● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●: Search results for workout

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.

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.

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

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. "

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.

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?

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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!

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.

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?

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I am going to be sharing 5 simple tips, that you can incorporate into your everyday life, that can get you on your journey to leading a healthier and fitter lifestyle! I am no way an expert in this field, but what I have learnt in the past, is what I shall be sharing with you!

1.Healthy Eating and Balanced Diet

One of the most important, influential and easiest ways to have good health is through having a healthy, balanced diet. Eating well and drinking plenty of water also prevents any future disease/illness and helps to remove any toxins/waste from the body, as well as maintaining a healthy body weight.

Making sure you have a balanced diet allows you to get all the nutrients your body needs to functions, and there are 5 main groups that you should focus on; Carbohydrates, Vitamins and Minerals, Fats, Fibre and Proteins. These are all essential for providing energy, growth, repair, bodily functions and keeping your cholesterol levels controlled.

Tips for a healthy, balanced diet...

- Eat lots of fruit and vegetables

- Cut down on saturated fats, salt and sugars

- Don't skip breakfast

- Eat the correct amount of calories your body needs to function

- Eat a wide range of foods to make sure you are getting all nutrients

2. Follow A Routine or Schedule
I spoke a little about this in a previous post, so I wont go heavily into detail here, but sticking to a routine/schedule is a great way to start a fitness/health plan, that you can follow and modify as you progress. By sticking to your schedule, this gives you something to stick to, be committed to and doesn't allow you to "cheat".

3. Avoid Any Distractions
Distractions - this is what would stop us from achieving our goals, reaching our targets and following our schedules.

Technology can be one of the biggest distractions, whether its your mobile phone, your laptop, your favourite TV show etc. These make us lose our concentration and will make us feel less motivated to workout, as something else you would prefer to do/watch is there. Even your friends and family can be a distraction to you, if the pop over your house without you know, invite you out for a meal/night out etc, this can put you off your routine and stop your progress.

Its always important to stay focused, stay motivated, stay determined and forget those distractions!

4. Have A Comfortable and Spacious Workout Environment
If the gym is a no-go place for you, whether it be dues to lack of confidence or just lack of funds, working out at home can be free and easy - as long as you have the environment for it. Having a large, spacious room, gives you a lot of room to workout in, where you have the space to do various exercises and activities.

5. Make It Fun!
I think its definitely important to make exercise and healthy eating fun, we don't all want to feel stressed and depressed, and just generally lazy and lethargic!

Exercise can be fun right? Maybe get a group of your friends round and do a workout or dance DVD, go running with your partner or go over the park with your family for a game of football or whatever sport you like to play, just make sure its something you like and you know you will enjoy!

Having a healthy diet doesn't always have to be unappealing or boring, in fact it can be delicious and tasty! Now having a healthy diet doesn't mean you just have to eat vegetables and fruit everyday, you can make near enough any of your favourite meals, but with healthier ingredients, that taste amazing are are better for you!

How do you get fit and healthy at home? What tips and tricks do you have?

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Getting motivated is the best way to start/continue with your fitness/diet routine or just leading a better lifestyle, but finding that motivation can definitely be hard sometimes, especially if you don't have the support, knowledge or guidance that you really need.

In today's post, I'm going to be sharing with you my top 5 tips to getting motivated, and tips that I have started using myself, in order to get fit and healthy! As I said, I'm definitely no expert, but I'm hoping what I do, with motivate, inspire and help you with where you want to be/what you want to do!

1. Exercise with a friend/family member or your partner

We all know that exercising on your own, or improving your diet can be very hard if you don't have the support and help from others around you, but starting your fitness/diet journey with someone else can make it 10 times easier for you! Having someone you know, who are close with and feel comfortable around, is a great way to feel motivated and encouraged. It's also a way to build a closer friendship/relationship, to get to know someone better, or even just to have some fun and let your hair down, whilst getting sit and healthy!

There may be those times where you feel like you just cant do something or you're struggling with something, but having that someone there with you can give you that extra boost and guidance you need, as well as that moral support, that can spur you on to achieve your goals and aspirations!

2. Set goals and keep a fitness diary

Setting yourself goals, and by goals I mean realistic and achievable ones, whether you want to loose 5lbs in 5 weeks, or 1 stone in 2 months, dropping 1 or 2 dress sizes or even entering a running event, just make sure they are realistic and reasonable! Setting goals helps you to keep focused, motivated and determined to get to that place you want to be, whether you choose a few weeks, few months or even a year.

Keeping a fitness diary/log is a great way to record your progress and see how far you've come! It's 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!

Setting goals and keeping a fitness diary, can also be a way or treating and rewarding yourself. By reaching your goals by certain dates/months, you can treat yourself to something as a way to feel proud and pleased of how far you've come and what you have achieved!

3. Purchase workout clothing/accessories

This might sound like a bit of an obvious one, but ACTUALLY buying your workout clothing and accessories gets you motivated to start using it and begin your fitness/diet routine. There are so many different clothing items out there, whether you want proper fitness gear or even a plain top/vest and tracksuit/leggings, there's always something for very body shape and budget, you just pick what you feel comfortable and confident in!

Important things that I feel you should really have are...

- A good, supportive pair of trainers

- A comfortable sports bra

- Comfortable clothing/swimwear

- A water bottle

- Yoga/exercise mat

I feel that these are the very basics that you need to begin getting in shape and leading a healthier and fitter lifestyle. You can pick most of these up anywhere, in your local high street, supermarkets or even online. If you're on a tighter budget, there are still places for you, check out the sales in your local shops and online! You'll be sure to find something you'll love!

4. Create a workout 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, exercise at home everyday or go to the gym twice a week, sticking to this will boost your confidence and give you that encouragement you need to stick to your routine.

I think that creating one of these is a great idea, you can build up your schedule slowly, making sure you're not doing too much to exhaust yourself, just make sure you are flexible and realistic, and when you feel the time is right, you can slowly and steadily, build up your routine gradually.

5. Feel inspired and be determined

To get motivated, feeling inspired and being determined plays a huge role in this. There are many ways to do this, and here's just a few.

- Having photographs of yourself, or areas of your body that you aren't happy with dotted around in your exercise area, is a great way for you to feel motivated and determined to improve this.

- If you're looking to lose weight, buying something you love in a small dress size, will give you that boost and determination, to be able to fit into it and look great!

- This is probably a controversial one, but having images of celebs/role models that you think have a great body or just look great, will help you get inspiration!

- Printing out motivational quotes and putting them around your house, will help give you that encouragement you need to continue and stick to your routines!

So hopefully, If you're someone who is lacking that little bit of motivation, have no idea where to start or need some more help, this post has helped you that little bit! Getting that motivation you need to be successful and achieving your goals can be hard at first, but once you're there, you can do anything!

How do you get motivated? Do you include any of these tips? What other tips do you have?

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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.

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?

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1. Walk, Jog, Run, Cycle (if you have a bike), Its Free!

A great way to keep fit and healthy, is to do exercises such as walking, jogging, running and cycling, which can all cost nothing and can be done any time and anywhere. This is perfect for those who don't have time to use the gym, have a small living area or have lots of commitments, which means they just don't simply have the time. Even taking the stairs instead of the lift/escalator, getting off the bus a stop early or walking to the shops etc, can all add up to your daily exercise and help you to become that little bit fitter and healthier.

2. Plan Your Food Shop and Weekly Meals

I'm sure we all know how stressful and time consuming weekly shop can be sometimes, but writing a list and making a plan is an easy way to make this chore more enjoyable. Planning a weekly menu can help reduce food waste in your home, as well as keep you on a diet plan/healthy eating schedule, as well as helping you to avoid distractions and purchasing anything that you don't actually need. You may even save yourself a little bit of money by planning your shop!

3. Use YouTube/Blogs For Inspiration

If you aren't feeling motivated or inspired by doing the same workouts each time or using the gym all the day, taking time to browse through YouTube videos or fitness blogs can help you gain some new ideas and new inspiration of things to add into your everyday life. I recently posted about using YouTube as a workout inspiration guide, and shared some exercise videos that can be done in the comfort of your own home.

4. Boost Your Metabolism

There are many different ways to boost your metabolism, which helps to burn calories and help with weight loss. Eating more protein is the simplest way of increasing your metabolic rate. Food such as eggs are a great source of protein and beneficial saturated fats, as well as salmon which is highly enriched with Omega 3. Another idea is to replace your snacks with small handfuls of nuts, which makes your digestive system work harder throughout the day and therefore use more calories. By seasoning our food with spices such as chilli, ginger and turmeric, these are great metabolism boosters that aid to burning calories and aids weight loss. Also, eating little-and-often is a beneficial in the role of helping to maintain a healthy weight and keeping hunger/snacking at bay.

5. Use Home Furniture For Workout Equipment

Working out at home doesn't have to cost a fortune, and neither does your equipment. If you're on a tight budget, don't have time to hit the gym or just find exercising hard to fit into your schedule, using home furniture/interiors/objects can help you with your workouts. You could use tins and cans as weights, use your stairs as a step up, use chairs or tables for exercising, as well as spacious floor space.

If you missed part one, you can view that post here.

How do you get fit and healthy at home? What tips and tricks do you have?

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GUEST POST | Treadmills are a fantastic way to stay fit, and having access to one in the comfort of your own home can be a real game changer for your workout routines. Unfortunately, their noise can be disturbing for others. This may not be an issue for some, but many of us have neighbours, housemates or live in flats with other residents above and below us. Whether it's the thumping of feet or the hum of the motor, making use of your treadmill might result in a few complaints from others.

It might not be something you'd immediately think of, but there are various options for soundproofing your treadmill, making your workouts more enjoyable and less intrusive. Presented by AcousticShop, the experts in soundproofing for walls and floors, this handy guide offers tips and tricks for DIY enthusiasts and fitness buffs to reduce treadmill noise.

Locate The Source

Treadmill noise often comes from three primary sources; the sound of feet impacting the treadmill deck, the hum and vibrations of the treadmill's motor and the vibrations carried through the floor and walls. There are steps you can take to reduce the sound from each of these sources.

Soundproof Your Treadmill

Use a treadmill mat. Treadmill mats help to prevent transferral of shocks and vibrations from the treadmill to the floor, which aids in lowering the overall noise. Spending the right amount on these will increase the likelihood of getting hold of a high quality and effective mat constructed of dense materials like rubber or foam.

Place the Treadmill on Carpet

There's no harm in doubling up to reduce noise, and a thick carpet underneath a treadmill mat can reduce noise even further - whether it's a fully carpeted floor or a rug. Once again, carpets and rugs absorb sound and lessen vibrations, providing an additional layer of insulation.

Use Isolation Pads

AS the name suggests, isolation pads - sometimes referred to as anti-vibration pads - are designed to isolate and absorb vibrations. Placing these pads under the treadmill's feet can greatly reduce the noise transferred to the floor below.

Lubricate the Treadmill Belt

As with any piece of motorised technology, your treadmill needs to be looked after. Regular lubrication of the treadmill's belt reduces friction, lowering both motor noise and the sound of the belt moving. Before you reach for the WD40, it's best to follow your treadmill manufacturer's recommendations for what you should use for the job, and how often you should use it.

Soundproof the Room

Some might consider this overkill, but you could take steps to increase the effectiveness of your efforts by soundproofing the entire room. Again, this might be a little too far for most, especially if you only have the treadmill, but if you have other equipment like weights or a rowing machine, this might be worth considering.

Fixing some acoustic panels to the room's walls is a great place to start, but you could also consider adding weatherstripping around doors or using heavy, sound-absorbing curtains to reduce noise.

Use a Treadmill Quiet Kit

Some manufacturers offer kits designed to reduce treadmill noise, which typically include isolation pads, lubricants, and quieter belts.

Change your Running Habits

Running barefoot or with lightweight shoes can greatly lessen impact noise when compared to heavier footwear. Additionally, though it might seem obvious, you'll want to pick the best times to jump on your treadmill; not everyone enjoys late nights or early mornings. Running on an incline also makes less noise compared to running on a flat surface.

If noise is still an issue, think about switching to quieter training equipment like ellipticals or exercise bikes, which generally make less noise. But, if you're dead set on using a treadmill at home, these soundproofing methods will help you create a more enjoyable training environment while still maintaining harmony with your family and neighbours.

16:32 1 comments

AD| With the summer holidays just around the corner, many parents are looking for ways to keep their children (and themselves) busy over the break. Why not use it as an opportunity to take up a new hobby? Pursuing hobbies is important because it allows us to relax and do something we love, while also develop our skills and knowledge. There are obviously lots of options, such as sport or music lessons, but I have teamed up with a private school in Hertfordshire to share some more unique ideas of hobbies you could consider, either for yourself or for your child.

1. Swimming

Not only is swimming fun for adults and children alike, it’s also an opportunity to keep fit and make friends. In fact, it provides an all over body workout, because all of your muscles are used, and your cardiovascular fitness is improved without putting too much stress on your body. What’s more, your posture, balance, and flexibility are all improved. Just be sure to warm up your muscles before you start. In addition to the physical fitness benefits of swimming, it’s also great for your mental health because it can alleviate stress and help you relax. It may even be an opportunity for you/your children to make new friends.

2. Coding

In a world where technology is rapidly expanding, coding is a fantastic skill for both children and adults to develop. Who knows, it may even lead to some fantastic career options.

3. Photography

Photography is a fantastic hobby because it allows you to find the beauty all around you, no matter how small. This will help you see things in a different light, which can be massively therapeutic and help reduce stress. Taking photos can help you preserve your memories and allows you to explore your creative side. You could even take it one step further and start scrapbooking with the photos you have taken.

4. Astronomy

This is a great hobby for those interested in space, no matter their age, and all you really need is a decent telescope. It’s a fascinating pastime that can help you get to know the night’s sky. Many amateurs have even contributed to important research, but many people like to draw or paint what they have seen at the telescope or take some fantastic photos.

5. Gardening

If you’re looking for a hobby that allows you to get some fresh air, exercise and much needed vitamin D after what seems like an eternity in lockdown, gardening might be a good option. It’s very rewarding because once you take a step back to admire your work, you’ll more than likely be thrilled with the results and have a beautiful space for the family to hang out during the warmer months. It’s also something you can all do together. Head to a garden centre and have a chat with the staff there to get some information on which kinds of flowers and shrubs you should plant at this time of year, or perhaps stick to vegetables as a starting point. If you have no idea what you’re doing, there are plenty of books and online resources that can give you relevant information.

What are your current favourite hobbies? Are there any hobbies you would like to start taking part in?

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Until 2020, many of us had not even have heard of the term 'furlough' before - but due to the coronavirus pandemic, many individuals have had to stop going to work and stay home for the foreseeable future. Being placed on furlough may come as quite a shock, a lifestyle change bringing with it many anxieties and uncertainties about your future, but you shouldn't let that worry you and try to make the most out of your time out of work.

Everyone will definitely use this time off for different reasons, some choose to better themselves and learn new skills, some may take up some new hobbies or even just a time to have a total reset and switch off from work life. Whatever you choose to do shouldn't be an issue, and you shouldn't feel like you need to do better in life, as living during the current pandemic is hard enough. But here is a small list of 7 things you can do to feel productive, less stressed and motivated during your furlough period.

1. Reach Out To Friends and Family

Speaking to others during this time is the best way to share your current feelings and thoughts, as the majority of the people around you are all in the same boat. Even if your friends/family aren't furloughed, we are all living under lockdown rules and regulations, so during these uncertain times talking with your loved ones may help calm your anxieties and help with any mental health issues you may currently be dealing. Texting, calling, facetimes or a 2020 favourite of a zoom call can help ease loneliness and isolation fears, ensuring you have some social contact, even if it is virtually online, will make you feel a lot better and will also kill some time during your time off. You never know, by reaching out to someone could be the highlight of their day and just what they needed to lift their spirits.

2. Pick Up/Start New Hobbies

Use your furlough time to fall back in love with a hobby of yours that you simply didn't have time for whilst working, or even start something new to fill the hours in your time off. This is the perfect opportunity to use your furlough period wisely and take some time out of your normal daily routine to enjoy something that you love or something you want to get into. Whether it's arts and crafts, sports, cooking or learning a new language, the opportunities are endless!

3. Declutter

We’re all stuck at home in lockdown, so now is the time to do that spring clean that you’ve been putting off for months and get rid of any clutter/rubbish that's currently in your home. The quote "tidy house, tidy mind" is very relevant here and a phrase we all know, but having a tidy living/working environment can really help channel some positivity into your daily life during these uncertain times.

4. Exercise

Exercise is super important for your overall wellbeing but also your mood and mental health. It can also help you to destress, feel less anxious, tone up and lose weight. There's so many different types of exercise you can do, and especially with the lockdown rules, going out for daily walks or working out from home has become extremely popular. Another thing you may consider looking into is browsing YouTube and finding a whole variety of workout videos and routines, suitable for all ages and abilities.

5. Learn To Cook/Bake New Things

Spending more time at home means you have additional time for things like cooking and baking. I know during my time off, I've loved experimenting with different ingredients and recipes, to help expand my culinary skills. Even if you're not so great in the kitchen, being on furlough will allow you to spend time on learning to cook, trying new foods and recipes, and just giving you that time to boost your cooking skills. Cooking something can give you something to look forward to, and gives you that sense of achievement when it turns out great. The internet is full of delicious recipes, I tend to browse the BBC Good Food sight when in need of inspiration, so if there's a particular dish or cuisine that you would like to make for yourself, the time is now!

6. Make Time For Self Care

Many of us were already feeling isolated and struggling with the lockdown, but being furloughed might have taken it to another level and cause many worries for lots of people. But it's definitely important that this doesn't affect your health and mind too much. Practising self care is definitely an essential at the moment, and even the little things can help to improve, refresh and re-focus your body/mind. I recently wrote a post about lockdown beauty hacks that may be worth a read if you're looking for something new to try during the current lockdown. Similar to this, I've also written a lot of content about pamper nights and products I would recommend when you're in the need for some relaxation.

7. Online Courses

Have you ever wanted to learn something new or improve your life/career prospects? Taking up an online course is a great way to use your furlough time productively, it allows you to study from home, helps you learn something new, and can be a beneficial addition to your CV. There are so many courses out there that I'm sure there will be one suitable for everyone. Many website also offer incredible discounts at the moment, or even some free qualifications which is perfect for those on a reduced furlough wage.

What things have you been getting up to on furlough?

10:00 3 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.

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

GUEST POST| Sleep is as important to our bodies as food and water. It is good for the mind and soul as well as the body. Making an investment in your sleep is investing in you and your health. These five simple ways to invest in your sleeping and get a better night of rest should help you get more from the day.

Get a Better Bed

The support your body receives is a key component of a restful night of sleep. It is hard to get decent quality, deep sleep if you are tossing and turning when you should be resting.

Your bed is the base for your sleep. Worn or broken beds cost people dozens of hours of sleep a week and many days of sleep over a year. Making an investment in a better bed is worthwhile. It can also be an attractive way to revamp the decor of your bedroom. For designer beds that will help you rest easy at night, check out https://www.denelli.co.uk/. They are an Italian Furniture Store with a massive range of designer beds that can suit any space and style. Many have practical bedroom storage solutions that will help keep your sleeping space tidy.

Invest in a High-Quality Mattress

Once you have the bed sorted, it is time to upgrade your mattress. No matter how supportive and comfortable your bed frame may be, without a decent mattress, you will not get a good sleep.

Mattresses have become big business lately. It is a highly competitive market between online suppliers and traditional brick and mortar bedroom stores. You can reap the rewards of this healthy competition by bagging a great deal on a luxury mattress. There are some things you need to consider when mattress shopping. You should do some research on firmness levels to find the right one for you. People who suffer from joint pain or back problems may need a hard mattress to give their body the extra support it needs during sleep.

Some people prefer a softer mattress that they can sink into a little. This can give a coddling effect that can help soothe and relax you as you fall to sleep. It reminds us of being coddled like a baby and helps our bodies to get into sleep mode. Nothing improves the quality of your sleep better than a well-made mattress.

Make Sleeping an Event

Good sleep requires some thought. With a little planning and preparation, you can get more from your rest and feel energised throughout the day. Get your sleep right, and you will be happier and more productive.

Prepare yourself for sleep and make bedtime an event. Relaxing in the bathtub before bed can help put your mind and body in the mood for rest. Reading is another good plan. This can help clear your mind and push the cares and worries of the day away until morning.

Try not to eat just before bedtime, as this can keep you awake or affect your dreams if you do get to sleep. If your stomach is still doing work while you are trying to rest, you will struggle to drift away. Stay hydrated, though, as this will help your body to relax. Keeping a glass of water or a water bottle by the bed is a good idea.

Add Exercise to Your Daily Routine

Physical exercise during the day will help you get a better night’s sleep later. Exercising just before bedtime is not recommended as this will energise the body and wake up your muscles. In the hours before bed, a walk should be the limit of your exercise.

Visiting the gym during the day definitely helps get better rest, though. Even if you cannot push yourself to do a full workout every day, some light cardio or lifting should set you up for a good sleep at night. Yoga can help you improve the quality of your sleep too. Many people do not see yoga as exercise, but stretching and working your muscles does strain the body a little. A few poses will get your muscles limber and ready to relax, so a ten or fifteen-minute yoga session before bed can be a worthwhile investment in your sleep.

Tidy Your Room

These three words could be a dreaded chore dished out by parents when you were younger, but they had your best interests at heart. Having a cluttered and untidy bedroom is bad for your sleeping pattern. It is hard to be calm when surrounded by chaos. Spend some time during the day to clear the clutter and organise your sleep space. This is where clever storage in your bed can come in very handy. Try to find a place for everything that needs putting away and create a clean and clutter-free sleep sanctuary.

Following these tips should help you achieve the dream of better sleep. A little time and money can go a long way when you invest them in better rest. Get your sleep sorted now, you will not regret it.

How do you get a better night of sleep?

12:32 1 comments

AD| The common cold is, well, one of the most common illnesses in the world! People get it all-year-round, but it mostly comes to bite us during winter. The worst thing about the cold is that there's no cure for it and it keeps adapting. This is why nobody is immune to it, and also why you might get multiple colds in a year.

However, another illness often gets mentioned in the same breath as a cold: the flu. You see the two paired together all the time, but what's the difference between them? How do you know if you have a cold or the flu?

cold and flu illness

The flu is considerably worse

Firstly, you'll know if you have the flu because it is considerably worse than a cold. While you might get a cold a few times a year, they may only put you out of action for a day or two. Bad colds can last longer, but you tend to recover very quickly. The main symptoms are a blocked nose, cough, sore throat, and general tiredness. They can also be treated quite easily - ginger is very effective at killing the cold virus, which is why it doesn’t last that long.

In contrast, the flu will floor you for at least a week. It has many of the same symptoms as a cold, but it's a lot stronger. You won't feel better for a good few days, and the symptoms will linger on well into a second week. The flu virus is highly contagious, which is why your best method of treatment is to stay at home and recover. You might be able to get some flu treatment from a doctor, but it depends on how severe your symptoms are.

The flu causes intense muscle aches

I lived my whole life without having the flu, until about three years ago. To be honest, I assumed that the flu and a cold were pretty similar. In fact, I may have even told people I had the flu a few times. But, it's not until you actually suffer from it that you realise the stark contrast in the two illnesses.

The biggest difference is that the flu causes intense muscle aches. This doesn't mean your muscles feel a bit sore and weak - it means they properly hurt. I had a severe pain in my back that felt like a really tight muscle knot. The same sort of thing happens in other areas of the body - it's like the day after an intense workout! For me, this is one of the tell-tale symptoms that help you differentiate between the two diseases. If you have cold symptoms and some serious muscle aches, you probably have the flu.

The flu gives you a fever

Another common difference is that cold will very rarely give you a fever. Generally, you just feel a bit run down and tired. This comes with the usual congestion issues, but your temperature isn't too hot. Weirdly, one of the treatments for a cold is to induce a fever at night. Some people suggest that wearing wet socks triggers a fever, which sets your immune system to peak efficiency. The idea is that the fever drives out the cold.

Anyway, the flu will give you a fever as one of the main symptoms. Again, this is an easy way to determine if you have a cold or the flu. Check your temperature, and if you keep sweating through your covers, you probably have the flu.

The flu can make you nauseous

Colds tend to be quite a sinus problem. What I mean is that most of the symptoms affect your nose and throat. In turn, this often creates the feeling of your head being in a bubble. When your sinuses are infected or damaged, it does make you feel tired and ill. However, the flu makes you feel all sorts of other ailments as it's more of a total body disease.

Nausea is a common flu symptom, but it's rarely seen when you have a cold. Generally, your eating habits aren't affected when you've got the common cold. You still have the urge to eat, it's just frustrating as you can't taste anything. By contrast, the flu can upset your appetite and make you go off food for a few days. As a result, you're left eating crackers and plain rice until your appetite returns. Thus, if you feel sick and have no inclination to eat anything, the chances are you have a cold.

Hopefully, this gives you an idea of the differences between a cold and the flu. The flu is definitely a bigger concern, which is why there's a vaccine for it. Keep a look out for some of the defining symptoms that let you know if you have a cold or the flu!

09:00 No comments

The flu is considerably worse

The flu causes intense muscle aches

The flu can make you nauseous

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