Wellbeing

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Getting healthy in 2017

While getting fit is a fantastic New Year’s resolution – why not make wellness your goal? Here's our 7 tips to ensure you have a happy, healthy 2017.

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Here at Ombar, we think fitness is fab. But we prefer to focus on general, holistic wellness. And with Veganuary already under way and a fresh year ahead of us, January is the perfect time to begin a year of improved wellness for your mind, body and soul.

So while getting fit is a fantastic New Year’s resolution – why not make wellness your goal? Here's our 7 tips to ensure you have a happy, healthy 2017.

1. Eat happy

Eat food that makes your body happy, but make sure it makes you happy too. Maybe one of your goals this year is to lose a few pounds, but if that is the plan then do it sensibly, healthily and in style. Who said healthy food had to be boring? Eating clean is fun and colourful, especially with healthy raw chocolate treats like Ombar to be enjoyed! Take a look at our blog for some healthy recipe ideas!

Clean eating has so many benefits, beyond just weight loss – it will affect your hair, your skin, your mood – and the planet too. So whether you’re trying out Veganuary by going full vegan, planning to eat less sugar or simply want to have more fresh fruit in your diet – setting a goal for yourself will help you achieve it. After all, if you don’t set it, you’ll have nothing to aim for!

Eat happy in 2017 with Ombar

2. Keep active

We’re not saying you need to do a 10k before breakfast every day. Instead set yourself a realistic goal that pushes you to keep active. We all come out of Christmas feeling a bit sofa-shaped, so take the opportunity of a new year to get active again. Whether it’s taking a new yoga class once a week or going for a walk at lunch time to get out of the office, getting your body moving more and your heart rate up will keep you healthier.

3. Drink plenty of water

It may sound dull but drinking more water really is one of the best – and easiest - changes you can make for the benefit of your health. Replace your afternoon cup of tea or lunchtime fizzy drink with a glass of water instead and see the difference it makes.

Keeping hydrated increases energy levels and helps you focus. What’s more, it also flushes out toxins from the body, and boosts your immune system. If you can’t face that much plain water then add a slice of lemon, orange or cucumber to add some flavour.

If you already drink a lot of water then challenge yourself to drink more – do you manage the recommended 6-8 glasses of fluid a day, every day?

Get healthy in 2017 - drink plenty of water

4. Practice mindfulness whenever you can

Mindfulness is about living in the moment, and being aware of what you are doing. Those who practice it on a regular basis, find it helps with reducing stress and keeping you centred.

Mindful magazine says:

“Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.”

If you’re still not convinced then at the very least, try some mindful eating such as tasting a chocolate cake as described by the Nutrition Press - and see what you think. We can definitely recommend mindful eating with an Ombar – it’s a great way to unlock the flavours! You can read more on mindful eating over at Am I Hungry?

5. Meditate yourself happy

Meditation goes hand in hand with mindfulness. It helps you clear your mind, manage stress and get to know yourself better. If you’re new to meditation it can feel a little odd to begin with.

Buddying up with a friend who already practices meditation is good – but if you can’t do that then there are a lot of great apps out there that can help you get started. Meditation doesn’t need to last for hours – try fitting in just 10 minutes a day to start off with.

Meditate yourself happy in 2017

6. Sleep – are you getting enough?

Getting enough quality sleep is important for both a healthy mind and body. When we are sleep deprived it affects our happiness, causing depression, fatigue, a weakened immune system and even muscle pain. Getting enough restorative sleep on a nightly basis helps your body to repair itself and your mind to process information. How much sleep each person needs varies but the general guide for an adult is between 7-9 hours.

If you’re usually a night owl, or burning the candle at both ends, then make 2017 the year of early nights!

7. Do something you love every day

Take the time each day to do something you love, just for you! Making time for yourself to do an activity you enjoy, without feeling guilty, is important for your mental health. Stressed people get sick more, it’s a fact. So, no matter how busy your day, take the opportunity to do something for you.

It could be as simple as sitting down for 10 minutes with a cup of tea, watching the birds in your garden, going for a walk on a blustery day, or snuggling up with your knitting on the sofa. Whatever it is that gives you joy, do more of it! Even in our very busy lives, make time for the things that make you happy.

Need a sweet, but healthy pick me up? Take a look at our scrummy range of raw, vegan chocolate.