Perhaps one of the most challenging things of all about passing the threshold of the New Year is having to let go of the midnight cheese boards and wine and instead start reaching for the kale and spinach.
We don’t know about you, but we find it incredibly hard to motivate ourselves to be fit in January, and that’s why we want to share a few simple tips and tricks you can take on in February to point yourself in the right direction.
Stretch it out
Getting into healthy habits is important, and one way to improve your flexibility, strength, and posture is with some yoga. I’ve compiled a few different yoga poses you can try to help loosen up your body for a healthy day. Hold each pose for 30 seconds to a minute and you’re ready to go!
Work Out Early
If the idea of working out gives you that pang of stress, the best remedy is to work out before your brain can worry! One of the best tips for getting fit in the New Year is to roll out of bed, put on your tank top, go downstairs and do 30 minutes of exercise. By the time you are done, the adrenaline and dopamine released into your body will have you feeling energized and positive for the day.
Walk 10,000 Steps
If you don’t take any of the other tips from this section of the newsletter, just do this one. Try your best to hit 10,000 steps every day. Cardio is crucial not only to your metabolism but also for your heart health. Be sure to walk 10,000 steps a day, which will take about an hour, and you’ll soon start to shed some pounds and feel healthier. You don’t have to walk it all at once either, go for a little walk around the block before work, get some fresh air at lunchtime, and walk the dog in the evening!
Sit down
As we spend so much time in our adult lives running around and stressing about every little thing, it is crucial for us to step back and take a moment to breathe. I don’t know about you, but when I’m working at home I tend to forget to take a lunch break or step away from my screen, and this sometimes leaves me feeling burnt out and fatigued by the end of the day. Sitting down away from your screen for 10 minutes every few hours will do wonders for your mind and is like hitting the reset button on your brain for the day. Once you have sat down and allowed your mind to rest, you’ll be ready to get back on the horse and work more productively.
Have a Cuppa
Whether you love a classic breakfast brew, a herby green tea, or a fruity number (we recommend this raspberry tea)… we can all agree that life is better with a good cuppa. Take time for yourself throughout the day to get up, grab a drink, and sit back down for your work. It will not only be a welcomed burst of energy but allowing your legs to stretch can prevent back issues as well as weight gain.
Read a book
When our lives revolve around technology, it is important sometimes to turn off the screens and instead pick up a book. Reading is a great way to maintain a good vocabulary as well as cognitive thinking skills, but more importantly in this case it provides us with a form of escapism. There is something about stepping into a whole new world through our mind’s eye that captivates and provides a truly cathartic experience. Try reading a great book or listening to a few audiobooks this month.
Pamper your skin
When we think of self-care, a lot of us think of a hot bath and a face mask – and that’s because skincare is important no matter who we are. The skin is the largest organ of the body and to keep it fresh and youthful, we need to take care of it. Consider taking some time out every day, only 5-10. minutes, to cleanse and moisturize your skin. The difference you feel will be impactful to your confidence as well as your health.
Take a walk
If you are working mostly remotely, which most of us are, the one thing you need to be mindful of is inactivity. It is far too easy to be sat down at a desk all day, only to close your laptop and sit on the sofa for the evening. Take some time at the start of the day or on your lunch break to walk around the block. It might be 10 minutes, 30 minutes, or 60 minutes… but any activity will have a great impact on your mind and body.
Mocha Girl Alysia
