of the day as you breathe out for five seconds. Repeat after a count of five. Do this five times.
Lighten up
LED light therapy is the ultimate skin pick-me-up. It stimulates collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid production and will help improve skin texture and tone while softening fine lines and wrinkles.
A 15-minute treatment will boost your mood and you can have a power nap while relaxing under the infrared light. From £30 per session.