LIFESTYLE

How to make the most of your summer break

22 December, 2019 . 0

A new year – and new decade in this case – calls for a clean slate. And what better time to prepare than over your summer holidays?

Here’s how to get 2020 off to a great start.

Do a beauty detox

Most beauty products have a limited shelf life of around six months to a year so it’s important to do a regular clear out.

To find out how long you can keep a beauty product, look for the small open cosmetics pot at the back of most of them.

There’s a little number that will tell you how long you can keep it for.

Hidden nasties: 8 steps to detox your makeup bag

Clean out your closet

While you’re in decluttering mode, the beginning of a new year is the ideal time to Marie Kondo your wardrobe.

Go through every article of clothing and divide into clothes to donate, to fix and to bin.

This will allow you to see what gaps you have in your wardrobe, particularly when it comes to work attire, so you can see what you may need to replace and what needs repairs.

Learn to meditate

This is the year to make a regular meditation practice a part of your routine.

Numerous scientific studies have shown that regular meditation can do everything from reduce stress to improve sleep and even change the structure of the brain.

A smarter, calmer, more well-rested year? Yes, please!

Meditation: Why it pays to be mindful in the moment

Plan something to look forward to

Avoid the post-holiday blues by planning something to get excited about during the year.

Another break perhaps?

A University of Surrey study found those who have a holiday planned are happier with their life in general and report experiencing less negative or unpleasant emotions.

Plan your goals

Don’t let your goals fizzle out once the novelty of a new year has worn off.

Sit down and take the time to do some goal setting then look at how you can tie them back to something you value.

Making value-based goals is said to greatly improve your chances of achieving a goal you set.

If your goal this year is to exercise more and eat better, go a little deeper with your motivations for doing so.

For example, instead of just saying that you would like to go to the gym regularly, say you’d like to exercise to have the stamina to keep up with your kids.

If you’d like to be better with your finances, you could narrow it down and commit to saving at least 10 per cent of your salary to allow you to save for your dream holiday.

It’s all about giving yourself the right motivation and ultimately achieve what you set out to do.