Research suggests that even mild dehydration can affect concentration, alertness and mood. Before reaching for another coffee, drink a glass of water and prepare a pot of loose leaf herbal tea.

While your tea is infusing, resist the urge to check your emails or scroll your phone. Instead, use those few minutes to focus on something completely different. Stretch, do a few squats, water the plants, tidy your desk or enjoy a brief chat with a colleague or neighbour. Giving your mind a chance to switch away from the task in hand can help reduce mental fatigue before you settle down to enjoy your tea.

Studies have found that spending time away from your usual surroundings, particularly in natural environments, can help restore attention after prolonged periods of concentration. Once your tea is ready, take it somewhere different if you have the time. Whether it's the garden, by an open window, or simply away from your usual workspace, enjoy your tea without rushing before returning to your day with greater clarity and a renewed sense of perspective.

If time allows, a cool or cold shower is one of the most effective ways to reset your nervous system, sharpen your focus, and shake off mental fog. Even 30 seconds of cold water at the end of your usual shower can leave you feeling clear-headed and alert. Use these botanical bars and butters to make it a sensory moment worth stepping into.

Whether you've stepped outside, cooled down in the shower, or simply paused at your desk, this is the moment to layer in scent. Our sense of smell is closely linked to emotion and memory — pairing a botanical fragrance with your Refresh ritual creates a familiar cue that signals it's time to refocus and begin again.

Spritz your face, mist your workspace, apply a roll-on, or diffuse an essential oil blend. If applying to skin, dilute with a carrier oil first.

For an extra-refreshing boost, keep your Aloe Vera & Seaweed Gel and Speedwell Ageless Eye Gel in the fridge — or apply at room temperature wherever you are. Tap the eye gel gently around the orbital bone to depuff and brighten, then smooth the aloe gel over your face and neck to soothe and hydrate.

After a restorative break, it's easy to feel tempted to tackle everything at once. Instead, choose one task to focus on first. Studies suggest that concentrating on a single priority, rather than constantly switching between tasks, can reduce cognitive overload and help you maintain your focus. Once you've completed it, move on to the next.