2019 Jan Articles Archives

Combat New Year Stress with Healthy Habits

January is a frantic time of year. We all feel the impact of New Year stress as we catch up on work, rush to make those back-to-school purchases, and recover from festive spending and indulgences. Many of us return to the daily grind after the holidays, feeling like we need another holiday! What are the best ways to cope with stress and worry during this busy time?

Practise Gratitude

Instead of focusing on the things that are stressing you out, focus on the things you’re grateful for and excited about in the year to come. This will help to replace your negative emotions with positive ones, and put a smile on your face.

Breathe & Meditate

Spend some quiet time every day practising deep breathing, clearing your mind and focusing on the present moment. This is a great way to reduce anxiety and stress, lower your blood pressure and regulate your heart rate.

Get Moving

Exercise is an excellent stress reliever. If the thought of a crowded gym stresses you out (January is peak time after all, as more people strive to start those fitness resolutions), do something more casual like jogging or cycling. Stretch your legs, get some fresh air, and after just 20 minutes or so you’ll feel that stress melt away.

Avoid Stimulants

We’re all reaching for those double-shot cappuccinos and extra-strength espressos to get us through the January slog – but your daily coffee could be doing you more harm than good. Cut down on caffeine, and you’ll feel less jittery and high-strung. This is also a good time of year to cut back on alcohol, which is dehydrating, often high in sugar, and likely to make you feel more anxious and off-balance.

Connect with your Loved Ones

Okay, so you might be feeling like you need a break from your family after all the holiday get-togethers, but staying connected to your loved ones is important. Having a chat with a close friend or family member can make you feel less overwhelmed and stressed. A problem shared is a problem halved, whether you’re looking for solutions or just wanting to vent a bit.

New Year stress is a reality, but with a few healthy habits, you can manage your stress levels and have a happy, productive January.

Sources

8 Mindful Things You can do to Combat Anxiety in the New Year. Retrieved from: https://www.phillyvoice.com/8-mindful-things-you-can-do-to-combat-anxiety-in-the-new-year/

Sun Protection Tips for Summer

Whether you’re enjoying a beach day, a picnic, or a hike, good sun protection habits are essential to keep your skin safe from the harsh effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sun exposure breaks down the fibres in your skin known as elastin, which causes the skin to age more rapidly and become more delicate. UV rays also cause sunburn, and regular exposure without proper protection dramatically increases your risk of skin cancer.

Stay safe this summer, and keep your skin protected from sun damage, with these easy tips.

Always use a Good Sunscreen

Use a high-quality sunscreen on exposed skin every day, even in cloudy weather, as the sun’s rays do still penetrate the clouds. Don’t keep the sunscreen aside for beach days either – ordinary everyday activities like driving to work or taking a walk at lunchtime will also expose your skin to the sun.

Cover all your Bases

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that will protect you from both UVA radiation (which causes wrinkles and skin ageing) and UVB radiation (which causes sunburn). Use a product with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. If you’re going to be swimming, exercising or sweating, choose one that’s waterproof as well.

Reapply Regularly

If you’re spending the day outdoors, remember to reapply your sunscreen at regular intervals – ideally every two hours, or more often if you are swimming, sweating or towelling off.

Know the High-Risk Times

Limit the time you spend out in direct sunlight between 10am and 4pm, when the sun is at its strongest.

Keep the Sun Off your Head

Protect your scalp, neck, ears and face from the sun’s harsh rays by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

Stay Hydrated

When you’re spending time out in the sun, drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and maintain your skin’s health and elasticity.

Don’t Forget your Eyes and Lips

Protect the thin, delicate skin of your lips and around your eyes when you go out in the sun. Use a lip balm with a built-in SPF, and wear a pair of sunglasses with proper UV protective lenses.

It’s healthy to spend time exercising outdoors, enjoying the fresh air and getting some natural vitamin D from the sun – by being smart about sun protection, you can enjoy these benefits without the stress of unnecessary sun damage.

Sources

10 Tips for Protecting your Skin from the Sun. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.net/blog/2015-07/10-tips-protecting-your-skin-sun

9 Sun Safety Tips for Your Skin. Retrieved from: https://www.webmd.com/beauty/sun-safety-tips