Hello summer, here we are eager and full of enthusiasm to start making change and shake off the shackles of the pandemic. Whether it’s kicking pandemic fatigue to the curb or ditching that lockdown weight that has been hanging around for wayyyyy longer than expected, summer is a great time to introduce some new healthy habits. If you are wondering how to get healthy again then lean in my friends.
When we make a pact with ourselves to get healthy again, most of us make a strong decision to change everything “from tomorrow”, or “from Monday”, or “after summer”. But the more we keep putting things off until tomorrow, the less likely they will ever actually happen. With each excuse, we get closer to falling off the health wagon until one day we realise we have come clean off it and start bashing on ourselves for being weak! You can find many apps and tools to track your health and fitness goals, great for people of any age.
Does that sound familiar?
If it does, do not worry! If you’re keen to get healthy again but don’t know where to start then this, my friends, is the no BS secret.
It lies in one single word – habits!
By establishing healthy habits, we teach our subconsciousness to work for us and make healthier decisions on autopilot! The only thing you need to do is to start with one new activity and repeat it for at least 30 consecutive days to make it stick in your sub-consciousness! And that, my friends, is the no BS secret to how to get healthy again.
If you want to get healthy again this summer, but don’t know where to start, then take a look at my top 5 recommendations for which healthy habits to install over the summer months.
Let’s dive in!
Meditate and look after your mental health
The pandemic has collectively battered our mental health. As we move into being able to do more, it can feel utterly exhausting and overwhelming. Despite wanting these new freedoms so much, our minds might be reeling from all the possibilities, socialising and weekends booked with back-to-back activities and engagements. I know I have really been feeling this! And it can take a toll on our mental and emotional health as we emerge from the safe space that has been our personal cocoons over the last year.
Thankfully, the solution is very simple and it lies in the ancient practice of silencing the mind and meditating. And before you think it is too hard to become quiet, let me tell you – only 5 minutes of gentle relaxation and mindful breathing can do for you so much more than any anti-depressant in the world! Trust me…..if it weren’t for meditation I think I would have lost my marbles a long time ago. Read more about how meditation changed my life.
Ditch white sugar (OK, maybe just lower its consumption)
I know it seems so ridiculous, but white sugar is the most common addictive drug on the planet right now. It is proven that our bodies have the same reaction to sugar as to hardcore drugs like cocaine! That is why it is so important to break that addiction and boost our well-being.
Don’t believe me? Here is some official data about this white killer – it has been directly linked to numerous diseases, ailments, and discomforts like low immunity, hormonal imbalances, obesity, inflammation, fast aging, chronic fatigue, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, even the modern menace – cancer.
But don’t freak out! There are loads of healthier alternatives you can use to satisfy your sweet tooth, like stevia, maple syrup, coconut sugar, honey, etc. Start swapping with those and your body will thank you!
Roll out your yoga mat
Let me tell you a secret – practicing yoga has changed me at a profound and holistic level and it can do the same for you too.
It’s such a powerful tool that works on many levels (mental, emotional, glandular) – not just building physical flexibility and strength.
It balances your hormones, improves your mental health, self-esteem, and boosts all the systems and organs in the body! I always say – if you can do just one type of movement – let that be yoga – even if it’s just for 15 minutes a day!
Drink more water
Yes, I know, I know – you have heard this time and time again! But knowing something and actually doing it are two very different things.
So, how to make yourself drink more water? Here are my tips and tricks to stay hydrated more easily over the summer months and beyond:
First, start small – don’t try to jump from 1 cup a day to 4 cups. Move slowly until you feel comfortable and build on that.
Second, improve the taste of the liquid – if you do not like drinking plain water, just add some lemon juice or wheatgrass powder or a cold tea infusion bag. I love the one from Twinings!
Third, add more herbal teas (unsweetened) like Peppermint, Thyme, Melissa, etc. – they have wonderful flavours and magical healing properties! Perfect combo!
Look after your gut
Did you know that about 70 percent of your immune system is housed in the gut? That’s why it is SO important to take care of our digestive system, making sure it is in tip-top shape enabling our immune system and body to function to the best of its ability.
While we’re on the topic, did you know that a healthy gut is essential for a child’s development? It strengthens children’s immune system to fight off the germs they encounter on a daily basis. In order to set them up for a lifetime of good health, we need to bolster the good bacteria in their belly. These bacteria help control the immune system, determining things such as how effectively your child fights off a cold virus.
I am big on gut health for all of the above reasons which is why I have been chowing down on delicious superfood cold-pressed prebiotic and probiotic bars and juices from SO PERF designed to support the gut, immune system and microbiome health. Perfect for those who want to improve their gut health and reap the associated benefits but not predisposed to chowing down buckets of kimchi at every meal, the range from SO PERF is packed with superfoods, antioxidants, nutrients, fibre, protein and omega 3.
Made with high-quality fruits, nuts, seeds pre and probiotics which have been hand-picked to support your gut, immune system, microbiome health, brain function and energy which are both nutritious + delicious. Plus their cold-pressed kids’ bars are loaded with everything your kid needs so the range is a win-win for the whole family. Another tip here is to try and make a really tasty superfood salad packed with loads of good stuff.
Detox your environment
Today we are using so much artificial stuff which produces harmful substances that accumulate in our bodies. And with time, our systems get overloaded with toxins and have difficulties running smoothly.
So, make a commitment to start changing the products you use on a daily basis. Maybe start using natural oils for your beauty routines; buy organic toxin-free hygiene items free from parabens and petroleum derivatives; swap traditional air deodorant with essential oil diffusers and so on.
I hope this information has been helpful and motivating. Please do leave a comment below and share how you are trying to get healthy again and follow us on Instagram here where we love to talk about all things mum lifestyle.
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Photos by Andre Furtado, Karolina Grabowska, Dmytro from Pexels
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Drinking more water REALLY is something I need to get into! Every week I say it!
Yes, most of us are struggling with this one, but it is a habit that can be built with time and practice!
Only 5%?! Wow!
This is a wonderful post, and I am so with you. I love yoga, but I’ve had to put it on hold for a while after having my 4th baby. I’m slowly getting back into it again though 🙂 And as for drinking more water… I have to set alarms to remind me. How terrible is that? I could survive on coffee alone, which is worrying. I have ditched the sugar though and swapped for sweetener. x
My mummy is addicted to white sugar but then she doesn’t have any other vices, she doesn’t drink or smoke or drink coffee. I’m sure its going to be super hard for her to break the habit of a lifetime x Great tips though x
The trick that helped me ditch sugar is moving slowly – once a week for a month, then two days a week for a month, etc. and swapping with healthier alternatives. The process is so smooth and painless. I hope this could work for your mom as well. Fingers crossed! 🙂
oh i so need to do these, meditate is top of my list for things to do for me this year!
I’ve cut out sugar from my hot drinks and cereal, but must confess, I’m a chocoholic! One day at a time. I’ll get there.
Changing a few daily habits can help you a achieve more than you realise ! Start small and make some adjustments.
I like the idea of detoxing my environment with essential oils. And I keep telling myself to drink more water so this is something I need to be better at!
Hoping to meditate a bit more this year. Yoga is also on my mind.
I have ditched sugar in favour of sweetener and will be drinking more water
I started meditating towards the end of last year and it was honestly the best thing I could have done for myself! Even if it is only 10 minutes a day it still feels good to the system to stop my mind from going into overdrive!
http://www.nmdiaries.com
I’m doing ALL of these at the moment and have done since the 1st of January. I have a little habit tracker so I don’t sway and I have to say, I feel amazing at the moment. I’m drinking 2 litres of water everyday, doing a workout in the morning and yoga in the evening, plus 10 minutes of mindfulness in the middle of the day. I’ve also cut our sugar and all though it took a few days to stop craving it, I’m already starting to feel so much better. Less tired, more focused. Great tips!!! xx
You are a rock star!
A New Year is definitely one of the best times to try and adopt some healthier habits. I think I would probably benefit from drinking more water throughout the day!
It’s interesting to hear about yoga helping your disc herniations, I’ve just had back surgery for a massive disc hernination. I’m looking at doing yoga/Pilates to help my recovery
Great points but detoxing your environment stood out the most to me. Who would have thought?
Drinking more water i only seem to drink enough water when I’m buying bottled water
I had a goal to lose weight in time for my granddaughter’s wedding at the end of May, I achieved that but the wedding won’t be until next June but I will keep control of my weight and keep exercising
Drinking more water, such an easy idea, but so hard to do as I love coffee!
exercise more
I wish I could quit sugar!
Over the lockdowns we all became a bit lazy and ate all the banana bread! So we are all drinking more water, we found those bottles with the time reminders are really good to encourage us to have more water. We are also trying to get out and walk more with the lovely weather. Going to local parks and finding painted stones or leaving painted stones about for others find as part of ‘Norfolk Rocks’
Ever since COVID started, a healthy lifestyle has appreciated even more than before! Perhaps I can say that proper eating and paying attention to it has never been more important than it is now!
I’m doing a lot more walking this year which is really good excerise for me, and my dog.
I am – i am counting steps to try and get to at least 10k a day
Drinking more water.
I’ve cut out sugar from my hot drinks but still drink way too much sugary cold drinks
I try to walk at least 10.000 steps/day
need to cut down on all the snacks I eat especially at night
Love!
I love these tips! I started drinking dandelion root tea just 1 or 2 a day , love it <3
I have joined a health and wellness program..pool and gym three days a week….healthy diet as well
I’m trying to cut back on the sugar & drink more water!
Good tips there. Thank you. Years ago, I used to see a well known author and medical herbalist whose ethos was based around a healthy gut. She also introduced me to Spirulina. It is only in recent years that the importance of the gut has been accepted by mainstream medicine. I have become a little lazy over lockdown so will be concentrating on exercise and healthy gut this summer.
Gonna get more exercise and eat healthier 🙂
I try to get a long walk every day but I really want to try meditating. I also make sure to stay hydrated as it helps so many body systems.
Some great ideas here, I been going out running again, and try and walk wherever I can
I have gone back to Weight Watchers, I lost 3 stone with them and I was doing very well, then lockdown happened and like most other people, I piled on the lockdown pounds. Now I am back in the saddle.
I’m trying to get more healthy by cutting down on chocolate
walking more in the sunny weather and drinking lots of water
I’ve always found it fascinating how short a time it takes for something to become habit – which is why I believe people can do (almost) anything if they really set their mind to it.
Meditation is definitely what I’ll be trying to do – it’s been on my list for SO long and I never get around to it
I am trying to get healthier. I am exercising more
I’m trying to get a bit healthier not for summer but just because. I’ve been walking!
I really need to try this, I definitely need some life changes.
Yes I need to get into better shape. I have started running everyday this summer..