Our Top 3 Hacks to a Healthier, Happier Life

Within the arc of a year, we have highs and lows, periods of routine and periods of more disordered living, times of high energy and high activity, and quiet times too. These ebbs and flows are completely normal and completely understandable. Sometimes in life our energy changes, sometimes our priorities shift, sometimes we just need to shake things up.

These different colours are what make up the patchwork of being human. But to keep us grounded, and to bring us back to centre when all around may feel like shifting sand, we have put together our top three hacks; our habits for a healthier, happier life.

HACK 1: PRIORITISE SLEEP

Sleep is a healer, a calmer, it directly impacts cognitive function, mood, and energy. A good night’s sleep enhances focus, creativity, productivity and decision-making, while insufficient rest can negatively affect our physical and mental ability and emotional state; at worst, it can increase our risk of certain illnesses and long-term health conditions.

In this world of Netflix and social media, of phones and laptops in our bedrooms, of the world at our fingertips, sleep is often the first thing we sacrifice. We might not notice it, but those incremental increases in our use of technology at bedtime – an extra 10 minutes of a programme here, a quick email or flick through instagram there – all add up, and frequently, it is our sleep that suffers. Why not give these quick and easy hacks a go to prioritise your sleep?

1. Try creating a consistent sleep routine – going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.
2. Limit the use of technology in your bedroom, and for a period before going to sleep – start small, and gradually increase this over time.
3. And finally, make your sleep space your sanctuary – keep it dark, keep it cool, keep it clear of clutter and choose comforts – a duvet, pillows and linen – to make it perfect for you.

HACK 2: FIND A PHYSICAL ACTIVITY YOU LOVE

We all know the benefits of exercise, there is no denying its importance to keep us both physically and mentally well. However, just because someone tells you this, doesn’t always mean that it’s going to happen! No amount of enthusiasm is going to keep you doing a type of activity that you don’t enjoy for a long period of time. So our top tip is to find something that you love. And believe us when we say, there is something out there for everyone…

1. It doesn’t have to be out-and-out ‘exercise’. Find an activity that you enjoy – something you look forward to it and make sure to block out time in your schedule for it. Think walking, rock climbing, gardening, horse riding, dancing, it all counts!
2. Don’t be afraid to change it up, if an activity gets boring after a while, if it no longer brings you joy, be proactive and find something else – don’t wait for opportunities to come to you – go out and find them.
3. If you find the concept of exercise or activity daunting, go with a friend, ask your GP for recommendations, start with something manageable and familiar, start small – 10 minutes is better than no minutes! – and branch out from there.

HACK 3: FUEL YOUR SOUL

Your mindset is impacted by external factors. Have you ever heard the expression ‘there are two kinds of people – radiators and drains’? Radiators give us energy; they leave us feeling warm. Sure, they aren’t always perfect, but by and large they give us a lift and leave us feeling positive.

Drains on the other hand, take energy away. Like a drain that pulls water out, drains in life suck away our enthusiasm, leaving us feeling depleted and negative.

Surround yourself with people that fuel your soul; surround yourself with radiators. This is not restricted only to people you spend time with, but also content that you consume; podcasts you listen to, the shows you choose to watch on tv and the articles you read about online. And this certainly doesn’t mean that you neglect people when they’re going through a tough time, or that you must avoid completely those who take more of your energy; simply check the balance, be mindful of your own cup and choose wisely.

Katie x