The other week I opened up about my IBS and was honestly overwhelmed by how many of you reached out. You shared your stories so kindly and it reminded me how so many of us are quietly navigating the same things.
Which is why I wanted to share the simple, gentle and genuinely doable habits I lean on every day, but especially over Christmas, to keep my gut feeling settled.
Because whether we like it or not, our gut and skin are incredibly closely connected. And if your tummy’s unhappy, it usually shows on your face too. So here’s how I keep mine clear, glowing and balanced, no matter what’s on the menu this festive season 🎄…
1. I always drink hot water over cold
Over the past few years I’ve become completely obsessed with hot water and wherever I am, there’s always a big mug close by. Not just because it feels soothing, but because it’s so much easier on digestion.
The warmth helps relax the muscles in your stomach and intestines, easing the cramping and bloating I used to get after meals. It also hydrates you faster because it’s easier to sip in larger amounts, which helps everything move through your system. I aim for a litre in the first hour after I wake up and then slowly sip another two throughout the day.
2. I don’t snack in between meals
I’ve always been a natural grazer, happily picking at little bits throughout the day, rather than sitting down for proper meals. The problem was, my digestive system never got the chance to switch on its natural ‘clean-up cycle’, the process that sweeps food, bacteria and waste through the gut. And without that break, I constantly felt puffy, lethargic and bloated.
So I made one simple change. I stopped snacking and focused on 3 regular meals instead. Almost instantly my tummy felt flatter, calmer and far less irritated. And now I’m the woman who carries a Tupperware pot of chicken, rice and salad everywhere she goes…Just in case 🙌🏼😂
3. I (gently) move my body, every day
Two things that have really helped my digestion are my daily walk and daily yoga. They’re both super gentle, but encourage that natural wave-like motion in the gut that helps food and gas move through more easily. When I keep them up, I feel lighter, more settled and far less prone to that heavy, bloated feeling.
There was also a recent study showing that women who stay consistent with movement do it because of how it makes them feel and not how it makes them look. And I relate to that so much. For me, it’s no longer about my reflection, but about feeling at home in my body.
A Final Thought: Simple Habits, Big Impact
And truly, that’s it. Nothing extreme and nothing restrictive, just small, comforting habits that support your gut and in turn, your skin too. Even when you’re (quite rightly) eating, celebrating and soaking up every moment of the season 🎄✨
