Chloe's Feel Good, Look Good Column // 15 Ways to Feel Fabulous Now!

Blue skies, lighter evenings and the scent of flowers in the air should make getting out of bed on a Monday morning easier! However, the transition into a new season and a change in weather can really affect our bodies — leaving us a little frazzled. From speedy health kicks to life changing solutions, your new body, energy and mood detox starts with these trips and tricks!

1. Fuel your system, don’t starve it!

Fasts and detox plans can be really tough, but there is an alternative way to cleanse your system that won’t make you collapse from hunger! Introduce healthy oils into your diet — salmon, mackerel, evening primrose and flaxseed oil all contain essential fatty acids for healthy hormones. Eat plenty of winter vegetables such as carrots, kale and greens and drink mint tea by the gallon. Your body will detox itself!

2. Have a raw day

Transform your health by eating only fresh fruit and vegetables one day a week. Your body will power up on vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, excess weight will drop off, and your digestion and immune system will get stronger. Remember to drink lots of water throughout the day!

3. Get flexible

Celebs such as Jennifer Aniston and Miranda Kerr swear by yoga to keep their bodies svelte. Half hour bursts, 5 times a week will seem more manageable and can be done at home with a DVD. Yoga lowers blood pressure, improves posture, helps sleep, de-stresses—need I go on?

4. Get spicy

Introduce spices into your diet and eat them regularly to boost your metabolism. (As if we needed an excuse to have a curry!)

5. Portion Control

A serving of meat or fish should be about the size of a deck of cards. A serving of carbs or vegetables ought to fit in the palm of your hand. Sound simple? Stick to it!

6. Act like a queen

And you’ll be treated like one, especially in the workplace. Power is energizing. We’re not suggesting you order people around—quite the opposite—you should establish your own independence. Don’t commit to anyone and take no one’s side except your own.

7. Go nuts!

Pack a handful of nuts in your bag to nibble when you’re feeling stressed. The magnesium and antioxidant selenium will instantly lift your mood.

8. Perfect pressure

De-stress on the go with this handy trick. Press your acupressure point on the fleshy part of your hand between your thumb and forefinger for two minutes. And breathe…

9. Treat others as if they were going to die at midnight

It might seem drastic, but any resentment or anger will disappear and every interaction will become pleasant and fulfilling.

10. Lemon loving

The scent of lemon is known to boost the senses. A perfume or body spray with citrus notes is the perfect pick-me-up.

11. Sweat it out

One day a week, swap the gym for the sauna. Not only is it super relaxing, it will help you sweat out toxins and increase your need for fluids. Just make sure you guzzle the H2O after!

12. Expose yourself

It may not be warm enough to don the bikini yet, but spending some time with the sun on your face can be extremely beneficial to our health. Exposure to natural light cures carbohydrate cravings, eliminates a bad mood and tops up our vitamin D supply. Shades at the ready!

13. Get an early night

Turn in early and place a hot water bottle over your liver (just below your ribs on your right side). The liver’s rise in temperature enables the body to get rid of toxins more effectively.

14. Balancing act

A great exercise that can be done anywhere is simply standing on one foot for as long as possible. It keeps your mind focused and your muscles alert!

15. Mix with positive people

This may sound obvious, but it really works! If you get stuck talking to a negative person, place a hand over your abdomen to stop the energy drain.

Follow this advice and you will be in tip-top condition in no time. Remember: a healthy body and mind means more energy and a happier you!