Innholdsfortegnelse for New Year 2018 i Woman&Home Feel Good You

I’m hugely excited to edit my first issue of Feel Good You – a magazine designed to inspire you to live your life well. After such a turbulent past year, I don’t think I’m alone in having spent months feeling brick-in-the-tummy anxious about everything from politics, to crime and the economy; so what a relief to start 2018 with a renewed sense of optimism. I am famous among my friends for my Tigger-like life approach but 2017 overwhelmed even me. So, it’s high time to turn the page, press refresh and look forward with excitement – after all we’ve got the Oscars and a royal wedding (and a new HRH baby) to look forward to! Plus, healthwise there’s a new buzz phrase doing the rounds: self care. Simply put, it’s…

OUR SLEEP EXPERTS INCLUDE… Dr Steve Orma, a clinical psychologist and specialist in treating insomnia and sleep problems Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, author of Fast Asleep, Wide Awake (Harper Thorsons) Dr Paul Kelley, honorary clinical research fellow at Oxford University’s Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute Dr Renata Riha, consultant in Sleep and Respiratory Medicine at the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh Jim Horne, Professor of Psychophysiology at the University of Loughborough and author of Sleepfaring (Oxford University Press) Dr Michael Mosley, TV presenter and author of The Eight-Week Blood Sugar Diet (Short Books Ltd) 1 Keep a schedule Setting a specific time for bedtime and waking up, even on weekends, regulates your body’s clock and can help you stay asleep for the night. 2 Wind down – properly Spend at least 30 minutes…

1 Eat right Follow a low-GI diet, concentrating on wholegrain cereals, root vegetables, cruciferous plants (broccoli, cauliflower), legumes (lentils, kidney beans) and fresh or dried fruit. Eat oily fish and cheese to obtain tryptophan, a substance needed to make serotonin in the brain. Obtain vitamin D from foods such as oily fish, liver, fortified margarine and milk, eggs and butter. Also include wholegrains, soy, walnuts, avocado and bananas for vitamin B6, and plenty of fresh fruit for vitamin C – both of which help the production of serotonin, the good mood hormone. 2 Try light therapy Some people with SAD find that light therapy can help improve their mood considerably. It involves sitting by a special light box, which produces a very bright light to simulate sunlight, usually for around…

GOOD GUT HEALTH Our bodies contain over 10 trillion micro biomes that live in and on our bodies to keep us healthy, and 99% of these live in our digestive tracts. So to ward off sore throats, coughs or colds, here’s what to do: ✣ Eat plenty of probiotic foods Think garlic, asparagus, pak choi, soups and vegetable stews. The more fruit and veg you consume, the better for your production of micro biomes. The recommendation is to eat two-thirds of veg to one-third protein. ✣ Cut down on alcohol We can all get a bit too merry over Christmas and alcohol can lead to an imbalance in your gut. ✣ Avoid snacking on processed foods and regulate your meals, helping your body to feel fuller for longer. ✣ Good…

For Charlotte Haigh, 42, the only way is short. After a disastrous mullet inflicted on my 13-year-old self in a suburban salon, I vowed to stay long forever. But my hair was thick and coarse around my narrow face, crunchy with mousse and Sun In. The late 80s didn’t offer many cool ’do role models – think perm-era Kylie and huge-haired popstrel Tiffany. But just in the nick of time, the 90s arrived. Supermodels Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington slashed their long locks into sexy crops – just watch them slinking about in George Michael’s Freedom video, all sharp cheekbones and long necks. Inspired, I worked up the courage to ask a London stylist to hack off my bland shoulder-length hair. I emerged a more sophisticated 19-year-old, and a passing…

BEST OF BRITISH Lovely everyday body brands aren’t easy to come by. The market is awash with extravagant oils and cheap fruity foams, but chic, nicely priced bath bits are a rare breed. It was this conundrum that led Chloë Luxton (ex-Cowshed) to create Bramley for the guest bedrooms at The Beckford Arms, run by her Soho House alumni husband. Fast-forward eight years and we can all enjoy the fruits of her labour; a natural, ethical range of delicious citrus blends created by a Somerset apothecary. The packaging is pretty and the price is fair, so Grapefruit, Lavender & Sweet Orange Body Wash costs £14, and the new Lemongrass, Spearmint & Coriander Uplifting Bath, Body and Shower Oil is £20. You’ll spot Bramley in the loos of many a stylish…

Asian beef and noodle salad The on-trend buckwheat noodles work perfectly in this tangy Asian beef and noodle salad recipe. Easy ✣ Ready in 35 mins ✣ Serves 4, plus leftovers for 1 150g soba noodles 2½ tbsp oil 500g rump or sirloin steak, the fat trimmed 1tsp Thai fish sauce 1tbsp soy sauce 1½ tbsp mirin juice of 2 limes 2tsp honey 2 shallots, finely chopped 1 red chilli 2 garlic cloves 1 stick lemongrass 1 head Chinese leaf, chopped 2 small carrots, peeled into ribbons 5 spring onions, sliced ½ cucumber, peeled into ribbons 2tbsp coriander, roughly chopped 2tbsp mint, roughly chopped 1 Bring a pan of water to the boil, add the noodles and cook according to the pack instructions. Drain, rinse in cold water, toss in…

PLUS! WOMAN&HOME DIET SUPPORTS YOU ALL THE WAY You’ll receive a step-by-step guide to following the plan, recipe ideas and a food diary. There’s also weekly email and telephone support to help you keep on track. EXCLUSIVE: ✣ Save £25 on your first month ✣ Lose weight from £5.32 a day Woman&home Diet by Jane Plan is the diet delivery service that gives you perfectly proportioned meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner – plus snacks – all ready prepared to make losing weight super easy. We know that having a larger tummy is one of your biggest body bugbears, so we asked Jane Michell, the founder of Jane Plan, to devise a special Flatter Tummy Box especially for you, at a great money-off price. It worked for me! ANNA COWIE,…

Breakfast savers ✣ Eat breakfast: research says you’ll eat at least 100 fewer calories over the course of the day. ✣ Have 2tsp reduced-sugar jam instead of butter on your morning toast. ✣ Swap 4tbsp muesli for 4tbsp bran flakes. ✣ Swap 2 scrambled eggs for 1 poached egg on buttered wholemeal bread. Lunchtime losers ✣ Take away a slice of bread and butter from your sandwich and eat it “open”. ✣ Replace 30g Cheddar in your sandwich with 1tbsp low-fat cheese spread. ✣ Skip the mayonnaise and add a squeeze of lemon juice or mustard to your sandwich. ✣ Swap a jacket potato with chilli or cheese and coleslaw for one with baked beans. ✣ Lose the salad dressing – they’re typically around 100 calories per tbsp; use lemon…

1 Standing waist twist In a standing position come into a split stand with one leg in front. Have a slight bend in your knees, with both arms extended straight and around towards the side of the leg behind. Now slowly bring both arms straight out in front, keep tummy muscles pulled in, hold then take the arms back around to the same side. Aim for 20 reps, then repeat on the other side, again aiming for 20 reps. 2 Reach-up abs Lying on the floor, extend your left leg straight up, keeping your right leg slightly bent, your head and shoulders on the floor and both arms out to the sides. Now, pulling in your abs, lift your right arm off the floor and aim to touch the outside…

✣ High knee lifts Jog in place, bringing each knee up until your thigh is parallel with the floor. mini workout 1 UPPER BODY RESHAPER This cardio-toning mix elevates heart rate and shapes muscles REMEMBER: Perform each move for one minute unless it says otherwise ➤ Bench step-ups Stand facing a lower stair tread. Quickly step up with your right foot then your left, then step down with your right foot, followed by your left. Repeat, moving comfortably as fast as you can. After 30 seconds, switch legs. ➤ Sideways shuffle Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Step to the right with your right foot, then quickly bring your left foot to meet it. Repeat, picking up the pace as you shuffle sideways all the way across the room; return with…

Bowel cancer strikes more than 18,000 women in the UK each year and claims the lives of more than 7,000 OUR EXPERTS Professor Kevin Monahan Consultant gastroenterologist, West Middlesex University Hospital, and medical advisor to Bowel Cancer UK. Professor Brian Saunders Consultant gastroenterologist and adjunct professor of endoscopy, St Mark’s Hospital, London. Dr Christian von Wagner Psychologist and senior lecturer in behavioural research in early diagnosis of cancer, University College London. Helen Bruce Pathologist and acting director of Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (Southern Hub), Surrey Cancer Research Institute. Detected early, it is highly treatable, even curable. We’re talking bowel cancer, the most common female cancer after breast and lung. Bowel cancer strikes more than 18,000 women in the UK each year and claims the lives of more than 7,000. But…

Struggling with menopause symptoms like hot flushes and unwanted hair growth? Maca root helps by stabilising oestrogen levels and balancing the amount of progesterone produced in the body Buy a reusable metal water bottle It encourages you to drink more water and keep track of your recommended daily intake of 6-8 cups. Your body will thank you and so will your wallet, since you won’t be spending on plastic water bottles any more Make “No Meat Mondays” part of your diet A flexitarian diet is mostly plant-based, with the occasional consumption of meat or fish, and it has been known to decrease the risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease Having lemon water in the morning not only hydrates, but also gives you a shot of vitamin C to fight…

DO BECOME A NUTTER! The risk of getting heart disease can be cut by almost a quarter if you eat just a handful of nuts twice a week. Research by the American College of Cardiology found that because nutritious nuts contain vitamins and healthy fatty acids, they cut cholesterol and blood sugar, aiding artery health. This is the largest study of its kind, conducted over a 30-year period with 120,000 people – its advice is to eat nuts raw, unpeeled if possible and unprocessed. See below right, for our recommendations. BOOST METABOLISM Black tea is a great metabolism booster. Professor Susanne Henning, who led the US study at UCLA Center for Human Nutrition, says, “Findings suggest that black tea is a prebiotic that contributes to the growth of good gut…

If you’re heading to the pool… Ensure you include a variety of strokes in your swim. Mixing up a faster-paced crawl with a more leisurely breaststroke will challenge your cardiovascular system and help you to feel more alert post-swim than just engaging in half an hour of leisurely “coffee morning” stroke. Another strategy is to set yourself a target, for example try completing 40 lengths during your 30-minute swim. You’ll be so engrossed, it’ll help take your mind off how hard you’re working. If you’re a cyclist… Cycling is a great way to kickstart energy levels. Research undertaken at the University of Georgia found half an hour of stationary cycling resulted in participants experiencing a boost in energy levels. If you’re heading outside on your bike, this will have an…

Saffron helps reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is high in crocin and vitamin B, which are both linked to serotonin, the “feel good” hormone Go barefoot around the house By ditching the shoes, your foot mechanics will improve, decreasing pressure on your hips and knees. You’ll also increase the range of motion of your ankle, which can prevent injury, whether you’re exercising or strutting in stilettos Make sure you get a good night’s rest Adults over 45 years old who sleep less than six hours are more likely to have a stroke, heart attack or develop Alzheimer’s in their lifetime, compared with those who sleep seven or more hours Pour Epsom salts into your bath Its immune-system boosting magnesium is known to block pain receptors in the brain. Thus, the…

1 Scrub When applying a bold lipstick, there’s little room for error so always make sure your lips are exfoliated to remove any dead skin cells,” says Global Director of Artistry at Buxom, David Birdwell. “You can use warm water and a washcloth to gently exfoliate lips. This will ensure that the lipstick applies more evenly and smoothly.” Seriously dry or flaky? Mix a pinch of sugar into a teaspoon of Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic Coconut Oil, £9, and work into lips for exfoliation and hydrating action in one. 2 Smooth “Start with Sisley Nutritive Lip Balm, £37.50, but just enough to coat the lips,” says celebrity make-up artist Tania Grier. “Do the rest of your make-up; by that time the lip balm will have absorbed, making it easier to…

Get smoother skin Packed with anti-ageing antioxidants and the hydrating compound squalene, olive oil is ideal for treating dry skin conditions like eczema Invest in a comb! Don’t brush your wet hair if you don’t want it to tear. Water makes hair weaker because when wet, it absorbs water through the hard outer layer of cuticle into the cortex, which then swells up, causing instant breakage. Use a wide-spaced comb instead of a brush to minimise damage Having a bad hair day? Promote hair growth and prevent dandruff by rubbing castor oil, a vegetable oil with antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, into your scalp. You can also use the oil for eyelash and eyebrow growth, leaving them looking thicker and healthier Exfoliate a max of three times a week to…

This bowl is a tribute to spring – from the crisp and tender asparagus and peas, to the pink baby radishes and young greens. Buckwheat offers a light but nourishing base, while the green tahini sauce provides creaminess SPRING BOWL Add whatever seasonal vegetables you have to hand to this single-bowl meal. Serves 4 ✣ 1 cup distilled water ✣ ½ cup buckwheat groats or other wholegrains like millet, farro, rice or freekeh ✣ ½ large or 1 small head romaine lettuce, roughly chopped ✣ Salad greens of your choice (optional) ✣ 1½tsp coconut oil ✣ Large handful of fresh sugar snap or mangetout, strings removed ✣ 1 bunch radishes, tops cut off and thinly sliced ✣ 1 cup peas, thawed if frozen ✣ 12 asparagus spears, trimmed ✣ 1…

It often feels like trying to get five portions of fruit and veg in your diet is super hard work, but don’t just think in terms of fresh – you can also include dried fruits, canned fruits in natural juice, all frozen fruit and veg, plus pulses such as chickpeas and lentils. ✣ Buy essential standbys so there’s always something healthy at hand – such as frozen berries you can whizz up in a smoothie and canned chickpeas, which are fab in stews and curries. ✣ Try roasting butternut squash in a little oil and serve with pappardelle or tagliatelle. ✣ Make sweet potato chips – scrub, don’t peel (it ups your fibre content too), then cut into chips. Toss in oil and bake for 40 mins. ✣ Potatoes don’t…

Static stretching before exercise won’t necessarily help prevent injury, curb muscle soreness or improve your performance. Indeed, some experts reckon it can tire out muscles, so you don’t perform as well. Instead, warm up with dynamic stretches — which are like the workout you’re about to do, but at a lower intensity. So a good warm-up before a run could be a brisk walk, walking lunges, leg swings or high steps. After exercise, you’ll be more flexible because of using your muscles and joints, so then you’ll get most benefit from static stretching. Walk around a little to cool down first, then stretch out your muscles.…

DON’T PUSH IT TO THE LIMIT Exercise should be part of your routine but, like most things in life, it should be done in moderation. Overindulging is never beneficial, and too much exercise can have a negative effect. You should be doing no more than three high-intensity exercises per week, especially if you are a beginner. ✣ A 25-year research project in the US found that people who participated in high levels of exercise were 27% more likely to develop a build-up of coronary artery plaque, which makes them more susceptible to heart attack and heart disease. ✣ For the majority, 30 minutes of physical activity each day is sufficient to prevent diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. And simple tasks like taking a walk, going to the…

The Department of Health advises people to take a vitamin D supplement. Pharmacist Shabir Daya says: Vitamin D has a role well beyond that of being concerned with calcium absorption and bone growth. Vitamin D receptors have been found in over 50 sites within the body, which means that the body’s requirements are greater than we thought. We should be taking between 2,000iu and 4,000iu per day. A balanced diet can at the maximum supply us with 10%. I’d recommend Better You DLux 3,000 Vitamin D Oral Spray, £7.95, during winter; and change to Better You DLux 1,000 Vitamin D Oral Spray, £6.95, in summer. A new delivery system is liposomal encapsulation technology. A liposome sac delivers a nutrient directly into cells and protects vitamin D3 from the acidic environment…

This “emergency meditation” will create a helpful little space for you to gather your thoughts. ✣ BECOME AWARE Whether sitting or standing, adopt an erect and dignified posture and, if possible, close your eyes. Notice thoughts and feelings are going through your mind. Acknowledge any unpleasant feelings or uncomfortable sensations, but don’t engage with them. ✣ FOCUS ATTENTION Think about the physical sensations of breathing; the way your body expands as the breath comes in and falls away as you exhale. Anchor yourself in the present. If your mind starts to wander, gently escort it back to the breath and refocus. ✣ EXPAND ATTENTION Get a sense of your body as a whole. Feel the integration between your breath and your body, and imagine your breath can access any parts…

A CUPPA A DAY KEEPS STRESS AT BAY Stressed about being stressed? A recent British study showed that women aged 35-44 reported the highest rates of work-related stress. It’s time to change that. ✣ Adaptogens, also called superherbs, are plants that have an uplifting effect on the adrenal system – which regulates the stress hormone cortisol. They re-energise and balance your nervous system. And you can drink them in a daily cuppa. ✣ Used in ancient remedies because of their healing powers, the most popular are ashwagandha, rhodiola and ginseng, as they are easy to ingest. ✣ Ashwagandha is an Indian herb that relieves stress and menopausal symptoms, helps female infertility and boosts the immune system. Research found ashwagandha could reduce cortisol levels by 27.9%. ✣ Rhodiola is also restorative…

Go for an early 2018 wellness break 1 Jan-31 March SPA IN THE SUNSHINE: Epic Sana, Portugal What better way to get body and mind in shape this year than on a personalised wellness holiday? We’ve joined forces with Healing Holidays, the UK’s leading independent spa specialist, to create a five-day “better ageing” break designed to leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Let any stress and worries melt away at the five-star Epic Sana resort on Portugal’s beautiful Algarve. Set above the golden sands of Falesia Beach (pictured), and just half an hour from Faro Airport, Epic Sana has five outdoor pools, a heated indoor pool and sports complex, plus the Sayanna Wellness Spa. Our bespoke “better ageing” programme is designed specifically to help leave you looking and feeling younger,…

Most of us suffer from “tired eyes” from time to time, especially if we work on a computer most of the day. It sounds obvious but remember to blink regularly – particularly when you’re staring at a screen, you can actually slow down your rate of blinking. These two massages will help stimulate tear ducts, which moisten and refresh eyes – if you wear contacts, you’ll need to remove them first. ✣ Rub your hands together to warm them up. Rest elbows on a table and cup hands over eyes, with palms on cheeks. Take a few deep breaths, then move hands higher and gently apply light pressure to each eye with the heel of your palm. Hold for a moment, then release. ✣ Use thumbs to gently massage your…

For smoother, shinier hair, don’t pick up your dryer until you’ve read this… ✣ PREP HAIR WELL “Start by adding a lightweight, non-sticky foam to towel-blotted hair. Don’t rough-dry with a towel, as this agitates the hair cuticle,” says stylist James Galvin. For luxurious body and a glossy finish, try Shu Uemura Art of Hair Ample Angora Volumizing Light Foam, £17.70. And for unruly frizz, spray Kérastase Discipline Fluidissime Anti-frizz Spray, £21.80, on the mid lengths. ✣ ROUGH-DRY HAIR by blasting hot air down the hair shaft. Use a large paddle brush to keep smoothing. ✣ FINISH with a round, boar-bristle brush for a sleek look. Add polish and flatten flyaway ends with a lightweight cream such as L’Oréal Paris Elvive Colour Protect Day Cream, £6.99. ✣ ADD VOLUME “Do…

THIS DIET IS FOR YOU IF… ✓ previous diets have failed because they’ve left you hungry ✓ you like to eat regularly ✓ you love to snack ✓ you often feel low in energy ✓ you want to be sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need ✓ you don’t want to give up your favourite foods Most of us associate dieting with limiting how much and how often we eat, which often leaves us lacking in energy. So the idea of following a plan that lets us eat six times a day, infuses our energy tanks and gives us proper meals when we do eat, may seem far-fetched. But, say nutrition experts, it can be a winning formula for shaping up, especially if we often feel hungry, struggle with…

Nutrient dense, low in calories and easy-peasy to prepare, there’s a smoothie for every day of the week – and then some! Blend a mix of vegetables and fruits to get your five-a-day the simple way. And use a mix of juice, almond milk or coconut water to create new flavours.…

Here are some effective and simple things you can do to beat the bloat and get your digestive system in tip-top shape while looking trimmer. Dietician Nigel Denby explains all… 1 Ditch the diet drinks If you drink two or more cans of diet fizzy drinks a day, try swapping to tap water flavoured with a little fruit juice, camomile and peppermint teas, which are soothing for a bloated tummy. 2 But do rehydrate to regulate You do need to drink plenty of fluid though — this will help the fibre in your food do its job. Aim for around six to eight glasses of water or diluted fruit juice, tea, coffee, or low-fat milk daily. Beer, cider and fizzy mixers are the worst culprits because of the gas they…

An apple a day keeps the doctor away Apples are known to lower the risk of diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol. They are also low-carb snacks that are great for collagen production as well as for digestion It’s a marathon, not a race! Don’t rush through your meals. Take the time to enjoy what’s on your plate rather than eating too fast. Food usually takes up to 20 minutes to fully digest Ditch the cream and sugar Try cinnamon in your coffee as a healthy alternative. Cinnamon can reduce triglycerides, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. The spice can also improve brain function and strengthen your immune system Salmon is a rich source of omega 3 and is known to be great for mental and heart health. Glossy hair and…

MY FITNESS MANTRA IS SET A ROUTINE. Know when you’re going to exercise and stick to it. If you’re going to do HIIT (high intensity interval training) three times a week at 7.30am, set your alarm and get it done. After a while it becomes a habit – and you’ll have changed your lifestyle. I PREFER TO EXERCISE IN THE MORNINGS. During the week, I’ll head to my offices where there’s a gym and do an early-morning session. If I’m away, I’ll do a workout in the corner of a hotel room. And if I’m working all morning? I’ll do a session when I get home. WHEN I DID THE LONDON MARATHON TWO YEARS AGO, I WAS A BIT OVERCONFIDENT AND DIDN’T REALLY DO ANY TRAINING. It turns out, that…

No time for the gym? Forget the lift and take the stairs whenever you can. Climbing at least eight flights a day can lower your average early mortality risk by 33% Don’t overdo it Your body can only take so much. Make sure your workout doesn’t leave you feeling drained afterwards. Having an energy reserve after a workout is important to keep you going throughout the day. It’s the quality of your workout that matters Pick a good podcast, music playlist, or audio book to listen to. If you choose something riveting, your workout will last longer than you even realised since you were so caught up with listening Monitor your steps! Hitting 10,000 steps a day in the long run will improve your physical health. Setting a step goal…

OUR EXPERTS Katherine Bellchambers, medical herbalist, director of National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH) Chris Etheridge, medical herbalist, Henry Potter Advisory Committee Judit Kokai, medical herbalist, former board director of British Herbal Medicine Association (BHMA) Dr Dick Middleton, pharmacist, chair, BHMA Dr Mark Moss, psychologist, Brain Performance and Nutrition Research Centre, Northumbria University Essential in the kitchen, the health-boosting credentials of herbs and spices has, until now, relied on their traditional use over centuries. But new scientific findings are adding credibility to claims that herbs and spices fight disease. Indeed their wide use in countries such as France, Spain, Greece and Italy is thought to be one reason the Mediterranean diet is considered the healthiest in the world. ROSEMARY This humble aromatic herb, widely used in Mediterranean cuisine, is currently…

WOMAN’S BEST FRIEND Puppies and hamsters and cats – bring it on! And not just on YouTube videos. Owning a pet can transform your mental and physical health for the better. The emotional connection between pet and owner is a serious win-win health boost. ? According to research, dog owners have a better chance at improving heart health because of the amount of walking and physical endurance it takes to care for an energetic pup. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institute of Health (NIH) have both found decreased blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels among dog owners, and both decrease the risk of heart attack. ? In turn, the simple act of cuddling your household animal is therapeutic enough to decrease stress and…

I’ve grown my hair and grown out my colour. Shedding old ways and leaving the People Pleaser behind “How did I get here?” I kept asking, “and” (more to the point) “how can I get out?” I was used to problem-solving and I had not signed up for this chaos Your boat is on a very choppy sea,” said Maryann knowingly. She is one of the select older and wiser women in my life, who got me through a turbulent period, back there. I was recounting my story to her with my head in my hands. Life had suddenly become very confusing. Continuing the travel analogy, one minute I was cruising a marvellously lit highway in a 4x4. The next, without noticing I had taken a wrong turn, I was…

Wake up earlier than you normally would. A 20-minute head start to your morning routine gives you time to start your day with ease, rather than being in a rush Try something new! A study at San Francisco State University found that learning to do something new could be stressful and frustrating to begin with, but paid off in terms of greater overall happiness. The key is to be willing to challenge yourself Go outside and take in your surroundings! Researchers at the University of Michigan found that nature walks have the ability to decrease depression, improve wellbeing and mental health, and lower stress levels Ditch your gadget at least an hour before bed Studies have shown that staring at blue or white light prevents the brain from producing melatonin,…

SIMPLE PLEASURES MY BEAUTY REGIME... I’ve always taken care of my skin – ever since I was a teenager and suffered with the most horrible, confidence-sapping acne. Now I clean my face with a wash and muslin cloth, and remove eye make-up with an oily remover, so I don’t have to rub too hard. I use Harley Street Skin Care StemCellutions Restorative Miracle Serum, Anne Semonin Miracle Eye Contour Anti-Wrinkle Cream, and Liz Earle Superskin Moisturiser every morning and night. I take so long getting ready for bed at night that it’s almost morning by the time I turn in! MY MAKE-UP... My essentials are IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer – it’s perfect for slightly older skin that needs something that covers but doesn’t cake in the wrinkles…