Neuromuscular fitness | Fibre-packed bread recipes | Genes and healthspan

Plus, this is what happens inside your brain when you overthink ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­  

Plus, this is what happens inside your brain when you overthink ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  VIEW IN BROWSER Why it's time for a habit spring clean Spring is finally here (kind of). The sun may have only shown its face for 24 hours, but it was enough to get me excited about the bright days ahead of us – and give me the motivation I need to have a little 'spring clean' before March arrives. I'm not talking about the decluttering kind of spring clean, although those are great too (my overflowing drawer of activewear is a testament to how badly I need one). Instead, I'm talking about a habit spring clean. Now that the darkest days of winter are behind us and we're feeling a little more energised, it's the perfect time to think about the healthy habits you want to implement this year, as well as those habits you think are holding you back.  Wherever you're at, take a moment this weekend to think about what you'd like your life to look like in three months, and identify some small changes you can make to move closer to that vision. It's those seemingly insignificant tweaks – getting out of bed 15 minutes earlier, adding a 10-minute walk to your lunchbreak or setting a bedtime alarm so you go to sleep at the same time every night – that really add up. Lauren Geall Acting Health and Fitness Editor, Stylist   This week I'm… Fuelling: as my marathon training ramps up (24km on the cards this weekend – wish me luck!) I'm experimenting with different gels so I can nail my fuelling come race day. I've been loving SAP's sachets (which contain only maple syrup and Himalayan salt) because they give me a break from all the fruity flavours while still delivering 25g of carbs. Drinking: most protein powder formulations give me the ick (why are we combining fruity flavours with whey protein?), but the Chocolate Hazlenut flavour from Form Nutrition is absolutely delicious. I reach for it after my workouts to aid recovery. Can't get up from sitting on the floor without using your hands? Your 'neuromuscular fitness' could be to blame We all know how important strength training is for our health and longevity, but recent research suggests that the loss of strength many people experience as they get older could reflect a weakening relationship between the nervous system and the muscles, not just a loss of muscle bulk. After all, it is the nerves instructing our muscles when to contract (and how fast) that produce the power.  This is known as neuromuscular control – the communication between the brain, nerves and muscles. So, how can you assess and improve your 'neuromuscular fitness'? Stylist contributor Katie Scott spoke to the experts to find out. READ NOW "I'm a fitness expert and busy mum – here's how I manage my energy levels during Ramadan" READ NOW   This is what happens in the brain when we overthink, according to a psychologist READ NOW Ready to give hot and cold therapy a try? Add these sauna and plunge accessories to your basket… Dryrobe / £225 The latest iteration of Dryrobe's changing robes, the Nexus will keep you warm and dry whether you're fresh out a plunge pool or walking around the park. BUY NOW Dock & Bay / £32 This quick-dry towel from Dock & Bay will not only dry you off quickly after an ice bath, but provide a soft, hygienic seat for when you're sweating it out in the sauna. BUY NOW Finnmark / £9.99 Want to protect your head and hair from the extreme heat? A traditional sauna hat – soaked in water and then worn during sauna use – is a simple way to do just that. BUY NOW Slip / £47 Avoid unnecessary damage while tying your hair up for sessions with this colourful selection of Slip silk scrunchies, which are made from the same silk they use in their pillowcases. BUY NOW Stanley / £43 Staying hydrated during long sessions in the heat is important for avoiding a headache after your session; this flip straw bottle from Stanley makes taking regular sips a breeze. BUY NOW Lululemon / £48 A pair of slides is a must for dashing between the cold plunge and sauna, especially when your feet are freezing from the cold water. Lululemon's are cushioned for maximum comfort. BUY NOW Do we hold the power to live long, healthy lives or is it predetermined by our genes? READ NOW Dr Sohère Roked is a GP and functional medicine and hormone doctor Question "I'm approaching my mid-40s, and I'm finding it harder to focus at work. Could this be a sign of perimenopause?" Answer "Absolutely, this could well be perimenopause. Brain fog and difficulty focusing are among the most common symptoms I see in my practice, yet they're often overlooked or dismissed as simply being 'stressed' or 'getting older'. "Brain fog can be directly caused by fluctuating hormone levels, particularly oestrogen and progesterone. Low testosterone can also have an impact. These hormones don't just affect your reproductive system; they're crucial for cognitive function, mental clarity and concentration. As oestrogen levels begin to fluctuate in perimenopause, typically starting in your early to mid-40s, it impacts neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate focus, memory and mental sharpness. "Other signs to look out for include changes in your menstrual cycle (perhaps it's becoming irregular, heavier or lighter), sleep disturbances, mood shifts, anxiety or energy fluctuations throughout your cycle. Many women also notice they're more easily overwhelmed or stressed than they used to be. "Don't dismiss what you're experiencing as 'just part of being a woman'. You deserve to feel sharp, focused and energetic at work and in life. With the right support and treatment plan, you absolutely can." 3 easy homemade bread recipes that will boost your fibre intake (and don't require a breadmaker) READ NOW Everything you love about Stylist in one place Download the Stylist app today View in browser | Update your preferences | Send to a friend | Unsubscribe | Stylist T&Cs | Competition T&Cs | Privacy | Advertise FYI, we may make revenue on affiliate links contained in this email. 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