Do you remember earlier in the year I talked about mindfulness and some of the changes I had been making in order to live a happier healthier life? You can read that post HERE.
Well I thought I would give you an update, three months on and talk about 5 small changes that I have made to help me be happier and healthier this year. I’m trying every few weeks to add to these changes, and I’m really starting to see the benefits, so wanted to share them with you too.
A walk a day keeps the doctor away :
Every day, rain or shine I have been going on a walk. I read an online article in the Guardian that talked about this and it’s really pushed me into making the decision to go for a walk every day. I must admit it makes it easier if you have a dog as we do. Here’s what the article said:
The mental health charity Mind found in their report Ecotherapy: The Green Agenda for Mental Health that country walks can reduce depression and raise self-esteem. So ditch the smoggy congested route for a nearby park or green space when you head out for your 30-minute walk.
I’m lucky to live somewhere where green walks are right on my door step, though I get a kick out of a more urban walk, admiring expensive and aspirational houses too to be honest. Yes its exercise and that makes everyone feel better doesn’t it? I think more than anything when you work from home you crave the fresh air, and getting the extra vitamin D into your system too always makes a positive impact.
Top tip : concentrate on your core whilst walking, so tighten your stomach muscles. Stand tall, and invest in some good walking shoes or trainers.
Drink more (and that doesn’t mean more wine)
This is one of the things I really needed help on. I definitely didn’t drink enough throughout the day, and even though I have now adopted having water on my desk in the morning each day, I do love a hot drink too.
Well I made the switch to Twinings tea (though I still need one coffee a day though ) I been loving this new tea to keep me topped up from their two recently launched ranges – Freshly Picked Taste’ and ‘Steamed Green Tea’.
I love the fresh taste of both of the styles.
‘Twinings Freshly Picked Taste’ is range of Herbal teas inspired by tastes found in gardens and the great British countryside – including Garden Mint, Meadow Camomile and Root Ginger– which all give a burst of scent and flavour. This range is perfect for those who enjoy an authentic, fresh taste but still need the convenience of a teabag. Each teabag is individually foil-wrapped to lock in the flavour for extra freshness.
‘Twinings Steamed Green Tea’ range adds a new dimension to the existing green tea range. This tea is made using a centuries-old Chinese method of steaming the green tea leaves – which gives a purer, more delicate taste than a standard green tea. This makes this range ideal for those who find green teas too bitter for their palates.
I’ve never been a fan of green tea really, but this range is definitely for me. Its light, and very easy to drink.
- Simply Pure Steamed Green Tea – gentle and refreshing
- Steamed Green Tea Velvet Jasmine – aromatic and elegant
- Steamed Green Tea Smooth Lemon – zesty
- Steamed Green Tea Soft Mint – cooling
Top tip : Try making the tea, then adding ice for a cooling and refreshing thirst quencher.
Early to bed and early to rise
A small change, that actually was one of the hardest to accomplish, but I have hurrah!
I’ve been setting my alarm half and hour earlier, and going to bed by 10.30 pm each evening. I try to have that first half an hour of the day to make a list of what I need to achieve that day, with a cup of my new tea, if it’s not to cold and wet I’ve been hiding up in my new summer-house which always puts a smile on my face.
Top tip : I read for a few minutes before I sleep, not allowing myself to bring my phone or tablet upstairs so I don’t get distracted by social media or TV.
No more white
I knew I wasn’t getting enough fibre in my diet, but often grabbed the easy option because I knew it’s what the children prefer. I made a conscious effort though to swap out white bread, pasta and rice for healthier options. It didn’t take too much of a getting used to, the girls found it harder. I can definitely see the benefits already.
Top tip : Its simple, I gave all of my white rice and pasta to a friend, and bought new, so there wasn’t any temptation.
Positivity
At the end of each day, think of one good thing that you can be thankful for, absolutely anything positive. This was something I’d read about on the Embrace Happy website.
Here is what I came up with last week, to give you some examples :
Monday : Went for a delicious meal with the girls at Carluccio’s.
Tuesday : Half term hair cuts for the girls, and they look gorgeous!
Wednesday : Tidied a couple of cupboards out with Miss A’s help. Felt good being organised! Soon forgot about the dentist visit I had earlier in the day.
Thursday : Went for a long walk with the dog, movie in the evening.
Friday : Family meal at Thaikhun, so no cooking, and a sneaky cocktail!
Saturday : A great day spent in Oxford, long leisurely lunch and a walk by the river.
Sunday : A lie in and eggs Benedict for breakfast at the hotel.
Top tip : I have a pad of post-it notes by my bed and a pen to remind me to do this each evening.
This post was brought to you in collaboration with Twinings.
Love these tips, great ways to bring a little structure into your day too, so hard to do when you work from home like us.
Great tips! I totally agree with going to bed early! Makes you feel sooooo much better! xxxx
http://nicolaranson.com
These are great tips, I need to do the go to bed earlier one!!
Oh I love these ideas! Simple changes I think I could try doing!
Great post. I’ve been trying to incorporate changes into our lives as we tend to rush around a lot. Definitely agree with the walking. We got our dog and I love it, even in the rain. It gives me time to think/de-stress and I always feel better for it. Will try the teas as well 🙂
I was wondering how you were getting on with your happier, healthier life objectives. You have done really well. Our daughter loves her herbal teas so I will get some of these for her (I always wish herbal teas such as blackcurrant tasted more like hot squash rather than just give me a hint of something in water but I am open to being persuaded).
You have doebn well., simple and life afirnming changes