It can often be quite daunting starting a new year, with many of us giving ourselves unattainable goals and resolutions which end up leaving us feeling burnt out. Instead, why not set yourself smaller, more achievable goals that you will actually want to keep?
Here, the health experts offer their tips for looking and feeling your best in 2022.
1. Try a new fitness class
For most people, heading to the gym in January can fill us with terror, and in most cases people tend to quit sooner if they’re not enjoying their sessions.
Why not try a new type of fitness class in 2022, one that will keep you fit, energised whilst also boosting your mood? Rebecca Convey, owner of Kinetic Pilates, who offers classical Pilates training in north London, says: “Pilates is a lot more than a gentle breathing and stretching – it is designed to make the body stronger, more flexible, more coordinated, and more controlled. Pilates offers the potential of a challenging, dynamic full-body workout that is second to none.”
2. Introduce CBD into your night time routine
Many studies have shown the importance of a good night’s sleep for a healthy lifestyle. Dr Naomi Newman-Beinart explains: “Lack of sleep can affect everything – especially immune function – and if you’ve got a cold and are rundown it shows on your face – e.g. puffy skin, red eyes and a runny nose.
“Cannabidiol (CBD) is the non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, and has recently made its way to the forefront of popular wellness. It can help with stress, anxiety and can also improve sleep. A few drops of i-cann CBD oil taken at least an hour before bed may improve insomnia, and promote a restful night’s sleep.”
3. Find the right wellness supplements for you
Supplements are becoming more and more popular as the years go by, with many men and women adding these into their daily wellness routine in a bid to increase certain vitamin levels.
Dr Naomi says: “I would also always advise introducing supplements into your daily diet to make sure you are not missing out on any essential vitamins and minerals. I recommend Evity for Women which includes Vitamins D C, E and K which are vital vitamins to encourage healthy skin.
“Marine collagen is also a supplement that I always recommend to women. This is because studies have shown that taking daily collagen can improve skin elasticity and hydration, as well as reducing visible signs of aging. When it comes to collagen, my personal favourite product that I take daily for my skin is Correxiko Marine Collagen Peptides Powder.
“I would also always recommend Bee Pollen. Bee pollen is a natural remedy that has proven significant benefits. I love Bee Prepared Daily Defence which may be taken daily or as needed – for colds and flu, when run down, or when recovering from a serious illness.”
4. Make your sex life a priority
Having a healthy sex life is key for feeling good, confident and sexy. Furthermore, having an orgasm has a number of physical benefits, from stress relieving to making you look younger. If you find you need a helping hand in the bedroom, there is always Tadalafil daily, which is a tablet taken daily that helps with more spontaneous sex as oppose to erectile dysfunction issues.
Pharmacist Abbas Kanani, from Chemist Click, says: “Tadalafil daily does not need to be taken 30 minutes before sex. You should take one tablet every day, for as long as you want to benefit from treatment. The effects are ongoing, allowing users to enjoy natural and unplanned moments of intimacy.”
5. Keep your dental health in check
Dr Payal Bhalla, lead dentist and clinical director at Quest Dental says: “Most people are so focussed on their fitness or overall health going into the New Year, that they often forget their dental health. It’s so important that we attend regular check ups with our dentist and hygienist.
“Having healthy teeth makes us more confident when it comes to smiling and talking, and of course lessens the chance of needing dental work. Ensuring you maintain a good oral routine, brushing, flossing and using mouthwash twice daily will help to keep teeth looking and feeling great.”
6. Make time for self care
“Self care is so important, and luckily it is much more common now for people to take time for themselves and not to be labelled as ‘selfish'”, says Dr Giuseppe Aragona, GP for Prescription Doctor. “Whether it’s having a bubble bath, taking extra care when doing your skincare, or going for a long walk with a good podcast, self care is always super important and allows us to reset and regenerate, preventing burnout.”
7. Spend more time with family and friends
Dr Aragona explains: “Seeing friends and family will always put you in a good mood and set you up for a good day. Even a chat on the phone with a friend can put you in a good mood, and it can be so easy to just pick up the phone. Many people may prioritise work commitments over friends and family, but to be truly happy and content we need to spend time with the people who we love and who make us feel good.”
8. Add more colourful fruit and veg into your diet
Let’s be realistic here – most of us crave warming carbs to get us through the winter, but it’s important to up your daily RDA to ensure you have the natural plant power to keep you healthy. Research has found that people who eat more fruit and veg seem to have a better immune function. One study in Germany found that healthcare workers who consumed more fruit and veg had 20 per cent fewer colds throughout the time of the study.
Dr Aragona tells us: “An added bonus is that fruit and veg are also great for your skin and energy levels. If you are busy and always on the go, I recommend the Fogamatic wellness system. It’s easy to use anywhere and everywhere, just add water, whizz and enjoy a vitamin boost.”
9. Do what makes you happy
Dr Aragona says: “People rarely make time for doing the things that make them happy and feel good. Whether this is going for a walk, exploring new places, or trying new restaurants or cooking – doing what sets your soul alight is so important and this is a really key tip to take into the new year. Doing things you enjoy will always make you feel better. Try to keep your weekends for things that you want to do, or set some time aside for after work.”
10. Introduce mood boosting herbs into your life
It may sound strange, but herbal medicine can work wonders for your mental and physical health, and when you add the right ones into your diet, it can change the way you feel and look. The experts at Herbal Reality have noted that five of the main mood boosting herbs are brahmi, cinnamon, gotu kola, rosemary and St John’s wort. Add these to hot water for a herbal tea, or to your food and these will help to boost your mood.
