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

How to avoid the afternoon slump

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Far from being an urban myth, the 3pm slump is alive and kicking and something many people experience everyday.

You leave the house full of energy, get through your to do list by lunch but come mid-afternoon lethargy kicks in and you start to count the hours until bedtime.

The ‘afternoon slump’ has tradiontally been connected with big meals, as often seen in the TV hit, the Royale Family, but you can’t just blame food. Bad habits, lack of sleep, too little exercise and the wrong diet can all add to that feeling of mid-afternoon tiredness.

Whilst there isn’t a magic wand to kick the blues out of the way, there are easy lifestyle changes you can make to keep afternoon fatigue away and put the spring back in your step.

What you eat for breakfast will have an impact on how you feel for the rest of the day. A pastry and cappuccino from the station might be quick and easy, but it won’t do you, or your wallet, any favours in the long run. Toast with peanut butter, a vitamin packed smoothie or a wholemeal muffin with a scrambled egg and avocado will give you the fuel you need for the day ahead.

At lunchtime, enjoy a balanced meal and get up and go for a walk and get some fresh air. Both are often lost due to busy schedules but they can make the world of difference. Healthy lunch choices include brown rice, whole-grain bread or a baked sweet potato with lean proteins such as turkey breast, fish, chicken, tofu or cottage cheese. These filling combinations will top up your energy levels and stop your blood sugar dropping.

Sweet snacks packed with sugar are often used as a pick me up, but this is where people go wrong. Yes, have them as a treat from time to time, but they will actually contribute to a dip in blood sugar levels and leave you feeling sluggish. Stay away from vending machines and fizzy drinks and opt for a handful of unsalted nuts, carrot sticks with hummus, plain popcorn or rice cakes and almond butter.

Caffeine is another well used energy booster, but again, the initial buzz can lead to headaches and poor sleep. You don’t have to avoid tea and coffee altogether but aim to limit your caffeine consumption to no more than 400 milligrams a day; a regular cup of coffee contains 90 to 120mg. Not only can this help prevent afternoon dips but can also help you feel calmer and aid better sleep.

If you want to ensure optimum brain and body power, drinking at least eight glasses of water a day will help keep you hydrated and awake. Keep a bottle of mineral water with you when you are out and about and add lemon and cucumber to iced water at home to liven up the taste and add a little extra zing.

We all tend to be creatures of habit but making small, active changes to your routine can keep you feel more alert. Cycle to work, go to a dance class at lunchtime, take the stairs rather than the lift and walk across the office to talk to colleagues rather than sending an email.

If you work in at a desk, it is really important to pay attention to your posture and how you are sitting. Sitting up straight, having your computer screen at the right level, placing your feet flat on the floor and taking small breaks to walk and stretch, can all make difference to how you feel and how tired you are. Give it a go, we bet it makes a difference.

Keep a diary of the changes you make and how you feel and we are sure that in a week or two, you will be feeling happier and more energised all day long.

Team Pure Beauty