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The change
“I only started being Health conscious when I moved to Cape Town from Johannesburg in 2019. I think living close to the [Sea Point] promenade inspired my current lifestyle. I was constantly surrounded by people who jog, eat clean and take their health quite seriously,” says Thabang. Prior to that, her life was all about work and play – taking care of her body was the last thing on her mind. “I had a demanding job, worked long hours, lived on takeaways and enjoyed a glass of wine every now and again in between my imbalanced work and life set-up. That period of my life was miserable. When you do not have time to take care of yourself, your Mental Health suffers along with your bodily health,” recalls Thabang. All that had to change — and it did thanks to her relocation.
Thabang Buthelezi’s routine
It started with short daily walks, then jogging and soon she was working out at least twice a week. It was just what she needed, reflects Thabang. “I had hit rock bottom, battled with anxiety, was mentally and emotionally drained and uninspired. Working out kept me sane. Jogging was my stress release and yoga centred my thoughts.
“I’m also eating clean without depriving myself of the things I enjoy. I now take time out to give myself love and rest. I’m whole and in a space I never ever want to leave, all thanks to moving my body more often,” concludes Thabang. This is not her peak but she feels that she’s pretty close.
The payoff
Now, Thabang has found her zen through exercise. “I’m not the fittest person you’ll find in the room but one thing I am, is active enough and content with where I am mentally and physically,” says Thabang. She still trains at least twice a week by going for runs. And, she supplements that with regular yoga sessions. “I’ve since learned that wellness is the ultimate luxury. When you look good, you feel good and do good.”
Thabang’s Resetting Tips
Rest is important
“Schedule some time off in the week just to do absolutely nothing – rest,” she says.
Practise self-care
“Get your favourite bubble bath, salts, light candles and pamper your body. It works so hard, it deserves all the love.”
Meditate
“Take care of the mind; meditating is a great way to clear all thoughts and be whole with yourself.”
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Rest easy knowing there are more than a few hard-working sleepytime products that’ll help you drift off, for real. From form-correcting beds to potions and lotions, there’s something for everyone and whatever stands in the way of you and restful Sleep.
Next-Level Beds
Uninterrupted evenings begin with a mattress that melts around every curve and keeps you in alignment all night.
Restonic iDream Zonal Flex Push
Microgel beads work to dissipate heat to keep you cool, while at least 50 plastic bottles have been upcycled into the fabric to deliver comfort in the upper layers.
Sloom
Sloom offers modular support, with layers inside that are totally customisable so you can really get the right support you need. Plus, antibacterial treatment repels bedbugs and other pests.
Hästens
Mother nature’s tech creates a bed so comfortable, it lasts a lifetime. Horsehair act like springs that offer flexible support, while wool creates a moisture-wicking, cooling environment. Plus, the bed is completely free of chemicals, with layers of natural materials such as flax, horsetail hair, and cotton.
Cloud Nine Meridian Queen
High-density foam provides next-level support, with air channels that allow air to flow freely, so you’re cool and comfy. Plus, these airflow channels compress to support and contour to your body and sleeping position.
Tempur Premium-Flex Adjustable Bed System
If you’re needing some extra support, look to an adjustable bed base. This one provides added ventilation for your mattress, thanks to the honeycomb structure on the base. The silent motors work to move from your shoulder and feet, making for the ultimate support system.
Luxury Layers
Comfort is no longer the only bedding criterion. Top-of-the-line additions take care of other needs, too, like temperature control, allergies, and even stress management.
Satin Sleep Set
Satin won’t snag on your hair or skin, making it perfect for sleep. You’ll wake up sans wrinkles or sheet marks and your skin will be decidedly smoother.
Granny Goose Four Seasons Down Duvet
Polish goose down is lightweight yet warm, settling around the body for added comfort and cover. Plus, down’s natural tech keeps you warm in cold temps and cool during warmer months.
Luxury Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets take a load off by simulating deep touch. Research shows they’re clutch for anxiety sufferers or neurodivergent people. This 100% Egyptian cotton version is also customisable.
Tempur Ombracio Pillow
If you’re a stomach sleeper, this pillow is for you. The x-shape allows you to lie on your arms without the added pressure weighing on you. High-density foam contours to the unique shape of your head while providing optimal support without causing stress on your pressure points.
Memory Foam Leg Pillow
This pillow is small enough for travel and big on benefits. While taking the pressure off your bod while you sleep, it also allows you to sleep in proper alignment for your spine, so you’re comfy and wake up without niggles.
Get in the zen zone
These sleepytime products work in your space – and on your bod – to let you drift off peacefully.
Lush Sleepy Lotion
A cult classic among those in the know: Sleepy is a heady mixture of lavender, Ylang Ylang and Tonka Absolute. There’ve been countless articles delving into the curious power of this concoction and its ability to knock out users. Breathe deep… and good night.
The Body Shop Sleep Calming Pillow Mist
Similarly to sleepy, this spray harnesses the power of lavender to help you conk out. Simply mist all over your sheets, fall into bed and sigh away to dreamland.
Dream On Pillow Patches
Aromatherapy rules in this range of therapeutic pillow patches. Simply slip one into your pillowcase and breathe deep to get the benefits of ylang-ylang, lavender and more as they calm and cool fried nerves.
L’Occitane Prestige Relaxing Candle
To truly unplug after a dragging day, surround yourself with the tranquil scents of lavender and other calming herbs like geranium, orange blossom, and rose. You’ll hit the hay smiling.
Devilz Earplugs
Unlike the name suggests, you won’t have nightmares with these. These comfy earplugs come in different sizes and filter out noise pollution so you’re not up all night tossing and turning. Plus, they don’t stick out of your ears, making you look like Shrek.
Tech Assists
Next-gen tech that’ll help you get to sleep, stat.
Dodow Sleep Aid Device
This intelligent device uses a light system to lull you to sleep. Synchronise your breathing with the light pulses which creates a hypnotic effect, causing you to doze off. Plus, the light is low-intensity so you don’t feel alert when following its pulses.
Fitbit Sense 2
Fitbit has been top of the game when it comes to sleep tracking, and this watch is no exception. The heart rate sensors and motion trackers work to deduce your wakefulness and time in REM and light sleep. You can even set a silent alarm that lets you wake up in peace and the advanced trackers let you see your sleep habits over time, with an in-depth sleep score.
Xiaomi Smart Humidifier 2
With minimal noise, you can get a good night’s sleep while fresh, purified air is pumped around you. Smart technology allows you to maintain the perfect humidity levels, too.
LED Light Therapy Lamp
Light therapy floods your senses with light in the morning, cueing your brain to wake up peacefully. With six nature sounds, this lamp gently wakes you up by changing colour subtly from dim to morning light 30 minutes before the alarm. If you’d like, you can also hit snooze twice.
Ohm White Noise Machine
White noise works to mask external noise by creating a calm, peaceful environment that lulls you to bed. Over time, you’ll become accustomed to the sound and associate it with bedtime, allowing you to fall asleep faster. This device comes with a variety of other sounds, including soothing, nature-based prompts that allow for deeper sleep.
Sleep Mask Pro
Made with ultra-comfortable, breathable fabric, this sleep mask moulds to your face and blacks out the outside world. Built-in Bluetooth speakers allow you to play soothing sounds while you drift away. Now that’s a sleepytime product we can get behind.
Sleep Supplements
Take these sleepytime supps as needed, to assist in dozing off.
Goodleaf CBD Drops
CBD relaxes you so you can drift off peacefully. Plus, they help with pain. These vegan, sugar-free drops are taken orally before bed to aid in really sweet repose.
SOLAL Sleep Naturally
This all-natural blend will help you drift off peacefully. Theanine works for stress-induced anxiety while magnesium helps relax tense muscles.
iVitamin Sleep Well Gummies
Ashwagandha and magnesium combine to relax the mind and body for restful zzz’s. Magnesium works to relax the muscles while ashwagandha reduces stress.
Sleep Vitamin Patch
Place this patch on your bod 30 minutes before bed to drift off stress-free. Active ingredients like melatonin and valerian root assist in easing you into sleep.
Pukka Night Time Tea
Sip these soothing leaves before bed and get dozing faster. Organic oat flower, lavender and limeflower work to relax and ease your body into rest mode.
Women’s Health participates in various affiliate marketing programmes, which means we may get commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.
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South Africa’s mental health culture still sees many people choosing to suffer in silence and embarrassment instead of speaking out. Other than private mental health specialists, there aren’t many free or affordable mental health resources to cater to the population.
A 2022 research paper published by the Wits/Medical Research Council Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit found that “South Africans suffer higher rates of probable depression and anxiety than other countries”. This was also a finding recorded by the Mental Health of the World report 2021 which, through the lowest mental health quotient score in the world, concluded that South Africa had a masked mental health crisis. To help you along on your mental health journey, we have compiled a list of apps and social media platforms to lean on when hard times strike.
READ MORE: 5 Morning Routines That Actually Work, According To Science
Fee: Free for individuals
Available: Android and iOS users
Panda is on a serious mission: to empower people to be proactive with their mental health battles. The user-friendly mobile app features tailored content, assessments, one-on-one therapy sessions as well as anonymous group sessions where you learn on topics ranging from anxiety to depression (and everything in between). The app offers three care packages for individuals, employees and insurers.
Fee: R185 per consultation or R120 for an express consultation
Available: Android and iOS users
With guaranteed quality healthcare at your fingertips, Kena Health has made it easy to consult a doctor or mental health professional directly. The app connects patients to qualified healthcare practitioners for advice, diagnoses, prescriptions and referrals to specialists or another place of care. Their aim: to make quality health care accessible at a steal.
READ MORE: It’s Official: Stress Makes Us Crave Junk Food
Fee: Free
Available: Android and iOS users
Developed by medical doctors, WHOLE empowers users with ongoing self-care focused on holistic wellness in its entirety. How do they do this? Through a fun way to build healthy habits that can help improve mental health. Experiment with over 100 science-backed activities to boost your happiness. Plus, useful tips that keep you balanced all day and measure your progress.
READ MORE: “Social media had me romanticising my mental illness and put me in a hole.”
Fee: Free
Availability: Not available as an app yet
Developed by IT entrepreneur Pieter Oosthuizen, this online support group helps you achieve your mental health and greater self-awareness through sharing and conversations. “The benefit of joining a support group has been widely recognised by mental health professionals around the world,” says Oosthuizen, who was inspired to launch the platform by his own sister’s battle with depression and anxiety.
“Working with my sister, we started developing a platform that would enable anyone wanting to join any type of support group for a mental health condition or for life coaching generally to do so in a way that’s convenient, secure and affordable. It has also been designed to protect their privacy by allowing them to hide their identity from the host and other group members should they choose to do so.”
READ MORE: Actress Shannon Esra On Learning To Trust Her Intuition
More habits to hone
Over some past few years, several studies have deduced that being constantly plugged into social media increased anxiety and depression. Taking a social media break is helpful for our mental health, as per the research findings of study by the Penn State University, USA and Jinan University, China. If you’re able to silence your mind for a few minutes a day (or more), then meditation also comes highly recommended. Several studies have, in the past, found that practising mindfulness and meditation ultimately leads to decreased stress levels. To get you started, we suggest downloading Insight Timer, Breathe2Relax or Smiling Mind for some guided meditation and breathwork.
Click here for some mental health resources and support if you’re in South Africa.
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“I’ve spent a great deal of time not listening to my intuition and it’s because I hadn’t understood the voice that was speaking to me,” she says.
Recently, she’s become conscious of where her intuition resides in her body. “For the most part of my life, I liked bouncing things off of people that I trust. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve known people or how close you are to them, they will only understand certain dimensions. Whatever message comes from your own intuition is for you alone,” muses Shannon.
Staying Connected
READ MORE: Banesa Tseki On How Yoga Gave Her A New Lease On Life
The truest way to connect to herself? Tapping into what’s happening whenever her intuition nudges her. We spend much time receiving the bulk of our feedback from the outside world. And sometimes, we do so while ignoring our primal and instinctual knowledge of self – also forgetting that the brain and body are built for survival – notes Shannon.
”Clichéd as it may sound, what I know is that our instincts are never wrong.” Along with relying on her instincts more, Shannon is also invested in healing her past traumas through therapy. She has a Netflix feature Do Your Worst film that was released in March. The movie’s about a failing actress about to turn 40, who’s dealing with some seriously bad decisions.
READ MORE: Why Toxic Positivity Is Harmful And What To Say Instead
Shannon didn’t particularly resonate with the character much, apart from the very real fear of being an out-of-work actor. “The character, Sondra, is a complete dits but the reason I bring her up is because when I’m in the midst of a project, I kind of become the person that I’m playing,” she explains.
“I think, in this very strange way, every character that crosses my path comes to inevitably teach and open me up to something in myself that might not have presented itself without their influence. Every character comes at exactly the right time – it’s as if acting is its own type of wonderful healing and evolving experience,” she explains.
Closed Off
Shannon goes on to explain that in her world, embracing a character has been much easier than being her true self. Therapy, she acknowledges, helped her realise that she’d been a shutdown human. She cites two events, in particular, that led to her being closed off. Number one: Her love-filled childhood where she never learnt how to process her feelings, nor establish her own boundaries.
“This created a perfectionist mentality in me, something that has troubled me for a large part of my life.”
READ MORE: 10 South African TikTok Fitness Accounts That’ll Give You ALL The Motivation You Need
The second event was a six-year relationship that she recently got out of. “I didn’t realise the extent of how its trauma had affected me because I grew up with that ‘if it doesn’t bleed, it doesn’t hurt’ mentality, which created space for me to keep shoving things under the rug.” Right now, Shannon only cares about being real, flawed and engaging in authentic conversations.
Going Forward
Her goal going forward? “…To be as self-aware and present as I can possibly be and, of course, listen to my intuition when something doesn’t feel quite right.”
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Comfort eating on repeat is all too real — and now we know the science behind it.
Science-Backed
A study published in Neuron has shown that eating high-calorie foods while feeling stressed can cause brain changes that increase cravings for it. Ooof, slippery slope.
These foods — call them comfort, junk, high calorie… potato, potato — activate the reward centre in the brain. Over time, if this craving is given into often rather than as the occasional indulgence, this cause and effect (stress hormones, such as cortisol and food) can create unhealthy associations and increase the chance of consuming them.
On an average day, the brain region responsible for stopping us overeating — the lateral habenula — would neutralise the reward we get from comfort eating, meaning it becomes less appealing.
Researchers found that in times of stress, the brain’s reaction to being satiated was overridden. Essentially, the lateral habenula stays shtum. This means junk food continues to press those ‘reward’ buttons, boosting feel-good hormones, such as dopamine, in the short term.
What’s The Catch?
High in calories, fats, sugars, carbs and most other things we don’t want an excess of on the reggo. These foods not only cause weight gain but a wide range of other changes, including sleep and hormonal issues.
The catch-22 is these can then lead to stress. This creates an unhealthy cycle of stress, junk food, sleep, repeat.
Though it can feel challenging to make an effort to make something nourishing when we’re feeling sub-par, healthy subscription boxes, frozen meals and a few easy recipes can make the difference between pizza every day and a healthy, balanced diet.
This article by Rebecca Gillam was originally published on Women’s Health UK.
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Get sunlight ASAP
Not only does getting a few minutes of uninterrupted sunshine boost your body’s production of vitamin D but it serves as a huge tool in boosting alertness. Since artificial light in our lives changes our natural circadian rhythm, causing us to be alert when we should feel sleepy, tuning into the natural rhythm of the sun has benefits. When you wake up, open the curtains, step outside and let the sunlight hit your face. This bright light therapy (BLT) can help with mood disorders like Seasonal Affective Disorder and can slow down the progressive cognitive decline in dementia, per one study. Another study found that people who took in sunlight within two hours of waking up were slimmer and better able to manage their weight than those who did not.
Brush your teeth before breakfast
You may not like the taste but the science might make you change your mind. When you sleep, plague – and the bacteria it causes – multiply in your mouth. Eating right after you wake up? That’s a whole lot of plague and bacteria you’re swallowing. Washing your mouth right after waking rinses out that icky bacteria and jump-starts saliva production, which helps break down the food you eat and kills the bad bacteria in your mouth.
Get moving
We know you hate to hear it but moving your body, even for a little while, can tip the needle in your favour for the rest of the day. Taking a walk, doing a light yoga flow or gentle stretches in bed can work. Plus, one study found that morning exercise reduces abdominal fat and blood pressure in women. If you’re up for it, try something heart-pumping. These offer the most benefits, since aerobic exercise is clutch at lifting the mood and clearing unwanted mental clutter. It also primes the body to burn fat all day long, provided you work out before breakfast.
Eat a breakfast
If you like cereal, get that going (watch the sugars), but get some food in your system. Data from the Australian National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey found that among breakfast skippers, there were higher intakes of saturated fats and lower intakes of fibre and micronutrients. Another study found that among Brazilian breakfast eaters, there were higher intakes of vitamins B12, C and D. Also: a lower intake of sugars. People who skip breakfast were also found to have higher nutrient deficiencies than those who indulged. Breakfast isn’t just a nutritional powerhouse, either. Several large studies have found that there’s a strong correlation between eating breakfast and having a lowered risk of obesity and weight gain.
Drink coffee, but not immediately
Coffee’s main component is caffeine, which gives you those jittery energy vibes we’re all hooked on. But having a cup of coffee right after waking up might be a bad idea. That’s because, per research, your body’s production of cortisol is at one of its highest peaks during the first hour of waking. Messing with this alert hormone teaches your bod to produce less cortisol, meaning you naturally wake up feeling more sluggish than sharp. Even worse, you might develop a reliance on the brew. Keep your cuppa, but wait for an hour before downing it.
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What is the water scarcity situation in South Africa?
In South Africa, over 3 million people still don’t have access to a basic water supply service. And, only 64 percent of households have access to a reliable water supply. Globally, 1 in 10 people don’t have access to clean water close to home. And without this access, the door is open for contaminated water sources, bringing diseases like cholera and dysentery.
What is the Armani Acqua for Life initiative?
The same year that Armani created Acqua for Life, the United Nations recognised the right to water and sanitation as a human right. Added to that, Armani’s initiative has invested 14 million euros in water projects across 23 countries, which has helped over 590,000 people worldwide. They focus on delivering universal access to drinking water in water-scarce regions. That includes the installation of water points, latrines rainwater collection, water filtering and water purification systems.
The Armani Acqua for Life initiative took steps in South Africa. They also put up a series of portraits of people who have been positively impacted by the programme. These were displayed at Nirox Sculpture Park in Johannesburg. Through this initiative, Armani aims to raise awareness about water scarcity. Estimates show that by 2025, half of the world’s population could be living in water-stressed areas.
Raising awareness about water scarcity
The exhibition unveils authentic and optimistic portraits of people positively impacted by an Acqua for Life project in South Africa. South African artists Justice and Fhatuwani Mukheli – with the help of videographers, Simba, and Wesley Takaedza, shine a light on the concrete impact that Acqua for Life projects have had. The artists went to the Mamburu and Maangane villages, with a series of portraits of those who live there. These portraits illustrate how access to water allows people to flourish, enhancing the intrinsic connection between water and life.
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They are those go-to phrases most people over-rely on during trying times, you might say! Or that, secondly, they discourage the person on the receiving end (or, yourself even!) to process their truest feelings. Or that, they reek of an unrealistic pressure to stay positive even when an incident doesn’t call for it. And don’t get us wrong, we’re not advocating for people to chuck their resilience out the window at the first sign of distress or to romanticise negative emotions.
But what we’re defs saying is that toxic positivity, as demonstrated in the musings above, tends to be inauthentic and unrealistic at the best of times — even though it may come from a heartfelt place.
READ MORE: Banesa Tseki On How Yoga Gave Her A New Lease On Life
Read The Room
By now, the above examples should’ve jogged your memory back to those incidents where someone’s statement left you thinking: ‘What in the name of tone deafness is that?’
Experts describe toxic positivity as unsolicited pressure to only display positive emotions while dismissing any negative emotions and experiences. It invalidates human experience and can lead to trauma, isolation, and unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Over the years, many research studies have found positivity to reduce stress, anxiety and depression, improve coping skills, increase physical wellbeing – including reducing the risk of cardiovascular issues – and
even lengthen your lifespan. However, when positivity turns is forced to the point of it being toxic, the results are considerably different. “Toxic positivity is beyond having a positive approach to life,” explains Dr Jennie Hudson,
a professor of clinical psychology.
“It extends beyond the edges of
