19 ways to feel better TODAY

6 August 2014

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From feeling better at work to improving your productivity and overall wellbeing, check out our top tips to make you feel better, stat!

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Get a good night's sleep
The virtues of getting enough sleep cannot be extolled enough. Not only do you feel energised after a good sleep but it's also the time that the cells in the body do most of their repair work, ensuring you stay fit and healthy.
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Take care of your tum
Although it's not much of sexy topic to talk about, digestive health is key to your wellbeing. The digestive system is where vitamins, nutrients and minerals are absorbed into the body so making sure it's good working order is a priority as hormonal imbalances, stress and poor sleeping habits are all linked to poor digestive health. Therefore, make sure you're eating a diet rich in fibre and whole grains to keep things moving!
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Have a bath
The merits of taking a bath over a quick shower are many, not only does it mean you have to take the time out to relax whilst you sit in it, but studies show that indulging in a nice long bath before bed aids a more restful night's sleep.
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Cut down on the booze
We know, we know... You've heard this little ditty a thousand times and while you really do want to cut it out, after a stressful day a nice glass of wine seems like just the tonic! But with a bottle of wine carrying over 700 calories and a pint of beer totting up around 180, cutting the booze out the booze could see you lose wight whilst also getting a better night's sleep and your skin will look better. Plus, just think of the pennies you'll have saved at the end of the month, too.

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Get moving
According to the NHS guidelines, adults need to do two types of physical activity each week to keep the body in good working order: aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity. However, if you've got an innate fear of the gym, take your workout to the streets or your local park instead by going for regular runs or walks.
Write a list
Whilst this method doesn't work for everyone, we're big fans of writing everything single thing we have to do (call the plumber, go to the Post Office, hand in piece of work etc, etc) on a piece paper and then tackling them one by one and rather satisfyingly, scoring them out with a big permanent marker when they're sorted.
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Make time for friends
No, we don't mean make time to watch the TV show of the same name (although, why not do that as well?) but rather make sure you book in a date to see your pals as friends can be a great source of advice, support and above all, laughter.
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Eat chocolate
Chocolate cravings... Are... Almost... Impossible... To... Resist. But, you can make them easier on yourself. Chuck the milk chocolate out and opt for dark chocolate instead. It contains way less sugar, is richer, full of energising B-vitamins, skin-nourishing antioxidants and more. The rawer the cocoa, the better it is for you. See, chocolate is good for you - just what we've been saying since, err, forever!

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Sing
According to a study at the University Of Newcastle, singing is oh-so-good for you. Not only does it improve breathing and muscle tone, it's also thought to burn over 150 calories an hour. Plus, a study in Sweden found that singing in a choir has the same beneficial and calming effects as doing yoga! So, all together now...
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Sit out in the sun
Not only is a spot of sunshine a great excuse to get out and socialise – be it in a pub garden or the park, it’s also good for your health. Sunlight is proven to help prevent everything from depression to heart disease, and it helps up your vitamin D production – essential for bone and muscle strength as well as your immune system. So get out there and soak up some rays, just don’t forget the SPF.
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Reinvigorate your gym routine
If your gym membership hasn’t seen much action lately, or you're just tired of the same-old same-old, it’s not too late to get back into your stride. Just remember to mix up your routine to keep it fresh and exciting. By changing up your routine with each workout, you’ll also see better results as your body gets used to the same exercises and they become easier. So by changing them each time, you’ll trick your body into working harder , and burn more calories while you’re at it. If you’re not a fan of gym machines, try a new class or buddy up with someone who has similar goals, so you can egg each other on to achieve them.
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Give up the lunch-buying habit
A shop-bought sandwich a day (or soup, sushi, salad - whatever tickles your taste buds) adds up to one seriously hefty bill over a working lifetime. £18,000 to be precise, according to a recent survey. So why not put aside that £4.50 you’d normally spend each day for something special and try taking leftovers in instead. Even for a month that adds up to over 90 quid – enough for a weekend away.

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Give up the coffee habit
While many of us are addicted to our morning coffee or tea buzz to get us through, it does have adverse health effects like raised blood pressure and heart rate – so cutting it out will not only leave you with a clearer head but a healthier body, too. And if you’re a fan of takeaway coffees, it’ll save you plenty of pounds. Why not buy a pack of some tasty and cleansing herbal teas to try instead?
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Do something productive after work
According to a recent study in the Journal of Communication, those who flop out on the sofa and watch TV or play video games after a hard day's work end up feeling guilty, with the study showing some even felt like a failure. So why not head to the gym or finally take that dress to the dry cleaners that you've been putting off doing for weeks, instead. You'll feel better for it.
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Drink more water
We all know that water has innumerable health benefits, from reducing cellulite to clearing skin, and while it seems like a lot those eight glasses, or 2 litres, of water a day really will make you feel happier and healthier. Why not treat yourself to a stylish water bottle, like one from Sigg, so you’ve got no excuse? And if you’re bored of the taste why not get experimenting by supplementing your glass with anything from lemon to cucumber to mint?
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Take a break
The working day can be tough so make sure you give yourself regular breaks to rest your eyes from a computer screen and get some fresh air pumping around your body.

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Stay away from mood hoovers
Have a friend who only likes to meet up to moan? Or only does solo drinks to diss your other friends? Then you might want to consider giving them a backseat in your social schedule from now on. Positivity is contagious and you’ll feel better for sticking with mates who like to look on the bright side. No one likes a fun sponge.
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Don’t be a yes man all the time
Just say ‘no’! We promise it doesn’t make you a bad person. If you find yourself bemoaning taking too much on at work – stand up for yourself and say ‘no’ – your colleagues will respect you for it , and you’ll feel less stressed. Same goes for plans with friends, family and your partner – forget FOMO and just join in with the things you really want to do.
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Dress for yourself
Just because a pair of leather culottes or platform Birkenstocks look fabulous on the catwalks or on that model you follow on Instagram, doesn’t mean they’ll make you feel like a million dollars. In fact, dressing to your own beat will not only make you feel more comfortable, but will stop you blending in. Invest in pieces you love, not because they’re on trend. Or better yet just re-style your old favourites and save the pennies.