LIFE IS BUSY. All too often, we are so consumed with work and other commitments that there just isn’t much headspace left to really look after ourselves.
But it’s at such hectic times that it can be most important to create some space for yourself. Give yourself a little treat. And perhaps give your own wellbeing a real boost in the process – without breaking the bank.
To celebrate the fact that Vhi’s Online Advantage guarantees customers a minimum €100 cash back, here are a few ideas to really treat yourself this month. You’ll thank yourself for it.
Can you already feel your workload this month creating knots in your back? According to Mayo Clinic, some studies have found that massage can help with anxiety, digestive disorders, headaches and stress-induced insomnia.
Where can I get one? Check out Groupon’s massage section for impressive deals, or Pamper.ie for even more luxurious options in four- and five-star hotels.
In dire need of a little zen in your day-to-day life? Combine this with the benefits of spending time in the fresh air, by joining one of the regular outdoor yoga sessions around the country. Regular yoga practice can relieve anxiety, reduce inflammation, relieve migraine and improve heart health and sleep.
Where can I do it? Dubliners are in luck – Happenings has paired up with Dublin City Council to provide a jam-packed schedule all summer long, and other organisations like Back To The Heart run their own sessions. Corkonians can also flock to a weekly gathering for the Simon Community in Fitzgerald’s Park.
Sometimes you just really need a night away from the kitchen, spent with some great company over a really delicious meal. And according to The Washington Times, eating together can help tackle chronic stress and decrease our risk for developing Alzheimer’s and dementia. Plus, dining out is generally delicious.
Where can I do it? Dine In Dublin do vouchers for a variety of restaurants around the city (plus they offer all the info you’ll need to find your new favourite place to eat). Elsewhere, Groupon offer a host of brilliant deals (again, just adjust the location if you’re outside Dublin).
Is there anything more valuable than not fighting to keep from yawning at your desk? There’s a host of things you can do to improve sleep – such as buying an alarm clock and leaving your phone to charge outside your room (making 11pm Instagram-scrolls near impossible). But there are also some brilliant bits you can buy to help.
What should I buy? Beauty editors worldwide swear by the This Works Deep Sleep range (available in Boots) – available in a pillow spray or a bath oil. And a cool dark room is always a worthwhile investment – you could combine a blackout blind from IKEA and this Honeywell fan with whisper-quiet technology.
Your diet can have a massive impact on your wellbeing – aside from cardiovascular risks, a poor diet can also put you at higher risk for developing diabetes and cancer. But on the plus side, some foods that are actually known to promote happiness.
What should I buy? Replace your rice and pasta with quinoa and try some omega-3-packed salmon, dark chocolate and grapes (no, wine doesn’t count). That’s all according to USA Today.
Even if your mood is likely to steadily decline throughout the day once you encounter the inevitable baby sick or a sweaty bus, it’s important to start the day fresh. You can actually use the scents within perfume to create a whole range of benefits – plus, smelling great will put you in top form all day. It’s a luxurious way to boost your wellbeing.
What should I buy? According to The Huffington Post, seek out lavender if you’ve trouble sleeping, cinnamon or peppermint if you need to focus, pine if you feel stressed, vanilla or jasmine if your mood is low and citrus if you need a boost of energy.
In this social media-driven world, it’s easy to spend hours consumed by our screens. It can seem like every time we put our phones down, there’s a notification to draw us back in.
Invest in some time away from scrolling and status updates by treating yourself to a couple of new books – whether that’s a great novel to lose yourself in, or some non-fiction to learn something new. Whatever you love, you’ll feel better for some time alone with a good book.
Any suggestions? David Sedaris’ new collection Calypso will make you laugh, cry, or maybe do both at the same time – but either way you’ll feel better afterwards. For a beautiful and thought-provoking meditation on how to approach life the right way, try Rebecca Solnit’s A Field Guide To Getting Lost.
It pays to be with Vhi Healthcare. Get €100 cashback if you choose to receive your documents online and switch to direct debit payments before September 1st. Visit Vhi.ie to claim your €100 cash back reward. Terms and conditions apply.
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