Historically, mental health research has been dramatically focused on the side of psychological dysfunction—health being equated with the absence of illness, rather than the presence of wellness.
Only recently has the intricate mind-body connection been studied, with researchers discovering how stress directly affects skin inflammation, sensitivity, dehydration, acne flare-ups, redness and premature cellular ageing. With 1 in 14 UK adults (7%) experiencing stress on a daily basis, now’s the best time to incorporate sustainable wellness habits and rituals into your daily routine and improve your wellbeing. We explore the best ways to effectively reduce stress, boost cognitive function, sleep quality, skin integrity and mood enhancement—making it even easier to achieve your wellbeing goals for a happy, healthy new year.
Why is wellbeing important?
Addressing psychological factors such as stress, anxiety and low mood through mindfulness goals, meditation and stress reduction practices can positively impact the appearance of your skin and hair, while enhancing overall wellbeing. By prioritising your wellness, you can feel better in your body and mind a more enriching life.
What are some of the ways to improve mental wellbeing?
Nutrition plays a crucial role in our overall wellbeing, but we also recognise that a well-balanced diet is only one piece of the puzzle. Quality sleep is essential for mental agility, hormone regulation and cellular health—lack of sleep can negatively impact mood, energy levels and even your skin clarity. Make sleep, nutrition and hydration a priority by establishing a consistent sleep schedule, relaxing bedtime routine, meal planning and achievable water intake goals.
Recovery is another important aspect of mental wellbeing. Allow yourself time to rest and recover from both physical exhaustion and mental stress. Practice meditation, breathwork, yoga, walking or even by simply taking a warm bath to reduce anxiety, improve your mood and ultimately benefit your skin.
The 4-7-8 breathing technique involves breathing in through your nose for 4 seconds, holding for 7 seconds, then exhaling through your nose for 8 seconds. As a form of pranayama, this exercise can be used as part of a yoga routine or alone as a form of stress regulation.
Most importantly, tailor your routine to meet your unique wellness needs—this could include bespoke supplement plans, skincare regimens and self-care practices that suit your schedule.
Improving mental wellbeing for a mindful new year
We know that taking time for self-care and relaxation positively impacts your mental health, and when you're relaxed and happy, it shows on your skin. Treat yourself to ‘me-time’ with clinically proven technologies, techniques and practices to improve your health and wellbeing in 2024.
Cold water therapy for reducing anxiety
Studies have shown that cold water therapy produces anti-inflammatory chemicals to reduce anxiety and depression, while maximising the body’s natural healing process. Wellness spas, health clinics and sports therapists are increasingly offering cold water therapy to their clients to reduce high blood pressure and recovery times, flushing out metabolic waste and even delaying the onset of post-workout muscle soreness.
The original ‘fully portable’ Lumi Recovery Pod™ Ice Bath has been specifically engineered to keep your ice bath pristine and optimally chilled, with a 320L capacity large enough to comfortably accommodate 1 person up to 6’7” (2.1m) tall. Not only that, but it also packs up into a briefcase-sized package with a comfortable-carry handle, ideal for travel and easy setup.
Infrared heat to promote mental health and wellbeing
Gwyneth Paltrow, Cindy Crawford and Bella Hadid, along with numerous medical professionals, all swear by infrared heat for increasing blood flow, accelerating healing and boosting the immune system. Most commonly found in spas and saunas, this technology can also be found in home use portable saunas, blankets and yoga mats—perfect for heating up yoga or stretching sessions, warming up for a workout, or even recharging while answering emails.
The HigherDOSE Infrared PEMF Mat has all the detoxifying, purifying and regenerative benefits of infrared heat saunas, but with the convenience of a yoga mat. Along with far infrared, this mat uses PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) technology to send electromagnetic waves through your body, helping you fall asleep, deepen your meditation practice, reduce chronic pain and increase your energy levels. Choose from 4 levels of Hz frequency: restore, ground, relax and focus to personalise your wellness sessions.
Self-care goals that result in full body wellness
If your new year health resolutions include increasing your physical fitness, you'll most likely benefit from deep tissue massages to deal with knots, muscle strain and muscle fatigue. Find relief from post-workout aches and pains quickly with scientifically proven percussive massage treatments.
Therabody Theragun G5 Pro Black is the only massage device proven to improve your recovery, performance, sleep, mobility and stress. Calibrated at an optimum amplitude of 16mm for a deeper, more powerful muscle massage that encourages blood flow to the muscles, flushing out toxins to achieve faster muscle recovery. What’s more, the Therabody app offers personalised routines for pinpoint muscle massages based on your specific needs.
Skincare goals and wellness resolutions made simple
Achieving your health and wellness goals doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple, yet effective, ways to feel your best every day. The LYMA Supplement provides 10 scientifically proven ingredients in 1 powerful formula that builds health resilience, mood balance, sleep quality, focus and mental performance, along with strengthening hair, skin and nails. Each ingredient is patented, peer-reviewed and selected for optimal bioavailability and absorption—some of which include vitamin D3, ashwagandha, keratin, naturally occurring fatty acids, adaptogens and anti-inflammatory extracts. Simply take twice daily with water to experience the full wellness affects.
Restore your radiance from the inside out with just 10 minutes of relaxing, glow-inducing light therapy. The CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask has been clinically proven to accelerate the production of new collagen, while lowering inflammation to give your skin a naturally radiant glow. Recently recommended by Kim Kardashian as one of her favourite holiday gifts of 2023, this face mask offers the perfect opportunity to indulge in some ‘me-time’ while the precise red (633nm) and near-infrared (830nm) wavelengths brightens your complexion and boosts your confidence.
A good night's sleep can lead to faster skin repair, improved brightness and a slow down in signs of ageing. According to Australian sleep expert, Olivia Arezzolo, “70% of human growth hormones (the key catalyst for collagen) are produced within a specific window, beginning at 11pm (no later) and ending around 2am.”
Collagen replenishes and renews skin cells to reduce the visible signs of ageing, such as smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, while preventing loss of skin elasticity. Arezzolo explains, “light promotes the production of cortisol, which is problematic for skin health. It’s worth investing in a light-blocking eye mask that sleep experts recommend, like the Dr. Harris Anti-Wrinkle Sleep Mask.” The main reason she loves this mask? “The silicone dots on the inside of the Mulberry silk that promote relaxation.” 67% of users also said that they felt more relaxed just by wearing it.
