You only need a small amount of time to make a big difference to your wellbeing
WORDS: DEBRA WATERS. PHOTOS (POSED BY MODELS): GETTY
****@THESOUNDTHERAPIST ON INSTAGRAM. IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP
Got a spare hour or thereabouts? Stop scrolling on your phone or mindlessly flicking through the TV channels. Instead, use the minutes wisely – you can do something to improve your health and mood in less time than it takes to watch an episode of Gogglebox.
GET YOUR EYES CHECKED
Around 65% of patients are avoiding eye tests due to the cost-of-living crisis, found a survey by Optegra Eye Hospitals. But eye tests can uncover conditions such as diabetes, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. Visit nhs.uk to see if you’re eligible for a free test, plus money towards glasses or contact lenses. If not, Boots, Specsavers and Vision Express offer 30-minute tests for around £25.
HAVE AN ORGASM
Feeling aroused is good for us – it can relieve pain, lower blood pressure and even give the immune system a boost by increasing white blood cells. However, if you’re going through the menopause you may be struggling sexually. If so, identify what works for you, says sex and relationship expert Miranda Christophers**. ‘Find a way to reawaken the senses through touch, smell and taste. Introduce lubricants and sex toys – experiment with what works in terms of self-pleasure.’
JOIN A FREE 5K
Want to get moving, but need motivation? Try Parkrun. ‘These are community events, based around a 5k course, where hundreds of thousands take part each week,’ says Chrissie Wellington OBE, Parkrun’s global head of health and wellbeing. You don’t need to be super-fit, either. ‘People take part as walkers, joggers, runners and volunteers,’ she says. What’s more, Parkruns aren’t too time-intensive and they’re free – just register at parkrun. org.uk for a barcode. ‘Turn up with your barcode, at any location, as often as you like,’ says Chrissie. Spending an hour exercising in nature offers numerous wellness benefits – all you need is decent trainers and comfy clothes.
DECLUTTER
A messy home is associated with dissatisfaction* and can make us stressed, so have a quick declutter. ‘Arm yourself with a bin bag and a basket for items to relocate,’ says Marie Bateson, founder of Cut the Clutter. ‘Look down your hallway – are there discarded shoes, bags and coats? Only keep season-appropriate items – others can be put away. When you come in ag
