Ten things to do today to feel good

Mums Tips

Fitness & Health

Published on Monday, 16 January 2017 11:40

Last Updated on 16 January 2017

Monica Costa

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In this blog I am providing ten tips on how to feel good today. Darker days and cold winter weather are certainly causing what’s now called the January blues. We all live very busy lives and it is difficult not to be overwhelmed by stress. With constant time pressures, inability to lead a healthy work-life balance and working over 40 hour weeks it’s no wonder many are feeling the January blues.  This can hit people especially hard following the Christmas break when they have most likely had time away from family and work routines. Returning to a world of constant connectivity to mobile devices is tough and the lines between work and home are becoming increasingly blurred, meaning we are more stressed than ever before and our sleep patterns are suffering as a result.

1- Watch a clip from forthcoming animation SING or other feel food movies from the London Mums Movies Archives

Film Review: SING starring Scarlett Johansson (out 27 January 2017)

2- Prepare one of these Feel Great Recipes

How to Lose a Stone in 2 Weeks and Feel Great! Recipes included!

3- Read The Feel Brave series with your kids at bedtime

4- Pick up any book from the Tom Gates series and read the fun interview with author Liz Pichon by child reporter Diego.

 

5- Read my feel good interview with Rebecca Adlington

6- Keep fit to avoid January Blues – When it’s grey and gloomy outside and the days are short, it can be hard to motivate yourself to get up and do exercise. Over the Christmas holidays, we have also overindulged so between mulled wine, mince pies and lack of exposure to sunlight, it’s easy to gain weight and feel sluggish. But try to brave the weather, wrap up warmly, wear decent footwear and once you are out there, you might even enjoy a good walk or run. Outdoor exercise increases exposure to daylight and Vitamin D, helping to increase endorphins and improving both your mood and bone strength.

I play football outdoor with a great group of energetic ladies and this is certainly more motivating than running on my own. It can be hard to get going on your own. Exercising with others is more pleasant, and meeting up with someone helps make sure you stay committed. It’s a great way to make new acquaintances and catch up with old ones at this social time of year.

 

7- Wear something colourful, maybe a funny jumper, a dress or a quirky accessory.

Mary Poppins’ handbag made of carpet is the latest trend in fashion

Fashion: The little orange dress

London Fashion made easy – Tips to get the glam look of your favourite film actress

8- Use mindfulness and meditation to find your inner peace

2016 has been a bumpy ride but I have started 2017 with a very positive attitude turning to mindfulness to always feel cheerful.

I am a super active person involved in lots of activities, networking and sport but I found myself on the verge of anxiety in 2016 and turned to mindfulness and meditation to maintain calmness and restore my inner peace. It is not easy to meditate when you have a busy life in London with a active children and a maybe a business to take care of on top of the usual household chores. But I was determined to make it by myself rather than turning to medicine and risking to slip into depression mode. You don’t need to meditate for long time but 10 minutes a day (preferably before starting your working day or before going to sleep) certainly gives you that brain energy to keep you going strong and help you make it through the day. I used a simple app called Headspace. I will review it separately soon so watch this space. Headspace has also launched an easy meditation app for kids. Urban kids and teenagers in particular are at high risk of depression so this app is certainly a good and modern way to get into mindfulness. 

Read my interviews with Bear Grylls and film director Mira Nair who also talk about the use mindfulness in their lives.

Also try one of Bear Grylls’ Top Ten Things To Do Before You’re Ten

9- Sleep and live a healthy lifestyle – To keep calm don’t underestimate the importance of a good night’s sleep. I know it seems easier to say than do as we all catch up with work and leisure after hours but it is a fact that the optimal level of sleep for an adult is between seven and eight hours a night.

People who sleep less than this lose nearly five additional days of productive time each year, which can be traced directly back to their lack of sleep. From a health perspective, people with sub-optimal amounts of sleep also typically have more health risks than those with adequate sleep, resulting in a reduction in their life expectancy of around three years. Doctors say that healthier people sleep better, and making healthy lifestyle choices aids good sleep.

10- Book a Winter Sun holiday. Sunshine is important to boost Vitamin D in your body and feel good as a result.

Check out London Mums’ favourite destinations in this feature

Winter Sun family Holidays that won’t break the bank

Ultimately Don’t be too hard on yourself!

I have recently read a great quote by Oprah Wimfrey which I would like to share here: ‘Doing the best at this moment, puts you in the best place for the next moment.” Let go of being perfect and you’ll find more peace and joy inside and around you too.

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