MASTERING MEDITATION

MASTERING MEDITATION: HOW TO DEVELOP YOUR EMOTIONAL AWARENESS AND CULTIVATE MENTAL CLARITY

Between trying to balance a busy home life with the never-ending demands of the world of work, it can be hard to find time in the day to take care of your own mental health and well-being. 

That’s why, in this week’s blog, we go over our top tips for embracing self-awareness through regular meditation and developing better emotional wellness by taking time to practice mindfulness every day.

We also give you a go over a quick and simple, five-minute meditation session that is perfect for stress relief where you’re short on time.

What is meditation? 

Meditation is the habitual practice of training your mind to build better focus, redirect your thoughts and improve your own emotional awareness. This ancient wellness practise focuses on training awareness, attention, and compassion while trying to achieve a state of mental clarity and emotional calmness.

What most people don’t know is that there are actually many different styles of meditation, and each practice requires a different skillset and mindset. The two major styles of mediations include:

  1. Focused-attention meditation: 

This style of meditation aims to focus your attention on a single thought, object or visualization in order to clear your mind of any disturbances or distractions. This could involve repeating a particular mantra or focusing on a specific breathing pattern. 

  1. Open-monitoring meditation:

This type of meditation is all about broadening your awareness as a whole while taking in every aspect of your environment. The idea is to become more aware of the thoughts, feelings and sensations around you which you may usually try to suppress or skip over in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The benefits of meditation

Meditation is something everyone can do to improve their mental and emotional health, and the practice has been successfully used for many years to help people increase awareness of both their inner selves and their surroundings. 

Individuals who are able to effectively enter a meditative stage are able to use this practice to develop a more outlook on life, elevate their mood and improve their self-discipline – but research shows that the benefits of meditation extend past just basic self-awareness and a better sense of clarity.

Here are just a few of the ways in which developing a daily meditation routine will benefit you:

  1. It will reduce your stress and anxiety 
  2. It will calm your nervous system (since meditation has been proven to be a very effective way to bring your brain waves into a deeply calm and relaxed state)
  3. It will promote better emotional health and self-awareness 
  4. It will improve your attention span and concentration
  5. It will help reduce any memory loss 
  6. According to some research, it will help you manage symptoms of all kinds of conditions such as asthma, chronic pain, depression, high blood pressure, sleep problems and tension headaches.

MASTERING MEDITATION

Meditation basics 

How to manage your breathing 

Most people think that there must be a certain technique to breathing right when it comes to meditation but, in actual fact,  most meditation experts recommend that you allow your body to breathe naturally. After all, the whole point of mindfulness and meditation is to cultivate awareness and find a sense of peace.

That being said, there are a few tips and tricks that will help you hone your focus and really immerse yourself in that meditative stage. Experts recommend that you take several deep breaths before you start, as well as to focus on breathing in through your nose and breathing out through your mouth until you find a comfortable rhythm.

Keeping a clear head 

It’s completely normal to feel your mind wondering when you first start your meditation journey. The important thing to remember is that it will always take a bit of time to get comfortable with being alone with your thoughts when you first get started, and there’s no rush to achieve a certain level of clarity and stillness immediately. 

The reality is that meditation is not about stopping your thoughts completely. Instead, it’s about learning how to observe your thinking while managing feelings of restlessness and anxiety in order to find some stillness in the moment. 

Remember, there might be some setbacks along the way, but it’s important to recognize that this is just a part of your meditation journey. 

A quick 5-minute meditation routine for stress relief  

Gaining a new perspective when it comes to stressful situations can be as simple as dedicating just five minutes a day to sitting down and taking some time to improve your mindfulness through meditation.

The great thing about meditation is that it really can be done anywhere, and it doesn’t require any specialized equipment or space. 

How to get started:

  1. Find a place on the floor or at your desk chair to sit upright in a relaxed, comfortable position. 
  2. Take time to notice how you’re feeling and acknowledge any emotions or sensations that you may be experiencing at the time.
  3. Actively relax your body and feel the weight of it sink into the floor or your chair. 
  4. Take a second to notice your own breathing pattern and slowly breathe deeply in and out through your nose and mouth until you are comfortable.
  5. Now, take five minutes to sit in stillness and reflect. Remember to be kind to your wandering mind as you take on this new practice. 

While five minutes can feel like a short amount of time, taking a moment to separate yourself from the constant busyness and distraction of the world we live in today can dramatically improve your ability to cope with stress, increase your focus and improve your productivity — as well as enable you to be more fully present during the rest of your activities throughout the day.

Some other handy tips: 

If your work or home environment has too many distractions to allow for a peaceful, quiet surrounding, consider participating in a group meditation class over the weekend. This can improve your chance of successfully mastering meditation as you’ll have the guidance of a seasoned instructor to assist you during your learning journey, as well as the additional support of an entirely new community.

Alternatively, consider setting your alarm a few minutes early to take advantage of some quiet time in the morning. This may help you develop a more consistent habit and allow you to set the tone for the day so that you can tackle every task further with a more positive attitude.

Holistic, healthy living with WellBe

This November, we’re zoning-in on the theme of focus, mental wellness and mindfulness. 

Here at WellBe, we want to give you the right tools to strengthen your mind and your body and to start building a healthy balanced lifestyle for yourself.

That’s why we’ve developed our two new 12-week nutrition and training guides to help you live every day with a clear intention to get closer to achieving your goals and living a life that is centred around healing, health and happiness. 

Our easy-to-implement, lifestyle-focused nutrition, training and health solutions are fun, simple and the perfect way to improve your mental focus and renew your motivation for the week ahead with a variety of healthy, balanced meal plans and killer workout routines.

 

Want to know more? Check out our Instagram page or contact one of our friendly WellBe team members for more information today.

October 27, 2020 Eat Well Comments Off on MASTERING MEDITATION: HOW TO DEVELOP YOUR EMOTIONAL AWARENESS AND CULTIVATE MENTAL CLARITY
IMPROVE YOUR BRAIN

5 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR BRAIN FITNESS AND BOOST MOTIVATION

Let’s face it, it’s been almost 8 months of COVID-19 restrictions and we’re all feeling a little burnt-out by now. Although the country has moved down to lockdown level one, the threat of COVID-19 is still very real and most of us are still working, studying and going about most of our daily activities from home while we try to adhere to social-distancing guidelines.

It’s easy to feel your energy levels drop when you’re stuck in the same routine every day, and it’s fair to say that the ongoing anxiety surrounding COVID-19 has taken its toll on our mental health, energy levels and all-around motivation. 

That’s why in this week’s blog we go over our top 5 tips for renewing your mental energy, boosting your motivation and bringing more balance into your life every day.

How to regain focus and re-ignite your energy 

Getting motivated

1. Get some more sunlight

It’s easy to slip into the lockdown slump when you’re eating, sleeping, working, and relaxing inside the house every day. During lockdown a lot of people have slipped into ‘hibernation mode’, and aside from the rare bit of exercise or the occasional walk in the park, it’s safe to say that we’ve all become house hermits during these last few months.

Getting out of the house and enjoying the beauty of a bright sunny day is not only a great way to boost your mood, but it’s also an important part of helping your body to produce its much-needed vitamin D – an extremely essential vitamin that has powerful effects on several systems throughout your body.

Vitamin D is a vital part of maintaining a  strong  immune system, keeping feelings of fatigue at bay and helping you maintain higher energy levels and better focus throughout the day. 

2. Practice mindfulness 

When it comes to renewing your motivation and getting ready to face the week ahead, there’s no better mood-booster than putting mindful habits into practice. 

Whether it’s setting aside some time to sit quietly and enjoy the stillness of the morning or coming home for a long day of work to some yoga or journaling, any part of the day that you can dedicate to self-reflection and stillness is an essential part of maintaining a more balanced life. Meditation, journaling and other mindful-based techniques have been shown to significantly lower stress and restore emotional balance. 

Remember, the key to forming healthy, mindful habits is to give yourself the freedom to pick and choose which methods work best for you. Some days completing an entire yoga routine and mediation session might just seem like too big of a feat. On days like that, it’s okay to come home from a long day of work and simply do 10 minutes of calming breathing exercises to re-centre your focus and renew your energy. 

The bottom line is that mindfulness is a moment-by-moment awareness of your thoughts, your feelings and the current sensations surrounding you. The idea is to allow these thoughts and feelings to come and go, without judgement or feeling the need to do anything with them.

3. Fuel your body with healthy foods 

Maintaining focus and concentration throughout your day is imperative to improving your productivity, but most of us tend to forget that food is a major contributor to how we feel throughout the day. If you don’t fuel your brain with the proper nutrients, the chances are that you’ll start to feel a range of symptoms that reflect this deficiency – such as  memory problems, fatigue and concentration problems.

From starting the day with a healthy, filling breakfast to pre-prepping hearty meals for the day ahead, eating well can set the tone for your week. Eating well has been shown to improve short-term memory and attention, as well as improve all-around brain function and focus. Studies even show that students who eat brains-fueling foods such as high-fiber whole grains, vegetables and fruits tend to perform better than those who don’t. 

4. Increase motivation by giving yourself a break 

It’s been a long year and, sometimes, the only way to rally a bit more motivation for the tasks ahead is to step back and take your foot off the pedal for a while.

Studies show that taking regular breaks from both work responsibilities and personal responsibilities can actually boost your motivation, increase your energy levels and improve your focus in the long run.

At first, you may feel a slight sense of anxiety as you struggle to keep your mind off every task that still needs to be completed, but it’s important to force yourself to detach from work and focus on relaxing in that moment. 

During the week, this could be as easy as stepping away from your work for 15 minutes and refreshing yourself with a cool drink or nutritious snack, or taking a quick walk outside to get some sunlight. Even just giving yourself a few minutes to detach and listen to some music can drastically improve your motivation and your mood. 

When you return to work, you’ll be surprised at how much more focused, motivated, or even creative you feel. 

5. Talk to family and friend about your lockdown slump 

If you’re feeling stuck in a rut, unfocused and uninspired, the chances are that you’re not the only one in your inner circle of close family and friends who is feeling this way. 

Symptoms of fatigue, frustration, energy loss and lack of motivation during this time are common, and sometimes it helps to share those feelings with another person who might be experiencing something similar.

Getting support can be as simple as having a weekly zoom call with a close friend or family member to check in and discuss your highs and lows of the week. 

Remember, it’s important to find a method of communication that feels right for you. This might be a face-to-face conversation over zoom or, or you might find it easier to talk on the phone or write down how you feel in a letter. 

Getting motivated with WellBe 

Here at WellBe we want to give you the right tools to strengthen your mind and your body. That’s why we’ve developed our two new 12 week nutrition and training guides to help you live every day with a clear intention to get closer to achieving your goals and living a more happy, motivated life.

Our easy-to-implement, lifestyle-focussed nutrition, training and health solutions are fun, simple and the perfect way to improve your focus and renew your motivation for the week ahead with a variety of healthy, balanced meal plans and killer workout routines.Want to know more? Check out our Instagram page or contact one of our friendly WellBe team members for more information today.

October 13, 2020 Eat Well Comments Off on 5 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR BRAIN FITNESS AND BOOST MOTIVATION
BLUEBERRY OATS

BLUEBERRY OAT BAKE

DIFFICULTY: EASY – INTERMEDIATE

TIME: 10 MIN PREP + 50 MIN COOK
SERVES: 8

INGREDIENTS

2 Tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 Tbsp warm water
2 cups whole rolled oats
½ cup slivered almonds
⅔ cup coconut flakes
1/4 cup brown/coconut sugar
1 tsp baking powder & cinnamon
¾ tsp sea salt
¾ cup almond milk
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
3 Tbsp melted coconut oil or butter (if not vegan)
1 banana, chopped
1 cup strawberries, sliced
½ cup blueberries

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 180°C and spray an 8×8-inch (or similar) baking dish with cooking spray. In a small bowl, combine flaxseed and warm water and set aside to thicken (about 5 mins). Reserve 2 Tbsp of almonds and coconut flakes and set aside. In a large bowl combine the oats, the remaining almonds, hemp seeds and coconut flakes, and the baking powder, cinnamon, sugar and salt In a medium bowl, combine the almond milk, maple syrup and coconut oil and whisk to combine. Stir in the flaxseed mixture and blend until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir to combine. Layer the bananas and strawberries in the baking dish and spread the oat mixture on top. Sprinkle with the blueberries and the reserved almonds, hemp seeds and coconut flakes. Bake for 40-50 mins or until the top is crisp and the middle is set. I find it easiest to wedge a knife in and make sure the middle has thickened nicely. Remove and let cool for 15 mins before serving.

DOWNLOAD YOUR BLUEBERRY OAT BAKE RECIPE HERE

 

October 12, 2020 Eat Well Comments Off on BLUEBERRY OAT BAKE
SIMPLE STRAWBERRY SORBET

SIMPLE STRAWBERRY SORBET

DIFFICULTY: EASY

TIME: 3 MINUTES
SERVES: 4

You don’t need an ice cream maker to make this simple and fresh sorbet! With only 3 natural ingredients, this is the perfect summer sorbet!

INGREDIENTS

2 1/2 cups frozen strawberries
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
3/4 cup cold water

METHOD

Add the frozen strawberries and honey / maple syrup to a food processor or blender. Then add about half of the water to start with and blitz until smooth. If needed add a little more water at a time until you get the right consistency. Either serve the sorbet straight away or transfer it to a container and freeze. When left in the freezer for a couple of hours the sorbet will freeze solid so leave it to defrost for about 15-20 min before trying to scoop it!

DOWNLOAD YOUR SIMPLE STRAWBERRY SORBET RECIPE HERE

October 12, 2020 Dessert, Recipes Comments Off on SIMPLE STRAWBERRY SORBET
CHICKEN & BULGUR WHEAT SALAD WITH PEACHES

CHICKEN & BULGUR WHEAT SALAD WITH PEACHES

DIFFICULTY: EASY

TIME: 20 MINUTES
SERVES: 4

A quick-cooking whole grain, bulgur wheat is perfect for the time-crunched weeknight cooking. You can substitute quinoa or whole-wheat couscous if you can’t find any bulgar wheat.

INGREDIENTS

1 1/3 cups water
2/3 cup bulgur wheat
500 grams chicken breast cutlets
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper 4 cups packed rocket
2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
2 cups sliced fresh peaches
3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp rice vinegar

METHOD

Bring 1 1/3 cups water and bulgur wheat to a boil in a small saucepan over high. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer 10 mins. Drain and rinse under cold water. Drain well; let dry on paper towels. Meanwhile, heat a grill pan coated with cooking spray over high. Sprinkle chicken with 1/2 tsp salt and pepper. Grill chicken, turning occasionally, until done, 6 to 7 mins. Remove to a cutting board. Let stand 3 mins. Slice against the grain into strips. Place bulgur, rocket, tomatoes, and peaches in a large bowl. Add remaining 1/2 tsp salt, oil, and vinegar; toss to coat. Divide mixture among 4 plates; top evenly with chicken.

 

DOWNLOAD YOUR CHICKEN & BULGUR WHEAT SALAD WITH PEACHES RECIPE HERE

October 12, 2020 Lunch, Recipes Comments Off on CHICKEN & BULGUR WHEAT SALAD WITH PEACHES
Fitness

THE POWER OF MOVEMENT: INCORPORATING EXERCISE INTO YOUR LIFESTYLE

We all know that incorporating exercise into our lifestyle is beneficial; but this does not change the fact that many of us do not feel motivated to be active. Exercise starts off as a discipline, that eventually turns into a habit. Initially it can be challenging to stick to your routine, but the more you commit, the easier it becomes. In this article we explore the benefits of living an active life and we explore the different kinds of exercise to help you find the type of exercise that will best serve you. 

Benefits of Living an Active Life 

Exercise has both physical and mental benefits. Not only does it build muscle, maintain weight, or encourage weight loss, but it also affects our brain positively: 

Brain Benefits 

  1. Reduces stress
  2. Improves memory 
  3. Reduces depression (increases serotonin) 
  4. Lowers anxiety 

Physical Benefits 

  1. Lowers risk of chronic diseases (heart disease, diabetes)
  2. Lowers blood cholesterol and blood pressure
  3. Develops stronger bones and muscles 
  4. Assists with weight loss 

Read more: TIRED OF FEELING LOW? 4 LIFE CHANGING HABITS TO BEAT THAT AFTERNOON FATIGUE

Exercise has numerous benefits for our overall health, and one way to maintain your exercise regime is to find a type of exercise that you enjoy. Trying to commit to something you hate is a lot more challenging and increases your chance of giving up. 

Get Fit

Types of Exercise: Finding your Niche 

Exercise should be a lifestyle, not an event. It is therefore important for you to find an activity that you enjoy – this way, exercise becomes something you look forward to, rather than something that you do because of a specific outcome e.g. weight loss. 

There are many types of exercise, and depending on your interests, availability, and access, you may opt for different forms: 

 

  • HIIT Training

HIIT training stands for High Intensity Interval Training. It alternates between short intense anaerobic exercise with less intense recovery periods. For example, TABATA, which is 20 seconds on, 10 seconds rest interval. It is great for individuals who only have 30 minutes to squeeze in a training session. It is a form of cardio training and is effective in burning fat and calories. 

  • Cardiovascular Training 

Cardiovascular training is any type of exercise that leads to a sustained rise in heart rate throughout the exercise duration. For example: swimming, running, and cycling. This type of exercise is generally sustained for a longer period of time than a HIIT workout. 

Here’s a great read: 8 PRACTICAL TIPS FOR WORKING OUT AT HOME – GETTING MOTIVATED AND GETTING MOVING

  • Yoga 

Yoga is a form of neuromotor training – it involves balance, agility, and coordination. It is important to improve posture, decrease risk of injury and reduce stress and inflammation. Yoga is a great way to build muscle and it is less intense on the body than activities such as running and HIIT. 

  • Gym classes 

A lot of individuals benefit from exercising with others. When it is a social event, they are more likely to commit and enjoy themselves. Gyms offer numerous classes such as spinning and Zumba which allow for an interactive exercise routine. 

  • Pilates 

Pilates is a low-impact activity that focuses on flexibility, muscular strength, endurance movements and core strength. It emphasizes proper postural alignment, core strength and muscle balance.

  • Team Sports

Many people enjoy exercise when it is in the form of team sports. Joining a hockey team or soccer club creates a community and your commitment to the sport increases. The enjoyment of the game is the primary focus and the health benefits are secondary. It becomes a social activity and often not seen as a challenge like going for a run alone. 

As you can see, there are numerous ways to reap the rewards of exercise and any form of movement is better than none. Remember, exercise should be a part of your lifestyle, not an event. It is therefore important for you to find an activity that you enjoy – this way, exercise becomes something you look forward to, rather than something that you do because of a specific outcome e.g. weight loss. 

October 6, 2020 Think Well Comments Off on THE POWER OF MOVEMENT: INCORPORATING EXERCISE INTO YOUR LIFESTYLE
Fitness

8 PRACTICAL TIPS FOR WORKING OUT AT HOME – GETTING MOTIVATED AND GETTING MOVING

2020 has served us up with a fair share of challenges. Who would’ve thought that we were going to have a global pandemic and be locked up inside for months on end – not me haha! As much as it’s been a trying time, we might’ve actually been able to come out of it with some lessons learned and a new perspective. 

One thing quarantine has done is it’s completely changed up our workout routines. No longer have we been able to visit our local gym and use all the equipment which we were used to using. Now we have been faced with the task to use our bodies and at home ‘equipment’ as a means to exercise. Which to many is not something they are used to doing. But maybe this challenge actually taught us how little we actually need?

I myself was used to using the cardio machines and weights during my workouts as well but I had to adapt during this time along with everyone else. This doesn’t mean I became limited it just means I became creative and had a plan in mind.

So what are my key tips for exercising effectively at home you ask?

Consistency is key

Oh yes, we’ve heard this one a million times but my goodness it’s true. If you want to continue to see results even when you are training from home you need to be consistent. Just like you would go to the gym for certain days of the week, you need to do the same at home and stick to it!

Live better

Create a new at-home routine

Just like you would usually follow a routine (eg. wake up, pack your food, go to gym, go to work etc) you need to continue to follow one at home. The moment you don’t set a time slot for your workout, the harder it becomes. Because we all know that excuse “Oh I’ll do It later” and then later comes and Netflix and chill sounds way better. Ya feel? 😉

There are endless amounts of exercises

 You may think you’d be way more limited but in all honesty, there are so many bodyweight exercises you can do (and hard ones at that) and there are so many items you can use in your house as ‘equipment’ for your workout (chair, filled water bottles, towels, backpacks, a bag of potatoes etc – you name it).

Have a workout space
Creating a space where you workout every day helps a lot. This can be seen as your place to get serious and your ‘me time’. The space doesn’t need to be big at all. Usually, the size of a yoga mat works perfectly fine. Try steer away from working out in a space that will distract you such as close to the TV or the fridge. 😉

Put on your workout clothes
Just like you would change to get ready for the gym, you must do the same at home. This tells your brain that it’s time to workout! Also, don’t give yourself enough time to think about it or convince yourself otherwise, change and get moving ASAP!

Music makes you move
I’m telling you if I put on some of my favourite upbeat music I already feel keener to get moving. Do the same at home to keep it interesting. Also, change up your playlist every now and again to keep it fun!

Have a plan
As we all know, when we don’t have a plan we tend to feel more overwhelmed and demotivated. Knowing what workout you are going to do every day definitely helps you with exercising at home. Our WellBe 12-Week Body Reboot Training Guide is perfect for this!

Eat well
If you fall off track with your eating you will naturally fall off track with your exercise routine too. Make sure you are eating healthy wholesome meals that leave you feeling full and satisfied. There are tons of incredible recipes in our WellBe 12-Week Body Reboot Nutrition Guide that will leave you feeling good and full of energy every day.

As much as going to the actual gym has its upsides, it’s not the be-all and end-all. I truly believe we already have what we need in order to get a great workout in – our bodies. I have come out of this understanding my body more than before and I have really realized that we really don’t need all the fancy extras.

To end off, here’s an at-home full-body workout that requires zero equipment:


  •  30 x squat to oblique twist
    • 10 x 4 mountain climbers to push up
    • 30 x side lunges (per side)
    • 15 x burpees
    • 20 x star jack-knives
    • 30 x jumping jacks


3/4 ROUNDS

Let’s keep in touch:
Instagram and Facebook: @thelivelyfitnessgirl

Website: www.livelyfitness.co.za

Email: jessica@livelyfitness.co.za

September 22, 2020 Women's Health Comments Off on 8 PRACTICAL TIPS FOR WORKING OUT AT HOME – GETTING MOTIVATED AND GETTING MOVING
Boost Your Mood

TIRED OF FEELING LOW? 4 LIFE CHANGING HABITS TO BEAT THAT AFTERNOON FATIGUE

It’s normal to start feeling your energy levels drop throughout the day. Most tend to feel sluggish, fatigued and slow by early afternoon. The good news is that there are some small but really effective practices that you can put in place every day to renew your energy. 

That’s why, in this week’s blog, we give you our top helpful, healthy habits that will 

reignite your energy levels and re-energize your mind and body so that you can be your most productive self every day.

Energy-boosting habits 

A lack of energy could significantly affect your ability to perform basic daily activities, as well as noticeably affect your productivity at work. That’s why it’s really important to identify the source that’s draining your energy and develop small changes in your everyday habits to fix this. So, here are our top pick-me-up tips that are proven to work:

1. Pay attention to how you fuel your body

Eating clean isn’t just about looking good. Remember, the food we put into our body acts as our primary energy source for the day. The fact is that not all foods will fuel your body equally. The type of food you eat in particular plays an essential role in determining your energy levels during the day. The right food contains nutrients that could help increase your energy levels and better maintain alertness and focus throughout the day.

After all, nutrition is the key to a healthy mind and a healthy body. So, it’s only natural that heart whole-foods will equip you with a long-lasting energy source, while refined, junk-foodie meals will leave you feeling unfulfilled and sluggish.

For example, a simple banana could be considered a superfood when it comes to boosting your energy and alertness. It’s an excellent source of complex carbs, potassium, and vitamin B6 – all of which can help boost your energy levels. These essential minerals and vitamins are all needed to keep your energy and your immunity strong. 

2. Sleep. Sleep. Sleep

The reality is that we just can’t function at our full capacity without having an optimal number of hours of sleep every night (most experts say that’s around 7 to 9 hours a night). That’s because sleep is the key ingredient when it comes to keeping us healthy and functioning well. Sleep lets your body and brain repair, restore, and re-energize itself every night, so that you wake up refreshed and ready to tackle a new day in the morning.

Mounting evidence even suggests exhaustion and sleep deprivation can severely impede your productivity, with one study of 4,188 workers citing that those who didn’t get enough sleep every night had “significantly worse productivity, performance, and safety outcomes”at work.

Not only that, but individuals who fail to get enough sleep every night are also more prone to depression, weight gain, lower immunity and impaired thinking. So, maybe it’s a good idea to skip that last episode of Nailed It tonight and turn the lights out early. 

3. Drink more water

If you’re dehydrated, the chances are you’ll have far less energy than those around you. Simple things such as staying awake at your office desk or making good on your promise to go to the gym after work might seem impossible, and strenuous exercise will seem like a mountain of a challenge.

Many studies have shown that dehydration lowers energy levels, impedes athletic performance and causes individuals to feel sluggish and off their game throughout the day. 

That’s why drinking water is the ultimate health hack. Upticking your water intake will not only renew your energy levels, but it will also improve your memory and mood, increase your weight loss and give your skin a healthier glow.

Boost Your Mood

4. Boost your mood

We know that sometimes your day can feel like it’s super-packed, not-stop busy. It might feel like you don’t have a single moment to spare to eat, sleep or breathe. That’s why it’s important to make the most of every hour in the day and develop habits that will help you to be as productive as possible. 

Taking an hour out of your day for self-care might seem counterintuitive at first. It’s difficult to allow yourself to step away from your work when there’s competing deadlines and clients emailing you 24/7. But it’s time to lose the guilt and make way for your own self-care every day.

By simply devoting an hour a day to any activity that will help will boost your mood, you’ll end up banking more productive hours in the long run. Studies show that self-care improves productivity and helps to break the cycle of feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and disinterested in your work.

Start by committing to waking up early in the morning to meditate or go for a run, or set aside an hour in the afternoon for any type of exercise, meditation, yoga. Even just a stroll outside will help change the way you tackle the day and renew your motivation for the tasks ahead of you. While it’s not always easy to implement new habits (some say it takes up to 21 days of repeating a habit for it to stick) it will be well worth it in the long run.

Staying energized with WellBe 

Here at WellBe&Co, we believe that better health starts with better habits. That’s why we’ve introduced our 12-week body reboot training guide to give you a step-by-step roadmap towards living a more happy, healthy and energy-filled life. This workout and training guide is the best way to boost your energy, get those endorphins flowing and help you stay more motivated everyday.

You won’t find any excessively restrictive, bogus claim, too good to be true fad here. Our mission is to debunk these many false health and fitness myths and help empower people to live at their best life, on their own terms.

When it comes to eating clean, we’ve got you covered too. Our nutrition and recipe guide will equip you with the most up-to-date nutrition, training and supplement advice tailored to your individual needs, goals and personal preferences. View your plan, track your progress and stay motivated by using our downloadable WellBe Health App.

Pssst: Did you know that, if you buy both guides together in the month of September only, you’ll save R150. You’ll also save an additional R100 when purchasing both plans together if you use the promo code WELLBE100. Isn’t that great?

So, what are you waiting for? Become a proud member of the WellBe family today to start making lasting changes, one habit at a time.

 

September 15, 2020 Think Well Comments Off on TIRED OF FEELING LOW? 4 LIFE CHANGING HABITS TO BEAT THAT AFTERNOON FATIGUE
FRESH ORANGE ZEST MUFFINS

FRESH ORANGE ZEST MUFFINS

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 35 minutes

Serves: 12

These fresh muffins are perfect for a picnic or on-the-go snack. The high-fibre content of the apple sauce and immune-boosting properties of oranges result in a healthy and wholesome treat!

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup coconut sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup applesauce
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup almond milk
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract

Method

  • Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Mix all the dry ingredients in one bowl. Mix all the dry ingredients in one bowl. Mix all the wet ingredients together.
  • Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
  • Carefully spoon batter into muffin cups using two tablespoons.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Let the muffins cool before removing them from the pans.
  • Transfer muffins into a freezer bag and keep in the freezer up to two months.

DOWNLOAD YOUR FRESH ORANGE ZEST MUFFINS RECIPE HERE

September 3, 2020 Eat Well Comments Off on FRESH ORANGE ZEST MUFFINS
Creamy One-Pot Pea Pasta with Mint

CREAMY ONE-POT PEA PASTA WITH MINT

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 20-30 minutes

Serves: 6-8

This simple pasta is fresh and serves as the perfect dish for a Spring lunch! Peas contain high concentrations of dietary fiber, protein, vitamins A, C, E and K. They are great for digestion and are rich in phytonutrients!

Ingredients

  • 500 grams large shell pasta (or pasta of choice. Bowtie pasta also works well!)
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 500 grams package frozen baby peas (do not thaw)
  • 2 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus additional for serving
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

Method

Cook your pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water with some olive oil to prevent sticking, cook until just tender but still firm to bite. Do not overcook. Drain the cooked pasta and keep 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Return the pasta to the pot.

In the meantime, bring your cream to a simmer in a large pan over a medium-high heat. Add peas and simmer just until heated through, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add 2 cups of Parmesan cheese (keeping the rest for serving) and stir until melted and the sauce thickens slightly, this should take roughly 1 minute. Stir in the mint and half of your parsley. Pour sauce over pasta and toss to coat, adding pasta cooking liquid by tablespoonfuls if dry. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowls. Sprinkle with the remaining parsley.

 

Download Your Creamy One-Pot Pea Pasta with Mint Recipe Here

September 3, 2020 Lunch, Recipes Comments Off on CREAMY ONE-POT PEA PASTA WITH MINT