5 health and wellness hacks for 2021 

If you ask us, the beginning of a new year always inspires us to think of ways we better ourselves. After a year that made us realise how precious our health is, we’re focusing on easy health hacks that will help us stay on track in 2021 — and we recommend you do the same! 

We joined forces with Andalou Naturals to help you start the year off on the right foot. These are our 5 top resolutions for a healthy 2021:

 

#1 Go outside for 20 minutes daily

Do you know how good you feel after a walk in the sun? You’re not imagining the effects. Just 20 minutes in the sunshine tops up your body’s Vitamin D levels, which in turn boosts our serotonin (aka “the happy hormone”). This can help to relieve stress and anxiety and increase our immunity, which is why spending time in nature is one of our favourite easy wellness hacks. 

Before you head out, apply sunscreen and grab a hat so you can avoid direct sun exposure.

 

#2 Aim to exercise every day

This can include set workouts, as well as incidental exercise — like taking the stairs or walking from the bus stop. There are so many benefits to staying active. It keeps our heart, joints and muscles healthy, and gets adrenaline pumping through the body, lifting our mood and clearing our mind. Plus, it can help the skin. Whenever we work out, our blood flow increases. This boosts our circulation and flushes out toxins, making exercise one of ways to keep your skin healthy and clear.

If you’re new to exercise or feeling unmotivated, try mixing up your current routine. Our advice is to choose workouts you genuinely enjoy. Some people love spin classes and long runs, and others prefer low-impact workouts such as  pilates and barre. It may take some trial and error, but once you figure out which workouts you like, you’ll be more inspired to put your activewear to good use!

 

#3 Drink at least 2L of water a day

Our bodies are made up of 60% water, which is crazy to think about but explains why we feel headachy or tired when we’re dehydrated. To stay hydrated, you want to drink at least 2L of water a day, and herbal teas count, too!

Our number one tip to stay hydrated is to always have a water bottle handy. The classic Cheeki Insulated Water Bottle is our pick, and it comes in a range of colours and sizes from 400mL to 1.2L. Drink two of those, and you’ve met your goal for the day! Thanks to its double wall vacuum, it keeps cool liquids cool and hot liquids hot for hours. You can also customise your bottle with your name or initials to make it yours. 

Wondering how to stay hydrated in summer? If you’ve been sweating or drinking more coffee or alcohol than usual, up your H20 intake to keep your body healthy and happy.

 

#4 Start using natural skincare

With our modern lifestyles, we all come into contact with toxins all day, every day. Think pollution, car exhaust fumes and harsh cleaning products. So, one of the best things you can do for your health is reduce your toxic load, and switching to natural skincare can make a huge difference.

Most commercial skincare products contain parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde and artificial fragrances, which can stress out the skin and make your body work harder to filter out those toxins. The result? Dry, dull and irritated skin. 

Natural skincare is gentle on the skin, and helps to keep your skin happy, healthy and hydrated. It’s just as effective in treating any pesky skin conditions you’re dealing with, such as breakouts or sensitivity.

 

#5 Stick to your skincare routine 

Like with anything in life, consistency is key! To get your healthiest, clearest skin yet in 2021, commit to a basic skincare routine each morning and night. Now that we’re all wearing masks more than usual, our skin needs a little extra TLC. Masks can trap oil, sweat, dead skin cells and makeup and cause clogged pores, breakouts or flare-ups of inflammatory skin conditions like eczema. 

Luckily, skincare doesn’t need to be complicated. The goal is to use natural skincare products that lock in moisture, strengthen your skin’s protective barrier and give you a glowy finish. 

Follow this simple, 3-step skincare routine:

1. Cleanse your skin with the Brightening Meyer Lemon Creamy Cleanser, paying special attention to the hairline and under the jawline. In the evenings, it’s a good idea to double cleanse: the first one lifts makeup, dirt and oil, and the second works to unclogs your pores.
2. Exfoliate 2-3 times a week with the Brightening Chia Omega + C Radiant Skin Polish. The gentle exfoliant sloughs off dead skin cells and evens out the skin without leaving it dry and tight.
3. Moisturise and nourish your skin with the lightweight Brightening Probiotic + C Renewal Cream in the morning, and switch to the richer Brightening Purple Carrot + C Luminous Night cream in the evening.

 

Top tip: Is your skin looking less-than-lustrous? It could need a Vitamin C boost. Bring life back to your skin by smoothing a thin layer of the Turmeric + C Enlighten Serum on your face and neck twice a day. The silky serum works to lighten hyperpigmentation and sun damage, and add radiance to your skin.

 

Take on these tips for a healthy lifestyle

In our experience, the best way to hit your health and wellness resolutions is to break them down into bite-size habits. That’s why we like to focus on easy wellness hacks, like carrying a water bottle, getting your daily dose of Vitamin D and switching to toxin-free skincare.

Shop the best reusable water bottles, or head to Andalou’s site to stock up on high-performing, natural skincare.