Keep that holiday feeling!
Tuesday 18 September 2012
Summer may be over, but here’s 10 ways to hang on to that healthy, happy sunshine vibe all year long
Bring healthy habits home
“Real life doesn’t have to spoil your holiday fun,” says Closer’s Dr Christian Jessen. “If you took up an activity like swimming on your hols, fit it into your normal week at home. It will help you stay in shape.”
Have a ‘happy meal’
“Beat the post-holiday blues with a healthy brekkie such as a banana smoothie or porridge with autumn berries,” suggests nutritionist Linda Foster. “They’re full of slow-release energy to keep you ready for anything the day throws at you.”
Keep on summer lovin’!
Most couples have more sex on holiday. “If it’s tailed off now you’re back, don’t worry,” advises Closer’s relationship expert Tracey Cox (left). “But keep at it, even when you don’t feel like it. Humans are creatures of habit – having regular orgasms will leave you craving more!”
Try new things
“Whether it’s wearing a daring outfit or starting a dance class, challenge yourself to keep life feeling fresh,” says life coach Katie Abbott. This month, Carol Vorderman, 51, did just that – rocking a new highlighted shaggy ’do on her return to Loose Women after the summer.
Eat super!
Need a pick-me-up? African fruit baobab is being hailed as the new wonder food, with six times more vitamin C than oranges and six times more antioxidants than blueberries. Sprinkle Minvita Baobab Superfruit Powder (£14.69, Holland & Barrett) on your morning cereal.
Top up your tan
Being bronzed creates body confidence and a slimmer silhouette. To hang on to your glow the healthy way, use a self-tanning moisturiser, like Johnson’s Holiday Skin £5.10 for 250ml, every day, then top it up weekly with a full fake tan. “I looked 10lbs skinnier,” says self-tanning convert Kelly Osbourne, 27. “It made me look at my body differently.”
Sniff out memories
Scientists say our sense of smell taps directly into our brain’s memory centre – meaning a fragrance that became familiar on holiday will instantly transport you back there when you sniff it at home. So why not finish off that bottle of aftersun in place of your normal body lotion?
Be inspired by holiday snaps
“To stay motivated to work out, find a picture of yourself that you look great in and post it up,” advises singer Beyoncé, 31. The star adds that a positive mindset is the secret to success, saying: “It doesn’t matter what trainer you have or what programme you’re on. It’s more about mental strength than physical strength.”
Get your sunny D
If you’re in a slump, you may be missing your holiday hit of vitamin D. We get this nutrient from the sun’s rays, and it can boost our mood and immunity. Singer Rachel Stevens, 34, says she takes vitamin D supplements because: “We don’t get enough sun!” Try Seven Seas Health Oils Sunshine Vitamin D (£4.99).
Plan next year’s trip
Need the perfect excuse to start surfing travel websites again? Psychologists at the University of Granada, Spain, have found that just looking forward to your next holiday can actually boost your mood by releasing feel-good endorphins!
Create some ‘me’ time
On holiday we find time to focus on ourselves – and it’s vital to keep that up. “We’re always so busy taking care of our families that sometimes it can all get on top of us,” says TV presenter Lorraine Kelly, 51. “But that’s when it’s most important to take care of yourself.” Factor in some alone time every day – even a short soak in the bath helps.
Get a vitamin boost
TV presenter Andrea McClean, 42, tops up her nutrients to help keep the post-summer blues at bay. She says: “As soon as the cold weather comes in, I start to take Berocca multivitamin and mineral supplement (available nationwide, £4.69) to make me feel I’m doing something to keep colds at bay. I also make sure I’m eating loads of extra fruit and veg to boost my immunity and stop me feeling sluggish.”
Keep your summer smile
Just making the effort to grin could help you hold on to holiday happiness. A recent US study found that people who smiled before watching cartoons thought they were funnier than people who frowned first – suggesting smiling activates happiness centres in the brain, making us feel more positive.
Scoff a sunny delight
Finding a low-fat treat that reminds you of sunnier times can bring back happy memories without the extra calories, so try frozen yoghurt instead of ice cream. Mad Men star Christina Hendricks, 37, confesses: “My obsession is Häagen-Dazs Low-Fat Frozen Yogurt in Dulce de Leche. I can’t believe it’s low-fat - it’s so good.”
Jump to it
Holiday excess left your tummy bloated? Try celeb trainer Tracy Anderson’s trick to shift it. “In the morning, jump on a mini-trampoline (a kid’s one’s fine!) for 30 minutes in a warm room,” she says. “It’s amazing how this can ‘de-bloat’ you, making you look thinner.”