Let’s think less about ‘giving up’, and more about embracing new stuff (not sipping cider vinegar). Simple things, like breathing in fresh genuine air, without the pressure of committing to ‘meditation’. A walk in the park vs. an hour sat in silence. A juicy glass of water vs. no wine for two months. ‘Detox’ gets your attention, but these six simple things will leave you feeling great.
By Rachel Spedding
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1 Binge on a good night's sleepA real good night’s rest is the ultimate means for ‘resetting’ your body (and mind) to full function, reducing cortisol levels and stress. Head to bed half an hour before you intend to sleep; the Sleep Council say '39% of people who are in the habit of reading before they go to sleep, sleep very well'. Try that. Then aim for 10 hours of shut eye. Bliss.
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2 Drink more water
Yawn. I know, you hear it all the time. No committing to ‘eight extra glasses a day’, or tallying up your intake on a post-it. Just make it part of your routine. For me, a nice-looking water bottle was all I needed to keep me gulping the good stuff. Aside from the body-functioning-properly benefits, you’ll feel more awake and energised. I can confidently say we all need that right now. Fill up your bottle (the colder the better) and enjoy.
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3 Breathe in fresh air
See, told you this would be easy. The simplest trick of all – heading outside. Sure, leaving Real Housewives for a burst of the outdoors can be tricky, but your soul will thank you for it. Staring at a computer screen all day long can cause eye strain (computer vision syndrome is a thing), and increased tiredness. Take an hour out of your day for a burst of fresh air, see your friends, chat with your mum, it can improve your mood and mental wellbeing.
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4 Ignore the fads
Juice cleanse, no. Grapefruit diet, nada. No white carbs, behave yourself. The key to a healthy January is a happy one. Stop with the pressure, and eat what makes you feel good. If that’s kale, bonus. Important distinction here: if Dry January, Veganuary, or signing up to the gym, works for your mental health, do it! It’s the pressure of conforming to the trends of others that’s bad news for everyone.
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5 Stretch (lots)
Move about. Whether it’s to wake you up in the morning, or to escape your office desk (any excuse), a good old stretch decreases fatigue, and helps blood to move through the muscles. When you’re feeling physical or emotional stress (caused by things like no milk in the work fridge), stretching will relieve tensed-up muscles. My favourite? Stay seated, put your hands on your lower back and lean backwards. Hold it for five. Ahh.
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6 Do something that makes you feel good
Not necessarily every day. Not necessarily kind-words-spoken-to-a-mirror, or spending tons of cash. Just a treat. For me, that’s a gel manicure, or Facetiming my family for a really long time. For you it could be the same. Or binging Netflix. Or alphabetising a book collection. Or slathering on a facemask. Whatever it may be, take some time to do it, and enjoy an all-round cheerier start to 2022.
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FAQs
How can you improve your sleep quality easily?
You can boost sleep quality by reading before bed and aiming for 10 hours of rest. The Sleep Council reports 39% of people who read before sleep rest very well. Getting enough sleep helps reset your body, lowers stress and reduces cortisol levels.
What are simple ways to add more water to your routine?
You can drink more water by making it a part of your daily habits, not by counting glasses. Using a nice-looking water bottle can help you remember to drink regularly. Staying hydrated keeps you feeling awake and energised throughout the day.
How does getting fresh air impact your mood and wellbeing?
Spending time outside can improve your mood and support mental wellbeing. Taking an hour outside, especially if you’re usually at a computer, helps reduce eye strain and tiredness. Fresh air and socialising with friends or family make a real difference.
Why is it important to ignore health fads and trends?
Ignoring health fads helps you focus on what genuinely makes you feel good. Trends like juice cleanses or restrictive diets can create unnecessary pressure. The most important thing is to choose activities and foods that suit your mental health and happiness.
How can regular stretching benefit your physical and emotional health?
Regular stretching reduces fatigue and relieves tense muscles caused by physical or emotional stress. It increases blood flow through your muscles, making you feel more relaxed. Even simple stretches at your desk can improve your wellbeing in just a few moments.
What are easy ways to treat yourself and boost your mood?
You can treat yourself with small pleasures, like a gel manicure, Facetiming loved ones, or enjoying a favourite TV series. Doing things that make you feel good, even if they’re simple, leads to an all-round cheerier start to your day or year. Personal treats don’t have to cost much or take lots of time.