If you’re packing a potato or pasta salad for a picnic, try cooking and cooling the carbohydrates first: “This will help reduce blood sugar spikes by increasing the amount of resistant starch, which acts like fibre and is a great source of food for the good bacteria in your gut,” says nutritionist Madeleine Shaw.
17. Facial spray
Use a mineral water mist with hyaluronic acid. “A mineral water mist will hydrate your skin without compromising the effectiveness of your makeup or sunscreen,” says Dr. Mahasa Salekhi, cosmetic physician and founder of SAS Aesthetics.
“Adding hyaluronic acid to the mist will enhance its hydrating effects, as hyaluronic acid attracts and retains moisture in the skin.” During your flight, spritz your face with a mineral water mist containing hyaluronic acid every few hours. “This will leave your skin feeling hydrated and refreshed.”
18. Pace yourself
If you’ve got a string of barbecues or summer parties coming up, slowing down your alcohol intake can help prevent you from drinking too much. “It takes about an hour to process one unit of alcohol (10ml/8g),” explains Professor Nutt. “If you drink slowly, you give yourself time to process the alcohol, so your blood alcohol level doesn’t peak as high and we know this reduces the hangover.”
19. Clear away clutter
Now that we’ve passed the summer solstice and are halfway through the year, it’s the perfect time to reflect, analyse, set goals and take action. “Pick a corner of your living space and clear out the clutter,” says Asha Chong, a five-element acupuncturist.
Donating to charity makes room for new things to arrive and take their place.
“In the same way, take the time to brush off the cobwebs from your mind – old thoughts, old beliefs, old resentments. Refine your thinking.”
What do you want to achieve? “Make a plan and find a way to make those hopes and dreams a reality.”
