From cortisol-free fitness to stress-busting diets and calm skin, Fiona Embleton reveals ten mindful ways to approach health and well-being
1 CONTROL YOUR CORTISOL
Think a HIIT class after a difficult day at work will sweat away the stress? Actually, training too hard can produce more cortisol, the stress hormone that can sabotage your health and weight-loss goals. ‘The body doesn’t know the difference between running for cardio and running away from danger, so it instantly goes into fight or flight mode,’ says Nathalie Schyllert, CEO of Bodyism, a London-based fitness club that adapts its sessions to members’ stress levels. ‘Too much cortisol can disrupt your metabolism. It inhibits the production of insulin, which would normally remove excess blood sugar and prevent it being stored as fat around your belly.’ Enter alternative options: low-intensity exercises like yoga or Pilates. ‘We also advise taking our Pure Serenity Shake [£50 for 240g/3o servings, Net-A-Porter] because it contains chamomile and magnesium, to improve your sleep quality, which is proven to help lower cortisol levels.’
2 HEAD FOR A CALMER COMPLEXION
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Uma Thurman
‘I Managed To Stay In The Business That I Love All My Life, And I Know That’s Not A Given. I Can’t Not Feel Lucky About It, No Matter What The Downsides Can Be’.
Pollution Proof Your Life
From your daily commute to your wood-burning stove, you’re unwittingly inhaling a variety of toxic substances. But you can take action to reduce their impact, reveals Claire Thorp.
We Love Lucy
From a star-making turn in Bohemian Rhapsody to a leading role in sassy new Netflix show The Politician, Lucy Boynton is ready for her close-up. Here, she tells Jane Mulkerrins about her life-changing year.
Human Touch
Connecting with others can have a confidence-boosting effect, support skin health and help you live longer. Here’s why the wonders of physical contact really matter...
Facing The Floods
Photographer Gideon Mendel has spent 12 years capturing the extreme rise in flooding across the globe. Here, he tells Marie Claire about the devastating human impact.
'Learn How To Please Yourself First' –and Other Sex Tips From Our Mums
Three mothers and daughters explain how talking openly to each other about sex, identity and pleasure has strengthened their relationship and enriched their love lives
10 Mindful Ways To Approach Health And Well-Being
From cortisol-free fitness to stress-busting diets and calm skin, Fiona Embleton reveals ten mindful ways to approach health and well-being
Sex Crimes on Campus
This month, thousands of female students will head for university, but many will become the victims of sexual assault and harassment.Polly Dunbar investigates the alarming rise of college rape culture.
Fight The Fear
Approximately ten million people in the UK suffer with a debilitating phobia. When Charlotte Haigh’s fear of flying threatened to damage her mental health, she took action…
Celine Dion
‘Growing Up, I Used to Feel Awkward and Insecure. I Remember Not Feeling or Looking My Best’