What a stressful year it has been, unprecedented and unexpected - and now new restrictions coming with Covid-19 Lockdown V2.  In January 2020 I wrote a blog post about the importance of relaxing more and letting go of stress!  I'd had a super consultation and chat with Pilates expert, Laura who runs Zenergy Active near Beaconsfield.  Little did I know then that my plans for the year would be completely put on hold, that businesses (big and small) would struggle and the world would basically shut down.  I have always maintained that the decisions made by our government have failed to take into consideration our mental health, the bigger health issues such as cancer treatment, the economy and the future of our children.  I've made no secret or my personal struggle with it all.  And when so much has been taken out of our control, we need to focus on the small things we can control. 

This week is International Stress Awareness Week* and stress and mental health have never been more important and the challenges never more acute than now during the Covid-19 pandemic.  About 1 in 10 adults were reported to be suffering from depression and stress before the pandemic but that has increased to 1 in 5 since.  And feeling stressed and anxious can massively impact our sleep patterns.  I've often said on my blog that if we want to lose weight and feel healthier one of the first things we should address is managing our sleep and stress.  And of course, anxiety is a very common symptom associated with peri-menopause.  

It's no wonder that self-care should be at the top of our priority list, but often isn't due to leading such busy lives.

How are you feeling about the changes and coming out of lockdown?  I was appalled to see the beaches so busy during the heatwave week.  I'm not rushing out myself, I don't need to go anywhere really, I am slowly seeing friends and family at home.  I've not been to the shopping centres or Waitrose yet.  My habits are definitely changing and I am getting more things from our local farm shop.  I am very confused however by the inconsistencies and I just can't understand some of the decisions, how is it that we can go to a crowded pub but not to get a beauty treatment?

So here I am with a little round up of what I have been doing in June - to live my best life and 'be 50 and fabulous' - and it is getting a bit more interesting ...now I am not just stuck at home!

​Read below to find out what I have been up to - exercising, reading, doing, wearing and beauty tips.

Hello, how are you?  Is this very gradual easing of lockdown going well for you?  I feel quite safe in my little area of leafy Buckinghamshire so I am not too stressed about it, I am however quite pleased we can start venturing out a bit more.  I've not made any major changes, but I have organised to meet with a couple of girlfriends next week, two separate walks, socially distanced, but an opportunity for a catch-up.  And I have ordered face masks!

I'm a bit behind with my blog schedule and kinda felt there was no pressure to post, But I thought today I'd pop up with a bit of a summary what home beauty treatments I am using during lockdown.  With no definite date for the re-opening of salons, the challenge with our roots continues!

Who else is missing their hairdresser, their nail technician, their beautician?!  I had my nails done just before lockdown but the gel on my hands was off 3 weeks later although my feet made it to about 7 weeks!  And my hair!  It so needs a colour now and it is getting bigger and more and more in need of a good trim.  Don't zoom in too close on my photos please!