Beat the January blues

It’s Friday!

You’ve made it through the most depressing week ever!

The cold weather, fading Christmas memories and broken New Years promises meant that this time of the year is usually pretty miserable, but add in the economic crisis and it makes this year worse than ever.

So here at All About You we’ve put together a top 10 list of ways to relax and de-stress this weekend…

1. Get plenty of sleepMost people don’t get enough of this. In an ideal world you should be getting to bed around 10pm getting 8-9 hours sleep a night. A lack of sleep can lead to headaches, digestive problems and even serious illness.

Help your body relax and de-stress this weekend and stay under the covers for a bit longer!

2. Eat properlyYou are what you eat, if you put rubbish in you’ll get rubbish out. What you eat affects your mood, energy levels, sleep patterns and stress levels. Eat good REAL food this weekend and reap the benefits.

3. Get some exercise

You knew it was coming! Exercise causes the brain to release endorphins that ease pain and produce a sense of comfort and euphoria. Even moderate exercise can help you get to sleep quicker, concentrate more and have a sharper memory.

The key is to find something you enjoy!

4. Laugh

Sit back put on a comedy DVD and laugh your way to good health. This actually does work! Laughing stimulates the production of the stress reducing hormones. Try it!

5. Catch a few rays

This one may have to be put on hold for a little while… Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can cause depression and fatigue. But although you may not be able to do anything about the weather just yet, taking a walk outside, even on a cloudy day can help to improve your mood.

6. Water Therapy

Water is incredibly healing. Showers and baths should be placed high on the list for relieving stress. Climb into a hot bath and let your troubles float away. Showers are also very powerful and enable you to visualise your stresses going straight down the drain.

7. Meditate

Meditation helps to reduce your blood pressure and dramatically reduce your stress levels. Slowing your breathing, relaxing your muscles and helping to clear your thoughts also results in improved concentration levels.

If you would like to try this out contact us about our meditation class.

8. Tai Chi

Tai chi aims to harmonise the mind body and spirit, promoting both mental and physical wellbeing. Through the practice of Tai Chi you become revitalised, relaxed, tolerant and stronger and healthier in both mind and body.

9. Take a power nap

A power nap of about 20 minutes can leave you feeling renewed focused and more energetic. This one might be a bit difficult to get away with at work but it can really charge your batteries and also seriously improve your health.

10. Make love!

Jump into bed – preferably with your loved one! Making love is often overlooked by tired and stressed people but it is a fantastic way to relax. Satisfying sex also leads to deep relaxation. If you really are too tired how about a massage?

So there you are our top 10 tips to get you through this stressful time. Try them out and let us know how you get on!

For more information on Exercise, Nutrition, Meditation, Tai Chi or general health and fitness contact us at the studio 020 8348 9706.