When it comes to looking after ourselves (both in body and mind), it’s important to regularly check-in with where we’re at and August is as good a month as any. With all those days lounging in the sun, garden parties, barbecues, and returning to some semblance of normal life, our healthy routines might be a little bit out of whack.
And that’s exactly why we’ve pulled together this handy little checklist of super simple ways to get back on track.
From better sleeping patterns and drinking Yakult Light every day to keeping active and joining our Wellness Week, you can try as many as you like to give your wellbeing a good boost this month.
Keep hydrated
So easy to do yet so easily forgotten, drinking enough water is vital to keeping your body functioning properly. Whether it’s keeping your mouth fresh by keeping oral bacteria on the move or helping your gut to move food more easily and preventing constipation, water is the one. Buy a cute jug to keep on your desk, carry a reusable water bottle so you don’t forget. Jazz up the flavour with cucumber, lemon, and mint to keep it interesting.
Meal prep
Okay, we know that this can be a bit of a boring one but putting aside one evening in the week to batch cook and box up your meals for the next few days is not only a massive saver on time and doing dishes, but it also means that you’re more likely to stick to your healthy eating plan. Brighten up your plate with a varied range and go for a rainbow of colours to support your gut and overall health.
Care for your gut
Your gut’s health is super important, which is why you need to pack it with good bacteria and stock up on fibre. Help beneficial bacteria multiply in your gut by eating prebiotic foods such as onions, leeks, and garlic, and switch refined carbohydrates such as white rice, bread and pasta for wholegrain varieties, which contain significantly more fibre.
Top-up your vitamin D
Vitamin D supports the normal function of the immune system, as well as the maintenance of healthy bones, teeth, and muscle function. The majority of our vitamin D actually comes from exposing our skin to sunlight, meaning that here in the UK, we have to find dietary sources during those long autumn and winter months. Good dietary sources of vitamin D include oily fish like salmon, mackerel and herring, eggs, some mushrooms, and even a little bottle of Yakult Light.
Sort out your sleep
There’s nothing worse than feeling wiped out all day long and then tossing and turning when you finally get to bed. That’s why it’s so important to get yourself a regular sleeping pattern, waking up and going to bed at around the same time every day (including weekends), aiming for those eight hours of the good stuff. If you find it hard, try giving caffeine a wide berth of six hours before your bedtime.
Cut back on your screen time
Not such an easy one in this digital age and with the WFH situation but reducing your screen time can massively improve your mental health as well as the quality of your sleep. Many phones allow you to set time limits on apps with settings that help you stop infinity-scrolling. You should try to avoid screens for at least an hour before bed. Try replacing your phone or tablet habits with a great book or new hobby instead.
Find easy ways to get active
Commuting? Get off a stop early and walk the extra distance. Driving? Park further away and walk the extra distance. Got a lunchbreak? Take a walk around the block (even when the sun isn’t shining). Taking the lift? Give the stairs a go. It’s really easy to make your day more physical without even really noticing but you’ll definitely feel the difference.
Get inspired with a wellness podcast
Listening to wellbeing-focused podcasts is a great way to keep yourself motivated on your wellness journey. Whether you’re out and about or at your desk, play a podcast for some daily inspiration and tips.
Harness some plant power
Houseplants have been proven to improve your mood and reduce your stress levels, so if you haven’t already, it’s time to plant up.
Reward yourself
It’s always important to celebrate your achievements of any scale! Keep your rewards in proportion and it’ll help to keep you motivated on this journey.
Join our Wellness Week
Starting 16th August, our Wellness Week in collaboration with Yakult is a weeklong series of events focussed on boosting your wellbeing. From morning yoga with Jessica Skye and making healthy lunches with Dr Rupy to work wellness with Yomi Adegoke and juggling your wellness journey as a mother with Anna Mathur, it’s set to be an empowering and insightful week of talks.
Your chance to win
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