At the beginning of January, it’s likely that you’ll commit to a vigorous exercise regimen, vow to eat cleaner, spend a little extra time prioritising yourself or try to be more financially responsible. It’s common for us to look back on our successes and mishaps in 2020 and think about how we can achieve better health, fulfilment, success, and happiness in the year ahead.
While the last twenty years were largely defined by technology, this new decade may be characterised by something else entirely. For too long, our focus has been on consumption and convenience. As we went after the latest products, we also spent more and more time scrolling through social media and shopping online. As a result, we’re more exhausted and isolated than ever before. We’re also realising that our habits aren’t the healthiest and it may be time for a change, yes I know, it’s hard to commit sometimes, that’s why I share with you today some things you can do this new year!
Getting you to sleep
We all know sleeping is important to our health, unfortunately, today we are more stressed than before, stress also interrupts our sleep as thoughts keep whirling through our heads, stopping us from relaxing enough to fall asleep. A night of good sleep helps you maintain a healthy weight, boosts mood and immunity, promotes mental clarity, and enables the body to repair itself.
Try establishing regular bedtimes, for example, 10pm - as the hours before midnight count as double. Also, turning off your phone an hour or two before sleep or even downloading sleep apps to help you forget the things that worry you.
Plant-based Food
As you all know, Serotonin was born out of my own personal journey of healing my mental health and my body. Prior to going plant-based I was dealing with low iron levels, constant bouts of the flu (the year prior to going vegan I had antibiotics 7 times!) poor immune functions, Anxiety, Depression, Parasites which impacted my life so much. I was constantly tired, sick, and had no energy. It was going plant-based which opened up my consciousness and gave my body and brain the energy to find the flow state and create Serotonin. You can't imagine how beautiful nature is when it comes to healing you! If you are not fully plant-based, do not worry, simply try to double the amount of vegetables and fruits to your diet, and Serotonin Eatery is here to help you! Check my new menu to see all my guilt-free and plant-based dishes, you will love it!
Sustainability in everything
There’s no doubt that climate change is a rising concern for industries, brands, and individuals. In recent years, we’ve seen consumers gain more awareness around their buying (and eating!) habits and the impact they have on our planet. I always try to use brands that are environmentally conscious and I always want to know where my products come from and how they’re sourced. One of my favourite brands are @kappi @coconutbowls @toothbrushcompany etc...
Meditation and exercise
Thousands of years later, it’s safe to say meditation isn’t a passing fad. While viewed in the previous decades as “woo woo” or something just for specific religions, this spiritual practice has gone mainstream. Studies have shown meditation can improve emotional state, focus, and overall well-being. I try to meditate every morning and I always do my gratitude journal at night, that's another way to meditate and be present! If you are just starting, try any kind of guided meditation, It lets you focus your mind instead of paying attention to all of the thoughts in your head.
One of my best ways to increase my Serotonin levels up is doing any kind of exercise, I like to practice yoga or just ride my bicycle, I feel really good afterward! If you want to include exercise in your daily routine try to incorporate some physical activity either before or after work, or at lunchtime, go for a walk, practice some yoga or even start using the stairs instead of the elevator. Regular physical activity will also improve the quality of your sleep.
There you have it. Some of my tips to be happier and smash your new year.
Prioritize the three S’s – self-care, sleep, and sustainability – this is your year.
Make sure you enjoy your life HAPPIES- It’s the only one you get.
