Essential | Wellness

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2024

The weather's getting warmer, and my serotonin levels have increased.

As the weather gets warmer, and we all start to come out of hibernation, I always find myself prioritising my health and wellness again. Often during the winter I live a more 'wellness Lite' lifestyle, which sees me following the basics of a wellbeing and wellness lifestyle, but not doing as much as I feel I should. For example, I know I should eat more fruit and veg, go on more walks, and drink more water, but sometimes I just want to drink hot chocolate and eat pizza.

Spoiler alert: both are fine, and have a place within a wellness lifestyle!

However, when we hit the warmer weather, I find that I no longer fancy the same foods, for example. This leaves me with a naturally seasonal lifestyle.

In the summer, fresh fruit and vegetables taste amazing. Whereas in the winter, you'll spend £4 on a punnet of strawberries where half will taste like water, and the other half will make your eyes water. So I find that my diet tends to alter with the seasons, in the same way that the quality of foods changes. I enjoy 'quick and easy' comfort foods, which I'm sure many of you can relate to, in the winter. When the evenings are dark, I feel much more tired, hence not wanting to make a lengthy dinner. However, the lighter evenings in the summer mean that making a fresh salad, soup, or even a full-blown tapas board feels like a lot less effort.

Therefore, these Spring/Summer essentials will not just be a list of my must-buy items for the season, but instead a slightly more holistic look at my living-life-in-spring essentials (although as always, I will give you some of my must-buy items).

1 Sun! (and spf)

This is the number one component for the Summer season. But make sure that you always keep your skin protected, because something that isn't on this list is sunburn.

2 Flowers

The best way to bring the beauty of the Spring/Summer indoors.

3 Burberry Goddess Eau de Parfum

The perfect mix of sweet vanilla and lavender. With all three notes containing vanilla, it's a fresh, rich fragrance to kick off the warmer weather.

4 White linen skirt

A true wardrobe staple.

5 Ray-bans

The best-of-the-best for sunglasses, as these are a cannot-live-without item for adorning any outfit, as well as practically protecting your eyes. Need I say more?

6 Lip gloss

Whilst it can be annoying when your hair gets caught in your lip gloss due to a warm, seasonal breeze, it's an easy addition to jazz up any make-up look. It's an effortless way of looking sun-kissed and glossy.

7 White shirt

Another wardrobe staple. Whether this is paired with a skirt or shorts, or loose over some baggy trousers for the ultimate cool-and-casual fit, it's the perfect keep-cool item.

8 Sunhat

Whilst I probably wouldn't wear a giant sunhat in the high street, sunhats are perfect for holidays by the beach.

9 Fruit

Added to granola, frozen for a smoothie, dipped in chocolate - it's the best Summer snack.

10 Rosé

Whether it's a chilled glass with a BBQ lunch, or a Rosé with ice in the garden on a hot evening, it's my go-to alcoholic drink in the warmer weather.

11 Iced (decaf) latte/iced matcha

My go-to non-alcoholic drinks.

12 Dry brush

Especially in the season of shorts and vest tops, dry brushing helps to keep your skin gently exfoliated and smooth.

13 Ice cream

A classic summer snack - and even better if paired with fruit.

14 Pistachios

When sat in the garden with your Rosé, what better to pair it with than pistachios?