#womanonamission - Woman on a Mission

Top tips to boost your immune system this Christmas

by Claire | Dec 13, 2020 | Lifestyle, Wellbeing

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.

boost your immune system this Christmas by getting outside

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!

boost your immune system this Christmas by drinking more water — Etsy

cup with I love you written in the bottom — Etsy

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.

Please stay safe and well.

One thing that is magical for your mental health..

by Claire | Sep 21, 2020 | Lifestyle, Wellbeing

ne thing that’s magical for your mental health and that is setting boundaries. This weeks Blog discusses how to set boundaries and the benefits to your mental health and well-being.

Over time what we deem to be “OK”, gets blurred.

On occasions the we are treated or spoken to by work colleagues, friends and even our partners can cause upset, yet the need to do something about this situation may be delayed as you worry about the repercussions, regardless of how this makes you feel on a daily basis.

It’s no secret that I love Brene Brown’s work and her research on boundaries is amazing. (She’s one person I’d love to meet & have on my Dinner Party Wishlist!) Brené Brown studies human connection — our ability to empathize, belong, love. She’s funny and shares a deep insights from her research in her many books. Research that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity.

Maybe you run your own business and the boundaries around your working hours have become blurred, meaning that you’re trying to juggle work and home life, whilst going the extra mile for your clients..

Whatever your situation is, being mindful that creating boundaries of what’s OK and not OK can have such a powerful effect.

Mini Mission

Join me on a mini Mission. Grab your journal or notebook and consider a situation that is causing upset and worry to you in your life. How does that situation make you feel? Have you thought about setting clear boundaries. Read on for how to resolve the issue.

I’m not as sweet as I used to be, but I’m far more loving”

Brene Brown

They say if you want something doing, ask a busy person! Yet, how often to we feel ourselves saying yes to something when really your head is screaming “no!!”

Why?

When your default setting is to help out, It’s not easy saying no, it makes us feel guilty or judged. . Yet by saying yes, you know that it will be adding more to your plate, causing increased stress, resentment and maybe even a sleepless night or two..

So how do we fix this?

Brene Brown shared her top three tips on how to create your boundaries: (direct quotes)

Make a mantra. I need something to hold on to—literally—during those awkward moments when an ask hangs in the air. So I bought a silver ring that I spin while silently repeating, “Choose discomfort over resentment.” My mantra reminds me that I’m making a choice that’s critical for my well-being—even if it’s not easy.

Keep a resentment journal. Whenever I’m marching around muttering cuss words under my breath, I grab what I lovingly refer to as my Damn It! Diary and write down what’s going on. I’ve noticed that I’m most resentful when I’m tired and overwhelmed— i.e. not setting boundaries.

Rehearse. I’ll often say, to no one in particular, “I can’t take that on” or “My plate is full.” Like many worthwhile endeavours, boundary setting is a practice.

I find this really powerful and wonder if you do too?

setting Boundaries are magical for your mental health.

Like a candle or rose petal, our wellbeing and mental health is delicate, something that should be treasured. If looked after well, it will give you years of joy and happiness. If you fail to look after the little things, setting boundaries, being kind to yourself, then they will in turn become bigger things and eventually your mental health and well being will suffer.

“Compassionate people ask for what they need. They say no when they need to, and when they say yes, they mean it. They’re compassionate because their boundaries keep them out of resentment.”

Brene Brown

I love these mantras and have over the years, integrated them into my daily life.. Not easy, it takes practice, but remember every time you say “yes’ to someone else, you are saying “no” to you.

Writing your boundaries down is really powerful, it cements the “why” and as Brene says, what’s OK and what’s not OK.

If you have 5 minutes, take a look at Brene’s famous TedTalk that I believe you’ll love..

I’d love to know your thoughts about this one thing that’s magical for your mental health. Will you be joining me in this Mission of setting boundaries? Let me know in the comments below.

Feel free to share with a friend who you think would love this Mission too. Furthermore, I’d love you to subscribe to receive my blog straight to your inbox.

With love

What is the magical Power of an Hour?

by Claire | Aug 24, 2020 | Lifestyle, Organisation, Power Of An Hour

Let me introduce you to a tool that really helps me (and many of my clients) – the Power of an Hour. A tool that’s so simple but really helpful to just get started and maker some headway with that tasked or tasks.

I wonder, have you ever found that when you have a mountain of things to do, you just don’t know where to start..?

Perhaps you have just ONE thing to do and that task seems so totally overwhelming, so big (maybe even bigger) as you’ve over thought it!

What happens?

We procrastinate, put it off, scroll through our phones.. Maybe do everything we shouldn’t be doing just to put that task off a little more!

Does this sound familiar?

Here’s what to do:

Decide on your Mission, what it is that you want to achieve..

Turn off your notifications and put your phone down.

Set your timer for one hour.

Get to work!

Why does it work?

By simply putting some urgency around your Mission, knowing that you have just one hour to make progress, you’ll find you’ll achieve so much – especially without any distractions! It’s amazing how quickly and easily we can be distracted!

“The Power of an Hour is such a help to me as I can’t physically do as much as I used to do. The Power Hour is such a string and positive name, it doesn’t make you feel feeble that you can only manage an hour!! Thanks for sharing, it’s been life changing for my husband and I”
Alice

What if you don’t have a whole hour?

Sometimes we don’t have have an entire hour to dedicate to a Mission, that’s OK. Often it’s simply the getting started that we struggle with. If you only have 20 minutes or half an hour, that’s fine too.

Remember your Power of an Hour doesn’t have to be all about getting stuff done and ticking things off a list. It can be for whatever you want it to be…

Self care and a happy mental health is far more important than an empty email box or a completed “to do” list.

Here are some ideas:

Have a long soak in the bath with a good book..

Call a friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with ..

Get outside and enjoy the fresh air.

Whatever you decide to do with your Power of an Hour:

Do it with intention

Without scrolling through your phone

Without interruption..

This is YOUR time!

What do you think?

The Power of an Hour is a great way to inject intention into your day or evening. I’ve shared free daily planner (and more) in the Organisation tools. It really helps keep me focused and find it invaluable for my Power of an Hour.

What will you do with your next Power of an Hour?

I’d love to know, join in the conversation on my Instagram, Facebook or comment below.

Feel free to tag me into your #powerofanhour and use this hashtag! I’d love to know how you find using this simple tool and what an effect it has on your daily life and routine.

Stay happy and healthy,