The Sprightly Spud

Seven baby steps I’m taking to enhance my mental wellness in 2024, that don’t involve investing in an ice bath.

My 2023 was not a bad year, but could be described as tumultuous at best. Between juggling the stress of A-Levels, starting (and dropping out of) University, and battling severe anaemia, there were definitely strains placed on my mental health. I have huge goals for 2024, in all aspects of my life, hence why I feel it’s necessary to look after my little brain, in any way I can.

In an ideal world, I would begin my optimised morning routine with a dip in the ice bath and a sauna session, where I would practice my daily breath work. Having nourished my mind, I would nourish my body, with an organic iced latte made from mushrooms and a restaurant standard breakfast composed solely of ingredients purchased in a farmer’s market. This level of luxury would extend into my fitness regime. As I would mindfully saunter to my boutique gym, in order to engage in a brutal, yet precisely tailored personal training session and swim. After taking full advantage of the gym’s complementary aroma therapeutic toiletries, I would feel invigorated, and ready to engage in a stimulating day of hybrid working from my pristine apartment, designed to maximise productivity through the art of Feng Shui.

Yeah fat chance.

Like most of us, I have neither unlimited time, money, or flexibility. As mush as I would love to live as above, it’s not realistic, however there are actions I can take which will fill my day with nuggets of mental nourishment:

1. Lighting a candle.

Who says aromatherapy is expensive. A trip to Primark’s home section can facilitate a certified sense spa, providing you choose your fragrance wisely. For the achievable outlay of £2, I am able to bless my surroundings with the gentle tones of eucalyptus, lime, and cardamom. Despite seeming trivial, taking the time and care to romanticise life’s everyday actions forces me to slow down, and look after myself a little bit, rather than powering through my days without any form of treat.

2. Weekly hot yoga.

This does require some level of expenditure, however the benefits to both my physical and mental health of an hour a week in the ‘hot pod’ are multifaceted. First of all, it’s a chance to catch up with my bestie. Leaving school and university means that, at times, my social interaction with people my age is limited, so the shared drive time, and stretch session together, is a gift that isn’t to be overlooked. Secondly, I am a certified fitness addict, so the combination of endurance sport and CrossFit can leave my joints and muscles in need of a bit of TLC. The balmy 37 degree heat, and delightfully stretchy flow, gives my body to rest and recovery it needs. Every time I step out of the Church into the cold night air, I do so with my calves feeling significantly more pliable than when I entered. Finally, as a chronic over-thinker and perfectionist, an hour to attempt to silence my thoughts is extremely valuable. Meditation makes me want to scream, but soft, calming aromas, the sensation of beads of sweat caressing my forehead, and the ability to focus on the dance-like movements of yoga, seem to be the only things that allow me to stop thinking.

Of course, the dream situation would be a retreat to Bali every couple of months, but until I produce a series of record-breaking best-sellers, a weekly trip to Chester seems like a more financially viable way of filling my cup with zen.

3. Daily smoothies.

The aforementioned anaemia-gate of 2023, has left me scouring my daily routine, for opportunities to cram my blood sells with iron. I don’t eat red meat, so dark leafy greens are my lifesavers. Although I don’t have the time or funds to purchase and prepare a selection of organic produce for every meal, my daily tropical beverage provides both a refreshing form of workout fuel, and a multitude of health benefits. The recipe consists of; a good few clumps of Asda’s best frozen spinach, a handful of pineapple, lime juice, a scoop of nutrient packed ‘Green Superblend’, from Naturya, some MYPROTEIN cereal milk whey, and Maca Powder. It’s simple, but another way I’m delivering some much needed self care to my mind and body.

I’m no nutrition expert, but the vibrant green hue means it has got to be good for me.

4. 5 pages a day.

If I were inclined to do so, I would commit a short amount of time each day to expanding my mind, through the words and deep thoughts of the worlds most profound thinkers and valuable role models. Through the words of Michelle Obama, Stephen Bartlett and the likes, I would saturate my little grey cells with knowledge and wisdom.

Regrettably, I am not that way inclined. Reading non-fiction books takes me years. I am, however, a fiend for a trashy novel. For me personally, it seems almost more important to dedicate time to letting my mind switch off, rather than grow. Consequently, whether it be an enthralling murder mystery, or a classic rom com, I will be consuming my daily five pages of literature this year. All reading is good reading.

5. Wearing clothes

No, I’m not currently a nudist.

This said, I do have a tendency to loaf around in my (somewhat fragrant) gym kit, long after completing my workout. Yes, it’s comfy. It’s cosy. It’s stretchy. It also has the effect of limiting my identity to being solely a gym rat.

I am more than a gym rat.

Once again, it may sound trivial, but the sheer act of getting dressed in ‘real clothes’, is vital in making me feel like an actual human being, with an actual personality. So, here’s to 2024 being a year of wearing clothes!

6. Kitchen discos

Think silent disco, but not silent, and in the comfort of my own home. Forever the queen of multitasking, there is nothing I love more than belting out Beyoncé’s greatest hits, whilst simultaneously chopping my carrots. All jokes aside, there is a lot to be said for the practice of just ‘letting go’, permitting the music to take control of my vocal cords and limbs, safe in the knowledge that no one is watching, apart from the potatoes.

Maximal endorphins, minimal embarrassment.

7. Adventure

Some of my favourite moments of 2023 were spent up mountains. Gleeful in the relief of having completed my A-Levels, I spent a considerable portion of my summer alone with my packed lunch, hiking in North Wales. It was peaceful, meditative, and freeing. Therefore, these solo adventures will absolutely be continuing into the new year.

In summary, hiring a personal holistic health coach is not a realistic leap towards looking after myself in 2024. Conversely, these seven well-being nuggets may just be the secret to grounding my mental health, whilst I strive towards my big girl goals in 2024.