Simplify for better health and wellbeing...
Here we are now in 2023! I hope that the year has begun smoothly for you and that you have been able to enjoy some restorative rest and quality time with your loved ones.
If I was to choose a 'word of the year' this year, it would be 'simplify'. So in the spirit of that, over the next few weeks I'm going to share just one simple habit that you could implement regularly which can make a difference to how you're feeling and your overall health.
So often we tend to complicate things, trying to make too many changes or following complex dietary plans when often what we actually need to ti just keep it simple and focus on building foundational habits first.
This week's suggested 'keeping it simple' supportive habit is hydration- starting the day with 1-2 glasses of warm/room temperature water.
Many of us don't drink enough water and are spending our days somewhat dehydrated. This leaves you less resilient to stress, more prone to feeling anxious, overwhelmed and irritable, unable to think clearly, with flagging energy levels.
Not drinking enough water can lead to constipation, dry skin and headaches and also means that your kidneys aren't able to filter and remove wastes via urine as efficiently.
Simple way to immediately set you up for better hydration each day- start your day with 1-2 glasses of room temperature or warm water. You could also add in a squeeze of lemon or lime juice or a slice of lemon with the peel on (less concern re your teeth enamel with a slice of lemon than the squeeze of lemon juice).
Creating this simple habit means that you are already ahead with your daily hydration AND has the added bonus of stimulating peristalsis (movement of the gut) to encourage your bowels and flushing out toxins that have been metabolised and gathered overnight to be eliminated via your bladder and bowels.
Want to build on this? If you find yourself getting bored with drinking water, for a refreshing option on hot days, keep a jug of ideally filtered water, with cut up slices of lemon and lime in the fridge. We like to also add fresh mint leaves from the garden and sometimes some cut up strawberries or cucumber slices. This combination makes water taste more appealing is extra refreshing.
Making up iced teas ahead of time is a great summer option. My Blossom Infusions Summer Iced tea blend is perfect for this- it's a vibrantly coloured (from hibiscus flowers), naturally sweet (from whole stevia leaf) blend to cool and refresh and also soothe your nerves on a hot day! Find it in my online tea shop here: https://blossomwellbeing.com.au/tea-shop/
Other blends in my tea range which also make good iced tea options are Revitalise (I sweeten it slightly whilst warm and then cool in the fridge. Once it's chilled, I add slices of lemon and mint leaves from the garden.) Balance is a green tea based blend with subtle floral notes of jasmine and rose which can also be brewed, sweetened if you like and then cooled to drink as an iced tea.
My spiced chai blend also makes great iced tea, brew, sweeten as desired (honey brings out the flavour of the spices), cool and then either drink black or add milk of choice. I like some coconut ice cream in mine for some extra decadence!
Find these blends and the full tea range here: https://blossomwellbeing.com.au/tea-shop/
