Easy ways to relax at lunchtime

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Let’s face it, by this time of the year, many of us are often feeling exhausted and in need of a recharge. Long hours, tight deadlines and Christmas parties mean we are running on empty and finding ‘me time’ needed to get to the end of the week can feel impossible.

We are big believers that small things can lift your mood and increase your energy levels, so in the run up to the big day, let the card writing and present shopping wait, and do something for you at lunchtime instead.

Try Eyebrow Threading
Having your eyebrows shaped can change the way your face looks and the process means you sit down for just a while, not even able to look at your phone. Threading is an ancient Indian hair removal technique that is fast and convenient, it leaves no marks, isn’t messy and is like having a mini facelift. We admit that twisting cotton through the eyebrows can be eye-watering, but because it’s only ten minutes which will give you time to stop for sushi on the way back to work.

Have a Neck and Shoulder Massage
A half hour neck and shoulder massage can relieve stress, untie knots and leave you so much more relaxed. It’s fast and convenient and the delicate oils used will leave you feeling invigorated and able to make it to the end of the day. Walk to the salon and back and you’ll get an energy boost too.

Go for a Run
A run will get your heart rate up, more oxygen and blood will flow around your body and the resulting endorphins will lift your mood which means Dave in HR will seem like less of a pain. This is the ideal way to get outside and leave the stress of the office or shop floor behind you, so get your trainers on and start running.

Do a Little Yoga
Yoga is all about stretching, breathing, increasing muscle activation and a session in the middle of the day, will leave you feeling zen fresh for the afternoon.

Shake it Out
Dancing is a great way to shake away the stresses of the day, be that a bad boss, annoying colleague or difficult client. See if there is a class near your workplace and you will find that dancing away your lunch break will make you feel fab, and the afternoon will pass by in a flash as those feel good chemicals pump through your body.

Read a Book
OK, let’s take things down a little and go for a calmer option. Taking a book to a coffee shop and letting your mind escape to somewhere quieter is a real treat. Go alone, order something nice to eat and drink and just read a few chapters and you’ll feel those orders and accounts drop away.

Enjoy a Manicure
Want a quick make over for the office party? Why not head to a nearby nail salon for a manicure. Not only will you return to your desk refreshed, but your freshly polished nails will set off your outfit a treat but won’t break the bank! And if you feel like splashing out, have a pedicure done at the same time.

Have a Catch Up
It is the season to be jolly, so why not book in a few lunches before the office closes? Your midday break is a good opportunity to catch up and socialise, in person, with people you might not see that often and if you throw in the idea of Secret Santa then it’s a win, win!!!

Have fun!

Team Pure Beauty

A quick guide to mindfulness for a happier life

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Mindfulness is being talked about in the media today more than ever, but what’s it all about?

Quite simply, mindfulness is an awareness of ourselves as well as the world around us and it can improve our mental wellbeing, calming the mind and allowing us to focus on the here and now.

If we are more aware of the present moment, it can help us enjoy the world around us more and understand ourselves better. If this happens, we can experience and enjoy the people and things we have been taking for granted, and leave behind the stresses we don’t need.

What does it involve?
Just taking notice of your thoughts, feelings, sensations and the world around you is the first step towards mindfulness.
There are books, apps, and courses that give you a structured way to bring mindfulness into your life, but at the heart of it, what you are doing is stopping for a while and focusing on your breathing. You will then notice that your heart rate slows down, adrenaline production is reduced and you feel more relaxed. With practice you can develop greater focus, better sleeping patterns and start to feel happier as well.

It is true that some of us find the idea of sitting with our thoughts when we are stressed or unhappy, quite difficult, so we have some simple tips that could help you get to grips with mindfulness.

Mindfulness isn’t easy to learn at first, so you can start by reading up about it some more, taking a course, joining a group or using an app like Calm.

It is thought that just ten minutes of mindfulness meditation a day can bring massive benefits when it is done on a regular basis. If you can, do it at the same time each day – maybe when you are on the tube, at lunchtime or before you have a bath in the evening, and it’s at this time when you can really be at one with yourself and leave behind your worries and fears. Clear this space each day, stop everything else and practise your mindful meditation.

Start with short bursts of three, five or ten minutes – you can even do it on the train.

When you sit down to meditate, take a few moments to get comfortable. Notice the sounds around you and how you’re feeling. This will help your mind and body reconnect, so when you do start focusing on your breath, it’s a little easier.

When you are practicing mindfulness and meditating, all you need to do is notice your breath and when your attention wanders, which it will as you wonder what to eat for dinner or where to go at the weekend, let go of it and bring your focus back to your breath. Each time you do that, it’s a win and it gets easier.

When you progress and start to bring mindfulness to your daily life, our advice is to start slowly. We suggest that in week one, you are mindful when you are brushing your teeth – be aware of the sound, the smell, the taste, and the movement as you clean. Then build up slowly, adding a new thing each week, such as being mindful on your walk to work, or while stacking the dishwasher.

Mindfulness isn’t for everyone, but why not give it a try and in time we hope it can become a part of your life and one that will make things easier and happier for you.

Team Pure Beauty

How to make self care a priority in 2019

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Demands at work, family pressures and the endless bombardment of information from social media means that making time for ourselves becomes increasingly difficult. The thing is, if you don’t do this, you will burn out and then you will be no good to anyone at all – harsh but true.

We have looked at some simple ways that you can build some time into your busy life to ensure you get the care you need to be happy and healthy.

Make a list
Whether you use a pen and paper, write on a blackboard or tap into Trello, make a list of what you need to do. As well as giving you a focus and ensuring you don’t forget to take the cat to the vet, a list can take away that feeling of overwhelm and give you a sense of achievement as you tick things off.

Spend time alone
Many of us spend a lot of our time with family, friends and work colleagues, and while it is good to be sociable, you need some time alone too. On that to do list, add in a slot where you can read a book, watch a movie or just have a bath and enjoy a little solitude.

Stop the chatter
You are kind to others when you talk to them, but do you extend the same care to yourself? You need to be your own cheerleader and that means ignoring the voice that puts you down and instead, focus on the good! Whether it’s your smart appearance, achievements at work or recent weight loss, give yourself a pat on the back and when you look in the mirror, smile at your reflection, because ‘you are worth it’.

Switch off
Technology and social media have a lot to answer for. While they might make it easier for us to connect, they can also totally take over our lives and negatively impact our mental health and self-esteem. We aren’t saying knock it on the head altogether, but don’t take your phone to bed with you (buy an alarm clock), you won’t miss out if you aren’t checking Facebook every three minutes and if you can, go digital free for an hour a day, working up to a whole day if you can.

Treat yourself
Whether it is going for a coffee with friends, having a relaxing facial or buying yourself a bunch of flowers on the way home from work, do something that is just for you. These things won’t blow the budget but they can really help to lift your mood and will put a spring in your step.

Get outside
Being inside isn’t good for us all the time. Get your coat on and get outside in the fresh air, however cold it is. A brisk walk at lunchtime, a run along the river or a bike ride with your partner will blow away the cobwebs and give you a blast of the natural endorphins that make you feel good! Put aside sometime each week to being outside and we are pretty sure your mental health will thank you for it.

Remember, 2019 is all about self-care!

Team Pure Beauty