Let’s admit something to each other: the unknown can instil fear and anxiety in most of us, especially as we struggle to understand the events that take place around us over which we have little or at least limited control. One of my favourite quotes by Margaret Drabble “When nothing is sure everything is possible”. I bring it in just as a reminder that it’s highly unlikely that any of us are suddenly going to develop the superpower of being able to control global outcomes anytime soon, so the next best thing could be to work on equipping ourselves to be better able to not just roll with the punches but to actually thrive and grasp the endless possibilities that will surely come our way if we have the inner strength to raise our heads above the parapet to see them.

We all know how easy it is to forget about looking after ourselves when we are busy working, achieving and managing our lives, especially when we feel the effects of stress and fatigue, but equally we can all relate to the positive benefits of taking a little time to look after ourselves. Being kind to yourself about more than just eating and sleeping, it’s about acknowledging that you need to put your wellbeing at the centre of your world. Unless you’re operating well, you’re not going to be able to truly maximise all of the amazing potential that stands before you! So here are 9 Wow Beauty ‘tried and tested’ tips to help you along…

Listen to You

Trust your intuition, that inner guide that is always there to point you in the right direction for you. We know this, and yet sometimes we allow ourselves to be persuaded away from it.

Practice Self Compassion

Setbacks make us human be kind to yourself and accept that we cannot be perfect and actually perfection is not the goal. Self-compassion drives confidence, it increases our motivation as it cushions us and enables us to move forward after setbacks. It also encourages us to practise more Positive self-talk, which many of us need: instead of beating ourselves up over what we haven’t done, applaud yourself for what you have accomplished.

Make time for Mindfulness

A few minutes a day might be all that you can manage, but it’s also all that you might need. A mindful moment allows you to connect with yourself away from all of the elements that are competing for your time & attention, and at the very least you’ll feel calmer and clearer. If you are new to mindfulness, there are several apps that you can use to help you on your way.

Take regular ‘breathe breaks’ 

It’s amazing how often we forget to just Breathe…I often find myself unconsciously holding my breath and this reduces the oxygen to the brain and leads to the build up of stress hormones….it’s easy just breathe.

Listen to your body

A) Keep hydrated throughout the day… it helps brain function and can help alleviate brain fog, great for keeping your skin moisturised and supple, great for detoxing.

B) Reduce your intake of salt and sugar

C) Increase your intake of greens and antioxidant foods D) whatever your health, diet or fitness goals are, easing into them might make them more sustainable.

Get Walking 

In your efforts to get fitter why not start by promising yourself a daily walk? It’s one of the simplest forms of cardio and one of the most effective! 15 minutes a day does wonders… for the brain and the body.

Connect with your cheerleaders

You know those people in your life who support you, who believe in you and who make you laugh out loud! We get so busy that we often don’t make time to talk to friends, family etc… and it’s often these relationships that help us to remain balanced and authentic.

Trust your path

Trust that you are on the right path for you. The less energy that you waste trying to control the uncontrollable, the less anxiety about the future you are likely to experience and ergo the more energy you’ll have to pursue your goals.

Live for you

Don’t wait – I guess this one speaks for itself really. It’s great to plan things for the future, but it’s also very liberating to just start doing things sooner, like now tomorrow or next week after all as the saying goes “Time and tide wait for no man” (or woman).

Let’s all be kind to ourselves!

Denise x