Before we start with this month’s topic, did you know that ‘Februa’ is the origin of the word February, the month of love and romance? Februa is the name of an ancient Roman festival that took place in mid-February. It was a time of purification and cleansing, when people would wash themselves, their homes and their livestock with water and wool. The festival was also associated with fertility and love, as it was believed that Februa would help couples conceive children. Interesting, you may think. While January may have seen you focus on your health and well-being as part of your new year’s resolutions, we are wondering how you are doing so far.
If you have failed to keep up with your good intentions, you are not alone. In February 2023, the Fisher College of Business found that 23% of people quit their resolution by the end of the first week, and 43% quit by the end of January. Well, with a little encouragement from the Respite Tea team, here are a few tips to strengthen your resolve and improve your physical and mental health this year.
Drink more water - Water is essential for your body's functions and can also help you feel more energised, hydrated, and refreshed.
Eat more fruit and vegetables - They are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre that can boost your immune system, digestion, and skin health.
Move your body - Exercise can improve your mood, strength, endurance, and cardiovascular health. You don't have to join a gym or follow a strict routine. Just find something you enjoy and do it regularly.
Sleep well - Getting enough quality sleep can help you recover from stress, improve your memory, and lower your risk of chronic diseases. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night and avoid caffeine, alcohol, and screens before bed.
Practise gratitude - Being grateful for what you have can make you happier, more optimistic, and more resilient. Try writing down three things you are thankful for every day or expressing your appreciation to someone who helped you.
Set realistic and specific goals – Writing down what you would like to achieve will help you track your progress and stay motivated. This will help you appreciate what you have and reduce stress and anxiety.
Seek support and socialise – Finally, remember you do not have to do it alone. Find a friend, a family member, or an online community that shares your wellness goals and can offer encouragement, advice or accountability.
Drinking Respite Tea’s herbal infusions will not only bring you the benefits of bitter leaf tea and the vitamins and minerals each variant provides, it will also give you time to pause and reflect as you sip it. And finally, as 14 February is Valentine’s Day, why not gift your tea lovers or yourself with a Respite Tea subscription or present them with our beautiful tea caddy. It’s not too late!