Working on your wellness is no mean feat, and it often requires continuous development to make positive changes. To help, we’ve spoken to wellness and hypnotherapy expert, Steve Dell, to see what you should be doing all year round to keep your mind and body in top shape!
January
The post-festive season can be tough on the mind and body, that’s why January is the best time to abstain from indulgences such as alcohol and fatty foods.
In moderation, small amounts of alcohol are unlikely to have a lasting impact on your body. However, research shows that long-term alcohol misuse can cause heart, liver and lung problems further down the line.
February
Whilst it’s important to look after heart health all year round, February 10th is World Pulses Day, therefore, this is a great starting point for working on your wellness.
Pulses are a great source of protein, vitamins and minerals, and regular consumption is said to have a positive impact on blood pressure, inflammation and other risk factors for heart-related disease.
March
March signals the start of spring, therefore, this is a great time of year to carry out annual spring cleaning tasks.
Research shows that people with clean houses are healthier and more active overall than those with messy houses. And don’t forget to read our list of self-care podcasts that can help you super-charge your cleaning routine.
April
April is a great time of year to get out into the garden or park, and this can have a positive impact on your mind and body. The act of gardening itself burns a lot of calories, and it also helps to reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.
If you don’t have your own garden to tend to, not to worry, you can visit your local community garden or help a friend in order to reap these benefits.
May
As the weather starts to (hopefully) heat up, May is the perfect time of year to utilise weekends and bank holidays to get outdoors.
It’s a well-known fact that regular exercise offers a wealth of benefits for individuals, so use this time to get moving when possible. Even a brief stint in the fresh air can make you feel more refreshed and awake.
June
The United Nations’ international day of yoga falls on the 21st June each year, that’s why June is the perfect opportunity to start incorporating more yoga into your life.
Yoga originated in India, however, the practice has gained popularity in the west due to its physical mental and spiritual benefits.
There are a whole host of different types of yoga to choose from, and they’re suitable for all ability levels and ages. Check out our guide on the benefits of yoga to see if it’s a viable option for you.
July
In order to make the most of the warm summer weather, it’s always a good idea to hit the local farmers market and sample some of the seasonal produce.
A rich, varied diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is integral for your health and wellness. Fortunately, there’s plenty of fruits and veg that are in season in July; this makes them more affordable and more environmentally friendly too.
August
August signals the end of the festival and summer party season and the beginning of the Autumn. Many of us over-indulge in alcohol, sun and sleepless nights over the summer period, so the end of August is a great time to start working on a healthier lifestyle.
This can include everything from getting more restful sleep to drinking less alcohol; even small changes will make a large difference over time.
September
In September, the weather starts to get notably cooler and the evenings start to get darker. These changes can take a toll on your mood, body and skin, so it’s important to take preventative measures where possible.
For your skin and body, it’s recommended to switch to a heavier moisturiser with SPF. This will help to keep your skin supple and protected from UV rays. In order to boost your mood, remember to make time to do the things you enjoy, as the colder weather can make us want to curl up inside and hibernate.
October
Mental illness awareness week is an annual event that runs from the 4th of October to the 10th of October. It was originally started in America. This event recognises the importance of learning about different mental illnesses and recognising the signs and symptoms early on.
It’s important to look after your mental health all year round. October, however, is a great time to carry out a mental health wellness checkup to ensure you’re feeling your best.
November
As winter get’s closer, it’s time to look out for signs of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This is also referred to as the ‘winter depression’ because symptoms normally worsen around the winter months.
Symptoms are usually characterised by:
- Low mood
- Irritability
- Lethargy
December
Winter is a time when many of us start to get colds, coughs and the flu. So in order to make sure you’re feeling your best, it’s recommended to take extra measures to keep yourself fit and healthy.
Don’t forget to get your flu jab if you haven’t already. And make sure to use an anti-bacterial hand sanitizer to avoid picking up unwanted germs.
