With the start of the new year arrives the inevitable saturation of messaging about getting fitter and healthier, as well as a seemingly never ending stream of diet tips and advice. After falling into a 'healthy eating' trap as a teenager which saw me downing nettle tea for breakfast (spoiler alert: not fun), as an adult I've made a conscious effort to step away from the largely toxic diet culture which is always pervasive, but even more so at this time of the year. I eat a balanced diet, with plenty of fruit and vegetables, but more importantly, I rarely deprive myself if I'm craving something. I have to say that being at home over the last ten months has also made a massive difference in helping me to eat better, and more consciously too- rather than, for example, just grabbing something for convenience on my way to work or when I'd be heading home late from the office. As well as that, after cutting out my commute, it's been lovely to be able to eat my evening meal at a reasonable time of the day (7.30pm rather than the previous 9pm!), and I've definitely felt the benefit of having time to digest before hitting the hay.
As well as getting into a better routine of eating, I've also been able to adjust my exercise routine to encompass an increase in my running. Pre-pandemic, I'd be lucky if I could get out a couple of times a week, but since March last year that's increased to five or six, with a bit of walking thrown in to make sure I'm not doing too much. I started running nine years ago, and it's without a shadow of a doubt the best thing I've ever done for myself. For both my physical and mental health, I find it to be essential for keeping me on an even keel, and I really notice the difference when I don't do it- I feel antsy, anxious and stressed rather than calm and in control. Don't get me wrong, arriving at becoming a regular runner was a challenge and a half (to say the least!), but getting into a regular routine was one of the keys in helping me to stick to it. So, if you're feeling motivated to give it a go, here are my top tips for getting started:As always, these are not failsafe hacks, but the tips and tricks which still work for me! Please also ensure to abide by the current restrictions when exercising.
(Image credit: Sarah Farrell, please do not reproduce without permission.)
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