Are those resolutions to lose weight or stop smoking beginning to flag? Then follow these easy ways to re-energise your mind, give your body a boost and ultimately feel your best.
1. Boost your mood with food.
It’s well known that there is a direct link between the food we eat and how we’re feeling. Dairy products such as milk are a great source of tryptophan, an amino acid your brain needs to make the mood-boosting serotonin, and mackerel is full of omega-3 essential fatty acids, which boost serotonin levels.
2. Supplement your diet.
Most of us can get the nutrients we need from a balanced diet, but supplements can help when we’re tired, stressed or recovering from illness. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported a study that found that vitamin D supplementation during winter is linked to a lower incidence of flu
A great range of vitamins and minerals is available in store or shop online.
3. Have a laugh.
Studies have shown that having a chuckle reduces stress chemicals in the body and that it boosts your immune system. Research has found that laughing can prevent heart attacks.
4. Revamp your exercise routine.
Using dumbbells in the gym is good, but for a fun, energising routine, try Zumba, a mix of aerobics and Latin American dancing.
Visit www.zumba.com to find classes near you. Or, looking ahead to spring and summer, why not give wild swimming a go? Go to www.wildswimming.co.uk for details.
5. Get organised.
There’s nothing more satisfying than crossing tasks off your to-do list, and a study from the journal Health Psychology found there are other benefits to being organised – you can live up to four years longer than impulsive people.
So make a start by signing up to The Co-operative Pharmacy’s Complete Repeats service – your repeat prescription, your way. We can order, pick up and deliver* your prescriptions for FREE**.
6. Quit bad habits.
If you want to stop smoking, now is the time to do it by getting the free NHS ‘Quit Kit’, available by visiting Co-operative Pharmacy or going to our online store. It’s packed with advice – from the dangers of smoking to how quitting will boost your bank balance.
Plus we’ve plenty of products to help you, find out more about our full range of ‘stop smoking’ products.
7.Take time out.
It can be difficult to find time for yourself, but research shows that quiet contemplation has huge benefits for your wellbeing and helps in dealing with stress. Why not try a long soak in a warm bath? Make bathtime extra soothing with our pick of pampering buys from The Co-operative Pharmacy.
8. Listen to music.
Whether you prefer Take That or Tchaikovsky, listening to your favourite tunes is a proven spirit lifter. Recent research found that levels of the feel-good brain chemical dopamine increased 9% when participants listened to music they enjoyed.
9. Catch up on your sleep.
The quality of your sleep has a huge effect on your mood. But if you constantly feel tired there are things you can do to optimise your sleep, says Sammy Margo, author of The Good Sleep Guide. ‘Caffeine and alcohol can be detrimental to sleep, so reduce your intake,’ says Sammy. ‘Incorporate “snooze foods” into your evening meal. Turkey, Marmite, bananas, honey, almonds and lettuce are all brilliant at promoting a good night’s sleep.’
Find out more about The Co-operative Pharmacy’s range of sleep aids.
10. Be a happy, healthy weight.
Almost a quarter of British women are obese – the highest figure in Europe – and men come second, with 22.1% of British males classified as obese, according to a recent EU study.
Let The Co-operative Pharmacy help you reach and maintain a healthy weight – our pharmacists can advise on slimming aids, weight-loss and healthy eating.
Find out more about our free weight loss serviceThe Co-operative Pharmacy has a great range of slimming products including Celebrity Slim and Alli products.