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● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●

AD| Are you looking to get fitter, eat better and just lead a more healthy lifestyle? Do you find major diet changes overwhelming? What not start small and simple?

Creating a more maintainable, healthier lifestyle doesn't mean you have to make a number of drastic changes to your current routine. Instead of making many big changes all at once, it may be better to start with a few smaller ones. This way, it’s more manageable, and you're more likely to continue for a longer period of time. Not only can these changes improve your health and fitness, it can also reduce your risk of chronic diseases and illnesses. Below, I have compiled a list of 8 simple ways to make healthier lifestyle choices, and a number of them I have incorporated into my daily life.

lifestyle

1. Get A Good Night's Sleep
Sleep is a vital and important aspect of everyday life, and honestly, who doesn't love to sleep? Having good quality sleep helps your body to re-energise, refresh and heal itself. The average adult needs between 7 and 9 hours sleep to be fully rested. It's also beneficial to get your body into a good sleeping routine, by going to sleep/waking up at similar times each day. The key to a good sleep is by making sure your bed is comfortable, with a supportive mattress and pillows.

2. Keep Hydrated
Water makes up a large percentage of the body, and without enough of the stuff, dehydration can set in, as well as a dry mouth, tiredness, and headaches. Your body predominantly uses water in cells, organs, and tissues - helping to regulate body temperature and other bodily functions. It's also important to keep hydrated through physical activity and even through illness to ensure hydration levels topped up, as water can be lost through sweat, breath and getting rid of waste products from the body.

3. Stay Stress Free
Having stress that builds up over time can cause some serious issues, such as acne and high blood pressure. For those struggling with stress, taking CBD gummies - maybe those from Joy Organics are a great supplement to take, and could be a good option for stress management and sleep support, as well as to help you relax from your chaotic day. Great ways of managing stress include exercise, relaxation, meditation, and even taking a warm bubble bath can help you unwind.

4. Get A Good Breakfast
Breakfast has always been considered to be one of "the most essential meals of the day", and usually frowned upon if you skip it. By ensuring to eat a good breakfast every morning, you're allowing your body to gain energy, kick-start your metabolism, increase your alertness levels, as well as consuming essential vitamins and nutrients required for good health and wellbeing.

healthy diet

5. Get Your 5-A-Day
Fruit and vegetables are a vital part of a consuming a healthy, balanced diet and can help you stay feeling fit and healthy. It's important that you eat enough of these to ensure your body is getting the nutrients it needs for daily bodily functions. Incorporating plenty of fruit and vegetables in your diet can help keep your body feel fitter, healthier and happier. The benefits of consuming plenty of fruit and vegetables includes getting plenty of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. These can reduce the risk of serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and obesity.

6. Avoid Harmful Pollutants
We should probably try to avoid temptation of any drugs or pollutants that could be harmful to our bodies, or at least try to reduce the amounts we consume, e.g. alcohol in moderation, cut down on tobacco etc. Doing this is good for our bodies, where there are fewer toxins circulating our systems, reducing the risk of certain diseases.

7. A Healthy, Balanced Diet
Making healthy lifestyle choices is all about balance and moderation. A balanced diet is definitely a vital part of maintaining good health, can help control your weight, increase your energy levels, and can also boost how you feel. This change in your diet and lifestyle can be something you work on over a more long-term period. You'll be able to incorporate eating a wide variety of foods into your diet, making sure you're consuming the correct amounts, and not over-eating. Make sure to include produce from all food groups including carbohydrates, fats, fruits and vegetables, dairy products, grains, and protein. Even if you're looking to lose weight through your new lifestyle changes, it's also important not to restrict yourself from what you really like - a takeaway or a glass of wine once in a while won't hurt!

8. Follow A Regular Exercise Routine
Taking part in regular exercise is probably one of the best things you can do for your overall health. Some positive benefits of exercise include managing and maintaining a healthy body weight, building muscle and reducing your risk of diseases. As well as these, exercise can also be used to help boost your mood, improve your mental health, and can even help you get a better night of sleep. A top tip for beginning your exercise routine is to pick something you enjoy and that challenges you. Exercise can be made to be fun, which will be a critical factor for how long you keep it up, helping you to continue your routine for a longer period of time, allowing you to achieve your fitness goals.

Have you made any lifestyle changes recently? Are you looking to get fitter and feel healthier?
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AD - GIFTED| You may be wondering... is oat milk good for you? What benefits does this non-dairy alternative to cow's milk have? Well, let's take a look!

The plant-based milk industry is growing steadily at the majority of UK supermarkets, as more and more people start to change their diet and lifestyle habits or adopt a predominantly vegetarian or vegan/plant-based diet. There's such a huge variety of types of dairy-free milk alternatives on the market, including oat, almond, coconut and soy, to name a few. One of the more popular plant-based milk options is out of the above list is oat milk - possibly due to its sustainability and lower environmental impact.

I've recently begun switching to using oat milk as a replacement to cow's milk. I haven't completely converted to using plant-based milk, but 9 times out of 10, I'm using oat milk in my tea, coffee and cereal.


Consuming oat milk is a great option for those with special dietary requirements or allergies. This includes those following a Vegan or plant-based diet, those who are lactose intolerant, soy or nut-free, those suffering with gastroenterological conditions or those just looking to opt for dairy-free products in their diet. Oat milk is essentially created from a mixture of whole grain oats and water blended together, then strained to leave the pulp mixture behind.

Oat milk can be a good source of vitamins and minerals, including calcium. Many manufacturers of oat milk products often fortify it with "B" vitamins, such as vitamin B12. As well as "B" vitamins, oat milk bought from the supermarkets are usually  enriched with iron, thiamin, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, riboflavin, zinc, fibre and copper. Oat milk is a great source of iron for those following a plat-based, vegan or vegetarian diet, who may miss out on other sources of iron which are typically found in red meats and fish.

Oat milk is typically enriched and fortified with calcium and vitamin D — both of which can benefit your bone health. Calcium is a mineral found in a variety of foods and drinks, playing an essential role in maintaining strong and healthy bones and carrying out many important bodily functions.

Compared to other types of plant-based milks, oat milk typically has a slightly more protein and fibre included. The high levels of both protein and fibre found in oat milk helps to fill you up quicker and ensures you feeling fuller for longer. Incorporating this plant-based milk into your diet can help improve your appetite control and promote weight loss for those looking to lead a healthier lifestyle. As well as this, oat milk typically contains a soluble fibre -beta-glucan, which is necessary to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
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Introducing Happi Free From

Happi Free From Oat Milk Drinks

I was recently gifted some products from the team at Happi Free From, to help me on my journey from transitioning from dairy milk to a plant-based version, this being oat milk. They offer a range of allergen-free oat milk chocolate that tastes great; is lower in sugar than other leading milk chocolate brands; and is sustainably sourced and packaged. The brand message Happi follow is so eco-friendly, sustainable and ethical, it's definitely helping to change the planet for the better.

The Happi oat drinks I received come in both a strawberry and chocolate flavour. These drinks are great sources of vitamins A, B6, B9, B12, C and D, which all contribute to the normal function of your body and immune system. Both flavours of the oat milk drink were so fresh and tasty, but the chocolate drink was undoubtedly my favourite. For me, this was the most versatile flavour as I was able to drink it by itself, use it in cereal or even to give my porridge that chocolate taste. Not only does it taste good, it also has so many nutritional health benefits and contains a long list of vitamins and minerals your body needs on a daily basis, what's not to love?

Happi Free From Oat Milk Chocolate

Also included in my parcel was Happi Family Bundle pack. This was a great surprise and something I couldn't wait to get stuck into! This bundle consisted of 4 bars of vegan friendly, sustainable and ethically sources chocolate bars in a variety of flavours - plain milk chocolate, cacao nibs crunch, orange and salted caramel. I was really excited about this chocolate as I haven't really tried many non-dairy varieties, but overall it did not disappoint! My favourite flavour was definitely the salted caramel!

Overall, I was extremely impressed with the Happi products I was kindly sent. It allowed me to try some new products that are suitable for my attempt at transitioning from dairy cows milk to a plant-based alternative, and left me finding some delicious non-dairy products. I also really like the branding and packaging that Happi use. So colourful, vibrant and eye-catching, it certainly draws you in and makes you want to find out more!

Have you heard of Happi oat milk products before? What plant-based milk alternatives do you enjoy?
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AD - GIFTED| On average, we usually spend about a third of our lives asleep. Sleep is an extremely vital part of our daily everyday life, helping to keep us healthy, both physically and mentally. Getting a good night’s sleep is just as important as taking up regular exercise, leading a healthy lifestyle and consuming a balanced diet. Recently, I've made a few changes in my daily routine, allowing me to lead a more healthy lifestyle. In terms of getting a better night's sleep, I've recently added the kudd.ly™ Dream Pillow into my sleep routine, using this as a replacement to my normal pillow and I have since noticed a huge difference in my sleep quality. 

By making sure you're getting a quality night's sleep on a regular basis, you can help improve all sorts of problems and help to boost others. Sleep is necessary for us to have a healthy heart, better mood, and a more-alert brain. As well as this, getting enough rest can help you with your exercise and workout routines, toughen your immune system, steady your blood sugar levels and help with weight control. For those looking to improve the quality of their rest and get a better night's sleep, here are 5 things you can do in your daily routine to get you started.
 
GIRL SLEEPING

Caffeine is one of the most popular stimulants in the world and can have a disruptive effect on your sleep routine. Consuming any caffeine filled product will usually increase alertness and reducing fatigue, which is definitely not what you want when you are trying to go to sleep. By trying to avoid caffeine in the late afternoon/evening, you can help your body to unwind and prepare yourself for bedtime.

Your choice of bed is by far the most important and significant element in getting a good night’s rest, without this, it's just not going to work out. When we are sleeping, it’s recommended that we maintain a good, natural posture to ensure we keep our spine correctly aligned to avoid any aches and pains. There are so many things to consider when choosing your bed and bed accessories. Items such as your mattress, duvet and your pillows are something you should consider researching well and investing in. By ensuring all these factors are taken on board, you'll soon be having the best night's sleep! I've opted to use the kudd.ly™ Dream Pillow which has improved my sleep quality and allowed me to get some much needed rest. If you'd like to read about my experience with the Dream Pillow, continue reading to check out my review!

Optimize your bedroom environment for a better night's sleep. Your body's temperature slightly decreases during sleep, requiring your room to be cool enough to help you settle down and sleep throughout the night. The most ideal sleeping environment is somewhere that is cool, quiet, and dark. This will make sleeping much more comfortable, you'll feel relaxed and be ready to get some much needed rest.

RELAXING BATH

In order to get a better night's sleep, it's important to make sure your body is relaxed and calm. Taking a relaxing bath or shower can help create a small dip in normal body temperature, which can ultimately help get you off to sleep within minutes. For those who struggle with getting enough quality rest, the use of Lavender in your bath, whether that is a few drops of oil, a scented bath bomb or some foamy bubble bath. Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils, and is more commonly used for calming and to aid relaxation and sleep. 

By making just a few small adjustments to your daily routine can help you strive for a better night's sleep. Creating a regular sleep schedule might just be what you need to get the best out of your night's sleep. Aiming to sleep and wake at the same, consistent times everyday will allow you body’s internal clock to get accustomed to your new routine and will also help boost your mood and quality of sleep.
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Introducing the Kudd.ly™ Dream Pillow

Kudd.ly™ Dream Pillow

For those looking to get a good night's sleep, the kudd.ly™ Dream Pillow,
a fully customisable memory foam pillow, is definitely worth a try. Whether you're a back, side, or tummy sleeper, this pillow was made for you as it is cleverly engineered for all kinds of sleepers, making it a super versatile sleep accessory for everyone. I've never come across a fully customisable pillow below, allowing you to alter the shape to ensure the perfect height, the best firmness, and the right comfort for your sleep position. This helps make the pillow so personal to you and your needs, it's really one-of-a-kind.

Kudd.ly™ Dream Pillow

Memory foam pillows are renowned for being one of the best options to choose as they offer the best support. The Kudd.ly™ Dream Pillow is filled with 100% recyclable shredded microfiber memory foam, and comes with a small travel-friendly sized bag full of extra pillow filling to allow you adjust the firmness of your pillow for the perfect sleep. 

"Every Kudd.ly customisable Dream Pillow comes with a standard 100 OEKO-TEX label, meaning they’re made with high-quality materials tested and approved for human use. They’re carefully engineered with our CLOUDpad™ lining, made of 100% cotton and filled with 100% microfiber for extra comfort and support. It is hypoallergenic, breathable, and filled with 100% recyclable shredded microfiber memory foam."

Kudd.ly™ Dream Pillow

Overall, I was incredibly impressed with the Kudd.ly™ Dream Pillow. From the very first use, I felt like I was sleeping on clouds. I usually find it quite hard to fall asleep, and find myself unable to fully relax at night - but now, I fall asleep within minutes as my whole body feels more supported, more comfortable and more relaxed. The pillow is super soft to the touch, doesn't irritate the skin and stays cool all night - no need to be turning over your pillow constantly to get the cool side!

I really liked that the pillow was completely customisable, meaning you can personalise it for your body and sleep needs. I managed to get the perfect balance of softness, firmness and support. It took a couple of nights to find the perfect amount of filling that I needed to use for my pillow, but after a few tries, I found my perfect amount and have been sleeping so much better. If you're on the lookout for a new pillow or just want to improve your night's sleep, I'd highly recommend checking out Kudd.ly and the products they have to offer!

Have you heard of the Kudd.ly™ Dream Pillow? What things do you do to get a better night's sleep?
10:00 No comments
AD - GIFTED | Many people choose to take part in workout classes, exercise and other physical activities to help them maintain a healthier lifestyle and have a positive impact on their mental health. Whether you're looking to get fit, a new user of the gym or you're someone who attends for multiple sessions a week, sometimes the day after a tiring workout can be quite a struggle. 

If you're currently committing to at-home workouts, attending gym classes or getting outside for your workouts, there are plenty of ways in which you can aid your body post-workout. The amount, intensity, and length of your workouts all play a huge role in determining how exhausting it is on your body. Also, things such as your physical body type, stamina and fitness levels are key factors in determining the best way to recover and the length of time necessary. Let's look at 7 ways to help aid body recovery for everyone to consider after your next workout.

WORKOUT ROUTINE

Stretching after you've completed your workout for the day can have so many short and long-term benefits. It would be incredibly stupid not to spend at least 5-10mins after every session to work on stretching - it can also double up as your cool down to help slowly get your body back to a normal, resting state. A number of benefits include helping to increase your flexibility, prevent risk of future injuries, and helps to relax muscle tension in your body. 

Consuming enough nutritious foods will give your body the much needed energy, fuel, vitamins and minerals it needs to perform day to day bodily functions and to recover quickly post-workout. Diet plays a huge role in helping the body to recovery after strenuous exercise and tiring workout sessions. After any workout, your body needs time to repair and recover. Making sure to consume enough protein in your diet, especially after your intense workout, can begin to start repairing the muscles.

Consuming enough water before, during and after your workouts helps to control and regulate your body temperature. Making sure to rehydrate is essential for those who have exercised /worked-out intensely or have broken into a sweat. Drinking water and other fluids are essential for your post-workout routine and to aid your recovery. Hydration after a workout is a vital step in your road to recovery. If you’re simply not hydrated enough, your body will not be able to perform at its highest level.

BODY MASSAGE

Many individuals, especially athletes and regular gym users incorporate massage into their recovery routine in order to reduce any muscle soreness, easing any of your aches or pain and improving your overall flexibility. Massage also can help to decrease your stress levels, reduce any inflammation, improve circulation in the body and also can help boost your mental health. If you're looking to get your hands on a personalized massage gun, you may want to keep on reading and find out my experiences using Actigun.

Getting enough good, quality rest is easily one of the most effective ways to recover after an intense workout. Sleep is so essential and a plays a key role in your daily bodily functions. Sleep allows your body to slowly repair its muscle tissue, and by making sure you're resting enough each night - 8 hours is a good time-frame, you'll also be reducing your chances of any future injury and struggling with fatigue. It's also essential to ensure you have both a comfortable and support pillow and mattress to ensure your body holds a correct posture all night long.

Not only will a nice cold shower will help you cool off after an intense, sweaty workout, they can also help benefit your body in a number of other ways. Cold showers can also have some amazing effects on your well-being and health. Cold showers help to improve circulation in the body, increase your alertness, speeds up muscle recovery and improves your immunity.

Another vital way you can aid your body into recovery after your workouts is to incorporate rest days into your weekly routine. Rest days are just as important in your routine as exercise is. Obviously, the main reason for this would be to allow your muscles to recover from any strain or damage from previous workouts. It’s needed for muscle recovery and repair, preventing injury and fatigue, and will help to increase your overall performance. Letting your body recover after exercise and getting good, quality rest is the best thing you can do for your body and your fitness goals.
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Introducing Actigun

ACTIGUN ACE MASSAGE GUN

I was kindly sent the Actigun Ace to test out for myself and to see if this massage device could aid my own body recovery post-workout or for when I'm feeling any aches and pains in my body. You may be thinking, what even is Actigun? Well, Actigun is a personalized massage gun installed with an AI Chip - it is made for your physical needs and applicable to all your body parts. 

"Once Actigun is started, the AI chip will react to the condition of your muscles and provide the exact percussive strength you need with a humanized-interactive experience. "

ACTIGUN ACE MASSAGE GUN

The Actigun is extremely lightweight, at only 1.5lbs, it's incredibly portable and travel friendly. It also comes cord-free and tidies away nicely with a sleek carrying case. You'll be able to bring your Actigun Ace anywhere you go - especially as it has around 4+hours of battery life! Some massage guns can be notoriously noisy, Actigun features a brushless motor and will probably be the most quiet massage tool that you will ever own.

Using the Actigun is incredibly simple. Complete with an ultra HD LCD touch screen display, you can easily see what speed setting level you are using - 30 adjustable speed levels to accommodate all body needs, and also the remaining battery life. You can also easily alter the speed level to your liking with the simple + and - features, depending on your needs. The Actigun also comes with a variety of replaceable massage heads which come in handy when working on different parts of the body. Each massage head is designed to massage differently and get deeper into the muscles to relieve any pain. 

ACTIGUN ACE MASSAGE GUN

Over the last month, I've been using the Actigun twice a week on various part of my body - mainly my back, shoulders and legs. From the first use, I felt such an improvement with how my body felt. So calming, pressure and pain relieving, it's hard not to use it for hours on end. Even after a long day at work, using this for a few minutes just helps calm and destress the body within minutes. 

The ergonomic, non slip design makes it incredibly easy to use and to reach anywhere on your body with no problems at all. Even with the chosen speed, percussive strength and the vibrations, it's really comfortable to hold and easy to direct to the places you feel any tightness, pressure or pain. With an affordable price tag, a number of ways in which it can be used and such a versatile, high quality product, what's not to love!?

Have you heard of the Actigun? How do you relieve aches and pains after workouts and aid your bodies recovery?
10:00 No comments
AD| Over the last year the pandemic has seen the majority of workers across the world begin working from home, turning kitchens, bedrooms and living rooms into office spaces. This new way of working has led to many organisations adopting a hybrid working approach, or completely shutting down their offices. With working from home definitely here to stay, it is important to make sure you switch off after the working day to ensure your mental and physical health is not affected. 

Here’s 4 ways to switch off when working from home, allowing you to make the most of your home life; from exercising to socialising, there’s plenty of ways to unwind.

WORK FROM HOME

1.Get active
Once the working day is over, unwind by getting active. Whether you hate the thought of working out, or simply can’t find the motivation, push yourself and find the time to unwind after working. Exercising can be very beneficial if you work from home, as it gets your body moving after being stuck at a desk all day. It also increases your endorphin levels, resulting in a positive effect on your mental health.

If you’re looking for some inspiration on how to get started, you'll find plenty of workout videos available on fitness apps and YouTube. Alternatively, get a gym membership which will give you the opportunity to get out the house and socialise, providing more benefits in regards to your mental and physical health.

2.Enjoy the outdoors
After a long day you may be tempted to settle down on the sofa and watch Netflix for the evening, but you’ll feel much better by going on a walk to enjoy the outdoors and taking a break from your screen. One of the key benefits of working from home is the lack of commuting, so as soon as you finish work, put on your walking socks and grab your boots to step outside for a lovely walk with your loved ones and take advantage of the fresh air. Alternatively, take a stroll at lunch time to give yourself a break in the middle of the day or in the morning before work to wake up and refresh your mind for the day. Challenge yourself by using a step counter on your phone or smart watch to push yourself even further.

3.Create a workspace
It can be difficult to switch off when you work from home, especially if your desk is located in a room where you spend most of your free time whilst you’re at home. It’s highly recommended that you set up a home workspace away from your bedroom and living room so you have a healthy balance between work, sleep and play. You should also set up a sustainable working environment by treating yourself to a comfortable chair and spacious desk which is suitable for your needs.

4.Be sociable
If you spend the whole week working from home, it’s important to socialise as you’re missing out on the social interactions of office life (apart from the occasional video chat!) Ensure you plan activities to look forward to each weekend, no matter how big or small they are, so you’re spending time with other people. Planning activities of an evening can also give you something to look forward to at the end of the working day and help take your mind away from work. 

If you're looking for evening activities, try going to the gym or an exercise class, video chatting friends or family and going out for dinner. During the weekend you could go out for a meal and drinks, take a trip to the cinema or do something different and host a garden party to enjoy the sunshine with your friends and family.

Start following these tips today to help plan your life so you can switch off and relax outside of your working hours and make the most of your evenings and weekends.

How do you switch off if you are currently working from home? Do you have any favourite hobbies or activities?
10:00 No comments
AD| Children tend to be taught the basics of reproduction and sexual health at school, around the time of puberty or shortly before, but there is a lot that isn’t covered. As a result, when we grow into adults, we often have a fairly limited understanding of fertility, especially as it still remains quite a taboo subject. This is particularly true of infertility; we often avoid talking about the problems some couples face when trying to conceive a child. 

If you hope to have a baby one day, it’s important to try and educate yourself as much as possible about fertility and how to increase your chances of conceiving. Here are five fantastic facts to get you started…

FEMALE PREGNANCY FERTILITY

1. Female Babies Are Born with the Most Eggs They’ll Ever Have
When a female baby is born, she has around 1-2 million eggs. With every menstrual cycle, roughly 3-5 thousand eggs are lost, until they eventually run out. Some women consider egg freezing as an option as this preserves their fertility until they are ready to have a baby in later life.

2. Ovulation is the Best Time to Try to Conceive
If you have a regular period, you should be able to determine when you are ovulating because it usually happens around 10-16 days before your period. You may also notice clearer cervical mucus and a small rise in temperature. Some women have other symptoms, like tender breasts or bloating. You could also use an ovulation test to determine when you are ovulating.

3. Your Diet Can Affect Your Fertility
If you are trying to conceive, you will need to consider your diet to boost your chances of conceiving. Eggs are one of the top fertility boosting foods because they are full of protein and Vitamins B12 and E. Oily fish, avocado, full fat diary and garlic are some other ingredients you should consider adding to your diet.

4. Endometriosis Can Affect Fertility
Endometriosis is a common condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside of the womb. This tissue is what breaks apart and causes a bleed during a period and when endometriosis happens in the ovary, it can cause a cyst, which may affect a woman’s ovarian reserve and their overall fertility.

5. Women Can Donate their Eggs
Egg donation is when a woman with healthy eggs donates them to another woman who is undergoing fertility treatment. It’s an extraordinary act as it can help a couple with fertility issues to have a baby. It is legal in the UK, but it is not legal to pay a woman for her eggs.

Of course, the five facts above merely scratch the surface and there is still so much more to learn about both female and male fertility. One thing to note, if you have been trying to conceive unsuccessfully for over a year, it might be wise to make an appointment with your GP so that they can carry out an assessment and find out if there is anything that could be causing infertility.

Sometimes cases of infertility go unexplained, but often doctors will be able to come to a conclusion and suggest your options. Bear in mind that if you have been using some form of contraception, it may take some time for your fertility to return to normal.

Did you know any of these facts previously? What other facts about female fertility do you know?

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 GUEST POST | Addiction can take many forms. Overuse of drugs and alcohol may be the best-known addictions. In fact, anyone who realises that they cannot stop using a particular substance or engaging in certain behaviours could be developing a dangerous habit.

Perhaps you are confident that you can control your compulsion, even seeing it as healthy if you are spending hours at the gym every day. It’s hard to be objective about your own behaviour, but even so, you may find that your habit is affecting your life in negative ways. Be honest with yourself, is it time to take action?

FREEDOM
Is your addiction damaging your health?
The disastrous effects of alcohol, many drugs, and tobacco are well known and too numerous to list here, but even spending all night gaming can cause health problems. Gamers even suffer from gaming-related injuries, for example, de Quervain’s Tenosynovitis - or gamer’s thumb,  just one of the conditions that can affect you if you have an uncontrolled habit. Repetitive strain injuries can also affect people who over-exercise repeatedly. A whole host of psychological issues can be connected to excessive exercising, which can be a symptom of underlying problems with body image. A balanced life with a good diet, relaxation, and exercise are crucial, and they can all be affected if you spend all your time on one repetitive activity.
 
Are your relationships affected?
Addictions destroy relationships and families. Alcohol, drugs, gambling or any addiction will push others away as the addict spends more and more time and energy on their obsession. The physical need for drugs or the dopamine hit of a gambling win will become the only driver in the addict’s life. Addicts often become anti-social, leading to loneliness and isolation. Recovery will allow you to rebuild and develop meaningful relationships in your life, which will, in turn,  assist you in maintaining sobriety or freedom from your addiction.
 
Is your addiction ruining your career?
If your addiction doesn’t ruin or hold back your career, then you are fortunate. How can you expect to perform at your best if you are exhausted or under the influence of mind-altering chemicals? The problems that addicts experience in personal relationships can also affect work relationships, making them difficult and unpleasant to work around.  Recovery from addiction will put you back on the right track to develop a career that can help you to achieve your life goals.
 
Have you lost your self-esteem? 
When you are in the grip of your addiction, it is impossible to feel good about yourself. You think you should have the ability to control your gambling or drinking; you tell yourself and others that you have, but you fail again and again. The self-loathing that this can cause leads you back to your addictive substance or behaviour. Addiction recovery is a long road and can require professional support and intervention. Developing the ability to understand oneself and create a second chance at life can give an incredible boost to your self-esteem.

What ways can you change your lifestyle to create a better life in the future?
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AD| Many people find that exercise and other physical activities helps them maintain a positive mental health. This doesn't mean you need to be running marathons daily, spending every day at the gym or doing any activity that you absolutely hate. 

There are lots of different exercises and activities you can do to be more active and better your lifestyle. It's important that you are choosing an activity that works for you and for your lifestyle. Having something you actually enjoy will definitely help boost you mood and mental state, as well as having something to look forward to and help you stay fit.
 
OUTDOOR YOGA

Running is an exercise good for both your physical health and mental health. One of the best and most common psychological benefits of running is stress relief. Endorphins and serotonin are released in your body through exercise, and these hormones are those that improve your mood as well as helping to reduce stress, depression and anxiety. Going for a run of any length, whether that be a few laps round the local park or a marathon, gives you time to think about your feelings or problems, get some much needed fresh air and to escape reality for a while. This form of exercise can also improve a person’s self-esteem, as well as helping you to feel rewarded and a sense of accomplishment.

For those who want something relaxing, calming and an exercise with lower body impact, yoga and meditation might be worth a go. Practising yoga can help to increase body awareness, relieve stress, reduce muscle tension/strain, and calms the nervous system. Yoga may be beneficial for those who find exercise hard, strenuous or difficult, as its a slower pace activity with easier, low impact  movements. Yoga has so many incredible benefits, it would be silly not to try it. 

Boxing style workouts using a punchbag are great for working out your entire body. Constant movements can help keep you agile, flexible and mobile. Boxing is a sport that can help teach you how to control/manage your anger, to stay focused and keep alert. As well as this, boxing is a great activity for relieving any stress or tension that builds up in our bodies.

HORSE RIDING

Horse Riding is the perfect outdoor activity for those who loves to get some fresh air and are also extremely fond of animals. Horses specifically. Horse riding is definitely renowned for its benefits to our physical health, as well as helping to lower stress levels and improve your confidence. The study completed by The BHS concluded that "horseback riding stimulated mainly positive psychological feelings, with reducing depression by 30% as well as lowering the chance of dementia by 30%". Researching your local stables or horse riding centre might be worth a look at if you're keen on getting started with horse riding as a new hobby.

Cycling is a great activity for those who love to get outdoors into the fresh air and exercise at their own pace. Many people take up cycling as a hobby for both physical or mental health reasons including to improve fitness, building muscle or losing weight, as well as clearing their mind and enjoying the environment around us. A survey by Cycleplan found "75% of cyclists noticed an improvement in their mental health since getting on the saddle, with 8% even saying it helped with their depression or anxiety". Cycling can also help improve your social life as well, especially if you go with your friends, or even join a cycling club or class, allowing you to meet new people with similar interests to you.

Finally, swimming. Swimming is such an underrated activity when it comes to stress relief and weight loss. Swimming also allows the body to releases endorphin, that can help us achieve a sense of happiness and wellbeing. The benefits of regular swimming sessions are incredible, not only can this exercise help fight depression, anxiety and improve sleep patterns, but it is also very low impact and easy on your joints, making it a perfect activity for those struggling with their weight or the elderly.

What activities or exercises do you do to improve your mental health? Is there any hobbies that you want to take up?
10:00 No comments
AD| Did you know that the chewing gum habit that many of us have can actually be good for your teeth, if you choose the right sort of gum? 

You may have always been under the impression that you should not chew gum because it is full of sugar and is extremely bad for your teeth. However, this is not the case as you can still enjoy sugar free gum as a replacement. Chewing sugar free gum comes with a number of extremely positive benefits for your oral and dental health. As well as this, did you also know chewing gum has loads of health benefits too?

chewing gum

Oral Health
One of the main benefits of chewing sugar-free gum is improved oral health. Chewing gum improves oral health in some many ways you'd be surprised, from increasing saliva flow in the mouth, strengthening the teeth by restoring the depleted mineral content and neutralising plaque acids. Increased saliva production is important for preventing tooth decay as it has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.

Research by the Department of Dentistry at King’s College London in 2019 found "that people who chew sugar-free gum develop 28% fewer cavities than those who do not. The equivalent figure for fluoride toothpaste and other supplements was 24%."

Stress Busting
Chewing gum can have a calming effect on your mood, as well as on those suffering from both anxiety and sickness. People that feel nervous, anxious or sick are usually looking for something to do in order to take their mind off their problems, to calm nerves and keep nausea at bay.

Concentration Booster
Gum can help to increase brain function and alertness, in order to improve overall productivity, performance levels and personal safety. Chewing gum can help you stay focused and improves concentration levels by increasing your heart rate, blood pressure, and cerebral blood flow.

A 2017 study found: “Under experimental conditions, gum was associated with higher alertness regardless of whether performance tasks were completed. Rate of chewing and subjective force of chewing did not alter mood but had some limited effects on attention. Chewing gum during the workday was associated with higher productivity and fewer cognitive problems, raised cortisol levels in the morning, and did not affect heart rate. The results emphasise that chewing gum can attenuate reductions in alertness, suggesting that chewing gum enhances worker performance.”

Helps With Weight Loss
For those on a weight loss journey or looking at a lifestyle change, chewing sugar free gum could be something worth looking at. Over-eating and snacking isn’t just bad for your waistline; it’s also not good for your teeth, especially if you're indulging in the wring kinds of foods. If you’re diet is filled with high sugar foods, you’re creating the perfect environment for dental problems including tooth decay, plaque build up and cavities. So curb those craving and suppress your appetite with some sugar free gum instead.

Fresh Breath On The Go
Chewing sugar-free gum can help protect your teeth and gums especially when it may not be possible to brush them properly in between meals. This is extremely convenient for those who travel a lot and are constantly on-the-go as sugar free gum has great anti-viral properties. This will to help clear away food debris and rinse away any bacteria that can cause bad breath after eating and drinking.

Break Bad Habits
 Is your overall dental health being ruined by bad habits such as smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco? If the answer is yes, chewing sugar free gum could be your best friend for those wanting to give up the bad habits and get your oral health in better condition. By chewing gum, this can help to reduce any cravings and helps with nicotine withdrawal for people who cannot smoke for whatever reason.

Is chewing gum one of your daily habits? Have you considered the sugar-free alternative?
10:00 No comments
AD| Do you want to increase your fitness and stamina levels, but are unsure or don't know where to start? 

Whilst being stuck at home through the current coronavirus pandemic, it can be extremely easy to lose focus on exercise, working out and becoming much lazier than usual. Many people are finding these lockdown rules and guidelines extremely hard, with feeling lonely and demotivated, but during these times it could be a perfect opportunity to refresh yourself and make changes to your own personal life for the better. Having slightly more time on your hands could help you to begin getting your lifestyle much healthier, improve your mental health and begin your journey to feeling and looking better, and there's not place better to start than at home. 

A recent blog post of mine shared some essential fitness, workout and lifestyle tips, that could be a great place to start when trying to improve/change your lifestyle for a more positive outcome. Just adding some simple swaps and changes into your daily routine could really kickstart your goals for a more healthy lifestyle.

womens workout routine

One of the biggest changes to help improve your fitness and stamina at home is to switch up the food/drink that you have and opt for healthier options. A balanced diet helps you get the much needed nutrients, vitamins and minerals your body needs to work effectively on a daily basis. Making sure to get good sources of proteins, carbs and fats are essential for your body, and shouldn't be restricted too much. By eating the right foods, and the right amount for your body, you will be fuelled for the day and able to workout for longer periods of time, therefore managing to increase your fitness and stamina levels over time.

Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health, whether that's the physical or mental side of it. It has so many benefits, including improving your overall fitness/stamina levels, helping you to destress and reducing your risk of many diseases. Exercise can come in some many forms that there is definitely something that everyone can take part in and enjoy, with activities such as walking, jogging to running, or even yoga, weight training or cycling. Walking is one of the easiest ways to get more activity into your day, lose weight and become healthier, so this might be a good starting point for those working from home to get some exercise in each day.

Getting plenty of rest is completely necessary when exercising and training. Including rest days throughout the week allows time for recovery, is essential for muscle growth and gives your body time to replenish energy stores that have been used. Rest days are also important because they help prevent injury and fatigue, meaning the next time you exercise you'll feel stronger and fitter.

Something you may be unfamiliar with is Inspiratory Muscle Training. IMT is scientifically proven, as well as recently recommended by the World Health Organisation to benefit patients with respiratory illnesses, as well as healthy people, including athletes. Powerbreathe are a company who have been making Inspiratory Muscle training tools for many years, focusing on exercising the inspiratory (breathing in) muscles, helping to improve strength and stamina, as well as reducing signs of fatigue and breathlessness. These IMT devices work by creating resistance when breathing in, which in turn strengthens your breathing muscles by making them work harder than usual. Powerbreathe have devices suitable for everyone, to suit all budgets and support all fitness levels.

Hydration is a key part of your daily routine, regardless if you're trying to improve your fitness and stamina. Up to 60% of the human adult body is water so it's essential to keep hydrated. Drinking enough fluids and making sure to get enough water into your body is vital for everyday bodily functions, and will help to maintain your concentration and performance levels.

Set Goals. The goals you work towards, however big or small, should still be challenging you but also be realistic enough to make them achievable. Starting off small is probably the best way forward as you can slowly build up strength, fitness or stamina levels over a period of time to help you progress at a sustainable rate. It might also be helpful to reward yourself when you reach your goals, in order to keep you motivated and push for more. 

How are you keeping fit during lockdown?
10:00 No comments
AD| New Year? New Me? It’s that time of year again. How many times have you heard that phrase being thrown around when New Years Resolutions are made. Many people hope to make a change in their diet and exercise habits but find it incredibly hard to get started and maintain over a long term period. 

However, with these 10 top tips, you're bound to kickstart your lifestyle change in 2021!

Workout Exercise Tips

1. Trainers
For me, a good, durable and comfortable pair of trainers is a definite must have for anyone who is looking to get into exercise and beginning any fitness workouts. Investing in quality footwear can help you to prevent injuries, mainly foot and ankle damage, and make your workout a more pleasant, enjoyable and comfortable experience. Whether you're going for long walks, jogs or runs, it's super important to make sure you have correct fitting and supportive footwear. My personal favourites are Nike and Adidas!

2. A Sports Bra
As a women, having a comfortable, supportive and well fitting sports bra is a must for any physical activity as continuous movements can result in soreness, pain and sagging of the breasts. In general, your sports bra should feel slightly tighter than your regular bra, however, you should still be able to breathe deeply and comfortably. They also come in a range of styles and types of support, depending on the amount of impact your workout requires.

3. Tracksuit Bottoms/Leggings/Shorts
You want something that is going to be comfortable, practical and suitable for your desired exercise or workout. You don't want something that is too tight and restrictive, as this can stop you from performing well, as well as making you feel uncomfortable and isolated. Tracksuit bottoms or leggings are my preference! They are super comfortable and warm, and perfect for day to day wear and perfect for any weather type.

4. Yoga Mat
A yoga mat can probably be the most beneficial for those doing floor exercises or stretching. It's also great to help increase flexibility and keep your body relaxed. For many people, pressing their bodies onto the bare ground or floor can be painful and sore, especially on the palms, knees, elbows, and vertebrae of the back. The yoga mat offers some light support and cushioning which can help avoid any injury.

5. Water Bottle
A water bottle is another must have item. Whilst exercising, you are constantly losing water from your body, through breathing and sweating, so it's important that you keep hydrated and keep up your fluid intake. There's such a variety of amazing bottles out there, where you can track exactly what you're drinking, or even infusing your drinks with some delicious fruits.

6. Baggy T Shirts/Vests
Whilst working out, you don't want clothing that feels tight and uncomfortable - this just makes you feel slightly insecure and makes you lack confidence, especially if you are wanting to lose some weight. Choosing loose fitting tops is perfect for exercise, they aren't too tight, breathable and for me, I think they are perfect attire for a workout.

7. Routine/Schedule
Creating a workout schedule or routine is a great way to begin getting fit and healthy. By sticking to your schedule, this gives you something to stick to, be committed to and doesn't allow you to "cheat". Even if you choose to go running once a week or exercise at home everyday, sticking to this will boost your confidence and give you that encouragement you need to stick to your routine. However, you need to listen to your body and if you don't feel like working out, you're feeling tired or just lacking motivation, use this time to relax and reflect on how you can achieve more!

8. Music Playlist
Having an upbeat, motivational music playlist helps to your keep focused and keep your mind on your exercise. Music can also help you to enjoy exercise a lot more and also make it fun! Along with a music playlist, you need a good set of headphones to keep those tunes playing and keeping you on track for your workout. Similarly, it's super important to keep your ears healthy and make sure you don't suffer any hearing issues through life, so it's important to have regular check ups just in case. Auris Ear Care* are perfect for this, as they have one simple goal - "to keep your ears clean".

9. A Notepad/Diary
Keeping a fitness diary/log is a great way to record your progress and see how far you've come! You can also use this to set your fitness goals and targets, and give yourself deadlines for this. It's also a great way to record your weight loss, your exercise routine or even how far your running/swimming/cycling each week! You'll be able to see how you're improving and progressing, to get to the place you want to be at the end!

10. Hairbands and Clips
A must have essential! Whilst exercising, the last thing you want is your hair flying in your face, getting in the way, getting sweaty and just annoying. Hairbands and clips are just needed to keep your hair back and out of your face.

What are your fitness essentials? Do you use any of these? Will you take any of these on board and include them in your 2021 workouts?
10:00 No comments
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