Gay London Life | Dec '24 Edition - Magazine - Page 70
Photo: @Macleodimages @CraidMacleod
Health & Wellbeing
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Schedule a Sexual Health
and contribute to advocacy efforts
Check-Up
that promote equality and visibility.
Taking charge of your sexual health
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Thrive in
Twenty-Five
Here’s GLL’s health and wellbeing
advice Taofique Folarin with a handy
list of how to feel your best this year
Plan a Stress-Free Day for
Yourself
is one of the most empowering things
you can do for yourself. Knowing
Taking time to unwind and relax
your status is key — it helps you
reduces stress and may prevent
make informed choices about your
burnout. Treat yourself to a self-care
health and relationships. Additionally,
day—read, meditate, or enjoy a
getting info on options like PrEP (pre-
pamper day at the spa.
exposure prophylaxis) is a proactive
•
Explore Meditation or
Mindfulness Practices
step in preventing HIV. A visit to a
trusted clinic like 56 Dean Street
Meditation and mindfulness are
can provide you with expert advice,
powerful tools for nurturing your
testing, and support in an inclusive
mental and emotional well-
and welcoming environment.
being. They help you slow down,
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Try a New Fitness Class or
stay present, and develop a deeper
Activity
awareness of your thoughts and
Explore something beyond your
feelings. Whether you practice for five
usual routine — like yoga, pilates,
minutes or an hour, in a group or alone,
a group fitness class, or a dance
they create a space to recharge and
Happy New Year, GLL! 2025 is THE year to celebrate everything uniquely YOU
class—to connect with like-minded
reconnect with yourself.
— mind, body, and soul. Whether you’re strutting into the gym, sashaying into a
individuals and keep your workouts
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new skincare routine, or diving into a deep conversation about mental health, I
fresh and exciting. It’s also an
Your style is a form of self-
want you to approach the year with open arms and an open heart.
excellent way to celebrate your body
expression. Embrace clothing that
and its capabilities.
feels true to you and aligns with your
•
Revamp Your Skincare
confidence and individuality, allowing
Routine
you to express your authenticity.
Here are 12 empowering steps to help you sparkle through 2025. This isn’t
just any checklist—it’s your roadmap to self-care, self-love, and unapologetic
authenticity. From staying on top of your sexual health to a new fit that screams
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Refresh Your Wardrobe
Set a New Personal Fitness
this is me, you can tackle them at your own pace, all at once, or spread them
Your skin is more than just a barrier
out through 2025, month by month. Grab your planner, and let’s make this year
— it’s your body’s largest organ and
unforgettable. Because as a wise queen once said, “If you can’t love yourself,
reflects your overall health. Developing
Whether running a marathon, losing
how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?”
a skincare regimen tailored to your
weight, or building muscle, a goal
needs helps address concerns like
provides clear focus and a sense
dryness, oiliness, or sensitivity. Most
of achievement. The rewards go
importantly, skincare is self-care. Take
beyond the finish line. Achieving a
the time to nourish your skin, boost your
health goal can lead to increased
confidence, and feel radiant.
confidence and pride in your body’s
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Host a Mental Health Check-
abilities. Whether big or small, every
In with Yourself or a Friend
step forward is a victory, reminding
Goal
Take some time to reflect on your
you that consistent effort leads to
emotions, talk with trusted friends,
lasting change.
or seek support through therapy,
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Volunteer or Support an
LGBTQ+ Charity
counselling, or even a life coach.
These options can provide tools
Contributing to your community is
for growth, resilience, and clarity.
a powerful way to create positive
Prioritising your mind is an investment
change while enriching your sense
in your overall happiness and success.
of purpose and connection. When
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you give back — whether through
Commit to Hydration Goals
Staying hydrated enhances energy
volunteering, fundraising, or
levels, improves skin health, and
advocacy — you help uplift others
aids digestion. It’s a simple yet
while reinforcing the values of
transformative habit for overall well-
compassion and solidarity.
being. So grab a tall glass of water,
•
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Book a Professional Massage
or Body Treatment
I’m thirsty.
Participate in a Pride or
Regular body care alleviates tension,
LGBTQ+ Community Event
enhances circulation, and fosters
Connecting with the LGBTQ+
a deeper connection with your
community is more than just finding
physical self in a profoundly relaxing
your tribe — it’s about celebrating the
way. Incorporating regular body care
diversity that makes our community
into your routine isn’t just a treat —
so vibrant. By attending events,
it’s an investment in your health and
joining groups, or volunteering, you
happiness, helping you feel your best
may create meaningful relationships
inside and out.
@TaofiqueFolarin
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