A healthy, well-balanced lifestyle comes largely from our physical habits - how much exercise we get, the foods we eat, whether or not we drink and smoke. But just as important as all those things is how well we look after our mental wellbeing. In recent years, we’ve seen a huge shift in the way society approaches mental health, making mindful habits a popular topic of discussion. Our health, both physical and mental, is pivotal to how we look, feel and our general approach to everyday life. And while the subject of exercise, nutrition and mindfulness tends to peak after the hectic festive season, it’s important that we take care of ourselves consistently, not solely to beat the January blues.
We know that it can be tough to make our own wellness a priority, so we’re here to give you quick and easy insight into the various different, positive ways in which you can adjust your lifestyle in order to feel your absolute best. Prioritising selfcare is pivotal, so, whether you’re struggling with seasonal affective disorder, winter blues and other mental health matters or you’re simply in need of some exercise advice, we’re here to talk about it.
Regular Ways to Prioritise Self-Care
Adopting a healthy lifestyle and focusing on your general wellbeing doesn’t necessarily involve doing anything drastic or time-consuming. In fact, some of the most effective ways in which you can alter how you feel - particularly when it comes to your mental health - is to incorporate just a few simple lifestyle changes. Basic routine adjustments such as meditation, short brisk walks outdoors and taking the time to relax in your favourite space are just a few means of elevating your mood that will slot seamlessly into even the most busy lifestyle. Even adding some scent or and right lighting to your space can change the mood and start a moment to unwind.
At PartyLite, it’ll come as no surprise that we’re passionate about fragrance, but finding a home scent that speaks to you and that you really love can play such a huge role in creating the serene environment that you need to relax and unwind. Be it a fresh, clean scent that helps clear your mind, or something fabulous and fruity, different fragrances appeal to different people, for different reasons. Once you’ve found a scent that you adore, use it to administer a sense of calm. Pop the jar candle on your bath bridge whilst you soak and unwind, or on the sideboard whilst you enjoy a quiet Sunday afternoon read. Simply add in a mug of your best-loved hot beverage for good measure, and you’re well on your way to feeling zen.
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Exercise and Activity
As well as allowing us to maintain a level of fitness and stay in shape, exercise and physical activity are two core contributors to how we feel. Engaging in regular physical activity - be it attending a yoga class, walking the dog or heading for a swim at your local leisure pool - has been proven to boost overall wellbeing. Exercise releases endorphins inside our body - in essence, happy chemicals that make us feel good. So, whether you prefer the challenge of a fast-paced run or you prefer something with a little lower impact, the most important thing is that you are moving your body and keeping yourself physically active.
Balanced Diet
As the saying goes, ‘you are what you eat’. There is definitely truth in that famous quote! Our bodies are such a powerful asset, but in order to keep them in peak condition, it’s our responsibility to nourish them with foods that are full of goodness. Thankfully, the majority of us are now finding it easier to veer away from convenience foods and reach for something healthier. As over-processed foods are no longer the only option on many shelves, we are turning our attention to easy-to-prepare healthy meals and snacks.
Make a positive change to your lifestyle by filling your plate with fresh fruit and vegetables, fish rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and healthy carbohydrates. Where possible, seek out wholemeal alternatives - rice, pasta and bread are all better when they’re brown! And of course, focus on keeping your refined sugar and saturated fat consumption to a minimum. Consider adding organic greens like chlorella to your routine for a more improved gut health, as studies show a healthy gut biome can even affect your mental health.
The most important thing to remember when it comes to what we eat and our lifestyle in general is that balance is key. What would life be without a few naughty treats here and there? Probably a little bit dull! So, before you cut out all your guilty pleasures completely, remind yourself that there’s no harm in a little chocolate every now and again, or a trip to your favourite fast food joint when you’re really craving it. Moderation is key, and cutting back on not-so-healthy indulgences is much more sustainable than removing them from your diet altogether.
Hydration Inside and Out
We’re constantly reminded to drink the right amount of water - and for good reason. Adequate water consumption is essential to our overall well being for a whole host of different reasons, and it’s perhaps one of the most affordable and accessible ways in which we can elevate our health. So, whether you enjoy yours in an invigorating herbal tea, add ginger and cucumber for energy, or you prefer to savour the refreshing flavour of a zesty, lime and lemon-infused water - the most important thing is that you’re sipping plenty of H20.
As well as helping us stay alert and focused throughout the day, drinking plenty of water is key to flushing toxins out of our system and aiding our general digestive health. And for those intent on optimising their beauty regime, chugging an extra glass or two of water is sure to prove worthwhile, too. In short, if you want spa-like wellness from the inside out, water is your new best friend.
Water has been proven to prevent skin complaints such as acne and breakouts, but to enhance the plumpness of our complexion, too, resulting in a more youthful, refreshed visage.
Focus on Sleep
Juggling a busy schedule and trying to maintain peak health and fitness at the same time can prove a tricky feat indeed. Sometimes, we just need to slow things down and allow ourselves time to recover before taking on life’s next challenge - and what better way to switch off than with a long, much-needed snooze?
Although not discussed as often as it should be, getting ample sleep is essential to our overall wellbeing and the quality of that sleep is just as important. For some of us, getting a good night’s sleep is easy, but for others, it’s not quite so simple. There are many different reasons why your sleep pattern may be broken, and while struggling to get to sleep or stay asleep may be frustrating (not to mention exhausting), there are ways in which you can improve your sleep routine.
One of the most effective ways to enhance your sleep quality and overall routine is to assess the comfort of your bed. If your bed isn’t as comfortable as you’d like it to be, consider upgrading your mattress or, as a more cost-effective solution, look to invest in a squishy mattress topper. Simply washing your bedding at least once a week can work wonders, too, and of course, allowing your favourite scent to envelop the room before you get your head down is a must. When choosing a scent, opt for something that relaxes you - something that helps release your tensions and makes it feel as though your shoulders drop a little. A soothing scent will help you drift off to sleep with ease and get the rest you need to really recuperate.
Manage Stress
Stress and anxiety are two things, as a society, we are all too familiar with. One thing that many of us aren’t aware of is the negative - often long-term impact - on our health and wellbeing.
As well as premature ageing, stress has also been linked to heart problems, digestive issues, depression, muscle tension, spikes in blood pressure and memory loss - to name just a few.
Fortunately, there are things we can do to minimise the detrimental impact of stress and enjoy a more relaxed life. The likes of deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness are three of the many effective stress-reduction techniques that can be used to help cope with life’s challenges.
Make Social Connections
It can be very easy to slip into a state of isolation, particularly if you have a stressful job, you’re a busy parent or you work remotely. If it’s been a while since you linked up with friends or family, make the effort to reconnect and enjoy the social interaction this brings you. Feeling lonely and isolated is directly linked with feelings of negativity and low mood, and the best way to counteract this is to make a fresh connection with your social life.
Limit Screen Time
Screen time is often unavoidable, but prolonged periods spent staring at the screens of our phones, laptops and tablets can have serious negative impacts on our health. It’s no secret that idyllic, ‘perfect’ misrepresentations on social media are adjusting the way we perceive ourselves and our own lives, but in addition to this, those screens are interfering with our eye health, too. Eye strain and focus are two of the various screen time victims, so if you feel you are spending too much time attached to a device, now is the time to detach and focus on your health. Simple changes such as not scrolling on social media before bed and turning the TV off half an hour earlier can make all the difference, particularly to your quality of sleep.
Practising Healthy Thinking
Although not always easy, adjusting your train of thought and adopting a more positive outlook on life can make all the difference to how you feel. Life can sometimes leave us feeling lost, and while it’s easy to catastrophise and focus solely on the bad, if you can switch this around and draw attention to what’s great in your life, you will immediately begin to feel better.
For those in need of a boost of positivity, keeping a gratitude journal is a great place to start. Here you can physically record the things you are grateful for and that make you happy. You can also note down things you’d like to achieve or how you might approach a certain issue in order to turn the situation around. The power of positive thinking is remarkable.
It’s essential that we take great care of our bodies and minds in order to look and feel our best. Life can be hectic, but nothing is more important than our health, and establishing ways in which we can optimise our wellbeing - be it creating a serene setting to unwind in or engaging in daily physical exercise - can make a tremendous difference to our lives in general.
Want to discover more fragrances made for mindfulness? PartyLite’s innovative scent blends are made to enhance every moment in life. Or check out more lifestyle tips and advice on our blog.