Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2024 i Woman&Home Feel Good You

Like it or not, Christmas seems to start earlier every year. So, we figured, why not embrace it and launch ourselves into party season looking and feeling our absolute best? Our fabulous festive countdown is packed with advice, recipes and beauty buys that will give you the confidence to let your hair down without losing sight of your health and fitness goals. Being a big fan of a Christmas movie marathon, I was delighted to read that binge-watching has its benefits (p20). And on p112 we meet Alison, Emily, Hannah and Laura, who love the season of goodwill so much they made a career out of it. With our help, you can breeze through not just Christmas but the busy months ahead – and those to-do lists we often put…

Going to parties, attending work events or hosting big family functions are social interactions that are a part of normal life and, for many people, pass without much consideration. But for any of us who aren’t confident in social situations, such engagements can feel more like challenges, triggering apprehension and anxiety. It’s natural to worry to some extent about what people think of us, whether we’ll have to speak up in front of others or if we might embarrass ourselves in public. But the key to overcoming these fears and thriving in social situations is confidence, explains former TV actress Holly Matthews, founder of The Happy Me Project. ‘Confidence allows us to walk into a room and feel free. Free to be who you want to be and free to…

Whether you find it difficult to nod off or struggle to unwind after a stressful day, tuning into the right noise can help. ‘Sound frequencies are powerful as they can directly influence our physical and emotional states,’ says sound bath practitioner Christianne Wolff*. Here, our experts explore the wellbeing benefits of different sounds so you can tailor noise to suit your personal needs. EMBRACE SILENCE The social media trend of completely disconnecting from sound might seem difficult, but it can be an effective mindfulness practice. ‘During my sound baths, I incorporate moments of silence to create a contrast with the continuous vibrational sounds. This transition feels like you’re floating, allowing your body to recalibrate,’ says Christianne. Invest in Loop Earplugs Quiet 2 (£19.95, loopearplugs.com) to help drown out unwanted noise. WHITE…

FAKE THE SUNSHINE ‘Many people use phototherapy, which mimics natural daylight,’ says Dr Arroll. Try the Lumie Vitamin L Slim SAD Light, £82.50, lumie.com. The UV-free light can boost your mood in around 30 minutes. TRY USING A DAWN-SIMULATING ALARM CLOCK These devices mimic early morning light by coming on before your alarm, then gradually glow brighter. This can be helpful if you struggle to get up while it is still dark. GET OUT AND ABOUT Get as much daylight as you can by taking a daily walk or cycle ride. Exercise is a well-known mood lifter as it releases endorphins, which have a positive effect on mood. HAVE A LAUGH Giggling is one of the best remedies for low mood. ‘It boosts our energy, decreases stress and improves immunity,’…

‘A lot of people breathe into their chest muscles, rather than fully using their diaphragm, external intercostal muscles, scalene muscles (ones in your neck) and relaxing their lower abdomen,’ says Rebecca Dennis, breath expert and author of Let it Go: Breathe Yourself Calm. When we’re stressed, breathing can become shallow and rapid, sapping our energy. Try these aids to help get the air in BEST BOOKS The Art of Breathing by Dr Danny Penman (£9.99, Harper Collins). Provides tips for specific situations. Breathe by Mary Birch (£13.99, Little, Brown Book Group). Written by a nurse, it offers a four-week breathing retraining plan to relieve stress. The Little Book of Breathing by Una L Tudor (£7.99, Hachette). Great for popping in your bag for guidance on the go. HANDY APPS Relax…

The festive season should be all about having fun with your nearest and dearest, and feeling good while you do it. That means no stressing about complicated make-up routines and choosing looks that are simple yet effective. However you’re celebrating this year, from casual family affairs to dancing the night away, accentuate your party wardrobe with the loveliest – and easiest – make-up to keep you looking glam day to night. NAIL IT Christmas is the perfect excuse to adorn nails in sparkles and shimmering metallics. But give yourself plenty of time to apply the colour and let it dry properly to avoid smudges and duvet marks. 1 Nails.Inc Ariana Quick Drying Nail Polish, £8, nailsinc.com 2 Barry M The Glitter Effect Nail Paint in Raving Rose, £4.49, barrym.com 3…

Cheap and chic Research from Avon shows that for 43% of the 7,000 women they quizzed, aside from the smell of a perfume, price was the top consideration. There’s no compromise with Avon Far Away Shine EDP, £16 50ml, avon.uk.com. It’s an autumnal take on florals, with rich rose, fresh pink pepper and sensual golden musk. Into the woods Close your eyes, spray Jo Malone London Hinoki & Cedarwood Cologne Intense, £112 50ml, jomalone.co.uk, and you may find yourself transported to a dense forest, sun dappling through the hinoki branches. Wearable for both men and women, this woody scent is fresh, serene and grounding. Italian escape Dolce & Gabbana Devotion EDP Intense, £88 30ml, thefragranceshop.co.uk, will surely draw you out of any wintry stupor. Inspired by the sunny skies and azure…

STAY WELL & CELEBRATE There’s nothing worse than looking forward to the festivities, only to fall ill once the holiday finally rolls around. After all, isn’t this the season to be full of cheer? Whether it’s the sniffles, hormonal hot flushes or one too many glasses of Baileys causing havoc the morning after, we’ve rounded up the simple ways to stay well and enjoy yourself this winter. Back pain flare-up from carrying heavy bags while hunting for last-minute gifts? Turn to page p98 for tips on how to soothe discomfort and feel your best this season – and beyond.…

We all forget things now and then. Everyday stress, a poor night’s sleep and the general wear and tear on our brain as we age can affect our thinking and concentration. But if your memory fails are starting to happen a little too often, you might start to worry about dementia. And no wonder – diagnosis of the brain disease is at a record high, with recent NHS data revealing that nearly half a million people in England now have it, with numbers continuing to rise. But it’s not just dementia which can have an impact on our memory. Here are other causes – and how to spot and fix them… Vitamin B12 deficiency Not getting enough of this vital vitamin can cause cognitive changes, such as problems with memory,…

ENJOY SOME QUALITY TIME Always measuring yourself against other people’s success? Or maybe you’re at a loss of what to do after experiencing infidelity in your relationship? This time of year can make things feel trickier to navigate – especially when it can seem like everyone else is living their best life ever. But don’t worry – we’ve asked our experts for their insights on how to manage these obstacles to lighten the mental load. And, if you find yourself struggling with intimacy, turn to p125 to discover how you can prioritise sex amid the festivities. Now, that’s something to celebrate!…

£3.84 PER MONTH! 6 ISSUES FOR £22.99* Visit www.womanandhome.com/C75E or call 0330 333 1113 quoting C75E Offer closes 31 December 2024 *T&Cs available at magazinesdirect.com/terms HOW TO ORDER AND ACCESS BACK ISSUES: If you are an active subscriber, you have instant access to past issues through your iOS or Android device/s. You will only be able to access the digital past issues as long as you are an active subscriber. To purchase single past issues (print format only), visit magazinesdirect.com (click on ‘Single issues’ tab). Or email help@magazinesdirect.com. Visit mymagazine.co.uk/FAQ to view frequently asked questions or log in at mymagazine.co.uk to manage your subscription online. Magazinesdirect.com is owned and operated by Future Publishing Limited.…

1 SAY IT STRAIGHT UP Be clear and let your family know that you want to try something new this year. Explain your reasons and back yourself. If you don‘t have a significant reason, you could say something like, ‘we’ve loved hosting the last few years, but perhaps we could try something new?’ 2 HAVE THE CONVERSATION EARLY No one wants to have a change of plan suddenly sprung on them, so try and give as much warning as possible. If it’s too late to back out of this year, begin planting the seed for next while you’re all together. 3 BE KIND Be compassionate to their feelings as your decision might leave them feeling hurt or disappointed. Explain kindly and lovingly that you aren’t trying to hurt them and that you love…

Singer Adele uses citrine to help combat stage fright, Victoria Beckham carries black obsidian with her for protection, and model Miranda Kerr keeps rose quartz next to her skincare products to infuse them with energy. But, despite these celebrity endorsements, can crystals really have healing properties? And, if so, how does that work on a practical level? Stones of wonder Crystals are believed to work with chakras – your body’s invisible energy centres – to help clear blockages in the ‘flow’ of energy. ‘They emit an energy that can work on the nervous system,’ explains crystal healer Kim Alexis. ‘They have a vibrational frequency that affects human tissue. This means they can transform and shift the frequency in our bodies, influencing change.’ Whatever your take on the ‘positive energy’ theory,…

Soundasleep Bluetooth Speaker Pillow (£30, soundasleeppillow.co.uk). With a Bluetooth speaker connected to your phone, you can listen to guided breathing exercises without headphones. Dodow Sleep Aid Light (£49.90, amazon.co.uk). This sleep aid uses blue light beamed onto your ceiling to help guide breathing before bed. Music Sleep Mask (£28.45, lightinthebox.com). Prefer to close your eyes while doing breathing exercises? This mask blocks out light while you listen to music through integrated earphones.…

Pina colada panna cotta Bring a taste of tropical sunshine to the dinner table with these deliciously exotic pina colada puds. Serves 4 • Prep 15 mins • Cook 10 mins ✢ 3 gelatine leaves✢ 200g unsweetened coconut milk yogurt✢ 1tbsp coconut rum✢ 1 mango, peeled and shaved into ribbons✢ 4 thin wedges of pineapple, skin left on✢ 1tbsp toasted coconut flakes You will need: ✢ 4 dariole moulds or ramekins 1 Put 100ml water into pan over a high heat. Bring to the boil, add the gelatine and whisk to dissolve. 2 In a large bowl, mix the yogurt and rum together. Stir continuously and slowly pour in the gelatine mix. Pour 75ml into each mould and chill in the fridge for at least 3 hrs until set. 3…

Shredded Brussels sprout, quinoa and watercress salad High in fibre, this dish is great for supporting digestive health and reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Serves 4 • Prep 15 mins • Cook 15 mins ✢ 100g quinoa✢ 100g watercress✢ 300g Brussels sprouts, finely shredded✢ 2 large pears, cored and thinly sliced✢ 30g dried cranberries For the creamy garlic dressing: ✢ 100g natural yogurt✢ 2tsp white wine vinegar✢ 1 garlic clove, crushed or grated 1 Cook the quinoa according to pack instructions, set aside to cool. 2 Mix all the ingredients for the dressing in a small bowl and season to taste with salt and pepper. 3 Transfer the cooked quinoa to a large serving bowl and arrange the watercress, shredded sprouts, pears and cranberries over the top.…

Looking forward to when you next go away? If so, this brand new seven-day Beauty Countdown Calendar is simply perfect for anyone planning a trip. Created with TOYL, it’s the perfect present for anyone dreaming of their next sunshine holiday. This limited-edition calendar is packed with seven carefully curated beauty and skincare treats designed to prime and prepare your skin just in time for that sunny getaway. Use it in the week leading up to your summer vacation for a complete beauty boost worth over £59 for just £29.99 (plus £3.99 postage). Each day reveals a new luxurious product, from face masks to body treats, helping you look and feel your best just in time for your trip. HOW TO REDEEM Just visit www.offonhols.shop, place your order and check out!…

When all that festive socialising gets too much, make some time to lock yourself away guilt-free and enjoy a little ‘me time’ to the maximum. Whether your skin is looking lacklustre or you are after extra ways to unwind, these indulgent buys will help you feel relaxed and revitalised for the next month and beyond… MASKED HEROES While you’re in the bath or getting through the box sets, feed your face with a pampering mask treatment. Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque, £65, dermalogica.co.uk, gives an instant hit of vitamins to pep up your complexion. If the party season has left you with blemishes, Keys Soulcare Harmony Mask, £28, keyssoulcare.com, uses activated charcoal to draw out impurities, while manuka honey stops skin drying out. BATHTIME BLISS If you ask us, there’s…

‘I was shocked when a consultant told me to take up Pilates’ Michele Gray, 52, from Hampton Court, is now fighting her way back to an active lifestyle ‘I’ve always loved – and prioritised – an active lifestyle. As a child I was a bendy gymnast, with friends who were envious of my double-jointedness. I danced a lot too, going on to join my university dance team and eventually teaching swing dancing part-time in Soho, London, when my children were young and I’d left my full-time job working as a sales representative. What I valued most was the feeling of strength that my workouts gave me. I always thought that I could be more independent if I was strong. When family commitments eventually caused me to give up teaching dance,…

Long winter nights and festive celebrations are upon us – which, for many, means more boozing than usual – but are you wary about a sore head ruining your plans? If you don’t want to stop completely, mindful drinking is an increasingly popular solution. ‘It’s about being actively involved in the moment when you’re consuming alcohol,’ says Angela Calcan from drinkcoach.org.uk. You’ll become more aware of your drinking habits and, if you want to, can change your behaviour. SAVOUR EACH SIP Try following these steps to stop mindlessly slurping… SET GOALS ‘Work out how many units you’re regularly drinking and how many you’d like to be drinking,’ says Dr Richard Piper, chief executive of Alcohol Change UK. Try using the calculator at alcoholchange.org.uk. MONITOR YOUR INTAKE This will help you…

Christmas comes but once a year – unless you’re one of the millions who work in the festive industry. In which case it’s conceivable that – after months of festive prepping – you could have had quite enough of baubles, carols and snow by the time December rolls around. But there are some people who don’t just make a living from Christmas. They live for it! And what’s not to love about a world that revolves around making other people happy? Being the one to put a smile on someone’s face has personal pay-offs too. Studies show that acts of altruism help to keep things in perspective, as well as improving our feelings of confidence, being in control, happiness and optimism. We also get a delicious dopamine rush when other people…

DON’T FORGET TO FLOSS Find it difficult to handle thin strands of floss? With an electric pump and adjustable pressure settings, water flossers spray a water jet between your teeth for ultimate cleanliness – thought to be more effective than regular flossing. Try Ordo Hydro Sonic Water Flosser (£49.99, boots.com). BOOST CHRISTMAS DINNER Love them or hate them, when it comes to our health Brussels sprouts really are the star of the festive lunch. A great source of vitamin C, sprouts can boost collagen production levels, leaving us with a youthful glow. What’s more, they contain antioxidants, which reduce inflammation and prevent cell damage. DID YOU KNOW? 86% of Brits say listening to music helps their mental health** THINK POSITIVE, LIVE LONGER An optimistic approach to ageing might be the secret to…

ACKNOWLEDGE AND PROCESS YOUR EMOTIONS Give yourself time to come to terms with this change of pace and acknowledge how it makes you feel. ‘Think about how things need to be different now and make space to grieve previous expectations, patterns and routines,’ says Eloise. ‘Engaging in reflective practices, such as journaling and chatting with friends, can help to process your emotions constructively.’ FOCUS ON THE POSITIVES It’s completely natural to feel uneasy when you’re used to running the show, but focus on the positives. ‘See it as your chance to truly enjoy Christmas as a guest without the pressure of having to supervise every little detail,’ says Bayu. ‘Remind yourself that giving up control doesn’t mean losing the essence of the celebration. It’s still your family and traditions, but…

BRUSSELS SPROUTS Don’t save them just for Christmas! Sprouts not only contain cancer-fighting antioxidants, they are rich in fibre for a healthy gut. Research into the gut-brain axis – the biochemical link between our gut and our brain – suggests that a healthy gut equals a healthy mind. CHOCOLATE An unbalanced immune system can affect our mood. To aid it, nibble good quality chocolate, the darker the better. ‘Go for at least 80% cocoa, which is packed with polyphenols – antioxidants that help your immune system,’ says nutritional therapist Judy Watson. CLEMENTINES As well as being packed with immune-boosting vitamin C, this fruit can help lift your mood. The scent is calming, according to an Austrian study, while a UCLA study says eating two can help you feel 55% happier…

SATISFY THOSE FESTIVE CRAVINGS Cold weather making you want to hunker down and seek comfort in calorific foods? You’re not alone. With seasonal stock now lining supermarket shelves, it can feel like temptation is everywhere – but there’s no need for the celebrations to disrupt your weight-loss goals. From our anti-bloating recipes on p46 to the top tricks to stay slim, you can have a little of what you fancy without piling on the pounds. Want to crunch the numbers in your favourite snacks? Our festive calorie gallery on p48 does all the work for you. Staying on track couldn’t be easier.…

Sticking to a diet can be overwhelming at the best of times, let alone at Christmas when we’re faced with all-day feasts and limitless grazing. But keeping an eye on what you eat can be the key to enjoying yourself without going overboard. Want to stay on track? Get the low-down on the calories in your favourite festive foods, tipples and treats* so you can stop your waistline from expanding while still having fun this season. Counting the cals 50 CALS ✢ 1 wholewheat cracker topped with a sliver of smoked salmon✢ 85g Brussels sprouts✢ 1½ satsumas✢ 35g chestnut stuffing 100 CALS ✢ 2 Quality Street chocolates✢ 1 glass of Buck’s Fizz✢ 2tbsp chicken liver pâté on a piece of brown toast✢ 2 pigs in blankets 200 CALS ✢ 130g…

SMART SKINCARE As well as anti-ageing benefits, retinol also treats mild forms of acne, boosts radiance, fades pigmentation and improves skin texture. These new formulations deliver an array of impressive results. Glow Recipe Blackberry Retinol Blemish Serum, £44, Sephora, contains a triple-retinoid complex which unclogs pores, smooths texture and fights spots. While Paula’s Choice Clinical Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment, £63, paulaschoice.co.uk, is the closest potency to prescription-strength retinoic acid that you can buy. HAIR REPAIR We put our hair through a lot, so save your strands with these new SOS products. Rehab The Dose 1.1 Fine Hair Oil, £26, and Rehab Your Hair 1.2 Curly Hair Oil, £26, rehabyourhair.com, are innovative hair oils offering targeted care and nourishment. L’Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Molecular Mask, £30, Boots, is formulated with peptides…

No one knows their hair better than you – the person who lives with it day in, day out. But if you’re finding your hair is constantly misbehaving and you’re just not feeling good when you look in the mirror, then maybe it’s time to rethink things. A few everyday tricks can make looking after your locks so much easier. Whether you have straight, curly, frizzy, coloured or textured hair, we’ve quizzed experts to find the best ways to look after it. Now get ready to try something new and feel great! CURL POWER Born curly? Lucky you – 60% of UK women have curly or wavy hair, each with multiple subtypes determined by the shape and diameter of the wave, curl or coil. And all curly hair is dry.…

IN SHAPE TO CELEBRATE Social calendar hotting up? Party season is here again – and it’s no wonder most of us want to look and feel our best for when the festivities are in full swing. With flexible exercise plans to suit your schedule, we’ve got the best ways to tone your body and exercise your mind for that all-important confidence boost. Struggling to squeeze in multiple sessions? Don’t panic – there’s no need to go full throttle into a new workout routine – in fact, it may even be bad for you. Turn to p84 to find out more.…

We’ve chatted about all sorts of things in this column during the year, but one thing (I hope) remains constant in your mind. And that’s that in order for our health to be optimum and our bodies to be in the shape we want, there has to be a year-round foundation of fitness and good nutrition. What I mean by that is getting ourselves into a good pattern of eating tasty, healthy food that fuels our body (not our emotions), and might even lean towards the latest trends of eating a little less red meat, more plants, less sugar, more fibre, less caffeine, more herbal teas and securing ourselves more smug points. The same goes for our fitness regime. It’s good to have in place a regular timetable of varied…

1 YEAR FOR £21.99* ✢ 6 issues a year conveniently home delivered ✢ Pay less than in the shops - only £3.67 an issue! ✢ Health, wellbeing, beauty, diet and mindfulness tips to help you feel and look your best £3.67 an issue SUBSCRIBE TODAY VISIT www.magazines.com/DH285S CALL 0330 333 1113 and quote code DH28S TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Offer doses 1 January 2025. Offer open to new subscribers only. Direct Debit offer is available to UK subscribers only. *£21.99 payable by annual Direct Debit. Please allow up to eight weeks for delivery of your first subscription issue (up to ten weeks overseas). The full subscription rate is for 12 months (6 issues) and includes postage and packaging. If the magazine ordered changes frequency per annum, we will honour the number…

The menopause really can be relentless, especially when you’re busy. Annoyingly, it can last an average of 7.4 years*, which is far too long to be putting up with daily discomfort. And, with factors like stress, overindulgence and family fallouts making day-to-day life difficult enough already, here’s how to control those pesky symptoms. Keep a lid on anxiety In the UK, 63%** of people admit they feel stressed at least weekly, which is bad news when you want to keep menopausal anxiety under control. It’s usually caused by a reduction in oestrogen, as the hormone acts as a mild antidepressant. FIX IT: ‘Eat something small every three to four hours and increase your wholegrains, dried fruit, nuts, seeds and green veg – they all help to stabilise the adrenal glands,’…

We’ve all heard the saying ‘curiosity killed the cat’, but seeking out new information is a positive trait to be encouraged. Curiosity is about developing a genuine interest in anything novel, says consultant psychologist Dr Elena Touroni*. ‘It’s about seeking new information and experiences.’ Here’s how to embrace curiosity and the positive impact it can have on your wellbeing. OPEN YOUR MIND Accept things at face value? It might be time to develop your curiosity muscle. ‘Pay attention to people, places and sensations, as well as your thoughts and feelings,’ says Dr Touroni. For instance, when you’re talking to someone and they say something that intrigues you, dig deeper with: ‘Tell me more’ or ‘how did that make you feel?’ And make an effort to ask meaningful questions, adds Dr…

What’s your exercise regime? I just try to walk as much as possible, whether it’s going to the shops or in and around my local woods. I did Pilates online during lockdown; I had the mat and the ball and everything but as soon as you get back to work it’s hard to find the time, so walking it is. I keep telling myself I should do more exercise but I’m 78 so I don’t want to do anything intense like running. What’s your diet like? I eat a lot of fresh fish and vegetables. We try to have three or four veggies with our meals; I don’t eat a lot of carbs or potatoes so we tend to go big on veg. My favourite fish is lightly dusted plaice,…