I don’t know about you, but Christmas and the end of the year, is often a time where I forget to look after myself and neglect myself in more ways than one. It suddenly becomes more important to run around and get Christmas presents, be social, go to parties, drink and eat (loads!) and stay up late instead of meditating, getting enough sleep, eating well, moving your body and being out in nature..

And I know, we’re doing all of the above things, because we want to be there for people and we don’t want to miss out.. But, BY doing all of the above things and trying to ‘fit it all in’, we’re jeopardising our own physical and mental health along with possibly burning-out. Add all of that to any ongoing stress, worries or exhaustion you may have accumulated throughout the year, and you have yourself a ‘ticking time bomb’. And we all know, that if we can’t be the best versions of ourselves, we can’t be there for the people we want to be there for, nor do we have the energy to do all the fun things we want to do before the year is over.

So, without more chit-chatting, let’s get right to it. Let me help you come up with a few ways in which you can look after & spoil yourself this Christmas.

1. Start each morning with Meditation:

I know I go on about this, but meditation has been such a big game-changer in my life. Every morning, upon waking, I sit in stillness in my bed, eyes closed and gently breathing. I let whatever may come and go as it pleases. I try not to judge, but just observe my train of though or feelings that may arise. It helps release my tension for the day. It prepares me for a better, more gentle and spacious approach to the people around me and the tasks that lays ahead of me throughout the day.

If you’re new to meditation, just try to sit comfortably up against the wall in your bed and close your eyes. Focus on your breathing, Every time you realise that your mind is running off with a thought, come back to your breathing. Sit in stillness for as long as you can. Even 5-10 minutes is incredibly beneficial for you.

2. Make exercise a part of your morning routine:

I’m a morning exerciser, because of the fact, that if I wait until getting it ‘done’ in the afternoon, I know it just won’t happen. Chances are, you might be the same? But that aside, morning exercise also sets you up for the day ahead.
It will help to reduce stress levels and improve your overall health, but it will also get those ‘happy hormones’ flowing and your heart pumping – everything that will help you to feel better and stronger. It can be yoga, a circuit training, a morning swim or just a walk. But whatever it is, just make sure your body is moving to wake it up.

3. Eat a balanced & nutrient-dense diet:

I know it’s hard when it’s Christmas, and every weekend is basically booked out with parties or social gatherings, but in-between those, you have the choice and power to eat as good as you can to help your body and mind get through the stressful Christmas-period and the last days of work before the year is over.

Try to pack as many leafy greens and vegetables into your diet as possible as well as healthy oily fish, tofu, tempeh or another protein like free-range, organic chicken or grass-fed beef. Don’t forget your healthy carbs like sweet potato or grains like black rice or quinoa. If you have a sweet-tooth, head to my recipe section where there are loads of healthy, raw treats that will help you stay on track to feel the best you. And remember to drink loads of filtered water, to keep you hydrated and your brain alert. It will also help you recognise whether you’re truly hungry or you’re just thirsty – something a lot of us can’t tell the difference between.

4. Keep a consistent sleep routine:

Late nights, early mornings and vice versa. Different bed times and different wake-up times all wreck havoc on our bodies and our days. Focusing on going to bed and waking up at the same time, is really beneficial for how you feel when you do wake up. And getting at least 8 hours of sleep should be a minimum during stressful times. Our bodies regenerate and rebuild themselves when we sleep, so we want to make sure we’re adequate in ZzZZzZ’s.

5. Count your blessings:

I think we all do this, but for some reason we really like to beat ourselves up at the end of the year for all that we’ve done and left undone. Sometimes it takes a big, heart wrenching mess to wake us up, to inspire change, and to finally release us from the guilt of getting there in the first place. When our imperfections become evident and all out into the open, it often becomes clear that we had to go through it, to get to the lessons, and then the enormous blessings.

Try to journal down 5 things that has been incredibly hard for you this year, and then see what has come of them. Chances are, they’ve given you a new opportunity to move forward with your life.

6. Quality over quantity:

Spend time with family and friends who encourage you to be a better version of yourself. Who make you laugh until you cry and smile until your cheeks hurt. Don’t feel obliged to see everyone and attend every single event or gathering in the social calendar. Quality over quantity takes the price in this race. And you’ll end up enjoying it so much more, than simply going to something because you feel obliged to. No one ever enjoys that anyway, and life is simply too short to run yourself to the ground just to please others. Put yourself first, and opt for Quality over Quantity – always.

7. Get into nature:

If you’re in Australia, it’s summer sunshine for everyone. Get down to the beach, jump in the water, go for a walk, run the tracks in the forest, go for a bike-ride.. Whatever it is, just get out amongst nature, the place where you’re from and let the soothing nature settle you. My favourite thing is to get salty (swim) every day, or as often as I can. Also, getting some Vitamin D for my mental health is very important for me, so I make sure I get at least 30 minutes at the beach or in the park every single day.
Take time to do you!

8. Spoil yourself a little bit:

It’s the end of the year, and you’ve made it this far. Chances are, if you’d be a little bit less hard on yourself, you’ve actually done really well and kicked some serious goals; whatever they may be. It’s okay to spoil yourself a little, sometimes. Whether it’s running a bath, taking yourself to the spa to get a massage or purchasing something that can remind you of this time, go do it!

One of my favourite ways in which reminds me of how far I’ve come, is a watch. It signifies time (of course), but also my watches are a representation of my feelings, of who I am as a person and it’s a constant reminder to me of, not running quicker, but remembering to slow down.

My newest watch; The Heritage Visodate Quartz  is such a lightweight option and one I can wear every single day. It’s light enough to use whilst training, and the sapphire glass means that it won’t scratch or break. I now have a collection of Tissot Watches and I love every single one of them. 

There’s no greater gift than TIME – something we wish we could all have more of, I’m sure.

For me, a watch-piece signifies my life; my past (my dad taught me to read a clock), my present (I’m growing) and my future (what I’m accomplishing & becoming).

This Christmas, I hope you have the courage and will to look after yourself. It’s not selfish, it’s not frowned upon. It’s important. For yourself and for the people around you.

Merry Christmas & Thank You for all your support this year.

Anna xx

The post WHY REMEMBERING YOURSELF IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO THIS CHRISTMAS. appeared first on Anna Høgh Groth.

Well, if you’ve ever gained weight, been bloated, recovering from disordered eating or genuinely just felt a bit uncomfortable in your body whilst learning to love & settle into it again, then you know what I’m talking about, whenI say that comfortable tights can make a world of a difference when you workout.

The last thing, I personally found and wanted, was to be even more aware of my tummy and the feeling of it squished into a tight pair of tights, when I was just (and still am!) learning to love my body for what it is and how it looks and feels like. But, baby-steps.

I’m here to tell you that there are loads of active-wear brands out there, that are amazing at design and creating figure-hugging & comfortable workout tights for ladies like you and me. Trust me; I feel like I’ve tried A LOT!

So, continue to read on below to find my favourite tights for little tummies that can help you feel comfortable and snug whilst working out and shaping those luscious lady-lumps x

YOGI BLACK SPECKLE TIGHTS FROM NIMBLE ACTIVEWEAR:

I only just got these the other day, and I’m so in love with them. I did Reformer Pilates in them this morning, and they went nowhere!

They have no seams or stitches at the very top of the waist-band that sits on your tummy, making it soft and with no digging in at the love-handles (yay!). You can also roll them down if you prefer a lower waist, and they’d be good for pregnancy as well as they’re so high-waisted. They’re also the softest thing I’ve ever worn, making them perfect to wear from studio to street.

TULIPS MIDI PANTS FROM THE UPSIDE:

As you may have seen on my instagram, I’m pretty obsessed with The Upside and have been a fan of the brand for years and years, because of their prints and great-fitting pieces.

In particular, I like their drawstring models like the Tulips Midi Pants as they are snug where they need to be, without digging into the tummy or being uncomfortable. They also have a great waist-hight, sitting somewhere in the middle of your waist, and creating a flattering look.

The Upside does new prints all the time, so there’s never a dull moment in your wardrobe with this brand.

REVAMP SEAMLESS TIGHTS FROM LORNA JANE:

These tights are serious next level in comfort, looks and flexibility.

I have these (just in purple) and every single time I wear them, I always get compliments or people ask me where they’re from, because they’re super flattering and people can see how comfortable they are because of the seamless fit, which means there are no stitchings which also equals? You guessed it; no digging into the tummy or love-handles (yay!)

The also sit mid-waist, which makes them even more comfortable, whether you’re practicing yoga, pilates or HIIT – they don’t move and they’re easy for your skin to breathe in.

ASTRAL MAP TIGHTS FROM LIQUIDO ACTIVE:

Liquido Active and their range of tights are especially a go-to of mine when I’m practising hot vinyasa (yoga). They’re comfortable and feels like a second skin all the whilst they absorb moisture really well, but still lets your skin breathe. They’re also high-waisted so they won’t fall (or roll) down when you’re moving.

If you’re a keen yogi-bean too, you’ll love all the prints and patterns they do.

SPECTRUM 7/8 LEGGINGS FROM LNDR:

Trust me when I say that these babies suck and keep everything in – comfortably!

LNDR is one of those brands that create all of their styles with the idea that everything starts with function and form. Seams and panels follow muscle lines or movement points that bend. The product development is considered in a way to slim physiques and open up movement points.

They’re easy to move freely in, looks great on and feels so comfy and snug. The fabric is a bit thicker, so these are a bit warmer – great for the winter-months.

PERFECT HIGH WAIST CROP LEGGINGS FROM SPIRITUAL GANGSTER:

If you’re into black and just want to get a pair of (standard) black leggings that are comfortable, flattering and uber-soft, these are your new go-to’s.

After using these for a few months, I now know why this is one of Spiritual Gangster’s bestselling styles from their range. There’s no digging, pulling or uncomfortability with these, it’s all peace & love when you wear them. Namaste!

BACKBOARD LEGGING FROM P.E NATION:

I mean, a pair of tight that are both functional and looks awesome – I feel like you’ve really hit the jackpot.

P.E Nation creating ultimate sportswear since 2016 and never stopped.

These tights are perfectly high-waisted keeping your tummy snug as a bug, and helps to create long lines down your legs due to the flattering white and blue pattern. They also don’t dig in-to your tummy thanks to the inside seams which seems to have been flattened out.

The fabric is lovely and flexible as well

Hope you liked my little round-up of my current go-to leggings to feel comfortable in so that you can focus on feeling the best you in your own skin.

I know it may be a controversial topic, and I am, by no means, trying to say a pair of tights or leggings fixes anything, but I know for me, I want to be able to feel comfortable in my clothes whilst I’m re-adjusting to my body.

I hope you can, too.

Anna xx

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