HYDRATE UP
I am not someone who is permanently attached to a drink bottle, but I am certainly in the habit of drinking water, still, sparkling from my SodaStream or herbal teas throughout the day, it help me stay clear, focused and avoid headaches. Making sure you are passing large volumes of very pale pee throughout the day is the way to make sure you are well hydrated - the amount is different for everyone, but dark pee is a problem!
CHANGE YOUR TASTE BUDS
You can re-train your taste buds to like less sweet tasting foods and less salt, it only takes a few weeks. If you are trying to reduce your sugar, aim to train your palate to accept less sweet tasting foods, rather than opting for all the alternative sweeteners. Be aware also that coconut sugar, maple syrup, honey, agave and lots of blended up dried fruit are all STILL sugar.
CHANGE THE WAY YOU THINK
Your thoughts don't define you. The way you think and feel in certain situations is learned from your past experiences, but be mindful that just because you think something, doesn't make it true. Most people have a very negative record that plays constantly in their heads 'I'm not good enough', 'I will never get there', 'nothing works out for me' are all thoughts that are far too common - be the one to change it, no one else can do that for you.
WHEN SOMETHING DOESN'T WORK OUT, FOCUS ON WHAT DID GO RIGHT
And what you can learn from the experience, not dwelling on what went wrong. If you focus on the negative, you will get more negative.
FIND A WAY TO MOVE MORE
I truly understand what it is like to have VERY little time but keeping active is essential to physical health and equally importantly in my mind (having struggles with depression myself) maintaining your mental health. Even if you only can find 10 minutes, run around the outside of your house or a quick jog around the block, if you have kids or grandkids take them to the park and run around instead of staying inside, cycle to work, set up a space to exercise at home - you don't need fancy equipment, even 8 minutes every morning is better than nothing. Also, don't use lifts - stairs are always better.
FIND SOME WAY TO GET TIME FOR YOURSELF
For me, its driving time. There is no time to meditate in the morning for me right now, unless I want to get up at 3.30am, which I don't. Sleep is more important. Driving, without music, focusing on the scenery around me and my breathing, is my meditation.
LEARN TO SAY NO THANK YOU
It's not rude, it's essential. You can't be everything to everyone all the time and keep well yourself.
FORWARD PLANNING
When it comes to a healthy life, planning is where it's at.
SLEEP
Too much caffeine during the day and alcohol at night can stop you from going into deep sleep, which you need to keep SANE as well as healthy. Look at the relationship you have with these drinks and see if it needs a refresh.
Claire will be speaking at the LiveWell Festival on October 14/15 at the Cloud. For more information click here.
