New Habits to Make This Autumn

When it comes to making resolutions about fitness, healthier eating and better lifestyle choices, January always feels like an unnatural time to do it; after all when it’s cold and dark and the joys of Christmas are well and truly over, it can feel even harder than usual to dig deep and find the motivation needed to stick to new habits. Better then, to take a back-to-school mentality and endeavour to make some new habits in September, when things feel a little more positive and a little more possible. Here are some great goals to work towards this autumn, especially if you’ve let things slip over the summer….

Maintain your immune system

Over the last year we’ve all been more aware than ever of the benefits of a strong and healthy immune system. Regardless of COVID, autumn and winter are seasons when colds and flus are naturally more abound and we’re more susceptible. To ward off the bugs as best you can, maintain good hand hygiene by washing frequently and using at least 70% alcohol hand sanitiser when needed. If you’re not already, start taking a daily dose of vitamin C too which will bolster your defences. If you can, look for a liposomal option, which means the vitamin C is encapsulated for better absorption plus less potential irritation for your stomach. Finally, getting your gut health in order will set you in good stead for good overall health, as probiotics help strengthen the natural immune response. Workshop’s Probiotic + Prebiotic is a great daily option that also contains prebiotics to feed the probiotics.

Prioritise charging your batteries

Diving back into work and busy diaries after a summer off can feel great at first, but make sure you don’t overwhelm yourself and burn out too quickly. If we’ve learnt anything from the last two years, it’s that we all need time out to rest and recharge. If you struggle to make time for rest and relaxation, then schedule it in as you would any other diary appointment. Whether you use the time to go for a quiet walk (minus your phone), practise some yoga or just watch TV, you make it happen.

Move everyday

It might sound intuitive but making sure you move every day is an essential way to boost not just your physical health but your mental wellbeing too. Whether it’s a run, a HIIT class or simple stretching, moving improves coordination, stability and balance as well as contributing to stronger bones and muscle mass. It will also help improve the quality of your sleep, increase natural energy levels, improve libido and bring myriad cognitive benefits including helping you feel sharper and more switched on.

Wake up grateful

According to several mental health studies, gratitude is strongly associated with greater contentment so practising daily gratitude is a great habit to help foster long-term happiness. Better still, it’s an easy habit to make, just keep a notebook by your bed and jot down three things you’re grateful for every morning when you wake, whether it’s simple pleasures like a hot cup of coffee or more meaningful ones like family and friends.

Eat a high protein breakfast

It’s true that breakfast is the most important meal of the day but what you eat also matters. Not only does a good source of protein replenish your body’s supply of glucose to help boost your energy levels and alertness, but it can also contribute towards healthy muscle mass, lower cholesterol levels, a boosted metabolism and weight loss. Workshop’s Organic Pea Protein Formula is a clean source of pure protein that's highly digestible and can be easily added to a breakfast smoothie, shake or pancake batter.

Have something to look forward to

According to a 2015 study, having something positive to look forward to boosts our sense of wellbeing and reduces stress, something we’ve mostly had to do without over the last two years. Far from being an indulgence or a selfish act, plotting things in your diary that boost your mood is a necessity, so make time to schedule in things that make you happier, whether it’s a phone call with an old friend or an early morning workout.

Activate airplane mode

We all know we should take regular breaks from our devices, but with life being so busy it isn’t always easy to turn off. One way to enforce a break is to activate your phone’s airplane mode an hour before bed and an hour after waking to ensure you can truly switch off. Although it might be hard at first, especially if you’re on your phone a lot, you ought to find your sleep improves and you start the day feeling happier and more focused.