The COVID-19 pandemic put the spotlight on immunity. Across the world, we started taking more vitamins and supplements to strengthen our immunity – vitamin C and zinc have been in high demand. But recently I’ve been researching the link between metabolic health and immune strength. I went in search of answers and consulted with an energy healer who recommended a new way of eating that would contribute directly to strengthening my immune system. My new diet involves avoiding acidic foods so that I can naturally reduce the inflammation in my body. The key, however, is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution – our bodies work differently according to a range of factors including lifestyle, stress levels, diet, medication and even blood type. I recommend going to see a specialist if improving your metabolic function is on your priority list this year.

The world seems to be suffering from what I can only refer to as ‘pharmaceutical fatigue.’ While I’m not saying that medication does not provide solutions to some of our most pressing concerns, I am suggesting that we’re also investigating natural alternatives. For example, I recently invested in some essentials oils after hearing about the effectiveness of aromatherapy. My oil burner is working overtime – I use lavender in the evenings to help encourage deeper sleep, bergamot in the mornings to give myself an energy boost and a combination of cedarwood and frankincense to soothe my senses and help with stress relief during the day. What I’ve learnt is that nature has some really good tricks up her sleeve. Not only do I feel more connected to the earth, I feel more empowered to take care of my own wellness regime with remedies that have little to no side effects. 

This year we’ve seen a noticeable trend where more and more celebrities are championing the cause of mental health and talking about some of the conditions that were previously taboo. Lady Gaga, for example, has revealed that she suffers from PTSD and panic attacks. Chrissy Teigen has done a great job of making the world more aware of the symptoms of postpartum depression. Greater awareness around the commonality of mental health issues is leading companies to review their policies around employee wellbeing and incorporate methods that will help to mitigate some of the symptoms related to common conditions like anxiety and depression in the workplace. I think it’s great. In fact, it’s long overdue. What I’m thrilled about is that when we talk about health, we’re not just talking about the physical aspects – we’re considering mental issues and most importantly, we’re talking about them more, and that’s extremely positive.