APRIL is Stress Awareness Month, highlighting what is a major contributor to cancer, heart disease, accidental injuries, respiratory disorders, liver cirrhosis and suicide.
Today, I look at ways to control stress, while our beauty editor tests hair basics.
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HEALTH: with Jane Atkinson
MANAGEMENT: One of the best things I’ve done in the past few weeks was signing up for help with holistic nutrition and lifestyle coach James Ellis.
After a few video consultations, he helped me immensely by giving me breathing exercises and advice on how to organize my life so that I didn’t feel overwhelmed by the little things.
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My package included a free initial call and 60 minute consultation, then it’s £140 per month for fortnightly sessions with a 30 minute chat.
Money well spent.
RACE: THIS is an excellent stress reliever that clears the mind, boosts energy levels and stimulates the release of “happiness hormones”.
If you sign up to help a charity, you’ll feel even better about yourself.
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Until April 18, Cancer Research UK is offering 30% off entry fees for new entries to all of its Race For Life events – which include 3k, 5k and 10k races as well as its Pretty events Muddy.
There are over 450 taking place across the country from May to September. (See raceforlife.org and use code EASTER30)
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MUSHROOMS: Reishi mushrooms have been used for centuries for their incredible mind and body balancing properties.
Dirtea has developed a new infusion formulated to restore a sense of calm, relieve tension and alleviate stress.
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Mushroom Cacao Super Blend also contains the herb ashwagandha, or winter cherry, and cocoa – both of which are said to help fight stress as well.
You add a spoonful to boiling water and you get a drink that tastes like rich, healthy hot chocolate but with only 16 kcl per serving.
Ideal before bedtime to help you sleep. (£39.99 for 30 servings, dirteaworld.com)
BEAUTY: with Tara Ledden
BUDGET: Tresemme Biotin+ Repair 7 Protection Spray (currently £2.49 for 125ml, up from £4.99, boots.com):
If you want to reduce styling time while protecting your hair, a primer is essential.
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Like its makeup equivalent, it creates a base and targets a multitude of issues without adding minutes to your routine.
Tresemme’s budget option left my hair bouncy, softer and silkier.
Unfortunately, it also made my roots oilier faster than normal.
It is therefore more suitable for dry scalps and for those who already wash their hair every day.
MIDDLE: Arkive The Prologue primer, (currently £8.67 for 200ml, up from £13, boots.com):
Possibly the smelliest hair product I have EVER used.
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Genius stylist Adam Reed is a fragrance fanatic and has outdone himself with the tangy yet warm scent of tomato, rhubarb and vetiver.
Does it work? You bet.
The fine mist makes it easier to detangle, provides heat protection, and gives my hair a salon-worthy shine without weighing it down.
I was even asked if I had had my highlights done.
Cheaper than a visit to the salon and lasts a long time. My favorite.
LUXURY: Gisou Propolis Polish Base (£27 for 75ml, cultbeauty.co.uk):
Bees produce the resin propolis to strengthen their hives. In this revitalizing base, it boosts volume and definition.
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More like a traditional blow-dry creme than a modern heat protectant, it takes longer to work into the strands.
You only need a pea-sized amount to speed up your styling process and firm up weak locks.
Use more and you can feel the slightly sticky residue.
Too heavy for my fine, straight hair, but for damaged, curly or thicker locks it’s perfect.
