Happy weekend ladies and gents! I hope everyone has something planned they’re looking forward to … I’m a big believer in making weekends exciting and special. I’m currently in Abu Dhabi for a little staycay with J…

Actually, he’s currently napping, and I’m finishing up this blog.

So, not so much of a staycay … more of a ‘recoup and work’ kinda weekend away. Safe to say after this is posted, my laptop is away for the weekend! I will however be blogging about our trip (not him sleeping before you unsubscribe from my mailing list) but more of the parts I hope you’ll be interested in!

Anyhow, back to the point of this post in the first place…Health. Quite a broad term, huh? What is it we’re striving for? Mental health, emotional health, physical health?

I’ve started my own chapter in the book of “what health means” in the last few months and that’s why I’m writing this blog. Last year for me, health was all about physical fitness – if I trained hard, felt strong and fit, then I was healthy, I was on my ‘A-game’ and I presumed everything else would just fall into place. This year, I’ve taken a slightly different tact because it didn’t always work out like that. I spent so much of last year exhausted, drained, tired and frankly, not really making any time for me.

I felt guilty taking an hour out the 24hr day to read, have a bath, do a face mask, some meditation, or anything else that was about self-love. So, I wanted to write this post to inspire both you and I to look at health in 2018 as a more well-rounded word, something to strive for in more than just one area.

There are a few small things I’m starting with, some may seem trivial but I can’t tell you the dramatic impact it makes, particularly on my energy levels after doing something as simple as a face mask and using that time to have my own thoughts rather than scrolling through Instagram. Here are some ideas, I hope you take inspiration from them!

1. Take time out from electronics. 

It’s actually rather scary how our phones never leave our side. The only time I’m not with my phone is in the shower, and even then you can probably bet it’s close by on loud just in case it rings. We are literally addicted and it never allows us time to think, to brainstorm, to reflect or switch off. My phone now goes on airplane mode every night (not just for that mental feeling of being unreachable and ‘switched off’ but also for the horrific radiation and damage our phones can do to our brain cells). I encourage you to do the same, if you don’t already.

2. Focus on your energy 

Think of the time when you felt at your very best. The times when you walk up the stairs with a bounce in your step and wake up clear headed and excited for the day ahead.

When is that?

What have you been eating, how much sleep were you getting? Were you training? Were you setting time aside for you? Whenever I really think about it, I know I feel at my most energetic when I’ve been paying attention to all of the above and honestly, nothing compares, at least not for me. You feel youthful, spirited, driven, happy and simply alive…as weird as that may sound. So, how to get more energy? Whether it’s eye patches in the evening with 20 minutes of meditation, an early lights off at 9pm or even natural energy boosting supplements to make you feel like you’re getting back to that place, don’t take anything less than 110% as the ‘norm’. Don’t accept feeling tired, overwhelmed or lacking in energy as the norm because life is short so you should look after number one at the end of the day.

3. Get better sleep 

I know this links into the point above but it’s so ridiculously important to get enough sleep that I want to talk about it as a separate entity. I have a question … do you call yourself a ‘bad sleeper’? I know so many people do, including my husband. He sometimes complains to me that whereas I’d fall asleep almost straight away, it would take him at least an hour to settle; so we started trying a few things out. First off, I started to stream meditation music from my phone. I then stopped streaming as I realized that contradicted my point numero uno (!) and downloaded some of the same. We bought relaxation candles and tried rescue remedies like night sprays. We also switched off the wifi; I’m not sure of the science behind that but from what I’ve read about radiation disrupting brain patterns, I’m conviced it’s had an effect.

Honestly, he’s a different person. Most nights he will fall asleep before me and finds the meditation sounds (not guided meditation, but nature sounds) super relaxing.

4. Try herbal teas and face masks 

You might drink green tea as part of your daily routine, but the only time pre-2018 that I ever sat down to a ginger or chamomile tea with the purpose of relaxing was after a spa treatment, and let’s be honest, that’s hardly a weekly option. There’s something understated about bringing ‘spa to home’ and this year I’ve fallen in love with home remedies like these. They’re not expensive and they’re super effective, so a rather welcome combo! Whether it’s a foot soak, a charcoal face mask or an Epsom salt bath, get creative and try and find some ‘me time’ things that work well for your mind and your soul.

Just a little Friday dose of inspiration – I hope you’ve enjoyed the read!

Let’s make 2018 a hell of a year ;)

LLG x

This post is in conjunction with Boots but all thoughts are my own. Boots have given their own ideas and inspiration on how to boost overall health on their Boots Wellness page, which has recipes, vitamins advice, motivation pieces and exercises so head over there for more info!