For many South Africans, the festive season is the only time to relax and take some well-deserved time off. But in between resting, the holidays are also known for festivities. From braais with friends to sundowners to Christmas and New Year’s feasts, there are plenty of opportunities to indulge, and most of us do!
In addition to heavier meals and increased alcohol intake, there’s also sun exposure to consider (who can say no to December beach days?!). Overall, we put our bodies through a lot over the festive season. Luckily, as the holidays end and things return to normal, there are plenty of simple ways to refresh and repair your body from top to bottom to ensure a healthy start to the new year.
Repair your gut
All the alcohol, desserts and rich foods consumed over the festive season can wreak havoc on the gut – especially if you’re not used to eating that way. Gut health is essential for a healthy immune system, healthy skin, improved mental health and better weight management. A healthy gut is filled with the correct ratio of good bacteria, and one of the best ways to feed good bacteria is with fibre. Most of our diets lack fibre, and an easy way to include more of this essential nutrient is by adding Cool Stool to your diet. This tasty 100% raw, high-fibre superseed mix is scientifically formulated to boost gut health. Add it to your morning smoothie, yoghurt, porridge, or baked goods like muffins. It’s a tasty and easy way to start the gut repair process and get your gut back on track.
Soothe tired muscles
If you spent a lot of time swimming, hiking or doing other physical activities this festive season, your muscles may be feeling a little tired. You can benefit massively from regular Epsom Salt baths if you lead an active lifestyle. The magnesium in Epsom Salts is known to aid muscle recovery, soothe tired muscles, reduce inflammation and promote good sleep and relaxation. Try Tree Hut Shea Moisturizing Epsom Salt to revitalise tired and achy muscles. This 100% natural formula contains moisturising coconut and lime extracts and conditioning shea butter. Plus, it’s free from parabens and formaldehyde donours.
Hydrate your skin
Unhealthy foods, sugar, alcohol and sun exposure all dehydrate the skin, which may explain why so many of us struggle with our skin post-holidays. Commit to a quality skincare regime at the start of the year, and stick to it. This means cleansing and moisturising twice daily and protecting your skin from the sun all year round. While your skin needs additional hydration and repair, we recommend using a protective face mist and intensely moisturising balm. SKNLogic Renew Mist is the ideal rejuvenation product. It contains Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl), known to attack and break down pathogens and repair skin thanks to its antimicrobial properties. SKNLogic Derma Repair Balm is a soothing balm that restores irritated, tired and dehydrated skin. Formulated with nature’s most potent ingredients, this balm provides deep and lasting relief from dryness and damage.
It’s not just the skin on your face that gets dry – you may also notice increased dryness on your arms and legs due to sun exposure, seawater or chlorine from the swimming pool. Skin Oil From Africa’s intensely nourishing body oils are a great option to apply after a shower or bath as it moisturises skin and lock the moisture in. We love the Rosehip variant, which is designed to treat dry skin and to give skin a much-needed boost.
Protecting your skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays should be on everyone’s New Year’s resolutions list. Protect your skin against further sun damage with Hada Labo Tokyo’s Sun Face Cream SPF 50 for your face and Sun Protection Body Cream SPF50 for your body. Both products contain the brand’s Super Hyaluronic Acid™, a super hydrating proprietary combination of 3 hyaluronic acid types that put moisture back into the skin while protecting it against UVA and UVB rays.
Clean your home the natural way
After all that entertaining and having everyone at home all day, it’s likely your home needs a bit of a deep clean. It’s becoming increasingly apparent that many traditional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that harm your health, which is why natural cleaning products are finally getting the attention they deserve. Using green cleaning products is better for your health, your children’s health and your pets' health, so while detoxing from all the festive season indulgences, why not give your home a natural detox too?
Earthsap offers a wide range of eco-friendly, effective home cleaning products, including the best-selling Dishwashing Liquid (which easily removes grease without leaving any toxic residues behind), the All Purpose Cleaner Cream Scrub (which degreases and removes obstinate stains without scratching), and the Cleaner and Degreasing Trigger Spray (which is great for cleaning ovens, braai grills, and countertops without harsh ingredients).
Try the benefits of aromatherapy
If you’ve yet to incorporate aromatherapy into your daily routine, you’re missing out! Essential oils allow us to address physical and mental challenges naturally, and without side effects. SOiL’s Remedy Rollers are a straightforward way of incorporating essential oils into your daily life. These on-the-go rollers consist of therapeutic blends to help support and combat the day’s emotions and events. Energy Remedy Roller is an excellent option for the start of the year as the blend of organic clary sage, lime, cypress, and black pepper awakens the mind and body. Another excellent option for the start of the new work year is Inspire Remedy Roller. Filled with lime, mandarin and spearmint essential oils, Inspire recharges the mind, boosts creativity and helps up energy levels. There are 12 variants, including a Bug Away Remedy Roller, De-Stress Remedy Roller, and Relax Remedy Roller.
While the festive season was great, all good things come to an end. Follow these simple tips to get back on track and get 2025 off to a great start. Your mind and body will thank you!
Comentários