The temperatures are rising and we’ve well and truly emerged from winter mode, with holiday planning and social activities well underway. But have you looked a little closer to home and considered checking in on your health and wellness?  

It’s the perfect time of year to give your body & mind a thorough once over and ensure you’re running at peak performance for the summer season ahead. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve listed our top wellness actions you can easily take now!  

Talk to your GP‍

Start off by finding out how your physical body is performing. A great way to do this is by making an appointment with your GP and asking for a full physical check-up and a blood test. This gives you the chance to discuss any health concerns and for your GP to get a full picture of your overall health. A FBC (Full Blood Count) test will check your red and white blood cells, as well as measure your platelet count, haemoglobin levels and other key elements such as vitamin deficiency.

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Review your daily medications‍

If you’re taking any long-term prescribed and over the counter medication, it’s a good time to review whether they are still required or if the dosage may require adjustment. Talking to your GP about your daily regime is the best place to start. They’ll be able to share their views and provide a professional in-depth report of your health and medication. Remember, whilst you should always feel empowered to make the right health choices for yourself, consulting your GP for an unbiased view should be part of your informed decision-making process.  

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Assess your fitness levels‍

As daylight hours increase dramatically and the weather improves, there’s nothing better than getting outside and increasing your activity levels. Before you set off for the nearest hill or cycling trail it’s a good idea to get a fitness assessment. You don’t want to develop an injury! Through your health provider or local fitness centre you can get a physical fitness assessment. Different from the standard GP assessment, a fitness assessment will determine your physical fitness levels and should also consider your dietary habits. If you’re already a member of a gym or are thinking about joining one, you might be able to get this done for free.  

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Top up your mental resilience‍

Mental health is of equal importance as physical health. A range of factors can affect your metal wellness, from biological to environmental. What’s important is ensuring you take time to understand your overall mental wellness, look out for triggers and work on strategies for when things get tough. Do some online research from recognised sources and if it feels worthwhile, book a 1:1 session with a therapist to explore your mental wellness further. It’s as simple as having a chat where you set the boundaries.  

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Connect and disconnect‍

Social interactions are a great tonic for many people and for others the key to a balanced lifestyle is disconnecting from a hectic social life. You’ll know whether you identify closer to an extrovert or an introvert – or somewhere in between! It doesn’t matter which, but what’s important is doing what’s right for you as an individual.  

If you’ve tried any of our top wellness actions, we’d love to hear about your experiences. We’re creating a community of wellness that nourishes and supports each other. If you’re comfortable, please leave a comment on our social channels or email us in confidence.

Find out more about your overall options with Every Mind Matters and Better Health from the NHS.

Please get in touch with us today if you would like to speak to one of our pharmacists.