I was honoured to have been asked by my lovely friend Jay Unwin to feature on his Christmas Eve edition of his “Fit Body, Fit Mind” Podcast and I’m thrilled to be able to share it with you today. Jay is an experienced mental and physical fitness coach, speaker and author and it was a real pleasure to catch up with him.
You’ll be able to join our conversation as we reflect on the year and discuss the importance of self care, mindset and making changes as we move into 2021 You can listen in by clicking this link http://bit.ly/2KUQWxn
I really hope you’ll be able to tune in as perhaps you head outside for a run or peel the sprouts in the kitchen! Maybe you’d like to save it to listen in a quiet moment after the Christmas festivities.
Wherever you are, from my home to yours, I’m sending you love and light for a healthy and happy Christmas.
Top tips to boost your immune system this Christmas as we often forget the simple things that we do routinely when it gets busy. Here’s your gentle reminder..
There have been so many coughs, colds and all things horrid out there recently that may have stopped you from enjoying the run up to Christmas, maybe your fitness routine and even sleeping. (I’m not even going to mention the C-19 word!)
It’s all super busy at the moment and I don’t know about you but it’s tempting to start burning the candle at both ends just to stay on top of things isn’t it?
Here’s how to boost your immune system and keep strong this winter!
A healthy diet
Yup, you knew I was going to say that! It goes without saying that a healthy diet is by far the most effective way to boost your immune system.
Aim to eat plenty of fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, fresh fish and lean meat.
The best winter seasonal vegetables include broccoli, brussel sprouts, onions, peppers, apples, cranberries, clementines and spinach. Walnuts and brazil nuts are also great for the immune system.
Essential fatty acids Oily fish, sardines, mackerel, salmon and trout are all fantastic for fighting your immune system. Oily fish is a highly concentrated source of omega 3 essential fatty acids.
We can’t produce omega 3 so it is vital we get it from our diet. Aim to eat oily fish once a week at least or alternative supplement with a fish oil.
Herbs and Spices It is possible to increase your immune system with some herbal power!
Echinacea limits the duration and severity of infections by stimulating the immune system cells that are key weapons against infection. Available in capsules, tincture and extracts. Take a soon as that “cold feeling” starts as a short term remedy until any infection clears.
Ginger, used in cooking, not only adds to flavour but can help improve circulation and digestion. It can also be drunk as a herbal remedy to promote perspiration and reduce temperature from cold or flu!
Garlic has a reputation for being one of natures’ miracle cures. A great natural antibiotic, it helps boost the immune system and gives protection against colds and flu. Add to your recipes for additional seasoning but make sure you share or you could be sleeping on your own!
EtsyKeep hydrated with plenty of water and watch your caffeine levels in order to look after YOU!
Drinks
Although the body will naturally attempt to detoxify toxins through the lymphatic system, it may need a little help.
An excess of toxins can cause low energy levels, poor digestion, headaches, allergies, weight gain, skin problems and so on….. Ughhhh!
You will need to keep up fluid levels. Keeping up with the water will encourage lymphatic drainage, helping remove the unwanted toxins from the blood stream and lightening the load from the immune system.
If you do unfortunately go down that slippery slope of bugs, increase your vitamin C and D and also your greens and all being well, you’ll be fighting fit in no time.
I’ve written a Green Smoothie Book which is perfect to help you get additional greens into your diet.
Rest and sleep
Quite possibly the best medicine in the world, enough said! I know that I’ve been guilty of staying up late in order to get ahead of the Christmas wrapping or work before turning off the computer, but it really doesn’t do you any favours..
Please make sure you get plenty of good rest and if you need extra focus to stay on top of things – try a #powerofanhour or two!
“A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.”
Irish proverb
Exercise!
‘Tis the festive season and all that and many of us, will embrace this time to relax, flicking from film to film and tucking into the chocolates or indulging in mince pies covered in double cream!
On top of that, in normal times, we are often tempted by party after party, (remember those??) Even if we aren’t partying as we traditionally would this year, I’m sure there will be many a family zoom night! It’s not surprising that many of us tend to feel sluggish and put on weight at this time of year!
Keep up the exercise when you can. Wrap up warm and go for a brisk walk with the family, tempting as it is to stay inside, when the sluggish feeling starts creeping in, head for the big outdoors!
Head to the beach or park for a game of cricket, rounders, the rugby ball or whatever takes your fancy. Most of all, have fun!
I have a little Mission for you, I really want you to enjoy your Christmas but how about this…. 20 burpees a day throughout the season, get the children involved, make it fun!
Make the most for the local area around you. Discover new trails and walks.
“To ensure good health: eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life.”
William Londen
I really hope these tips to boost your immune system this Christmas will help you have a happy and healthy season and your immune system remains well. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below and if you follow me on Instagram, you can join in the conversation there too.
Please remember if you do start to feel poorly with Covid Symptoms, please do follow the Government Guidelines.
Candles are, in my opinion, a fabulous gift and what better time of year to think about not only ensuring your home smells amazing but to give the gift of a candle. I’ve included a few of my favourite candles in this Edit.
It’s absolutely no secret that I have a slight addiction when it comes to candles.
I love everything about them.
The design, the gift packaging, the scent and the newness of a brand new candle, so much so that I have been known to keep a candle for a few weeks before lighting. I struggle to actually light them that very first time – it’s as if I can’t bare to waste them.. oh my ALL the secrets are coming out now! Totally bonkers isn’t it?
I must admit this was a “pre-covid” thought patten.. candles are for lighting as much as life is for living right??
Bronte Candle, NeptuneAmber Candle Neptune Pyramid Candles, Salcombe Trading Company
My first memory of candles sparked (pardon the pun!) my Granny Ruby. She loved them and remember helping her light the candles on her dining table when she was having guests for Dinner Parties and especially at Christmas. I couldn’t wait to grow up and have as place of my own to be able to recreate a gorgeous table, obviously before the “tablescape” became a thing!
” I ‘m going to make everything around me beautiful…that will be my life” Elsie de Wolfe
I had to wait a while as we absolutely were NOT allowed to have candles in our nursing quarters in Paddington, London when I was training at St Mary’s Hospital. The fire brigade were called on far too many occasions due to tired student nurses burning toast let alone candles – so it was a big zero on that front!
Fast forward a couple more years and my first proper wages as a qualified nurse included a trip to the new and luxurious Jo Malone, London. The dream candle especially for one on so little wages.. the Lime, Basil and is still a favourite to this day… On a side note, if you love podcasts; Jo’s appearance on Desert Island Discs is a must listen – what an incredibly, inspiring woman.
The light from a candle at Christmas is so special. This has been captured beautifully by Neptune
Fresh Fig and Jasmine – Plum and Ashby
Plum and Ashby are one of my favourite brands, having discovered the Fresh Fig & Jasmine candle which was created to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week. They partnered with the best-selling author Elle Wright and wonderful charity Tommy’s to create this special edition charity candle. 100% of profits from every single candle going straight towards their lifesaving research and support services.
The limited edition candle features the carefully chosen scent of Fresh Fig & Jasmine, to create the feeling of a fresh breeze on a countryside walk. Each candle is beautifully packaged in a bespoke white box, with gold foil stars symbolising the wave of light and all the babies that have left us too early.
Fresh Fig and Jasmine Candle raising funds for Tommy’sTommy’s exists to support, care for and champion people, no matter where they may be on their pregnancy journey.
It’s my family’s absolute favourite, with my son noticing and loving the scent as soon as he walked through the door. (I’ve taught them well!) It’s beautiful, subtle and without doubt my favourite – call me sad but I ration how many times light it! I have my eye on the Christmas Votive Candle Gift set (hint hint Mr WOAM if you’re reading here!) Three candles, one for Christmas Eve, another for the big day itself and the third Boxing Day. Really special.
Christmas Votive Candle Collection
Christmas Wish – Hoof and Paw
I love everything about this candle, the stunning luxury rose gold gift box and matching ribbon, the ethos and of course the aroma of the incredible 15 ingredients that have been used for this very special artisan blend, which include Cassia Bark, Clove Bud, Frankincense and Sweet Orange.
The candle is embedded with Clear Quartz points combined with a hand blended Christmas scent which is rich, warm and sophisticated. Each candle is accompanied with a card describing how to use your candle and the energy of Clear Quartz.
It’s simply stunning. If you love candles and crystals, then this is perfect. Madeleine has put so much love and care into her brand and I feel sure you’ll love it too.
Spiced Orange, Feather and Field.
Feather and Field are a new brand launched in 2020, a family run business based in Kent, which was conceived and started to grow from the kitchen table. Their aim is to produce beautiful products that look and smell amazing. All candles are hand poured and try to use the most eco-friendly ingredients they can find, using a 90% blend of rapeseed and coconut wax, plus 10% soy. It is completely free from paraffin, palm, beeswax and synthetic additives.
The Spiced Orange really is Christmas in a candle! It smells amazing and makes the perfect stocking filler or gift for a friend this Christmas.
“With top notes of orange and eucalyptus, sitting on a warm and spicy base of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove”. It is absolutely gorgeous.
Millie and Green
Millie and Green have designed the most elegant candles. created with love, a passion for detail and styled with perfect simplicity. They will not only look stylish but smell fabulous, bringing the magic into your home. Their inspiration was to design a brand of candles that made a connection with your feelings and emotions that would transport you to a special place, a beautiful memory or a certain emotion.
“We want you to feel the evocative scent wrap its arms around you.”
Jill, Founder of Millie and Green.
It’s almost impossible to decide which is my favourite scent from Millie and Green. If you struggle to decide which candle to choose, they have cleverly designed taster tealights so you can try before you opt for the bigger ones.. I use them for travelling too.
If you’re after a scent for Christmas, the Sensual has a warming, nutmeg fragrance with ginger and citrus, so gorgeous. Fresh Fig is also an absolutely gorgeous too! See, told you it was impossible to decide!
The White Company.
Winter – I couldn’t not mention this beautiful scent! Created over 21 years ago, (say what?!?) Winter is now loved all over the world and often described by their customers as ‘the scent of Christmas.’ A magical combination of spicy cinnamon, rich warming clove and fresh zesty orange, it just never fails to please. We buy one every single year, no word of a fib!
The Winter Collection by The White Company
CANDLE CARE:
Trim the wick to 5mm before lighting and light your candle in a well-ventilated room, away from drafts or fans, which can cause sooting (black marks on the vessel), or rapid, uneven burning.
The first light your candle, let it burn for one and a half to two hours at a time or until the wax has melted to the edges. Burning for less time can cause the candle to ‘tunnel’, which leaves a build-up of wax around the vessel’s sides and can reduce the maximum burn time.
Never leave a candle unattended
Top tip – if your candle has tunnelled before lighting, pop some tin foil around the sides of the glass and over the top of candle a maximum of 1.5cms. Light the candle as normal and the wax will melt and return your candle back to normal. It’s magic!
WICK CARE:
Long, or crooked wicks can create high flames, smoking, or sooting. Trimming the wick to 5mm (when the wax has set) following every burn is the easiest way to prevent this.
After extinguishing the flame with a snuffer, centre and straighten the wick. Burning for too long can cause the wick to move, or slant. If you see a flaming wick come close to the vessel wall, extinguish the flame and straighten the wick to prevent the vessel from cracking.
There’s nothing quite like an early night with a good book!
“Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most.” ~ Ruth Carter Stapleton
I really hope this helps you when trying to decide what gift to buy your candle lover this Christmas or which scent you might choose to have in your home.
As always, my thoughts are wholly my own and I have not been paid or gifted to share my views in this blog, however. I have worked with Millie and Green in a previous collaboration.
A healthy diet
