As if heavier traffic and back to school routines weren’t enough, the shorter days and cooler nights are making it clear that summer is over. Why not take the opportunity to look on the bright side get back into a healthier routine this September?
Read our top 3 tips to focus on this month:
- Prepare your lunch in advance and bring it with you to work. Two of our favourite recipes are this Mediterranean lentil salad or our easy noodle salad with peanut dressing. Or get more quick lunch ideas that you can prepare from simple ingredients
- Establish an exercise routine and keep it up. If possible, do some exercise outside while the mornings and evenings are still bright. Think about where you can build in some time. Maybe it’s a walk at lunch or an exercise class or cycle on your way home from work. It might not seem like a lot, but walking briskly for 20 minutes daily covers 14 km per week. Thats more than 700 km per year. Research shows that walking for 20 minutes boosts heart health and improves memory and mood, although for weight loss, our Wellness Crew fitness experts recommend adding in resistance training
- Prioritise your sleep. Most of us are suffering from chronic sleep deprivation. According to the World Health Organisation, two thirds of adults in the developed world not getting enough quality sleep. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep (not time in bed!) and give yourself the best chance of doing this by getting to bed earlier, avoiding caffeine after noon and establishing a short, relaxing bed time routine you can stick to. Keep an eye out for more information on optimising your sleep next month
For more tips, read our article on ‘5 ways to beat the back to school stress’ in the current IBEC newsletter.
