My Top 7 Healthy Lifestyle Hacks

1. Use the Freezer - There are 2 great things about the freezer. Firstly, being able to stock up on frozen fruit and veg, for those time that you haven't managed to go shopping and get fresh items. Secondly, to bulk cook and freeze those tasty meals for the days you don't have time to cook and are tempted to eat what is ' easily available' (ready meals, fast food etc. when you were not planning to) rather than what is nutritious and filling.

2. Plan your exercise for the week - Making time for regular movement, means that you plan your day around that exercise. When you try and fit exercise into your already busy routine, you are less likely to stick to it. See ways to start making time for exercise in my blog post here.

3. Schedule in 'Me' Time - Allow yourself time to do something you enjoy, whether that be reading, netflix, face-masks, baking or just doing nothing!

4. Don't over book yourself - Allow yourself to be flexible and allow for unforeseen events, occasions or when you aren't feeling yourself! This can give you time to catch up with jobs around the house, unexpected trips to the car garage or to help a friend in need.

5. Carry a bottle of water around at all times - Such an easy way to stay hydrated throughout the day, is if you are always prompted by having a water bottle nearby. Water helps our muscles and joints work better, as well as prevents UTIs, headaches, dizziness, constipation and other conditions [1].

6. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep a night - 1 in 3 of us suffer from poor sleep [2], but getting a good sleep pattern has a multitude of benefits such as boosting your immune system, mental well being and brain development. See ways that you can improve your sleep pattern in my blog post 'Sleep - Do you make it a priority'.

7. Record one good thing about each day (even if it's super small!) - Invest in a little notebook to physically write a sentence or a couple of words a day to remind you of the good in each day.

Lots of Love

Ruth xxx