Easy ways to stress less every day

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Life is busy, demands grow every day, the need to be Insta perfect plays on our minds and sometimes things can just get too much. It is just as important to look after your mental health, as it is to keep tabs on your physical wellbeing or things can start to get on top of you.

We have had a look at some simple ways you can take back control when it comes to feeling good about life and stressing less each day.

Think about how you start your day
For many people, anxiety is an issue and it can feel worse in the morning. To help with this, try to avoid activities that trigger your stress levels the moment you get up. Don’t look at your emails as soon as you wake, scroll through social media when you are at your desk and not in bed, and if coffee adds an edge, try a herbal tea and some meditation before hitting the caffeine.

List it
We aren’t talking about a to-do list, but a gratitude journal. Each day write down ten things that you’re grateful for and start to appreciate the little things we often take for granted, like family, health, food on the table and even the sun shinning. When you start to see what you do have and focus less on what you wish you had, shifts can be made and stress levels can go down.

And breath
Tuning into your breathing can make a real difference to how you feel as this really does affect your body. Think about it, when you are stressed out, your breathing becomes shorter and shallower, this can make you feel worse and a vicious cycle is set in place. Meditative breathing techniques can make a big difference to how you feel and allow you to become more relaxed and able to think straight. Start by simply taking deep, full breaths in through your nose, and exhaling slowly out of your mouth. Set aside ten minutes a day, more if you can, and just sit with your breath and feel the tension lift.

Get some exercise
Yes, we are all busy but there are real benefits for our mental health if we exercise. When you move your body releases endorphins, feel-good hormones, and when this happens it helps you to feel more energised and focused. This doesn’t mean hitting the gym twice a day or training for a marathon, but simply walking the dog, getting on your bike or taking a step class are all ways to bring good vibes into your life the natural way.

Be your own best friend
Have you ever stopped and thought about how you talk to yourself? Words like stupid, slow, lazy and failure are negative phrases we often use with ourselves, but now is the time to stop and be your own best friend and look after you.

Sleep it away
When we are tired, our worries seem to get worse and we find it harder to turn off and relax. Try to get yourself into a healthy sleep routine so you are able to give your body and mind time to recuperate and catch up. A set bedtime, having a warm bath with added essential oils, doing some yoga are all ideas that can have a positive impact on your mental health.

Live in the moment
It is all too easy to think about what went wrong in the past, or worry about the future, but why not start to enjoy and appreciate the here and now? You cannot change what has happened and we do not know what will happen tomorrow, next week or next year, so savour the moment and leave those worries at the door.

Team Pure Beauty

How to avoid weight gain this winter

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When the temperature drops and the nights are dark, it is easy to spend your time curled up on the sofa eating sugary snacks and keeping warm, rather than eating salads, heading outside and getting active like we do in the summer.

Bearing this in mind, it’s therefore not uncommon to put on a little weight during the winter months, but this doesn’t have to be the case. By making small changes to your lifestyle now, you will not only help your waistline, but your mental health and overall wellbeing could benefit too.

Always have breakfast
As tempting as it is to have an extra ten minutes in bed, having breakfast in the morning is not only a great way to start the day but can also stop you from eating more later in the day. Pass on the sugary cereals and carb heavy white toast, and instead look at having a high protein meal that will keep hunger locked up for longer. Scrambled eggs and avocado are a great idea, poached eggs with smoked salmon will throw in some amino acids. Of course there is nothing quite like boiled eggs and soldiers, but swap the bloomer for dark rye bread and you will be laughing.

Take care of your gut
You might not know this but many experts believe that our gut bacteria plays a role in our body weight. Think about taking a live bacteria supplement and this could not only improve your delicate gut flora but also help you to keep a handle on your weight too.

Don’t take on too much
Yes, we know that life is busy and you are pulled in every which way but stress isn’t going to do you any good. As well as making you worry, cortisol, the stress hormone, can affect energy expenditure and increase our consumption of foods that are high in fat and sugar. This can cause weight gain around the tummy and, with this, comes an increase in health risks, so we would suggest trying to reduce your stress levels for the sake of both weight management and long-term health. To ease stress, find a new hobby, say no now and again if you have too much on, and if you can, turn your phone off and step away from screens, even for just an hour and this might make a big difference to your mood.

Eat real food
Rather than being focussed on counting calories and restricting what you eat, instead eat whole, nutritious, unprocessed foods that will nourish your body and mind. Try to eat two pieces of fruit and have five servings of vegetable a day. Stop putting those white carbs in your trolley and instead, switch to fibre rich whole grain rice, bread and pasta, and you will find these not only fill you up but keep you regular too! Eggs, nuts, seeds, fish, seafood, lentils, beans, chickpeas, organic meat, quinoa and tofu are all good quality protein that are delicious and good for you, so get creative in the kitchen and see the difference these foods can make. As well as this, drink lots of water, keep caffeine and alcohol under control and get plenty of sleep.

Exercise
Step away from the screens if you want to maintaining a healthy weight and good fitness levels. We aren’t talking about going to the gym everyday, but doing something you enjoy which takes you mind away from your worries, and the food cupboard, is a really good idea. Whether it is hot yoga, swimming, dancing, martial arts, a bootcamp class, cycling or running, do it three times a week and if you do it with a friend, you will have to go.

Team Pure Beauty

How to Beat Blue Monday

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With the 21st January, aka Blue Monday fast approaching, some of you might be feeling a little below per right now. It is cold outside, it’s still ages until payday and those resolutions that seemed like such a good idea on 31 December have been long forgotten, all of which can make you feel a bit miserable.

Fear not, it’s all doom and gloom. While can’t turn up the temperature or give you a winning lottery ticket, we do know that what you eat and drink can help ease the blues and beat the anxiety that makes life a little harder in the bleak mid-winter months.

Drink water
Yes, this one again. If you don’t keep hydrated you won’t feel at your best, your concentration will lapse, you may get headaches and you might also feel constipated and none of these things will help your mood. Cut down on fizzy drinks and high sugar squashes, and instead drink water with ice and add slices of lemon and cucumber to liven things up a little and keep a bottle on your desk and in your bag so you can sip during the day.

Keep an eye on caffeine
We know many people love a coffee first thing and a tea break mid-afternoon, but both of these drinks contain caffeine which might not help you if you are feeling blue. Caffeine is a stimulant and one which will give you a burst of energy at first, but then when you come down the other side it could make you feel anxious, depressed and disturb your sleep, especially when drunk before you go to bed. We don’t suggest you stop having your daily fix suddenly, as this could lead to nasty withdrawal symptoms, but it might be a good idea to start cutting back on tea, coffee, chocolate, cola and energy drinks and think about switching to decaf versions or opting for herbal teas which are caffeine free but mean you don’t miss out on a soothing hot drink.

Look after your tummy
You might not know this, but your tummy reflects your emotions so if you are feeling anxious and worried, your gut may suffer too. To help with healthy digestion, it is important to eat plenty of fibre which means loading up on wholegrains, beans, pulses, live yoghurt and you might want to consider taking a probiotic too.

Get your fruit and veg in
Eating a variety of coloured fruits and vegetables every day means you’ll get a good range of nutrients including the minerals, vitamins and fibre needed to keep you physically and mentally healthy. You might be interested to know that fresh, frozen, canned and juiced fruits and vegetables all count towards your five a day and if you are worried about portion sizes, one portion is about a handful.

Remember to eat protein
Protein is packed full of the amino acids that make up the chemicals your brain uses to regulate your thoughts and feelings, and it also keeps you feeling fuller for longer so you are less likely to reach for the mood interrupting sugary snacks later on. Lean meat, fish, eggs, cheese, beans, lentils, soya products, nuts and seeds are all good protein sources and it is pretty easy to fit them into every meal – so make sure you do.

Eat the right fats
We know we are told fats are bad and to be avoided at all costs, but this isn’t true. Try to avoid ‘trans fats’ or ‘partially hydrogenated oils’ and instead eat fatty acids, such as omega 3 and 6 as these are good for your brain function and mental health. Healthy fats can be found in oily fish, nuts (almonds and walnuts are a good choice), olive and sunflower oils, seeds (such as sunflower and pumpkin), avocados, and eggs all of which are tasty and easy to eat!

Eat on a regular basis
Now is not the time to skip meals as this will lead to a drop in your blood sugar levels and that can make you feel tired and irritable. Try to go for small, regular meals throughout the day, adding in healthy snacks, and always eat breakfast as this will set you up for the day. Wholegrain bread and pasta, brown rice, cereals as well as nuts and seeds are all a good idea but keep away from sweets, biscuits, sugary drinks, and alcohol as these won’t do your mood any favours.

Whatever you eat and drink make the sensible choice and we wish you a very happy, healthy 2019.

Team Pure Beauty

Keep Jet Lag at Bay

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We admit it’s not the worst thing in the world, but jet lag can really get you down.

As well as obvious insomnia, the resulting tiredness of jet lag can cause lethargy, anxiety, feelings of frustration and even trigger headaches.

While you can escape the reality of jet lag being a side effect of travel, there are a number of things you can do to try to reduce the impact it has on you.

Adjust Your Inner Time Zone
One thing you can do to combat jet lag is to start living in your new time zone a few days before you travel – if it is possible and sensible. Waking up and going to sleep in your future destination might be tricky, but if you try to make small adjustments before you travel, it can have a positive impact on the how your body, and mind, respond when you land.

Sleep Before You Go
Yes, you might be on holiday or working to a punishing schedule, but if you can try to get a few nights of good, unbroken sleep before you fly, this can help deal with anything jet lag throws at you when you land on the other side.

Drink Water
We say this a lot, but when it comes to travel and jet lag, you really do need to keep drinking water. Staying hydrated before, during and after your flight, is really important because the dry air in planes can zap your body and skin and the resulting dehydration can make jet lag worse.

Stay Away from Alcohol
It might be tempting to try out the free bar in the airport lounge and throw back the champagne on the flight, but this isn’t a great idea if you want to keep a clear head beat jet lag. Try to avoid alcohol, and caffeine, before and during your flight and this will help to keep you feeling fresh and alert because the last thing you need is a hangover as well as jet lag.

Think About Food
It might be tempting to eat peanuts and crisps as you travel but going for a light, healthy meal with fresh veg and lean protein can help keep your digestive system in check, stop bloating and stave off the munches if you can’t sleep later.

Get Up and Move
While you on your flight, you might want to curl up and leave the world behind you, but getting up and walking around the plane is a good idea. Regular movement, as well as simple stretches by your sear, can help keep aches and pains at bay, improve your circulation, clear your head, deal with any stress you have and even help you to sleep when the lights go out.

A Little Meditation
Meditation can help you to relax before and during a flight, as well as when you have landed and are struggling to sleep. Sit quietly, close your eyes and put your worries to one side as you focus on your breath. This isn’t a magic cure, but it can help deal with the anxiety of jet lag and the frustration of not being able to get to sleep.

Don’t Nod Off
Yes, you might be shattered, but going to sleep at 3pm won’t do your jet lag any favours. Try to stay awake for as long as you can, take a little exercise, eat good food, drink water, then take a warm bath before retiring at the usual time and hopefully things will settle.

Happy travels.

Team Pure Beauty

Get Your Vitamin Fix at Pure Beauty

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We all know we should include fruit and vegetables in your diet to get those all important vitamins, but at Pure-Beauty, we sell a whole range of products that are packed with goodness so you look great too.

Let’s start with the Elemis Superfood Day Cream which is like a smoothie in the form of an amazing beauty product. This illuminating moisturiser is rich in anti-oxidant oils and vitamin dense supergreens and also has an active Pre-Biotic to balance, hydrate and smooth skin. Ginger, Matcha Tea and Goji Berry have been added into the mix so that complexions smoother, softer and revitalised.

If you love Vitamin C in your juice, then you might be interested to know that it is the secret ingredient in the Jan Marini C-ESTA Cleansing Gel. This potent cleanser is perfect for all skin types and just a small amount massaged into the skin morning and night will leave it not only clean but also feeling softer than ever.

The Dermalogica Antioxidant HydraMist is a light, refreshing antioxidant magical mist that has been created to intensely hydrate dry, tired skin. Thanks to a highly-active Vitamin C complex which has been combined with collagen-stimulating peptides, skin is firmed and fine lines fade. Super effective Hyaluronic Acid quenches thirsty skin while Pea Extract lifts and tightens while Rose and Clove extracts comfort and refresh. Sounds like a lot, we know, but give it a go and we think you will be pleasantly surprised with the results.

It is the Vitamins B3 and CG in the Decleor Intense Glow Dark Circle Corrector that help to protect and brighten the sensitive eye area that can give away so much about our lives and lifestyle. This light cream targets darkness and dullness and while Caffeine aids drainage, Orange Pigments deliver instant illumination. Simply apply a small amount morning and evening around the eye area, gently tap with fingertips until the product is completely absorbed and let the ingredients get to work.

We love the Elemis Balancing Lime Blossom Cleanser because it deeply cleans the skin, effectively removing the build-up of daily dirt and make-up. Specifically designed for combination and congested skin, the active extracts of Lime Blossom and Lecithin balance excess surface oils so that skin can breathe. Vitamin E moisturises the skin while Omega-6 rich Vitamin F nourishes and conditions. The result is a healthy complexion that feels smooth and looks healthy.

We can’t go without mentioning the Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Firm which is our go-to product for combating lines around the eyes and mouth. Perfect for using on drier and prematurely ageing skin, this gorgeous blend of Vitamin A, C and E helps to accelerate the skin’s natural repair process, strengthens elasticity and improves smoothness all while defending against damaging free radicals. Smooth a little of the product around visible signs of ageing morning and night and we think you will love it as much as we do in no time at all.

If you are interested in more information about these products or would like to try some samples so you can find the right vitamin fix for you, get in touch today and we would love to help.

Team Pure Beauty