Wellness 101: Move it! Move it! | Sponsored by MR PORTER
Photo by Freepik
The wellness movement is all the rage these days, and in my world, that is something to celebrate! It’s amazing to think that so many people are consciously making the choice and effort to be healthier, every day, especially in these times where everything is changing. It’s also important to focus on small and subtle changes that can easily improve your overall wellbeing.
I know. It’s hard. Getting started on your personal wellness journey can be overwhelming and daunting, especially given the state of the world we are trying to thrive in today. It seems far from simple, but living healthier lives does not have to be as hard or complicated as it may seem. MR PORTER helps this process to be much easier.
Maybe your country is still under a lockdown or maybe there is still some kind of work-from-home order still in place BUT it is still important that you include a little bit of exercise in your weekly routine, working your way up to daily. You don’t need to be lifting 100 pounds in a bench-press at the gym for it to count. Simply setting aside 10 minutes each week, to get active, until you can manage 10 minutes a day (or more) is enough to keep your body healthy. One of my favourite things to do in my free time whilst ticking off items on my to-do list and in between my lengthy and frequent zoom calls is a 10 minute workout which includes:
- 60 second jumping jacks.
- 60 second squat.
- 60 second burpees
- 60 seconds push ups
- 60 seconds lunges
To prepare my self, I keep my workout essentials close to my work area. These include my workout mat, my water bottle and my earphones that I never leave home without.
My mat is essential because it helps to cushion my body through different movement variations while providing traction to discourage slipping and falling. I’ve gone through a few workout mats but my current favourite is the one MR PORTER sent me, the By Japan Ikehiko Denim-Trimmed Igusa Tatami Yoga Mat. This is pretty durable and extremely comfortable. It’s made from Japanese Igusa; a fragrant plant that helps with relaxation and has air purifying properties so it encourages clearer breaths while ensuring I am comfortable.
We all know hydration is important, especially when working out as your body loses a lot of water through sweating. I like to ensure I have a bottle of water close by so I do not have to break my workout flow to run to the kitchen to grab a drink. I’ve been trying out the LARQ Purifying Water Bottle MR PORTER sent me and I must say, I am in love. As the name says, this bottle purifies the water in it, on its own, using UV LED light to eliminate 99.99% of contaminants, so there’s no need to purchase a separate filter. A simple charge via a USB port, once a month, helps to ensure you will always have clean water at your disposal. Oh! did I mention this bottle is made of stainless steel and is double insulated so it keeps its content cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours? I LOVE IT.
It’s been proven over and over again that music helps to improve workouts. Not only by decreasing boredom, but it helps to create a better atmosphere to complete your routine. Increasing stamina, lifting the mood, improving energy efficiency, all while also reducing blood pressure and mental stress are all benefits of listening to music while working out. My playlists and my Master & Dynamic MW07 PLUS True Wireless Acetate In-Ear Headphones are the last things my routine feels incomplete without. These in-ear headphones deliver clear sound, while allowing me to still hear my surroundings. It also has a 40-hour total play time and comes in a sleek and beautifully designed stainless steel carrying case that doubles as its charger. Did I mention it’s wireless? It fits perfectly in my ears and is adjustable using the included variety of ‘fit wings’ and I do not have to worry about them falling out. What more could I ask for in a pair of wireless headphones?
Below is an attached workout routine that I like to follow. Note that this is what I do because I’ve been doing it for a while but you can always do modified versions to suit where you are at and work your way up when you’re ready.
Working out just for ten minutes per day can increase cognitive function which makes working from home much easier and it also breaks up the monotony of the day in a very healthy cost-effective way.
Nowadays, I love to complete my workouts with yoga poses to help centre my energy and relax the mind and body to either get back to work or to take on any other task I may have.
MR PORTER is here to help build and simplify your wellness routines. It’s my go-to one-stop shop for all my wellness needs.