5 hacks this PT and wellness expert uses to supercharge their day

We’re all looking for ways to destress while still maximising our productivity, whether that’s finding ways to weave in moments of mindfulness to our working day, or getting out into nature at the weekends to increase our step count, reconnect with our surroundings and (attempt to) calm our ever-louder thoughts around kids, careers and to-do lists.

One tried-and-tested method for bringing some order to your day is by levelling up your routine. Here, we asked PT and wellness expert Lucy Gornall to share her top tips for taking control of your everyday.

1. Try bed yoga

While it’s tempting to keep hitting the snooze button when your alarm goes off, this can actually leave you feeling groggy and even more tired. To prevent this, my alarm clock lives on the other side of my bedroom so that when it goes off, I’m forced to get up to turn it off. Then, I’ll do five minutes of gentle stretching in bed. This helps to slowly wake up my body and help loosen tight muscles and joints.

2. Use positivity post-its



I like to kick off my day by removing any negative thoughts that may already be starting to creep in. I’m not one for chanting a mantra to myself in the mirror – although this does work for some – or writing in a journal, as this can feel like a big task. Instead, after my stretches I’ll write down a positive affirmation to get me in the right mindset, such as ‘Today will be a great day’. I tend to jot this down on a post-it note and stick it to my laptop. It reminds me to stay focused and present throughout the day.

3. Streamline your skincare

I always stick to a three-step skincare ritual. I cleanse first thing using Simple’s Replenishing Cream Cleanser, to remove oil, dead skin cells and impurities from my pores. This product is ideal for my sensitive skin, and contains ceramide boosters and hyaluronic acid to protect skin’s nature lipids and maintain moisture levels.

The remaining two steps are a boost of hydrating serum and then locking in that goodness with some Simple moisturiser – never, ever forgetting my neck and chest.



Simple Replenishing Cream Cleanser



Simple 3% Hyaluronic Acid & B5 Booster Serum



Simple Repairing Rich Cream

3. Walk, run, move



Sometimes, the thought of hammering your body by spending an hour at the gym is just too daunting. Instead, I’ve found that the most empowering way to approach my exercise routine is by trying to move little and often. I do a few weight-based sessions each week alongside a couple of runs (preferably outside so I can lap up some vitamin D) and plenty of walks. It’s better to move regularly throughout the day, rather than sweating it out once and then spending the rest of the day sitting down.

I also get up from my desk every hour to walk around. I take the stairs where possible and meet friends at fitness classes. Socialising as I sweat is always one of my favourite things to do after work.

4. Consider an 80/20 approach



When it comes to food, adopting a straightforward approach has helped ensure I’m striking the right balance between healthy foods and ‘treats’. I do the 80/20 method, which means 80% of the time I eat whole foods – think grains, lean proteins and a colourful mix of fruits and vegetables – and 20% of the time I might enjoy something less nutritious, such as a slice of cake. I don’t track what I eat, I don’t begrudge myself a treat and I definitely don’t follow anyone on social media who tells me otherwise.

5. Plan ahead



Remembering to drink water is always a challenge, but as a wellness expert, I’m acutely aware of the brilliant benefits. Staying hydrated helps with our mood, focus and productivity. Tired? Drink water. Sluggish digestion? Drink water. Skin looking dull? Drink water.

I always put a litre bottle of water in the fridge overnight so I can enjoy it first thing when it’s nice and chilled. If you’re not a fan of plain water, you can liven things up by adding fresh fruits such as berries, orange slices or lemon.

Find out more about the Simple skincare range here