We know it is the first day of summer and longest day of the year soon when Londoners somehow seem so much nicer (and sweatier)! How shall we celebrate the joyous occasion, we hear you ask? We have compiled a list of how we can all chill out both metaphorically and physically.
1| Spice up your Morning Beverage
Switch up your usual choice of coffee for this Gen T fave! All you have to do is brew some Spice It Up for 3 mins and top it off with your favourite milk or mylk alternative. Masala Chai, the drink of the yogis, will help keep you feeling balanced, by waking you up with a third of the caffeine that coffee has. Other additions to Masala Chai help to naturally energise your body, as ingredients like ginger aid your digestive system. Pouring your Chai Latte over ice will help you also feel physically chilled out - *brr, perfect!*
2| Take Care of your Head & Shoulders
No, We don’t mean the shampoo. There is definitely some truth in the expressions “holding the weight of the world on your shoulders”. Book a Swedish massage and ask your therapist to concentrate on relieving the tension and breaking the knots in your neck and shoulders. Feel your nervous system calm down and enjoy that release of toxins. Moreover, a massage is also a great excuse to take off your clothes and let your pores breathe. Don’t you feel chilled out, just reading that? If your pockets are feeling a bit empty this month, go for a more budget-friendly option - roll your back on a foam roller at the gym, it feels almost as good!
3| Make Music (but Don’t Forget to Tune the Guitar First, kay?)
Relax Freddie Mercury, we didn’t ask for a whole 6 minutes of music, crossing styles and genres. Grab an instrument, or a pad and a paper and head off to a park bench. Spend half an hour, not thinking about anything to do with your daily woes. Let your mind wander and write what comes to mind (whether it be musical notes or words). If you can, try to read it out while strumming along. This will help free a clogged mind, lower blood pressure and decrease heart rate, all while the subtle breeze in the park has an overall cooling effect on your body. Can you say, Scaramouch?
4| Lip Sync Competition at Yours - Come Through, Queen!
If you have ever watched RuPaul’s Drag Race, you would know that lip syncing is so much more than moving your mouth to words. It involves dancing for your life and a whole lot of fashaun. Call some close friends over and host your own battle. Not only will you laugh your head off, but the release of endorphins from your dancing body will make your mind feel good. Breaking a sweat will help the body cool down physically, as well. *Now, sissy that walk*.
5| Get a Pedicure - Please.
When it’s sandal season, even your feet need to make an effort to look pretty. So go ahead, call the salon and book a pedicure. Here is why: pedicures can stimulate blood flow, release tension in the body and heighten self-esteem. Yeah, getting a pedicure can literally make you a better person. What’s more, the good salons usually have air-con, so enjoy your mental and physical chill out session!
6| New Hair, New You
Although getting a haircut is usually associated with post-breakup treatment, we think it is a good way to refresh your mind. The part that is the best for you, is the part we all look forward to in a hair-appointment - the head massage! Having a professional clean and scalp massage will stimulate blood-flow, promote relaxation and remove excess residue from hair products and dry scalp skin - talk about literally lifting the weight off your shoulders! Then, finish off the experience with a trim or getting an updo. Feel that breeze on your neck? Nice, huh.
7| Wake Up and Smell the Roses
Many blog posts have discussed the benefits of running on the body. How about doing it outside, though? Regent’s Park is notorious for runners because the exploration is never-ending and the flowers aren’t too shabby. This overwhelming amount of oxygen increases the amount of serotonin, or happy feeling in the body, helping you chill the f*ck out and enjoy life. Jogging also makes you break a light sweat, which creates a breeze of air on your skin, cooling down your body temperature. Wait, are we smelling roses or sweat?
8| Late Night Swim Sesh
Find the nearest pool to you - we would recommend an indoor gym pool, as this will usually be a calmer environment than a public pool. Put on your swimsuit and make sure to go at a reasonably late time, when there is less likely to be other people around. Appreciate how you lose track of where the water ends and your body begins. Being in water has been credited with making us feel calmer and more creative. Enjoy these almost meditative feeling in your mind and the feeling of your cool body.
9| Listen to a Podcasts outside
Is there something that has been on your mind for a while? Maybe it’s something you have wanted to try or an issue that you are having trouble resolving in a business or personal relationship? Find some good podcasts on the subject and set off for a light walk around your neighbourhood as you listen. Focus on the words but also on your breathing and the feeling of the air against your skin. By listening to the advice, you are taking away some of the pressure and responsibility you have put on yourself concerning this matter and a light walk is sure to lightly chill your body.
10| Make Iced Tea Lollies, #Trust
Time to get e-shopping! Get onto offblak.com and order our Discovery Set. When they arrive, bring your flatmates to the kitchen and brew the teas together. Wait for them to cool and place them in the plastic lolly holders. Freeze these for 24 - 48 hours. Each time you go and grab one, you will be taken by surprise with a different flavour! The ice lolly will help keep you chilled out physically and the idea of indulging in these lollies and engaging in a team activity will fill you with good vibes. Enjoy!
Sources
https://www.cupandleaf.com/blog/chai-tea-benefits
https://www.livescience.com/40597-playing-musical-instrument-good-health.html
http://www.arthurmurraydancenow.com/blog/3-ways-dancing-relieves-stress
https://gloskinmedspa.com/blog/5+Health+Reasons+Why+You+Need+Regular+Pedicures/21
https://www.therecord.com/shopping-story/5340544-is-getting-a-haircut-good-for-your-health-/
https://www.benenden.co.uk/be-healthy/lifestyle/come-outside-why-fresh-air-is-essential/
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