Simple changes you can make to help save the planet

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With Greta Thunberg making waves around the world, the environment is more of a hot topic than ever. While some people might think they can’t do anything to make a significant impact, if we all make small changes, it could lead to something special and significant.

We have some suggestions of really simple things you can do today that could help make for a better future for the planet.

Turn off your computer at night
It’s easy to leave your computer on as you sleep, but if you turn it off you will not only save power but also money.

Don’t run the water when you brush
They say to brush your teeth for at least two minutes morning and night – if you leave the water running at the same time that is a massive waste. Turning the tap off while brushing can save masses of water and your teeth will still be clean and healthy. Oh, and why not try using bamboo brushes rather than plastic ones???

Snap up second hand
Yes, you can stop shopping altogether, or you could start sourcing the things you really need second hand. Kids bikes, desks, chairs, flowerpots, school uniform and wellies are often for sale in good, used condition and doing this saves you money and helps reduce packaging materials and eases landfill sites.

Plant a tree, or two plant
Planting trees in your garden is great for the land and the air, it can shade your home, and can even increase the value of your property. If you plant a fruit tree, you are being even kinder to the environment as you won’t need to get your apples from the shops, which means not having to drive your car, and when you pick them fresh, no plastic bags are needed. Now, when those trees, or any other plants need watering, don’t use a hose pipe, instead go for a watering can and getting a rainwater butt is another great green idea.

Work from home
This isn’t an excuse to sit in your PJs and watch TV all day, but working at home will save you time, money and ease up on the use of your car or public transport. If your boss won’t agree, how about cycling to work or looking at a car share with colleagues – it all helps!

Get a bag for life
We know you know, but plastic carrier bags are not biodegradable or recyclable so they are no good to anyone or anything. Stop buying bags each time you shop and instead take stronger, reusables bags to the supermarket and if you can ditch them altogether, good for you!

Step away from straws
Millions of straws and stirrers are thrown away every year, so use a spoon to stir your coffee and drink from a glass – simple.

Cancel paper statements
With email, there is no need to have paper bills and statements – NO REASON AT ALL. Asking to receive online statements and bills will save trees and with the postman not delivering them to your home, it saves on petrol and diesel fumes too.

Recycle, recycle, recycle
Did you know that if you don’t recycle glass it can take years and years for it to decompose? Always recycle your glass and the same goes for plastics, newspapers and magazines, clothes, garden waste and food – you have recycling bins, use them and save the planet.

Got an idea that helps make you greener, let us know, we are all ears.

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

Love the life you are in

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Life can be overwhelming in the 21st century and living in a world of perfect, filtered Instagram images it can be easy to compare ourselves to others even though this knocks our self-esteem and dents our confidence.

We have had a look at how to feel happier with your lot, however shiny everyone else’s lives might look.

Keep a journal
Yes, it might seem a little old school to write things down on paper but keeping a journal helps you get a better perspective on things and can make life look a little less scary. Buy a pretty notebook and make time at the end of each day to just write. There are no rules when it comes to journalling so just write and let the pages soak up your stress and you will see the sunny side of life again.

Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the buzzword of the moment and is quite simply a form of meditation that bring things into the present, and can be beneficial to your mind, body and soul. Sit quietly for ten minutes a day and move the focus of your attention away from the world, away from the past, away from the future and just focus on now. Doing this will help you relax and be at peace with your thoughts and while it can take time to really get into meditation, it is time well spent as it will be worth it in the long run.

Be number one
This might sound selfish, especially if you have a family, but putting yourself first is key to being happy and feeling more in control of your life. It can be hard to say no sometimes, but saying it will give you the time you need to look after number one and in the long run it will boost your energy levels and self-esteem.

Keep alcohol down
When times are hard and the pressure is on, it is really tempting to have a drink, or two. While it might take away some of those feelings of overwhelm in the short-term, it can make you feel angry and aggressive and leave you feeling down, depressed and hungover. Keep a check on how much you drink each week and if you feel like the odd glass of wine is becoming a more regular occurrence, look at what is going on and what you could do instead of heading for the bottle.

Move
As well as keeping you healthy and getting blood and oxygen pumping around your body, moderate exercise will release the feel good chemicals in your brain that make you happy. Find an activity you really enjoy, so it is fun not a chore, and you will find that you will start to feel brighter and lighter and as well as having more energy in the day, you will sleep better at night.

Talk about it
The old saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved, and that is so true. Holding onto worries and concerns can really get you down, so chat things over with your partner or a friend and feel the weight lift off your shoulders.

Of course, if things do feel too much, speak to your GP and see if they can help put a support system in place to make life easier once again.

Team Pure-Beauty