Healthy habits to enjoy life

There are inevitably times in life when survival mode kicks in. A new baby, a period of illness, starting a new job or moving home are all examples of situations where the additional demand to keep on top of daily demands feels like swimming against the tide, and that is completely understandable. But does the period of “getting by” ever really end? Are we all just “getting by” and if so, surely there is more to life than that? 

At Elements Boutique Spa we believe that of course there is more to be achieved from life than coping with it and we encourage people to strive for good mental health and wellbeing by practising simple and healthy habits to promote positivity.


Firstly, how can you identify if you are living life to the full? Well, if you feel like everything you do requires a bit of an effort and your life lacks purpose and fulfilment then it could be time to turn off autopilot and start investing in your wellbeing.



Nutrition


We ALL know that eating a well-balanced diet is tantamount to feeling on top of your game and nurture yourself from the inside out. However, in the fast pace of day-to-day life, it is easy to grab a fast-food snack or ready meal. A healthy habit to help you enjoy a healthy diet is to pre-plan meals for the week so you can schedule in some of your favourite healthy meals that you can look forward to eating. Protein-rich foods such as chicken, turkey, beef, fish, eggs and cheese can all help boost levels of serotonin and foods with Vitamin B such as shellfish, fish and red meat can also help. Try to eat a good portion of fruit and veg and stay hydrated. Another tip to get the most enjoyment out of mealtimes might sound daft but eat from a pretty plate or bowl. Treat yourself to some crockery you love, a bowl of fruit will look much more inviting served in a quaint heart-shaped bowl instead of an old plastic dish. Give it a try!


Less routine


Routine is great for stability and direction and it helps to avoid anxiety. But if you are feeling like every day is groundhog-day then it could be time to change things up. Simple changes could make all the difference. Some examples could be, walk a different route to work/on the school run. Stop at the coffee shop/park on the way home. Have a lie-in at the weekend instead of waking up to do an early food shop. A little bit of spontaneity could go a long way in stopping you from feeling like you are in a never-ending cycle of daily chores. A healthy habit is to practice finding new ways to change up the routine with even small things like trying a new recipe or at your next manicure why not pick a colour that you wouldn’t normally risk. If you are looking for an activity to boost your mood amidst the dreary demands of family life or work, some simple meditation techniques can help you rebalance your thoughts or a massage can improve serotonin levels (the feel-good hormone) and is also reported to boost your immune system, perfect for this time of year where coughs and colds start to circulate.

Live a little

Life is here for the living, when you are presented with opportunities start saying yes instead of no. Does your hairdresser offer a scalp massage that you usually turn down to save time and money? Why not go ahead and take up the offer and enjoy it. Do you blow off social occasions like a girls’ trip to the spa? Why not live a little and join in? Let yourself enjoy the luxurious and relaxing experience that a spa has to offer. You could even simply allow yourself to binge-watch a tv series, buy and read the book you've had your eye on or meet up with friends instead of doing the same old housework. 

Whatever it is that you would love to, but don't, go on and do it. 

A healthy habit to start truly living life to the full is to put yourself and your ‘wants' first (forget ‘needs'! What do you WANT?) It isn't always possible but try to find ways to indulge yourself and find enjoyment in little (or big…) luxuries now and again.


"In all of living, have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured."
- Gordon B. Hinckley

Elements Boutique Spa is an award-winning, luxury spa set amongst the Somerset Levels in Somerset. To book a spa day, massage, facial, or any of our treatments, please get in touch. Email spa@windmillretreat.co.uk or call 01823 698951


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