November 2020

Simply Woman & Home

Feel fabulous every day

Simply Woman & Home1 min read
Woman & Home Feel Good You
GROUP SPECIALS DIRECTOR Charlotte Richards FEEL GOOD YOU EDITOR Lucy Gornall ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR Ian Cave SENIOR DESIGNERS Donna McCann, Katie Simas PICTURE DIRECTOR Karen Whitehead PICTURE EDITOR Emma Smith WELLBEING EDITOR Faye M Smith SENIOR HE
Simply Woman & Home1 min read
Welcome to Feel Good You!
As we get stuck into the final quarter of the year, it’s time to appreciate how far we’ve all come. It has been an unforgettable year so far, and who knows what lies ahead? In this issue, you’ll find all the motivation, advice and guidance you need t
Simply Woman & Home1 min read
Feel Good Fast
STAY HYDRATED Water Bottle, £12, Typhoon Pure at John Lewis & Partners
Simply Woman & Home3 min readWellness
What’s healthy RIGHT NOW?
Ease stress, sort sleep issues and boost your libido with this breathing technique that draws on ancient traditions and scientific understanding of how the breath changes our physiology. Want to give it a go? Online yoga platform Movement for Modern
Simply Woman & Home1 min read
Your Wellbeing
✣ Not sure meditation is for you? We might prove you wrong… ✣ The sleep aids we swear by for a silent night ✣ How to cut down your alcohol intake without missing out ✣ 21 secrets to staying young ■
Simply Woman & Home7 min readPsychology
FIND YOUR Happy Place
For many of us, it’s taken a global pandemic to wake up to the need to take better care of our mental wellbeing. As we get to grips with this new world of social distancing, constantly changing quarantine rules, while simultaneously navigating the ch
Simply Woman & Home4 min read
HEALTHY Houseplants
Love a trip to the garden centre? Then you’re in luck. It’s time to forget dated 70s vibes; houseplants are a top interiors trend. ‘The houseplant has seen a revival and sales continue to grow,’ says lifestyle expert Catharina Björkman. And, seeing a
Simply Woman & Home2 min readWellness
SLEEP Savers
Only 11% of Brits claim to have no difficulty falling asleep. But for the rest of us, struggling to drop off or waking in the night can become the norm. ‘We can’t force sleep, and it gets worse the more we stress about it,’ says sleep expert James Wi
Simply Woman & Home4 min readPsychology
Time to CUT BACK?
It’s safe to say that 2020 has been an incredibly challenging year, and life continues to be pretty uncertain for many of us. So it comes as no surprise, then, that many people are drinking more. A survey by Alcohol Change UK has revealed that one in
Simply Woman & Home3 min readMedical
7 Reasons To Reduce Your Alcohol Intake
‘While it’s tempting to have a drink to boost your mood, this is a deceptive quick fix,’ says Elaine. ‘Alcohol is a depressant; it lowers serotonin and other feel-good chemicals in the brain that help to regulate and balance mood. Research shows that
Simply Woman & Home4 min read
21 Secrets TO Staying YOUNG
OK, you don’t need scientific research to tell you exercise is good for you. But did you know it could stall the ageing process, too? It reduces age-prone inflammation, increases bone strength and boosts circulation (hello, youthful glow!). A study i
Simply Woman & Home2 min read
Wellbeing NEWS
1/3 of women from the age of 40 will experience involuntary bladder leaks, rising to 50% of women over 60. TRY Femaxeen Bladder Control Formula 30 tablets (£49.90, Amazon), are formulated to help stop you having to rush to the loo so often. Pure Spor
Simply Woman & Home2 min readChemistry
If You Only Do One Thing
Wearing a mask is important to keep us all safe – but wearing one for long periods of time can sometimes feel claustrophobic, making it more difficult to breathe. Here’s how to make mask-wearing more bearable. ‘Breathing with a mask on feels unnatura
Simply Woman & Home5 min readCooking, Food & Wine
Autumnal EATS
It’s the time of year when we turn to warm, comforting foods. But that doesn’t mean it has to be unhealthy. Created by chef Claire Thomson, these flavour-packed seasonal meals will leave you feeling full, soothed and healthier too! Claire says…Buckwh
Simply Woman & Home1 min readCooking, Food & Wine
Your Diet
✣ Control your snack habit with our easy tips ✣ Find comfort in carbs and lose 7lbs in just four weeks ✣ Easy swaps for meat-free Mondays ✣ Beat a cold and boost your immunity with simple, delicious meals ■
Simply Woman & Home6 min readCooking, Food & Wine
Comfort in CARBS
Cutting out starches and sugars has become so synonymous with trimming your waistline that you might find it hard to believe you can eat all your favourite carby foods and still lose weight. But, it’s true – it’s perfectly possible to lose pounds wit
Simply Woman & Home4 min readPsychology
Help, I Can’t Stop SNACKING!
Are you often reaching for the crisps an hour after dinner, or munching mindlessly through a packet of biscuits at your desk? It’s a scenario shared by many. According to a recent survey*, a whopping 60% of us regularly skip meals and snack instead.
Simply Woman & Home5 min readDiet & Nutrition
WHAT’S STEALING YOUR nutrients?
Do you often feel tired, even though you eat well, exercise and get enough sleep? Or, perhaps, you suffer from achy muscles and low mood? If there are no medical causes, it could be down to lifestyle choices. ‘We need sufficient nutrients to stay hea
Simply Woman & Home2 min readRegional & Ethnic
Faking It
The plant-based food market is set to be worth £1.1 billion by 2024, so naturally, with this rise, comes a wealth of new brands offering delicious meat alternatives. Whether you’re a meat-free Monday fan or planning on swapping meat for veggies more
Simply Woman & Home3 min readCooking, Food & Wine
Eat To Beat… A COLD
With winter fast approaching, now’s the time to up your immunity. ‘Your first line of defence is a healthy lifestyle and good hygiene, but you can also get your body in the best shape by eating a balanced diet and drinking enough liquid (aim for two
Simply Woman & Home3 min readCooking, Food & Wine
Eat soup & SLIM!
While the evidence suggests soup can be waistline-friendly and nutritious, it depends on what you choose. If you’re buying readymade, scrutinise labels so you can pick products to suit your diet needs. Here’s what to look for… ✣ Not all soups are equ
Simply Woman & Home2 min readCooking, Food & Wine
Diet NEWS
Speedy breakfasts needn’t be bad for you… Essential Waitrose Fruit and Nut Muesli 1kg, £2.50 A perfect balance of nuts and dried fruit, without too many raisins. My Breakfast Box, from £7.50 a week for five days, mybreakfastbox.co.uk Enjoy a protein
Simply Woman & Home2 min readDiet & Nutrition
If You Only Do One Thing
Bursting with B vitamins and selenium, mushrooms are well-known for their medicinal properties. ‘People are often surprised to learn that around 40% of modern medicine uses extracts from the mushroom kingdom,’ says Julian Mitchell, founder of Life Cy
Simply Woman & Home1 min read
Your Beauty
✣ Guilty of bad beauty habits? Here’s how to nip them in the bud ✣ Master the home blow-dry, whatever your hairstyle ✣ It’s not all about price. Try the back-to-basics products that are some of the best on the market ✣ Time for a beauty tweakment? We
Simply Woman & Home5 min read
Hard-working BEAUTY HEROES
When it comes to the beauty products we buy, it seems we’re all a little shallow. The old adage ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ doesn’t apply in the beauty aisles, where no-frills buys are often overlooked for fancy wrapping, a pretty font or a wei
Simply Woman & Home3 min read
Time For Some NEEDLE Work?
Many of us have experienced major changes this year – one of which has been transitioning to working from home and spending a lot of time for both work and pleasure on virtual conference calls. Unsurprisingly, staring at our own faces in the corner o
Simply Woman & Home4 min read
Blow-dry LIKE A PRO
A good blow-dry is hard to beat – perfect when you need a pick-me-up. But how to get that famous hairdresser bounce and salon shine when you’re at home? To craft an expert blow-dry yourself is actually easier than it looks; all you need are a few sim
Simply Woman & Home1 min read
Botanics with BENEFITS
Coconut is such a versatile nourisher it should have a permanent spot on your beauty shelf. Pick up a tub of The Groovy Food Company Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, £4, groovyfood.co.uk, and you’ll have an ashy elbow smoother, cuticle softener, hair quench
Simply Woman & Home3 min read
BAD BEAUTY HABITS To Break
Make-up shouldn’t be used past its expiration date as formulas go off, bacteria accumulates and allergic reactions can happen when you use an expired product. If you’re wondering how long products can be used for, look on the label for a pot symbol w
Simply Woman & Home2 min read
Beauty NEWS
Dove Summer Revived Body Mousse (£9.99, 150ml, Boots) Summer glow gone? No worries. This lightweight self-tan glides on and doesn’t stain the sheets! An average British woman owns this many products, according to picodi.com. This includes six lipstic
Simply Woman & Home2 min read
If You Only Do One Thing
As we age, our lashes can start to thin; studies have shown that there is a significant decrease in eyelash length, thickness and darkness from the age of around 30 to 50. So how do we keep them as lustrous and healthy as possible? Many people don’t
Simply Woman & Home1 min read
Your Fitness
✣ Wrap up in this season’s latest fit kit ✣ Your step-by-step morning yoga flow ✣ Ready to run a 5k? We show you how ✣ Don’t let the dark nights demotivate you. These women share their fitness inspiration ■
Simply Woman & Home4 min read
Ready to RUN?
Have you always fancied the idea of running, but don’t know where to start? Have you turned down friends’ invites to take part in a charity race because, frankly, the idea terrifies you? Well, worry no more! Even if you’ve never run a single step, ou
Simply Woman & Home3 min read
Wake up your BODY & MIND
The sun salutation, or surya namaskar, is a series of linked yoga poses that creates a graceful flow of movement. ‘Traditionally, this flow was practiced first thing in the morning at the break of dawn, to greet the sun, welcome in a new day and to h
Simply Woman & Home2 min read
Master Your Sun Salutation
Stand tall on your mat, feet together and arms by your sides. Inhale and reach both arms up high, extending your spine and lifting your ribs to open your chest. One set = two rounds, one on the right leg, and another on the left Exhale and stretch fo
Simply Woman & Home1 min read
If You Only Buy One Thing
ADIDAS RPT-01 SPORT HEADPHONES IN SIGNAL CORAL, £119.99, ADIDASHEADPHONES.COM While tiny ear-bud headphones are all the rage these days, we’re opting for something that doesn’t get lost the moment we put it down. These stylish Adidas over-ear headpho
Simply Woman & Home4 min read
How We Found Our MOTIVATION!
Helen Faliveno, 32, from London, cycles to work to avoid public transport ‘I’m a yoga teacher and work all over London. I used to travel from class to class on public transport – buses and the London Underground. A single day could find me in Shoredi
Simply Woman & Home2 min read
Fitness NEWS
Flexitol Hard Skin & Callus Balm, £6.99, Boots, softens, hydrates and removes hard skin. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20, £120, brooksrunning.co.uk, super-cushioned without being overly bulky, these add spring to every step. Yoga-Mad Spikey Massage Ball, se
Simply Woman & Home2 min read
If You Only Do One Thing
Gyms may have re-opened, but that doesn’t mean that everyone is rushing back. If, however, you’ve lost your motivation for working out at home alone, maybe one-to-one training sessions are what you need to reach your fitness goals… Having someone’s u
Simply Woman & Home1 min read
Your Health
✣ The good probiotic guide. Which one will work for you? ✣ Could you save a life? Handy first-aid tips we all should know ✣ How to biohack your hormones for a healthier life ✣ Drink up and reap the benefits ■
Simply Woman & Home7 min readMedical
Harness your HORMONES
Do you have frequent mood swings, struggle with your weight, feel bloated, tired, have menstrual irregularities, suffer from wild and crazy PMS or are finding perimenopause or menopause a struggle? It doesn’t matter what age you are, if your hormones
Simply Woman & Home2 min readMedical
SMILE Savers
We all want that picture-perfect smile, but you don’t have to break the bank to get your desired look. These handy products will give your entire mouth some extra TLC so you can beam with confidence! PHILIPS SONICARE DAILYCLEAN 3100 SONIC ELECTRIC TO
Simply Woman & Home2 min readBiology
Opening The Lid On Probiotics
In a world obsessed with killing off bad bacteria, let’s hear a shout-out for the good stuff. Probiotics are living microorganisms – ‘friendly bacteria’ – which provide numerous health benefits if illness or the stresses of modern life wage war on th
Simply Woman & Home2 min readBiology
Which Probiotic Is Right For You?
Probiotics aren’t like popping a paracetamol; it’s not a case of ‘one size fits all’. Each strain works in its own way and carries out a different function. It is important to identify what your needs are. ‘Knowing the strain is essential in choosing
Simply Woman & Home2 min read
Drinks With Benefits
Actiph Alkaline Water, 600ml, £1.39, Sainsbury’s The UK’s first ionised alkaline water. Confused? This type of water hydrates the body more quickly than regular water, due to higher doses of minerals such as sodium, potassium and calcium, to help boo
Simply Woman & Home3 min readMedical
‘The Day I Was Diagnosed, My Life Changed’
‘I found the lump in my breast when having a shower. It felt like a hard pea on the underside of my breast and it seemed to appear from nowhere, but had obviously been growing for some time. This was four years ago. I was a successful interior design
Simply Woman & Home4 min readMedical
Understanding ARTHRITIS
Most of us hear the word ‘arthritis’ and associate it with getting older. But there are so many types of arthritis that can affect people of all ages – including children. Here, Dr Wendy Holden, consultant rheumatologist and Arthritis Action’s medica
Simply Woman & Home4 min read
How to SAVE A LIFE
We’ve all watched dramatic lifesaving attempts on our TV screens, but what if it happened in real life? According to a survey by St John Ambulance, 40% of people in the UK would be worried about giving first aid. Here, medical director at St John Amb
Simply Woman & Home2 min readDiet & Nutrition
Health NEWS
The number of people searching ‘hangover cure’ per year in the UK. Need help? Boost vitamin C intake; this powerful antioxidant is often depleted when we’re dehydrated. Plus, it can help beat inflammation and damage caused by free radicals, which can
Simply Woman & Home2 min readMedical
If You Only Do One Thing
Every year, the flu jab is offered for free to people most at risk of contracting seasonal flu – and this year five million more people than usual are eligible in order to prevent hospitals becoming overwhelmed in the wake of the coronavirus epidemic
Simply Woman & Home6 min readPsychology
THE BEST ADVICEI Ever Had…
Ever been in a situation where you just didn’t know what to do for the best? Often when we’re in the middle of tricky circumstances, we can’t always see the wood for the trees. This is when talking to a friend, counsellor or even a stranger can help
Simply Woman & Home1 min readPsychology
Your Self
✣ Four women share the sound advice that stuck with them ✣ Give your friendships an MOT? ✣ Feel like everyone else comes first? Regain your sense of self with expert tips ✣ Lost your willpower? We’ll help you find it! ■
Simply Woman & Home2 min readPsychology
THE NEW friendship RULES
While the whole world seems to have gone mad this year, most of us would agree that it’s our friendships that have helped to keep us going. There’s nothing like having a laugh or a chat with a friend to lift your mood. But hanging out with pals is al
Simply Woman & Home2 min readPsychology
Nurture Your Friendships In 7 Steps
‘Part of being a good friend is to be a steady, reliable presence in someone’s life,’ says Lydia. ‘Of course there are going to be times when you’re less available. But most of us could do a better job of prioritising our friendships. A genuine one i
Simply Woman & Home4 min readPsychology
The Power To CHANGE
Losing weight, giving up smoking, saving for a house deposit or just flossing your teeth. Big or small, when it comes to reaching our goals in life, how many of us have lamented a lack of willpower? But what is this power to exercise will over our de
Simply Woman & Home5 min readPsychology
FIND YOUR True Self
If you’ve ever asked the huge question of ‘who am I?’, you’ll know it’s not a simple thing to sum up. Our sense of self is a melting pot of qualities, values, and personality traits that defines how we see, and feel, about ourselves. But why is this
Simply Woman & Home2 min readPsychology
Self NEWS
GO2 B.Calm, £3.99, amazon.co.uk A 100% essential oil inhaler stick to promote the feeling of calmness and warmth, with lavender, bergamot and sweet orange. The Moleskine Classic Notebook, £13.99, moleskine.com Writing negative thoughts can help you m
Simply Woman & Home2 min readPsychology
If You Only Do One Thing
If you’re one of the thousands of people who have been working from home over the last few months, maybe you’ve realised that, actually, you’re much happier with these new arrangements. You’re not alone. Increasingly, people are becoming more aware o
Simply Woman & Home3 min readFashion
Spa Heaven In SARDINIA
This special place is home of the original Blue Zone, where the world’s oldest people live healthfully. This rare genetic quirk is understandable when you spend even a few days here soaking up the sun, sea air, sand and bright disposition of Sardinia
Simply Woman & Home2 min read
6 Of The Best… AUTUMN WALKS
WHINLATTER FOREST, KESWICK, LAKE DISTRICT, CUMBRIA Sat Nav: CA12 5TW (Parking £8) Set within the Lake District, a World Heritage Site, it’s no surprise that the views across Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick have inspired poets, artists an
Simply Woman & Home2 min readCooking, Food & Wine
My Feel Good Secrets Rebecca Adlington
Before lockdown, I was doing circuit-based sessions with weights, I’d go swimming and then I’d do a personal training session. During lockdown, I still did four or five workouts a week, started running, along with HIIT classes I’ve found on YouTube a

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