Make this new year an excuse for a new start!

We all make new years’ resolutions only to find after a couple of months that we can’t stick to them. Well what if you could make some small changes to your lifestyle that will not only help you feel better, but look better too?

Drink more water

Drinking water really does make a difference to your skin. It can also help with the appearance of heavy eye bags which can be increased by dehydration. It’s not always easy to remember to drink water throughout the day. Drinking caffeine and alcohol can actually dehydrate you faster so remember to try and drink a little more water after a night out.

Our tip

Try having a bottle of water with you at all times and setting your alarm for every 30 minutes to remind you to take a few sips. After a while it’ll become habit and you will no longer need that alarm. After 3 weeks of drinking at least 1.5 litres of water per day it should improve the appearance of your skin.

Take care of your skin

We’re all guilty of neglecting our skin at times. Going to bed with makeup on, over doing it in the sun, not wearing an SPF, over exfoliating, not cleaning your makeup brushes regularly and using out of date skin care products and makeup. We know it’s not always easy and life often gets in the way, but by taking the time to take care of your skin daily and pampering it weekly, it will help you add radiance whilst holding off the signs of ageing.

At Bella Vou our skincare specialists can help with any skin concerns you may have. Not only do we sell a vast range of expert skincare product, but we can also help resurface your skin with a chemical peel. Here are some helpful tips to get you started:

• Find the right cleanser for your skin type, use an oil based cleanser if your skin is oily and a Miceller water cleanser if your skin is very dry.
• Apply a good serum before your moisturiser. We recommend one that contains vitamin C.
• If you do not want to use a serum, apply your moisturiser whilst your skin is still slightly damp.
• Remember, our skin does most of it’s repairing at night. Ensure to cleanse before bed and use a night cream that contains Retinol (avoid if you have very sensitive skin).
• Use an exfoliator 1-2 times per week. If you have sensitive skin soak a muslin cloth in warm water and place it over your face for 1 minute before gently wiping.

Clean your make-up brushes every month minimum as they harbour harmful bacteria which could cause break outs.

• Use a good facemask after exfoliating once a week and really pamper the skin.
• Always use an SPF during the day all through the year. If it is already contained in your moisturiser ensure not to use it at night as it will block pores, instead use a separate night cream.
• On every product you buy you will find a sign that states how long the product can be safely used for. Make sure to throw out any old creams and makeup as it could become harmful to your skin.

Learn to de-stress and breathe

Have you ever taken a moment to monitor how you breathe? Are you holding your breath for long periods of time or taking repeated shallow breaths? Taking the time to breathe with a conscious intake can not only help with anxiety, but also help you relax your entire body and help oxygenate your blood and muscles.

These breathing techniques can also be used prior to your surgery if you’re feeling a little anxious. Try the below exercises at regular intervals throughout the day or whenever you’re feeling a little uptight.

1. Make yourself as comfortable as you can. If you can, loosen any
   clothes that restrict your breathing.
2. If you’re lying down, place your arms a little bit away from your sides, with the palms up. Let your legs be straight, or bend your knees so
   your feet are flat on the floor.
3. If you’re sitting, place your arms on the chair arms.
4. If you’re sitting or standing, place both feet flat on the ground.
5. Whatever position you’re in, place your feet roughly hip-width apart.
6. Let your breath flow as deep down into your belly as is comfortable,
   without forcing it. Try breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth.
7. Breathe in gently and regularly. Some people find it helpful to count steadily from one to five. You may not be able to reach five at first.
8. Then, without pausing or holding your breath, let it flow out gently, counting from one to five again, if you find this helpful.
9. Keep doing this for three to five minutes.

Exercise

We’ve all been there! Made those new years’ resolutions that we’re going to eat better and work out regularly. Gym memberships see a mass increase in new members in January only for people to disappear off the radar by March! What if you made seemingly small changes that will help increase your heart rate and muscle tone whilst at work or around the house? Be sure to seek medical and expert advice before undertaking a new exercise regime and stretch before and after.

Interval training
It’s proven that short fast bursts of exercise are effective at burning calories and increasing your heart rate. So try 30 seconds – 1 minute intervals 5 times per day and this could be anything. Try running on the spot, jumping jacks, skipping or running up and down the stairs. Anything to get that heart rate up, but make sure to really go for it.

Go for a walk
Get those 10,000 recommended steps in! It’s easy in the summer as we all want to be outside, but try walking up and down the stairs 30 times 3 times a day when it’s cold outside.

Squats and lunges whilst cooking
We all know the feeling of being stood at the cooker watching water to boil, but what if you made this your time to do some squats and lunges improving the tone of your legs and derrière? It is important to know how to squat correctly so seek advice from a professional.

Abs whilst watching TV
Of course, it’s always better to put all your focus into the exercise itself, but anything is a start and laying on the floor doing some ab exercises whilst watching your favourite TV show is a good start.

Arms whilst sat at your desk
Making sure your posture is correct (be sure to seek advice) get two small bottles of water and do some arm exercises.

What if you’ve been exercising and you’re still not happy with your results?

Sometimes it doesn’t matter how hard we exercise our bodies may have changed due to hormones or trauma. A women’s stomach muscles could be damaged during a caesarean childbirth and no amount of sit ups will give her the flat stomach she desires. Your breasts may no longer be as perkier as they once were or you could have a pocket of fat on a certain area of your body. If this is you and you have any concerns, you can book in with one of our expert surgeons for a complimentary consultation and truly start the new year as a new you.