Aim to get a brisk walk in during daylight hours everyday. Thirty or even twenty minutes will do, you are not only getting exercise but fresh air and daylight too. While it is recommended we supplement with Vitamin D from September to May (which we need for calcium absorption), we are still getting exposure to vitamin D by being outside. Daylight and exercise will help boost our mood and can contribute to a better night’s sleep.
Have you considered a dry January?! If you’ve been indulging in the vino over Christmas and think you can go the month without it or at least significantly reducing it, take a selfie now and take one after your booze-free month. You’ll see a difference and feel it too.
Hydrate - At this time of year as we spend more time indoors and with central heating (#grateful) our skin can become dehydrated. I like to keep a beaker of hot water with a chunk of peeled ginger in it and keep topping it up throughout the day. Much easier to drink than cold water at this time of year. If you prefer lemon, remove the peel and bear in mind too much of it can affect your teeth enamel.
How about a declutter? Not to be smug or anything, but i’ve already started (yeah I’m feeling totally smug). I’m slowly making my way around my apartment, and it’s liberating. I watched ‘The Minimalists’ on Netflix on new year’s day which got me going. Getting rid of ‘stuff’ you don’t need not only declutters your home, but it’s also good for your mental health. While charity shops are closed during lockdown, recycling centres are still open.
Sleep – getting enough of it is important for our physical and mental health. Our sleep pattern can get a little out of whack over Christmas, perhaps going to bed later, sleeping in, and then all of a sudden the shock of having to get up for work again. What better time than a January in lockdown where FOMO is eliminated, to try and get to bed a little earlier, be strict with your devices, power down before you get into bed. Aim for 8 hours.
January - bring it on!
