Liz's life

Liz’s life: Rejuvenation

Liz shares a personal insight into her life in her regular column in Liz Earle Wellbeing Magazine. In this edition, Liz looks ahead to the future and discusses leaving lockdown. She shares some of the simple habits we can start now to help us lead a happy and healthy life.

Liz writes…

Like many, I’ve been re-evaluating how best to spend the rest of my life and what the future might look like now. As we emerge from the chrysalis of lockdowns, my new focus is how best to rejuvenate for the future.

Being at home has made me prioritise daily wellbeing more than ever and I’m so determined to live a better ‘second half’ of life. The words ‘take care of your body, it’s the only place you have to live’ have never rung truer. Growing older is a privilege, a unique opportunity to make wiser choices for a healthier, happier life.

Prioritising wellbeing

Some of the simplest things have made the biggest difference to me, with my four priorities for wellness being sleep, exercise, food and rest. It may sound strange, but I think about how to get a good night’s sleep in the morning, when I plan my day. I’ll allocate time slots for work and chores so I finish at a sensible time and protect my evening downtime.

I force myself to get outdoors early on, activating the natural circadian rhythms of night and day, so I’m more awake in the morning and naturally slowing down later on. I’ve found taking supplements such as magnesium, B vitamins and Saffrosun (a natural crocus extract) are best taken early in the day to give a better night’s sleep. They do work.

I get my exercise done early on, too – no more after-work gym sessions for me. If I don’t have time for a run or online class, I simply unroll an exercise mat at the end of my bed for some simple stretches, squats and press-ups for (in my PJs, no equipment required!). In just five or 10 minutes, this morning movement mantra makes such a difference to my mental and physical strength.

I’ve always tried to eat well, but now I take even more care of what goes into my mouth. I’m a fan of higher-fat, lower-sugar eating and keep a stash of sustaining snacks to hand: chunks of cheese, a full fruit bowl (blueberries are a favourite) and nuts (Brazil nuts are good for a sugar-fix), as well as the obligatory very dark chocolate…

Learning to relax

Last but not least, rest and relaxation has become my must-have too. I’ve dusted off years-old jigsaw puzzles and even finished a tapestry cushion cover I started 20 years ago! I now set an alarm for when it’s time for bed, instead of for when to get up, and note a few of the things I’m thankful for in my bedside journal before switching off the light.

Put all together? I feel fitter, stronger and more positive than ever before. We do all have it within us to take simple self-care steps towards a brighter future. Time to tap into the true power of personal rejuvenation.