When we finally emerge from our homes after months spent indoors, blinking into the light and looking rather pasty, we’re not quite sure how the world is going to look. Actually, scrap that; we’re not quite sure how we’re going to look.
There’s been a saying doing the rounds of late, that lockdown can go one of four ways; you can either come out a hunk, a chunk, a monk, or a drunk. Whilst we’re not quite sure if that’s accurate, and wouldn’t want to make light of the various struggles folk have gone through recently, we are keen to emerge looking and feeling our best, ready to tackle a long, enjoyable summer of fun and festivities.
Now that we have something to aim for – the 21st June, or as many are calling it, ‘pandemic independence day’ – it’s time to fix those eyes on the prize and get war ready. Well, perhaps not ‘war’, but rather, beer garden and dance floor ready. With that in mind, here are 5 ways to emerge from lockdown looking fresh and feeling focused.
CHAT, CLEANSE, RECALIBRATE
We’ve all been cooped up for so long, with only our partners, families and housemates for company, that conversation fodder has dwindled to something of a famine. There are only so many times you can ask ‘’what shall we have for dinner?’’ or suggest another walk.
If you’ve been feeling a little listless and in need of support, a virtual shoulder to cry on, or some practical advice on how to tackle these ever changing circumstances with confidence, then you might find it useful to seek solace in online communities or the ear of a volunteer working for one of the country’s mental health charities.
Fortunately, the UK has plenty of free services currently available, enabling you to vent, voice your feelings and hopefully gain some fresh perspective before you’re launched back into the big wide world. A little catharsis before the culture shock of ‘normal’ life resuming might be just what you need.
COUCH TO 5K
It’s one hell of a motivation, imagining that first meeting with old friends…’’have you been working out?’’ they enquire, squeezing your biceps. For others, the main impetus for regular exercise right now is to keep minds focused and forward thinking, and that’s great, too!
We’re sure that we don’t need to stress just how good exercise is for mental wellbeing. Indeed, regular exercise – that’s defined by the NHS as being 150 minutes of physical activity a week – can have a profound effect on your state of mind, with the UK’s leading mental health charity, Mind, stating that a healthy dose of the good stuff promotes better sleep, happier moods and helps you reduce anxiety and stress, too.
The amazing thing is that you don’t even need to be a fitness fanatic to reap the benefits of regular exercise. If you’re stuck in a bit of a rut, fitness wise, then why not attempt the manageable yet rightly challenging Couch to 5K challenge, which pledges to get those starting out on their exercise journey running 5 kilometres after 9 weeks of training (encompassing three runs a week). And you know what’s happening in just over 9 weeks from now, right? Dancefloor, here we come.
GET READY FOR A GLOW UP
We’ve already established that you’re keen to reel in some compliments after several months spent indoors in our PJs (hey, who isn’t?), so why not go above and beyond and consider a full on March makeover, ensuring your glow up doesn’t go unnoticed.
So many of us have lost a little confidence over lockdown, so why not re-enter the world with a bang? Whether it is a teeth whitening treatment or a new set of veneers, the freshest of haircuts, an expansive spray tan treatment or a new tattoo (when parlours reopen, of course) a cosmetic makeover can restore your self-confidence ready for the summer season.
Last year, Elle Magazine revealed that there are a number of new non-surgical ‘glow-cedures’ people are turning to for a noticeable lift in looks. Here, “the aim is not a fake look, rather one that communicates happiness, good health and enough sleep”.
Glow-cedures include injections of hyaluronic acid under the skin to “plump things” up and a triple dose aesthetic cocktail of hyaluronic acid, mesotherapy and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) to “to rejuvenate the eye area.”
Remember, you’re beautiful as you are. But if your teeth, hairline, or even eyebrows are affecting your confidence, then considering a cosmetic treatment might give you a boost.
MARCH MAKEOVER
Alternatively, and a little less drastic perhaps, you could simply invest in a new wardrobe, to ensure you’re stepping out in style come June. This needn’t cost a fortune; many of the country’s favourite thrift stores, outlets, charity shops and more have moved their operations online, and you can find some fantastic pieces for cheap if you dig deep and look hard.
As well as looking for pre-loved clothes and accessories on charity shop shelves, save yourself a bit of rummaging by browsing online with retailers like Zalando, TheOutnet and Deuxieme. Zalando do deep discounts that can’t be matched by even the cheapest discount stores, TheOutnet offer up to 75% off new designer clothing, while Deuxieme slashes prices on gently worn goods from high fashion brands. Wow.
BUDGET & BUILD
Summer and the lifting of lockdown is going to be an intoxicating, heady time, make no mistake. As such, we’re already saving up for the fun and frolics, making good use of this current downtime to count our coppers, put away some pennies and prepare our bank balances for a party. If you’re eager to do the same, then there are a few simple hacks, tips and tricks you can make to your everyday life in order to save money. Some of these include:
- Negotiate new rates on utility bills, phone contracts, and your internet.
- Check your outgoings for unwanted subscriptions and memberships, as well as those pesky ‘free trials’ which have stopped being, well, free.
- Batch cook and meticulously plan your meals.
- Pay down debts rather than accumulate more.
If you’re keen to make the most of summer but want to keep things thrifty, then check out these 5 IDEAL ways to have a social life on a budget.
*This article is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment given by a qualified health professional. Instead, this article only provides information, not advice. For any medical enquiries, always consult your GP first*