If you haven’t checked out Lucas Hugh yet, these gorgeous leggings reviewed by the fabulous website Sportsister.

Read more at http://www.sportsister.com/2013/03/30/lucas-hugh-lexington-leggings/#o31yyJmRC4cmxQot.99

Those bods over at Mintel never rest for Christmas. Their latest research has looked into the sales of diet control food and discovered that   it has slowed to nothing over the last year. Good thing, we think. The best way to lose weight is with a balanced mix of whole foods which are specific to person’s own tolerances and preferences rather than artificially sweetened and bulked processed products. Here are the facts:

As a new year begins, the thoughts of many Brits will be on how to shed the excesses of the festive season and using the new year as a catalyst to realise their ambitions of a fitter self.However, while we may be growing larger as a nation, with one in three (31%) Brits on a more or less permanent diet, new research from Mintel finds sales of diet and weight control food stagnating.

Indeed, latest research from Mintel sees sales of weight control foods having risen by a conservative 10% to £1.6 billion between 2007 and 2012, with the market at a standstill in 2012. What is more, the number of consumers looking out for light or diet food and drink products has progressively slipped, albeit at a slow rate. Around one in five (19%) Brits use diet food and drink, the number of users having dropped from 21% in 2008, meanwhile, just 5% of Brits use diet products, such as appetite controllers and meal replacements.

Today, the top five ways Brits choose to manage weight are – 1. Exercise more 60%, 2. Eat small portions 55%, 3. Cut back on fatty foods 53%, 4. Cut back on sugary foods and drink 54% and 5. Cut back on desserts 46%. Meanwhile, just three in ten (30%) Brits opt for more diet foods to try to lose weight.

Overall, just over half (52%) of Brits have tried to lose weight in the past year (42% of men versus 63% of women). Almost a fifth (18%) try to maintain their current weight. Almost one in five (17%) sometimes think about their weight but don’t do anything about it, while one in ten (10%) never think about their weight and 3% are trying to put weight on.

Emma Clifford, Senior Food Analyst at Mintel said:

“The troubles of the diet and weight control market cannot be attributed to consumers lacking interest in losing weight, in fact, quite the contrary. The majority of Britons have tried to lose or manage their weight in the last year, and the number of persistent dieters continues to edge up. The turbulent economic landscape, squeezed disposable incomes and low consumer confidence have stifled growth in the market, as financially straightened Britons turned to cheaper methods of weight management, such as eating smaller portions and cutting back on certain types of food.”

When asked about light and low-fat foods, the overriding perception held by three quarters of the population (76%) is that diet products are overpriced. Also presenting a challenge to the market is the widespread scepticism over the health credentials of foods labelled as diet, low fat or low calorie. Indeed, while seven in ten (71%) feel it is difficult to know how healthy these products genuinely are, half (51%) of Britons actively distrust them, driven by concerns which linger over the ingredients or sweeteners they contain.

Competition from products which are naturally lower in calories is a major issue for the market, and almost half (48%) of adults prefer these products over reduced calorie alternatives. The top health claims consumers look for are low fat (52%), part of my five a day (49%), unprocessed 43%, low sugar 43% and low calorie (40%). Almost one in ten (8%) admit they do not buy healthy food.

“Despite rising levels of obesity and the large swathes of the population who are trying to lose weight, the diet and weight control food market is stagnating. Although the overriding perception that ‘light’ products are overpriced is undoubtedly limiting their appeal, consumers’ scepticism over their healthiness is also a major barrier. In order to win consumers’ trust and compete with naturally low-calorie foods it is vital that manufacturers offer consumers greater transparency in terms of their ingredients and what constitutes them being ‘diet.’ continues Emma.

Within the market, biscuits (which include cereal bars) account for the largest share of the identified diet and weight control food sales, accounting for 31p in every £1 spent on these, and this segment is expected to grow by an impressive 9% in 2012. The diet and weight control yogurt sector has seen sales slip in 2012 to an estimated £334 million related to ramped-up competition from more indulgent yogurts and functional yogurts. The most notable declines are estimated to be witnessed in the chilled and frozen ready meals segments, which are forecast to decline by 17% and 14% year on year respectively.

Overall, the diet and weight control foods market is made up of biscuits (31%), yogurt (21%), yellow fats (13%), breakfast cereal (7%), salad dressings (6%) bread (6%) chilled ready meals (6%), frozen ready meals (4%) artificial sweeteners (4%) and ice cream (2%).Looking at dieting schemes used by Brits, the top three schemes are – 1. Keeping a food diary (13%), 2. Using diet apps (10%) and 3. Joining diet clubs or programmes (7%).

“It is likely that more diet apps will continue to flood onto the market, and the popularity of these will grow. Consumers are becoming more data-driven and consumers are increasingly turning to technology to build ‘personal dashboards’. These can lend consumers a sense of control over the many facets of their busy lives, with the ultimate aim of self-betterment.” Emma concludes.

It’s easy to overlook the importance of good posture but you’d be amazed at the benefits. Discomfort, injury and back-pain can all be eradicated through improved posture and sporting performance can be enhanced.  Running particularly relies on the core muscles to achieve efficiency in propelling the arms and legs. There are few better ways of improving posture than through regular Yoga or Pilates workouts.

What is good posture? Being able to maintain the body in an upright position without leaning either sideways or forwards during running is the best posture to strive for.  This way the strain is evenly distributed throughout the body, avoiding too much stress being placed on any one area.  Imagine a plumb line hanging from the top of your head along the centre of your body and try to keep it there.

How does good posture reduce the risk of injury? Running engages muscles throughout the body, from the feet to the shoulders.  If we are unable to hold ourselves properly and bring the core muscles into play, we have a tendency to put strain on the joints or particular muscles as we compensate for poor posture.  Over time, this can lead to significant injury.

How do we improve posture? Activities such as Yoga and Pilates are recognised as improving posture and gradually strengthening the body through focussing on the core muscles as well as increasing stamina and flexibility.  It may be that you have developed a poor posture over time or that an area of weakness or injury has resulted in a poor stance as the rest of the body tries to compensate for the weakness.  Gently strengthening that area will automatically allow you to use it more effectively.

How does poor posture effect running? If our core muscles are not strong enough, we have less strength to propel the limbs and maintain the momentum to keep going.  The core muscles are the ‘powerhouse’ to the rest of the body and provide it with energy to move efficiently.

Posture also effects our ability to take in air properly.  If we don’t fill the lungs to capacity during running, we won’t be able to transport the much needed oxygen around the body.  Both Yoga and Pilates focus specifically on breathing to achieve the perfect technique, which can only help when we are out running too.

Pay attention to posture now and you’ll benefit into the future. As we age, we begin to struggle to maintain an upright posture as bone density reduces and the muscles naturally deteriorate.  High impact activities, like running are known to reduce the risk of Osteoporosis and improve muscle tone and bone density.  The combined gentle, gradual strengthening movements and positions of Pilates and Yoga, combined with running would provide a fantastic fitness regime to prevent the potential problems associated with ageing.

It’s understandable that we minimise the dramatic influence that posture can have on our everyday lives as well as our fitness.  We take our posture for granted and don’t really believe that there’s much we can do about it.  This is definitely not the case as we can all take control of our bodies and improve how they function.  The rewards are countless so get your Yoga mats out today.

Summer can be the season of dread for women who regard stripping Lycra on the beach or by the pool as exposing rather than exciting.  But it is possible to make most of any figure with the right advice. Here are a few nifty tips for working our  swimwear. This season’s crop includes a new classic style for plus-cup wearers from Sunseeker (above right) and the fabulous starburst Prism print cossie from Moontide (centre) which shapes the body with optical illusion. Whatever your body shape, we hope these pointers may help point you in the right direction…

Fall in love with a one-piece:
A swimsuit doesn’t have to be matronly. It can hide a multitude of sins if the shape and fabric are right for you.  It’s usually accepted that a bikini is sexier but a swimsuit can really show off and smooth curves.  It’s also sometimes better to hint at your lovely shape rather than to put everything on display.

Try: Cut-away swimsuit, £62, by Sunseeker.

Big Bosoms require careful handling:
It’s easy to feel self conscious in swimwear if your chest is on the generous side but with a well fitted, properly supported swimsuit you can feel secure and know that you’re enhancing your assets. You can also boost what nature nature has given you with underwired bikini tops.  Either way, V–shaped necklines are the most flattering and wide straps will balance a heavier shape and add extra support.

Try: Ruched plus cup swimsuit, £62, by Sunseeker. 

Enhancing a small but perfectly formed chest:
This can be a great shape to possess because you can easily work a bandeau type bikini or a string bikini.  Balconette tops will boost a small bosom with padding and under-wiring although it’s a good idea to keep the enhancement modest and lifelike! A decent fit is as important as it is for a larger chest.

Try: Underwired Bandeau Top, £49, by Moontide. 

The added extras that help modest bathers:
Some swimsuits come with deceptively good coverage, using low legs, skirts and shape-enhancing panels that can make most of us feel more confident nowadays.  A sarong or beach kaftan sarong will minimize the time you spend feeling exposed but don’t let them drown your figure.

Try: Sheer Leopard Print Poncho, £165, by Roidal. 

Leave bikini shorts to those with long legs:
Swimwear with a lower leg can make you appear shorter so avoid them unless your legs can take them. Go instead for a high leg option which extends the figure and is generally more flattering if you have a curvaceous behind.  A one-piece swimsuit with a plunging neckline can create the illusion of a lengthened body.

Try: Pin-up Twist Swimsuit, £67, by Moontide 

The super-slim have their issues too:
Most people think that skinny women and swimwear go together like Kate and Wills but there are pitfalls to this shape. Solid colors and high necks can create a bean-pole look so opt instead  for patterns, bright colors and shapely, cut-out styles.  The monokini is great for a sleek look. Tie legs and beading are a cute addition for adding interest.

Try: Prism Halter Swimsuit, £69, by Moontide. 

Above all, remember that we all have good and bad points and there are swimwear styles out there for everyone. So enjoy your body and remember that finding the right swimsuit is something everyone has to work at.

 

We check out Zest‘s advice on a regular basis and we discovered these top tips for the Christmas run–up. Follow the link at the bottom for more:

Trainer Nisha Obaidullah is a published author, leading female fitness entrepreneur and the creator and owner of Pilates Fusion Bootcamp, The Abs Project and Nisha’s Fat Loss for Fitpros.

She hosted an extremely popular online Expert clinic with us recently. Here are some of her answers to the female fat loss issues you raised.

1. Sleep more to shift belly fat

Nisha says:  ‘Sleep deprivation has a massive impact on fat loss. Lack of sleep, high stress and a toxic diet will pack on fat around the belly. The best and most effective way to manage this is to be in bed by 10pm on six nights of the week for optimal hormone balance. However if you struggle then there are a few things that will help.

‘We are looking to restore balance to your cortisol rhythm. Licorice and cinnamon tea will help fortify cortisol in the morning when it should be rising and tulsi tea will help it drop out in the afternoon.

‘Magnesium supplementation with Zinc should be taken one hour before bed (9pm) and make sure your supplements are chelated forms.’

2. Target-reduce fat spots

Nisha says: ‘Fat deposition around the body is controlled by hormones. Belly fat is down to cortisol (stress hormone), lower body fat (thighs, bum) is an over-dominance of oestrogen and love handle fat shows insulin resistance.

‘Your first priority (and this goes for all fat loss issues) is to remove all toxins from your diet. So you should be eating only from natural food sources.

‘The body holds excess fat to protect you from harmful toxins in your system. Eliminate toxins and the fat has no reason to hang around. So all food should be things you could get if you lived wild. Fresh fruit/veg, clean (preferably organic) meat, fish, poultry and eggs and some whole grains (by the way wheat is not a wholegrain, no matter what the box may tell you).’

3. Short, sharp exercise sessions

Nisha says: ‘Shift workers have a really tough job when it comes to managing body fat. Your circadian rhythms are all over the place so you will have a tendency to pack on belly fat as your cortisol is running at a chronically elevated level.

‘As for workouts you need to keep them VERY short and super intense. Its important you don’t add more stress to an already stressed system. Physical exercise is also a stressor. I would focus on 3 short lifting sessions with time based intensity workouts using compound movements that use as many muscles as possible (the staples like squats, deadlifts, rows, chins, push-ups) and any additional sessions would be oxygenation type stuff – so 25 minute walk/cycling outside in the fresh air and sunshine.

‘It is more than possible to get a super intense workout in less than 12 minutes.’

4. Hit the weights

Nisha says:  ’Aerobic exercise is brilliant for making you fitter but rubbish for fat loss. You see, when we exercise aerobically the body seeks to drop weight the quickest way possible. And the densest tissue on the body is lean muscle. So aerobic exercise will catabolise lean muscle to make the exercise easier for you.

‘Problem is that lean muscle is the ONLY substance in the body that burns fat. So effectively every time you cycle you are reducing your body’s fat burning tissue. Body fat and lean muscle have an inverse relationship. The more fat you have the less muscle you have.

‘So here’s the key: increase your lean muscle and it will eat your fat for breakfast! You need to hit the weights… bodyweight resistance exercise is the best thing for you right now. Short and intense.’

via 4 fat loss strategies for busy women – Other fitness – Zest.

Regardless of whether or not you were alive in the Eighties (we take nothing for granted since Lovestretchers aren’t defined by their age), we think you deserve a Footloose moment. Below, Beatrice Hodgkin at Easy Living nails the latest version. Follow the link to the Easy Living site:

How could anything top the 1984 film Footloose, I ask you? Quirky heartthrob Kevin Bacon in the prime of youth (ahem). A raft of renegade free-styling dance moves. The impossibly cool poutiness of Lori Singer. Sarah Jessica Parker in her rather gawky, pre-spotlight days. John Lithgow doing an awesome tyrannical reverend. The soundtrack. The totally insane plot, involving a town that’s outlawed pop music and dance. Why oh WHY would they bother to remake it? Such was the negative cloud of energy I dragged into a screening of the re-make of Footloose. My verdict? I L.O.V.E.D it. Guilty pleasure par excellence.

The story in this re-made version remains much the same, nay near-identical – a rebel teenage boy moves to a town where music and dancing are outlawed, and he subsequently wreaks havoc, but eventually wins the town over. But many of the plot points are fleshed out a little so as to give fans of the original something new to play with. We get a more comprehensive idea of why music has ben banned in the first place, for example. We understand why Ren is in town and get to know his family. It’s a cute tactic.

Similarly much of the iconic original soundtrack crops up, but is used in inventively new ways – an illicit trip to a barn dance and a genius scene in which Ren’s two tiny cousins sing a karaoke version of “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” are two favourites. Some scenes are nothing short of energetic homages. No disguise, no pretence – and it’s glorious. Kenny Wormald (terrible name, cute face) sure has no qualms about throwing himself about the place, that’s all I’ll say. He, like his co-star Julianne Hough, is the perfect mix of Disney pretty and kooky oddity. BTW she’s so like a miniature Jennifer Aniston it’s spooky.

In short there’s just the right mix of homage, nods, originality and development to keep everyone happy. More than happy – thrilled. It’s weird, you expect to hate something so much you can’t quite see how you’ll be won over, and then, mysteriously, you are. And what’s more you leave the cinema wanting to dance about, and, dare I say it, see it again. It’s super-cheesy, but why would you want anything else?

via Film review: Footloose (Easy Living).

We’re always careful on the Lovestretch blog to give you the best info – especially when it comes to exercise and beauty. So we’re really pleased to introduce KORA Organics, the brainchild of supermodel Miranda Kerr and managed by her businesswoman mother Therese Kerr, to Lovestretchers. Over a couple of posts here on the Lovestretch blog they will describe their passion for Organic skin care and what goes into the the products.

There is nothing more beautiful than healthy, soft, radiant skin.  There’s a certain freshness to someone’s face when they have lovely, silky, clear skin and more often than not we can’t help but comment if we see someone with gorgeous skin, right?

There are many reasons why people suffer from problematic skin. I believe, more often than not it comes down to our lifestyle choices.  There are definitely hereditary factors that also come into play but if you were to take those hereditary factors back to their original cause – I believe you would find, more often than not, nutritional deficiency of some sort that has been passed on through the genes.

It is amazing in a lifetime what we do to our bodies and even more amazing how our body’s cope with everything we do to them.

We personally believe you can’t have beautiful skin on the outside if you are not looking after yourself on the inside – ultimately your outer self (skin) is a direct reflection of your inner self (inner health) so it is so important to give your body the nutrition it needs to perform it’s millions of functions daily. How many of us really do that?

Why are our bodies “sick” on the inside?  I believe there are many reasons, some of which are: lack of nutrition and high level of artificial flavourings, colours and chemicals in our foods and the large number of chemicals in our everyday personal care products.

A healthy digestion is the key to a healthy body – once we get the inside right by eating all of the right things and taking the necessary high level anti-oxidant supplements needed to sustain us –  we then need to look at what we are actually putting on our skin.

Our skin is the largest organ in our body and therefore in our immune system.  It is the barrier which ultimately protects our bodies from the outside world – yet what we put on our skin – soaks in. Examples of this process are the slow-release Nicotine, hormone or contraceptive transdermal patches (a transdermal patch is a medicatedadhesive patch that is placed on the skin to deliver a specific dose of medication through the skin and into the bloodstream) that doctors prescribe to be placed on the skin to stop smoking, balance hormones or prevent pregnancy.

Think about how regularly we put our hands in chemical- ridden washing up detergent and washing powder, how often we clean with chemically loaded cleaning products and then how often we plaster ourselves with personal care products that contain Sulfates, Parabens, Synthetic fragrance, Synthetic colours, T.E.A., D.E.A., Glycols, Silicones, PEGS, Ethoxylate, Formaldehyde and a list of other things.

What we put on our skin matters.

The next post will deal with ingredients but if you can’t wait that long go straight to KORA Organics to find out more or to make an order.

This recipe makes a delicious crispy crust on the chicken. You can also use it on a sturdy fish like salmon, barramundi, or halibut, or slices of tofu or seitan.  I have also used slices of zucchini and eggplant with this recipe before as a great veggie option. This recipe is a bit long, but really is not very difficult and well worth the effort. There are just a few steps to follow before you cook it and you can prepare them before hand and then cook them right before you are ready to serve, including making the sauce. Always use certified organic ingredients whenever possible.

Ingredients: 4 Pieces of chicken breast (about 4 to 6 ounces each); 2 to 3 tablespoons macadamia nut, olive, or coconut oil for cooking. (For the batter): 1 Cup *macadamia nut butter; 1 to 1½ Cups milk (you can use dairy, rice, nut, oat, or coconut milk); 1 Tablespoon *macadamia nut oil (you can use olive oil or coconut oil too); 1 Teaspoon *honey (optional); ½ Teaspoon sea salt; Fresh ground pepper (to taste).

Combine all the ingredients in a medium size bowl and mix well. (You can also blend this in a blender until well combined.)You may need a little more milk to get the mixture to the right consistency…not too thin and not too thick. The batter needs to coat the chicken so the macadamia crust will stick to it. Set the batter aside until ready to use and make the nut crust. The batter is for dipping the chicken, fish, or tofu in before you coat it with the nut crust. I like to use the left over batter to make a sauce to put over the chicken before serving or over steamed broccoli as a side dish.

For the crust: 1 to 1½ Cups* macadamia nuts (coarsely ground and some finer); 1 Cup fresh spinach leaves; ½ Cup fresh herbs (you can use a mixture of parsley, cilantro, and mint or just one kind); ½ Teaspoon sea salt; Fresh ground pepper (to taste); Red pepper flakes (to taste optional); A few fresh herb leaves and macadamia nut pieces to sprinkle over the chicken for serving.

This crust is best made in a food processor, but I have made it in a strong blender too, but the nuts don’t grind as well. If you use a blender you need to make the crust in at least 3 batches. Place all the crust ingredients in the food processor and blend until the spinach and herbs are blended in well and the nuts are ground. Place the nut mixture in a shallow baking dish or bowl.

To make the sauce:
Take the left over batter and put in a sauce pan on medium heat. Heat while stirring until it just starts to bubble. Check for seasoning and add a little *Bragg Liqiud Aminos or more sea salt if needed. I also like to add a little lemon zest, lemon juice, and 1 to 2 teaspoons of *honey to taste. You may want to add a little more nut butter if the sauce is too thin. You can serve immediately or reheat when ready to serve.

To prepare the chicken:
Place the batter mixture in a shallow baking dish or bowl. Dip the chicken or whatever you are using in the batter one piece at a time and then dip the battered chicken in the nut crust mixture and roll it around to coat. I then press the nut mixture lightly onto the chicken to make sure it is coated well.

Place each piece on a plate until you have them all coated. You can cook them right away or refrigerate until ready to cook. When ready to cook preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Then heat a medium large sauté pan on medium high heat and add the oil for cooking and heat for about 1 minute. Then add the coated chicken pieces and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Be careful not to burn.

Remove from heat and place the chicken in an ovenproof baking dish and place it in the oven for about 10 minutes to finish cooking. Check one piece to make sure it is cooked through. Cooking time will vary a little depending on the thickness of your chicken pieces. If you are serving with the sauce re-heat the sauce while the chicken is in the oven and serve on the side or over veggies. Serve with your favorite grain dish and a green salad. The chicken is also great served the next day cold or re-heated.

Kate McAloon is a personal chef whose client list includes Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr, Tracy Anderson and Gwyneth Paltrow. Visit Chef Kate’s website www.chefkatealiveandcooking.com and the Kora Organics blog www.koraorganics.com (under Chef Kate) for more healthy organic recipes and articles.

Workout clothing has become an art form in the past few decades. The baggy, lo-tech Seventies styles gave way to the out-there Lycra creations in the Eighties. But performance wear came into its own in the noughties with sleek, high-spec fabrics cut into seamed body con perfection with tops and pants that feel every bit as good as they look. Here we’ve got a rundown of what to look for in your performance wear and how to rock and exercise look.

Coordination is the Key
Collections mean that separates will work with multiple pieces. Yoga pants may come in a basic palette, each with a feature pattern or colour around the waistline. These features are designed to work with a variety of tops within the collection so putting a look together takes the least amount of thought and will work for every body type regardless. This way it’s possible to put together a variety of looks together with ease plus you will always look as though you’ve carefully put together your outfit rather than simply pulling on the first thing you see.

Colour scheming
For the same reason, sticking to a simple palette will enable you to find pieces across a range of collections. It also enables you to look seasonal by going for, say, black and hot pink through the winter and turquoise and white for the summer. Paying attention to the trainers is also a key to looking coordinated top-to-toe.

Modern functionality
Function should always be one of the first things on you mind when it comes to choosing workout apparel. If you’re at the gym or running on the street, looking for pants and jackets which include pockets for items like keys, mobiles, and MP3 players – preferably zipped – is vital. Most exercise wear also comes with a range of functions, from yoga to performance running, and although there’s plenty of cross-over it’s vital you have the right kit. This is never truer than in the winter when a showerproof running jacket or a fine running sweater can make the difference between a great experience and a rotten one!

Dare to try-out new ideas within your work-out look
Before reaching for those basic blacks, think about the alternatives available to you. Every season there’s a new style out there to move your signature look along. Have a go at pattern or a new out-there colour like bronze. Most of all have fun because you’ll be spending many hours in whatever you go for and you may as well enjoy wearing them.

Outfit from a selection by Casall.

Have you ever had the experience of looking back on your week with the sinking feeling that you didn’t get as much done as you’d hoped? When building a successful career or a business, your time is perhaps your most valuable asset, and your income is a direct result of how you spend your time.

We’re all trying to increase our productivity, be it in our homes, at work or simply managing all the other every day tasks we set ourselves. Here we’ve listened to the experts and pulled together a list of helpful hints on how to harness the key to productivity.

Learn to speed read – Yes, even on this article! Look for the points most relevant to you and move on.

Just start – You’ve heard it before, but trust me it’s true – at times, starting is the hardest part. Once you get going, you will quickly get into a rhythm that could last for hours.

Exercise – Research has shown that midday exercise boosts productivity and morale in the workplace. Take a short walk at lunch to maximise your productivity or take up a relaxing exercise such as Yoga – great for body and mind.

Love what you do – We know it’s not always easy (there are days we all feel the world is against!) Enjoying what you do is the ultimate way to increase your productivity – it’s a pleasure, not a chore!

Complete your most dreaded tasks first thing in the morning – Whichever activity you are dreading the most is probably the one you need to complete first thing in the morning.

Learn to say “No” – We can’t do everything and therefore we must learn when to say no in order to save our sanity.

Single-handling – Once you begin a task, stick with it until it’s 100% complete. Don’t switch tasks in the middle. When distractions come up, jot them down to be dealt with later.

Tell other people about your goals and you will instantly be held accountable –
People remember things long after you tell them. By setting yourself up to have a vision and objective for the future and sharing it you’ll feel you need to get these goals into motion.

Shop online – Well we would say that, wouldn’t we, but shopping online whenever possible  frees your time for other things. Shopping should be a pleasure but if on balance you feel you’d rather be doing something else then do so and let the postman bring it straight to your door for you.

Get plenty of sleep
When you work online, sleep can become a long lost memory. However, it’s important to get plenty of sleep so that your working hours can be as productive as possible. Try a little aromatherapy oil on your pillow, wearing comfortable pyjamas, having a warm bath and drink or short read are all said to help create a good sleep routine.

Glittering prizes – Give yourself rewards for achievement. See a movie, book a professional massage, or spend a day at an amusement park. Most of all, don’t feel guilty about taking this time off – you deserve it!

Eliminate distractions – This includes the phone, email notifications, and having multiple web browsers open on the desktop.

Intuition – Learn to trust your gut instinct. It will get rid of hours of deliberation (Plus It’s probably right!)

Keep a notebook and pen on hand at all times – This way, you can write down your thoughts, to-dos, and ideas at any time. The key is to get everything out of your head and onto paper. This way, your subconscious mind won’t be reminding you about it every other second.

Listen to educational audio books while you’re driving to work, cleaning the house, exercising, or cooking dinner – Audio learning has the power to add hours to your day. Not to mention, your cranium is sure to thank you for it.

Thanks to productivity experts: Steve Pavlina & Kim Roach