9 Health Essentials for a Strong Body and Mind

 9 Health Essentials for a Strong Body and Mind

With an ever-growing importance on mental health, we sat down with Niomi Smart, YouTube star and author of Eat Smart to find out her top tips for not just building a strong body, but a strong mind. Covering everything from her workouts, to the reasons why she won't reveal her whole life online, Smart tell's us all.

The 27-year-old is known for trying to use her online presence to promote a healthy and happy community, creating a positive mindset among her followers - but like anyone, Smart has he very own tips and tricks to self-care. Some including her fitness MO of boxing & yoga and others being her wind-down secrets like cooking from scratch.

As to the rest, keep reading...

1/ Train

I train about five times a week, usually first thing in the morning before breakfast. Sometimes I’ll run by the river, other times I’ll go to the gym – I love KXU, Psycle and Kobox. I’m falling more and more in love with yoga. The Power Yoga Company in Fulham is great for an intense workout – or I’ll do yin for a mind reset.

2/ Release

My trainer Mikah Simpson always incorporates boxing into our weekly sessions. Not only isit an amazing cardio workout, it also hugely improves hand-eye coordination – and there’s no cathartic release quite like a punching bag.

3/ Explore

India is top of my travel to-go list. I normally keep busy on holiday. I love being active, whether that’s hiking or skiing. When I’m not busy with activities, I love to explore the farmers’ markets and taste local delicacies. Learning how to use ingredients in a new way is one of my favourite things.

4/ Inspire

My Instagram feed is my own little space to explore my interests and creativity, but it can be hard at times, especially when you open yourself up to critique from a large audience. I want my feed to make me and my audience feel nothing but positive. It’s a happy place to create, learn and laugh together! My latest feel-good follow is @namastehannah.

5/ Create

I really look forward to coming home and seeing what I can whip up with whatever isin my fridge – my three-bean chilli with homemade guacamole is one of my go-to recipes. I make it with a bit of spice, and use the leftovers for lunches throughout the week. Eating plant-based means getting a bit creative with your cooking – I love the challenge and am always super-satisfied with the results.

6/ Quieten

I’ve been trying to work meditation into my routine recently. When I need escapism after a long day, I’ll snuggle up on the sofa with my boyfriend to watch a film, or pamper myself with some of my favourite natural beauty products, like Botanics 100% Organic Restoring Overnight Facial Oil and Caudalie Glycolic Peel. Switching off from social media isn’t a problem for me; I’ve learned to enjoy life as it is rather than watching it through my camera lens.

Caudalie Glycolic Peel (75ml)

7/ Indulge

I try to save coffee for when I really fancy it so I truly enjoy it, rather than just grabbing it on the go because it’s a ‘necessity’. I probably only have one or two a week. I love an oat milk flat white at District by Parsons Green station, or a matcha latte with almond milk from Detox Kitchen.

8/ Focus

I’m working on a big project that will be announced in the next couple of months. It’s a real passion project and has enabled me to delve deeper into the world of all things natural and the myriad uses plant-based ingredients have to offer us. Lists help me keep on top of things. At the beginning of a really busy week, I’ll write down all the things that need to be done and prioritise them, so I know what I can leave until the end of the week. Then I can really focus.

9/ Enrich

I’ve recently finished reading Big Magic by the American author Elizabeth Gilbert. It’s about the pressure she felt following the success of her book, Eat Pray Love, and it taught me that many successful artists are terrified of their own success. And I love the podcast Talking Tastebuds with Venetia Falconer – it’s all about food and wellness so it’s right up my street.