Finding your inner zen

We all know as we approach the end of the year, things get a little crazy with a few too many celebrations (and the resulting headaches), family events and last-minute shopping. So we’ve put our heads together to come up with some tips to bring calmness back into your life so you can enjoy the festive break and actually relax - rather than worrying about the to-do list when you get back.

1. Meditate

There’s no need to take a week-long retreat to practice mediation, you can mediate in as little as one minute with visualisation techniques. Simply find yourself in a comfortable position and close your eyes. Visualise someone or a place you love and imagine yourself moving forward as you enter your vision more deeply. Continue breathing slowly as you look around at the scene you’ve created. Give yourself a moment to connect your body and mind to help you fall into a calm, present state. If you find it difficult to meditate or do visualisation techniques on your own, we love the Headspace app that includes guided meditations and relaxation tracks.

2. Breathwork

It sounds simple because we do it everyday but taking it slow is key. Full and slow deep breaths give your mind something to focus on and help move you into a relaxed state. Begin by sitting or lying down in a comfortable position, your eyes can be open or closed. Press the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth, slightly open and exhale until reaching the bottom of your breath. Close your mouth and inhale through your nose for 4 counts, hold for 7 counts and exhale slowly for 8 counts to return to the bottom of your breath - repeat for at least four full breaths and try breathing from your belly instead of your chest.

3. Fuel your body

If you kickstart your morning with a balance of healthy fats, complex carbohydrates and protein hopefully you’ll end it the same way. For the savoury lovers, multigrain sourdough served with avocado, salmon and feta will have all your food groups covered. For the sweeties, a simple yet delicious blend of natural greek yogurt, fresh berries and a mix of nuts and seeds is a great way to start the day. We’ve also got some great recipes here to help you squeeze in an extra dose of fruit and veggies.

4. Catch some rays

There’s research to support that seeking out natural light and getting a dose of vitamin D several times a week can help boost your mood - just make sure you’re wearing sunscreen! Our team picks are The Body Shop Skin Defence Lotion, which is SPF 50+, not to mention it feels and smells amazing. Or try Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen, which is a lightweight formula designed with makeup-wearers in mind. 

5. Get moving

Getting outdoors and moving your body is a fantastic way to relax and calm your mind. It doesn’t need to be a HIIT workout - it could be something as simple as a walk down the beach. Exercise encourages your body to release endorphins that boosts your mood and make you feel good, plus you’ve got more time on your hands so why not enjoy it outdoors?

6. Drink your way to calm

Feel good from the inside out with a daily serving of our blackcurrant Beauty Brain™ Super Powder. It will help you find your zen thanks to Bluenesse™ Lemon Balm Extract by supporting a calm and positive mood and your ability to cope with occasional stress. Beauty Brain contains no additives, fillers or binders - just premium quality, thoughtfully sourced and scientifically researched ingredients - click here to grab yours.

Photo credit: @bertieberththepom