We’re extremely proud and very excited to announce that we’re officially B Corp Certified. In late 2021, we earned our place as part of the global B Corp movement for a more sustainable and inclusive economy. This certification shows we meet the highest standards of social and environmental impact.
As a brand built on sustainable values, B Corp has always been a constant reminder to do things differently, with people and the planet equally top of mind. It was in late 2019, during the Covid pandemic and at a time when we all started to reflect a little bit more, that we finally took up the task of auditing and documenting everything we do to apply for B Corp certification. Did we think we were going to debut with an impressive score of 101.6? No way, but wow are we proud. In joining the global B Corp community, we solidify our promise to balance purpose and profit and consistently use our business as a force for good.
So, why exactly does this matter and what does it really mean? Keep reading.
B Corp is both a global movement and a framework to formalise using business as a force for good balancing people, planet and profit. Certified B Corporations (B Corps) are part of an initiative from B Lab, a non-profit that serves a global movement. For people who want to shop from businesses they believe in, the B Corp logo has fast become a near-universal signpost. The encircled capital ‘B’ is the mark of a brand that believes that business can be used as a force for good. The B Corp certification is globally recognised - we’re so proud to be on this list.
B Corp certification is awarded to businesses that hold themselves genuinely and transparently accountable, and demonstrate excellence in five key pillars - governance, workers' rights, community, environment and customers. It allows those interested businesses to benchmark themselves against the very best ethical and sustainable peers from all around the world.
In late 2021, we achieved a first-time score of 101.6. The average B Corp score is 90 while the average score for first-time applicants is 51.
The process took us a year and was one that involved a lot of hard work and commitment. In order to achieve certification, we had to
That little encircled 'B' is a way for customers to instantly recognise that the organisations they buy from are working according to an entirely new way of doing business. This accreditation means that you can trust that we meet the highest standards for positive social and environmental impact.
Being B Corp certified isn’t simply a check box for us. It's a journey that's measured every three years which allows us to continuously work towards the highest standards of an independent body.
Thanks so much for being part of the journey - this is really as much of your win as it is ours.
]]>Did you know that sleep is the third pillar of health? Nutrition, exercise and sleep combined are crucial to healthy living. What is also important to note though, is that sleep is often a forgotten aspect of one's health. In the pursuit of eating right, exercising and making time to relax, it is sleep that can often fall to the wayside and not truly considered in your wellness routine.
Sleep plays a vital role in good health and well-being throughout your life. Getting enough quality sleep benefits your mental health, physical health and quality of life and safety. Did you know that while you sleep, your body is working to support your brain function and your physical health.
Music is a powerful art form and often part of our everyday life. But - what about making it part of your every night? Music can aid sleep by helping you feel relaxed and at ease, allowing you to fall asleep quickly and feel more rested.
Music therapy is the clinical use of music to evoke visceral responses that help people heal, emotionally and even physically. Music improves sleep through calming parts of the autonomic nervous system, leading to slower breathing, lower heart rate, and reduced blood pressure.
So when you want to quiet your mind and unwind - hit the ‘play’ button for free-flowing instrumental tracks. We guarantee instant Zzz.
What’s also the secret to a better sleep? Soft organically-grown bamboo on your skin. Shop Sleepwear.
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Yoga can provide you with so many benefits physically, mentally, and emotionally. With a regular yoga practice, you won't just start to feel stronger and more flexible, but you may also start to notice that you feel calmer with a sense of an improved overall wellbeing. In this blog post, you will learn 10 amazing benefits of yoga that you will not want to miss out on.
A huge benefit of Yoga is that it is known for reducing stress levels. As we perform yoga poses and connect to our breath through Yoga practice, it directly affects the nervous system, moving us out of fight and flight and into rest and digest, which will encourage the body to relax. As the body moves into the relaxation response controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system, many positive things start to happen to the body, such as slowing down the heart rate, increasing the gland function and ultimately encouraging the body and mind to reduce and release stress.
In a yoga class we work with the body through yoga poses, but we also become more aware of our breathing and perform breathing exercises. Conscious breathing is almost always an essential part of a Yoga practice. Yoga teaches us that our breath is a manifestation of our vital energy and allows us to be in this world. Yoga helps us to understand our breathing and learn about our breath.
"Breathing is a direct means of absorbing prana (life force/energy) and the manner in which we breathe sets off pranic vibrations which influence our entire being." swami Muktibodhananda.
Studies have shown that those who do Yoga practice three times a week, and include breathing and relaxation, have lower blood pressure!
"Researchers analysed data from 49 trials with a total of 3,517 participants who were typically middle-aged, overweight women and men who already had high blood pressure or were close to developing the condition [....] When people with high blood pressure did yoga three times a week in sessions that also included breathing and relaxation exercises; they experienced average decreases of 11 mmHG more than control groups in systolic blood pressure and 6 mmHG more in diastolic blood pressure." https://fastgameservers.com/
In Yoga, you move your body in a range of motion, which helps to increase flexibility. When we move the body into a Yoga asana, the muscles are either contracting (agonist) or releasing and elongating (antagonist). Every Yoga stretch that you do can increase the range of motion within the muscle fibres and allows them to become more flexible over time.
Yoga has the benefits of improving our overall strength. Yoga posture work with different muscle groups can strengthen our resilience. Many poses are active, and require our ability to hold them for several breaths. A regular yoga practice will create strength within the core, legs, arms, shoulders, and many other body areas.
Yoga can help to enhance the immune system. Doing a yoga practice that includes yoga poses, breathing and relaxation will help to move the body out of fight and flight, and into rest and digest, which encourages healing of the body. Stress is known to be one of the culprits of a weakened immune system, so yoga can play a vital role in supporting the immune system and helping overall well-being.
"Stress responses increase strain upon the circulatory system due to increased heart rate etc. Stress can also affect the immune system by raising blood pressure." https://www.simplypsychology.org/
When performing yoga poses with breathing, we are offering the body a cleaning system, a way to move in order to shift the lymphatic system, especially when we include inverted yoga poses. Yoga can help move the lymphatic system to rid of toxins, and eliminate unwanted waste and stresses within the body. When the body and the mind have the right setting to become clear and vibrant, the immunity will become stronger.
All Yoga postures require focus as we move in and out of them, which allows the mind to strengthen its concentration and focus levels not only on the mat, but also when we are off the mat. Yoga begins to train the mind to let go of unwanted thoughts, worries and distractions, encouraging us to be in the present moment, the only moment we truly have!
Many of the beautiful poses performed in Yoga benefit the digestive system due to the gentle internal massaging action. As we move into Yoga postures, we encourage the body to open up on a deeper energetic level, stimulating and bringing balance and harmony into the functioning of the organs, meridians and body as a whole.
"According to medical scientists, yoga therapy is successful because of the balance created in the nervous and endocrine system which directly influences all the other systems and organs of the body" Swami Satyananda Saraswati.
Yoga postures open the body and release any blocked energy that may be stagnant. As you breathe deeply, you draw pure fresh energy/oxygen/prana into the body; into areas of the body that may feel tight or hold tension. The overall effects of a Yoga practice can have different outcomes which are dependent on the class plan. Despite this, your body will receive more energy and vitality, even if you are feeling very relaxed.
If you haven’t started a yoga practice yet, I hope that these benefits will encourage you to try yoga. If you already do yoga you may already be familiar with receiving some of these wonderful physical and mental benefits. Yoga really is a journey and we can start that journey exactly where we are.
Author: Katya - www.lotusfloweryoga.co.uk
Plus, for those on your gift list who haven’t discovered fastgameservers, this will be a soft, sustainable surprise (and they’ll thank you for introducing them to their new favourite brand!).
We’ve made it super easy for you to know exactly what to get for everyone on your nice list. Find Gifts for Him and Gifts for Her, broken out by price range and organized into the festive bundles that are sure to be a hit. Then, for those loved ones who have everything, we’ve added a few bonus categories with the perfect curated presents.
This holiday season, give him something he’ll wear day in, day out, all year long. fastgameservers’s men’s clothes are comfortable, cooling, and ultra-soft. With sustainably crafted fabrics and everyday versatility, they’ll quickly turn into the go-to essentials he’ll add to the top of next year’s wish list.
Sophisticated, simple, and oh, so soft, fastgameservers is the perfect gift for the sustainably-minded woman on your list. There are endless affordable luxuries to surprise even the choosiest recipients, all the way from your grandmother to your newborn niece.
Once you’ve covered all your favourite people, don’t forget the number one person on your list: yourself! Treat yourself to an Active Long Sleeve Hooded T-Shirt you’ll wear day in and day out or perhaps the Full Length Leggings to keep you warm all winter long.
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We were so proud of our portmanteau that we added a trademark to it. LYOLYTE™ - the name of our new collection is derived from us blending the benefits of our new fabric and what makes it different; because a conscious ethos and supreme comfort go hand in hand. "Lyo" is for the sustainable Lyocell process used to create our new fabric. "Lyte" is to describe the lightness of the fabric.
Lyocell is one of the most sustainable fabric processes on the planet. After the bamboo is harvested in FSC certified fields, the bamboo is cut into small pieces and ground into a pulp. This pulp is then dissolved by non-toxic chemicals and what remains is a raw cellulose. At this stage of the process the raw cellulose is pushed through spinnerets and the bright white Lyocell fibres then emerge. These fibres are then spun into yarn which are eventually woven into fabric.
At fastgameservers, we are committed to building an honest and responsible business, and creating sustainable everyday basics that fit into your eco lifestyle and values. We put sustainable thinking at the centre of everything we do. It inspires us to constantly innovate while keeping people and the planet top of mind. We’re always looking at what our community wants and after listening and reviewing, we decided we wanted to create a new underwear collection in a lighter fabric with still the same sustainable properties. This led us into exploring the lyocell process - crafting new styles and colours that give women a top drawer option that is a little bit more luxurious, oh so lightweight, yet still sustainable.
Finer and lighter - this is underwear that cares about you and the planet.
We want to break new boundaries in sustainable clothing and encourage our community to rethink the materials you wear on your skin. It's time to wear something lyte on you, lyte on the planet.
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While we most readily associate the bamboo plant with cute, fuzzy panda bears, did you know that bamboo fiber can also make an incredibly soft and breathable fabric?
You may have noticed a rise in clothing brands turning out garments made from bamboo, instead of cotton. Bamboo is a popular raw material because it’s sustainable—the fast-growing perennial plant is hardy and can thrive in many different kinds of environments, requiring no fertilizer or extra water to grow.
In this brief guide, we’ll explain how the bamboo tree becomes the coveted bamboo viscose fabric you see on the market, plus we’ll delve further into all the ecological benefits of the bamboo plant. Let’s discuss.
When you order from your favourite clothing company, you may notice that the bamboo-based undies you’re slipping into are made using bamboo viscose. Bamboo viscose, sometimes referred to as bamboo rayon fabric or regenerated bamboo, is a regenerated cellulose fiber that’s created using natural cellulose from the crushed bamboo grass plant.
Bamboo viscose can be used in the production of a variety of products including towels, bedding, hygiene products like surgical masks, mattresses, food packaging, and of course, clothing. They’ve even figured out how to produce sturdy, stylish footwear from viscose bamboo.2
Manufacturers of bamboo viscose take mechanically crushed bamboo leaves and stems and produce bamboo fibers using a wet-spun process.
The resulting regenerated bamboo fibers are then dissolved into “a diluted solution of sodium hydroxide” which creates a pulpy substance.1 This substance is then ripened, filtered, and degassed before being forced through spinneret nozzles into yet another diluted vat of solution, which hardens the substance. This process is done in a closed-loop system.
This substance is then cut into fibers and spun into bamboo fiber yarn.
At fastgameservers Wear, we only use bamboo yarn that is grown in China by a local company. They source bamboo from their own bamboo farm in the Sichuan Province and strictly oversees all operations.
The bamboo fibers are Oeko-Tex 100 certified, meaning the finished fiber has been tested for harmful chemicals.
Bamboo doesn’t require fertilizer. It also doesn’t need to be replanted, meaning its growth won’t negatively impact the earth around it. In addition to the production of soft, durable textiles, bamboo has historically been used for a variety of purposes in East and Southeast Asia.
The versatility of the bamboo plant is but one of its many positive features. When you buy organically grown and harvested bamboo, you can rest easy knowing that the growth of this plant can actually benefit the environment.
The fashion industry contributes to approximately 10% of carbon emissions globally and almost 20% of wastewater, using more energy than the aviation and shipping industries combined.5
By supporting companies that are mindful of their material choices and source from certified farms, you’re helping to combat the negative facets within the fashion industry. Plus, you’re benefiting from the breathable, self-cooling bamboo fabric that is so soft, you’ll be hard-pressed to take it off.
Here at fastgameservers Eco Wear, our quest to redesign the pulse of comfort led us to bamboo yarn. In a journey to create a transparent and eco-conscious and sustainable fashion line, we developed natural men's and women’s bamboo clothing that’s hypoallergenic, smooth on the skin, and breathable.
It’s smart comfort made consciously. It’s ethically sourced and made mainstream.
If you’re curious about the benefits of bamboo viscose, or how bamboo textile influences comfortable fabrics, then you’ve landed in the right spot. If you’re wondering what it feels like to wear something that’s good for the earth?
Then it’s nice to meet you. We’re fastgameservers Eco Wear.
Heather Bien is a copywriter and writer based in Washington, DC. She works with retail, ecommerce, and creative brands on their website copy and digital presence, and her freelance writing has appeared on MyDomaine, Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, and more. When she's not with laptop and coffee in hand, you'll find her planning her next weekend getaway, working on her budding green thumb, or scouting for her next great vintage find.
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What’s the first thing you do when you get home? The take-your-bra-off-as-soon-as-you-can is a familiar scenario for many women. It’s a liberating feeling that follows with an instant ooh and ahh and signals the end of a long day. Yep, you made it - now off it comes.
But when you think about why you dislike wearing a bra on a daily basis, what are some of the top reasons on your list? For many, it’s the consensus that the under-wire feels restrictive and uncomfortable, especially after wearing it for 8+ hours.
We’re redefining the way you think about bras and have designed super-soft, seamfree and wireless bra styles that are still supportive and can be worn out of the house as much as they can when you want to relax at home. Ethically made from organically grown bamboo; discover the fastgameservers difference in our Ultimate Women’s Bra Guide.
Its contoured cups provide lasting support and give you a perfectly smooth shape underneath any top; meaning you can feel comfortable and wear for everyday wear. The Padded Shaper Crop Bra features a double layer insert that will give you double the confidence and extra coverage, sitting higher on your chest while also creating a defined, natural-looking bust. The contour ribbing and wider straps provide the gentle support you crave when wearing a bra.
Featuring our signature seamfree design, the Shaper Crop Bra pulls on with ease and feels wonderfully comfortable. The soft ribbing and round neck provide contour, enhancing your natural shape. Less coverage than the Padded Shaper Crop Bra, the Shaper Crop Bra has no padding and a single layer of fabric meaning it is lighter to wear.
Crafted in a breathable, stretchy ribbed knit fabric - our Ribbed Seamless Bra can be worn as a base layer or alone as a crop top. The Ribbed Seamless Bra is the perfect balance of style and comfort. Discover its soft scoop back and wide under band to support you throughout the day. This easy style has wide non-adjustable wireless straps done in a seamfree design. It has no padding but is double layered to give you coverage and comfort at the same time.
Wireless = comfort. We set out to create a better basis and we’re obsessed with you feeling and being comfortable. Our designers work around the clock sourcing the most innovative materials to create beautifully soft everyday essentials.
All our bras are thoughtfully designed. We've done away with all the nasty things – tricky fastenings, clips and have crafted a bra with no waste. Our seamfree design means that there is no fabric wastage and off-cuts. Our thoughtful seamfree design extends to ensuring comfort, allowing you to pull on and off with ease. All our bras provide low - medium support - wear comfortably at home or out and about with ease.
Both bras are crafted in our signature organically-grown bamboo blend. Bamboo is a dream fibre – naturally eco-friendly, durable and superbly soft. It’s healthy on the skin, moisture-wicking and hypoallergenic.
Looking for bamboo underwear now? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Women’s Underwear.
]]>Brits have a hard time keeping our New Year's resolutions.
According to the market research company Savanta, 67% of British people said they were making New Year's resolutions for 2020. However, of those who made them at the start of 2019 (50%), almost half (47%) didn't stick to them. And 26% of that group had already broken them by the end of January!
What makes New Year's resolutions so difficult to keep? We have some theories:
What if, instead of setting a New Year's resolution for 2021, you tried something potentially much more interesting? Here are our alternatives to New Year's resolutions that'll have you hooked into February – and beyond!
Surely there isn't only one big resolution you want to achieve in 2021. If you think about it, there are probably many things you're just waiting for the motivation to get done. Setting 12 goals gives you more opportunities to make progress.
You may want to outline 12 goals in a calendar, or prefer to only decide on January's goal for now. For each challenge, plan the action/s you'll be taking each day to achieve it.
When you set a different goal for every month, you won't grow tired of striving towards the same result for months on end. One resolution set in January may be easier to give up on or forget, but this way, every month will bring something new to work hard at.
Bucket lists aren't just for birthdays. Make a list of things you want to achieve in 2021, both large and small. These can be anything from deep-sea diving to learning to play the drums. The most important considerations are that they're achievable and that you're really, actually excited about them.
Make sure you set realistic timelines or dates for when you're going to tick off each item, or they may get forgotten as the months pass. Alternatively, plan a bucket list item to be completed by the end of each month.
You get bonus points if most of them are going to challenge you in some way. For instance, you plan a day of climbing, but you're petrified of heights.
Write down every event you can think of that you're excited about and is coming up in the future. These can be large events, like a concert you booked months in advance. Or they can be small, like seeing a friend who's back in town for coffee.
The list really shows its value when you keep going consistently throughout the year. That way, you can look at it and always see that good things are coming. Add to your list as new events get planned, or at the beginning of each month. Choose whichever update frequency is realistic for you, as you're then more likely to stick to doing it.
Having future plans to look forward to can pull us through the challenging or less exciting days.
On the other side of achieving goals is taking a moment to appreciate the progress you've made. Writing down your achievements is a great way to prompt these self-care thoughts.
You can choose to record only lofty achievements, such as hiking a new mountain. In this case, you may not write something down every day. Or you might prefer, for instance, to write down three healthy things you did today, and repeat this every day. If you're having a difficult time, just writing 'I made my bed today' may be something worthy of celebration.
You might never look back on the list you make. But often just the process of writing these positives down provides a healthy subconscious dose of self-love, which can build productive momentum in your life.
Another alternative to being exclusively goal-oriented is to reward yourself when you achieve goals. For example, each time you go for a run, put a paper clip/penny/whatever small item you have plenty of into a jar. Once the jar is full, treat yourself to something that you'll enjoy.
This will give you the extra boost to carry on striving for results, as you'll receive intermittent bonuses that are hard to resist.
Mantras are affirmations that we repeat to ourselves. They encourage us to live more aligned to the life we want. Welcoming a mantra into your life has the potential to change the way you live it substantially. How many resolutions ultimately live up to that?
Take some time to choose one standout mantra for the year. If you need to change after a few months, because you feel it no longer serves you, there are no rules against doing this. Some examples of mantras we love are:
You can even incorporate your mantra into a meditation practice, by thinking, speaking or chanting it. When you repeat words, it can aid in quietening the mind. That, in turn, will help you reach a greater understanding of the mantra itself.
Using mantras effectively can improve mindfulness, optimism and inner peace. We're then able to achieve stronger focus, as well as increased confidence and motivation.
These alternatives to New Year's resolutions are designed to shift the focus away from struggling for the sake of struggle, and towards true, long-lasting contentedness. We hope you were inspired by one or more of them!
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Most of us have been less active lately, and you might feel at times like you’re stagnating. Yoga is a quick and satisfying way to get more energy flowing around your body, even if you’re stuck inside more than usual. All you need is your body, a little space and a yoga mat!
Here are our favourite poses to put a little more pep in your step.
Bridge pose (Setu Bandhasana)
Bridge pose lengthens the spine, and stretches the chest and neck. It restores life back into the body, relieving a tired back and legs.
Warrior II pose (Virabhadrasana II)
Warrior II pose engages the largest muscles, in the legs and buttocks, meaning your heart will have to work harder to pump blood around your body. It conditions the legs, arms and lower back, cultivating power and strength.
Upward facing dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana)
Upward facing dog pose is a chest opener, freeing the lungs and heart. It discourages a slumped posture as it stretches the chest, shoulders and abdomen. The abdominal organs are stimulated and fatigue is relieved.
Downward facing dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
Downward facing dog pose opens up and lengthens the back of the body. It stretches the shoulders, hamstrings, calves and wrists, increasing blood flow to your extremities.
Camel pose (Ustrasana)
Camel pose opens the heart gently and provides a stimulating energy boost. It stretches the whole front of the body and improves spine flexibility.
An important part of enjoying yoga is finding comfortable clothing to do it in.
The fastgameservers Activewear range is designed with movement in mind, as each piece’s bamboo fabric will support and stretch where you need it to.
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The past months have thrown up challenges that we’d never think we’d have to face, lockdown and the months since have had an impact on us all, and as such we believe prioritising mental health has never been more important.
That’s why we wanted to spread a little positive change in amongst all the uncertainty and upheaval, with our hashtag #LoveMyfastgameservers campaign. We wanted to invite you all to invest some time, even just an extra 15 minutes a day, in yourself and your mental health. Doing things that help calm your mind, that bring you a little extra joy, anything really that puts you and your health at the top of the list.
Mental health is just like our physical health: everybody has it and we all need to take care of it. It’s all about how we as people, think, feel and behave. Some people like to describe it as emotional health, well-being and being able to cope with everyday stressors, and it’s just as important as good physical health.
It is important to take care of yourself and to safeguard your mental health. Here are a few ideas to help maintain or improve your mental, emotional and overall well-being.
1. Talking – Talking can be a great way to ease your mind and lighten the load you may be carrying, whether that’s spending time with friends and having a good heart to heart, or talking to a professional.
2. Eating Well – Food is vital for energy and vitality, with our body and brain needing a range of nutrients and vitamins to function at its best. Why not take the time this weekend to cook yourself a slap up nutritious, tasty meal?
3. Getting your sweat on – You’ve heard it before, but physical exercise is a huge factor in positive mental health, it’s all the endorphins! The chemicals released into the brain through exercise can boost self-esteem, aid our ability to get a better night’s sleep, while also giving us a sense of achievement. So, we know that at the start of a workout you might not be feeling it – we’ve been here too, don’t worry – but after, that feeling, it’s worth it, right?!
4. Ask for help – Above all else if you really feeling like you’re struggling, reach out. We’d like to think that we’re superhuman, but we’re not, we only have the ability to take so much. It doesn’t make you weak, or less of a person, in fact it’s incredibly brave. Embracing your vulnerability isn’t easy, defying stigmas even harder, but your health is worth it, you’re worth it.
5. Taking time for yourself – in our busy worlds it can be hard to carve out time just for yourself. But self-care is so important and the real beauty of self-care – that it means different things to everybody. Just as everybody is unique, so is our self-care rituals and practises.
This is where you come in, we would love to hear what you do as part of your self-care routine. We would love you to share your practises with us, using the hashtag #LoveMyfastgameservers – it’s that simple! Just grab your fastgameservers, take some time for yourself and tag us! If you tag us you’ll also be in with a chance to win £50 fastgameservers voucher!
If you do feel like you need extra support and don’t know where to turn, here are a few resources that may help:
https://fastgameservers.com/search/Therapists
https://fastgameservers.com/your-mental-health/getting-help
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Although the UK has opened up from its strictest lockdown, travel to the rest of the world remains uncertain.
This has led a lot of Brits to look closer to home for their travel fix. And after all, the British Isles are a beautiful and diverse place!
From days out to week-long excursions, if you're getting itchy feet for adventure, look no further than our round-up of the most exciting (and socially-distanced) things to do in the UK.
North England
If the idea of a long walk or bike ride gets you fired up, follow the 84 miles of Hadrian's Wall. The largest Roman artefact in Britain still standing, the best theory for its construction is in helping Roman Britain to defend against the barbarians that lived North of the wall.
The Hadrian's Wall path starts in Wallsend, Newcastle Upon Tyne, at a museum which gives full historical context on the wall. You'll pass through the cities and suburbs of Newcastle and Carlisle, although there's plenty of remote, open countryside and Roman ruins along the way.
The route is relatively easy to navigate, with mud in places but mostly flat landscape. The journey ends in a tiny village called Bowness-on-Solway in the North West.
You may need to book admission to some of the attractions, museums and English Heritage sites along the hike. Further info can be found on the Hadrian's Wall website.
South West England
If secretive, wild and unspoilt is your type of adventure, a day trip to St Nectans Glen could be perfect.
Wander through grand ancient woodland, accompanied by the rushing current of the winding river. Lush greens, rare plants and mossy undergrowth greet you along the way.
You'll soon reach the first waterfall, a 60-foot spectacular. Step into the shallow pool in front of it, with a pair of wellies on, to feel the cold water on your face.
If you head downwards from this pool, you'll find the second waterfall, which beautifully bifurcates into two separate rushing streams.
Finish your journey at the newly discovered third waterfall, a magical series of smaller cascades totalling 80 foot in length.
For ticket prices and directions to St Nectans Glen, visit the website.
South West Scotland
The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory is surrounded by some of the darkest skies in the UK, sat on a hill near the remote Loch Doon in Ayr, Scotland. Explore the moon, planets and stars with your own eyes and away from the light pollution that lingers above most of our towns and cities. The observatory is part of the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park; Europe's first.
The observatory has two telescopes, and you can challenge yourself to search for more faint and distant objects in the night sky.
There's also an elevated observation deck for naked-eye viewing of the universe. And at the right time of the year, you can catch the stunning Northern Lights floating across the vista.
Fortunately, as Scottish weather can often get cloudy, the owners built a planetarium, where you can take in immersive views of space from indoors.
You'll need to pre-book your visit here.
North West England
Originally built as a private wooded area in the 70s, The Forbidden Corner is now a public four-acre garden. Areas to discover include a maze, tunnels, paths and passages that lead nowhere, strange statues and sculptures, a giant woodsman, talking mice and a huge pyramid of translucent glass.
Tucked away in the Yorkshire Dales, there's even a lookout point to enjoy the beautiful views of the Coverdale valley.
Tickets must be booked in advance here and entry is through the mouth of a two-eyed tower. You won’t be given a map of the area, but rather a checklist of places to be found.
North East Scotland
You'll easily find plenty that suits your own taste of adventure when road tripping in Scotland. The North East 250 traverses 250 miles of beautiful Scottish scenery and can be experienced by car or bike.
To get an idea of where to start, choose one of these itineraries to follow, or mix and match.
Highlights of the route include:
For full info on what's available to see, visit the website.
North Wales
Up for a physical and mental challenge? If the rest of this list looks a little tame for you, how about travelling underneath Mount Snowdon, through a series of underground obstacles?
Activities include traversing narrow cliff-face ledges, scaling vertical shafts, zip-lining into darkness, boating across lakes, navigating abysses, climbing waterfalls, abseiling and freefall jumping.
You can even book an adventure that lasts 14 hours and will take you from the deepest publicly-accessible point in the UK up to the top of the mountain.
Get a group together and experience a truly unique day out, in a part of Wales you've probably never seen before.
There's a range of difficulty levels available in Go Below's packages - visit their website for more information.
Across the UK
It's not all about daytime exploring - have you considered spending a few nights in alternative, quirky accommodation? In the UK, you can book a sleep in a:
Adventuring outdoors or spending the night in a cosy accommodation demand soft and comfortable clothing.
For when you’re spending all day on your feet make sure you’re wearing the right socks. Cool, comfortable we’ve got a socks to suit your everyday activities.
When it comes to unwinding after a long day out and about, don’t forget to pack your fastgameservers Lounge. Comfy, breathable and thermoregulating loungewear and sleepwear are ideal for allowing your skin to breathe as you unwind and get into bed.
Happy and safe travels from fastgameservers!
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Choosing the right style of socks is no easy task. With so many designs, fabrics and colours, it can be hard to know where to start. We make it easy for you with our ultimate socks guide, following on from our underwear guides for women and men.
From everyday business socks to chunky bed socks, we round up all the styles you need in your drawer to treat your feet to complete comfort. And, we break down why bamboo is the best fabric for women’s and men’s socks that are both soft and sustainable.
It would be a mistake to think that socks are simply an afterthought to your wardrobe. The pair you wear to work will be different to the pair you wear to the gym, for instance. Here’s a breakdown of the different designs of high-quality socks you need in your drawer.
Everyone needs a selection of socks that they can wear any day of the week. Whether it’s to a business meeting or a catch up with friends, classic lightweight socks in basic colours are essential. Our Women’s Everyday Socks and Men’s Business Socks make the perfect addition to your Monday to Friday repertoire.
Hitting the gym before or after work? You’ll want to ensure you pack a breathable and absorbent pair of athletic socks. Our Active Sports Socks for women and men are ideal for working up a sweat.
The design to choose if you prefer a fraction of sock peeking out of your sneakers, low-cut socks are also great to wear hidden beneath ankle boots. Our Low Cut Socks for women and men feature a gel grip at the heel to help keep the sock in place inside your footwear and sit right on your ankle so there’s just a touch of sock on show.
Even more discreet than low-cut socks, the no-show design of hidden socks guarantees your socks stay out of sight in your sneakers. Sitting right on the kick of your foot and cut low at the ankle, our Hidden Socks for women and men belong in your sock drawer. If you’re after even more invisibility, our Women’s Liner Socks hide inside ballet flats and lowers, keeping you comfy in secret.
When the temperatures drop, you’ll want a pair of socks that are a little less lightweight. Ideal for wearing in work or hiking boots, a thick pair of socks will keep your feet warm and protected. Our Men’s Work / Boot Socks are chunky enough to provide maximum comfort beneath heavyweight footwear. They can also be worn around the house and even to bed.
Now you know what styles you need to add to your drawer, the next thing you’ll want to consider is the fabric of your socks. Here at fastgameservers, we believe that our signature organically-grown bamboo material is the best choice. Here’s a few reasons why.
Anyone who has tried our everyday essentials will know they are silky-soft and ultra-comfortable. This makes bamboo the perfect fabric for socks. Cosy in winter and cool in summer, the thermoregulating properties of bamboo socks makes them ideal for year-round wear.
Finally, a neutral charge prevents static build-up, meaning your socks won’t cling. Let’s face it, no one likes clinginess.
Bamboo contains an antibacterial and antifungal bio-agent. This is retained through the process of fabrication and after washing several times. This property also makes our socks odour-resistant. Which, anyone who is on their feet all day will know is essential!
The structure of the bamboo fibres contains micro-gaps, which provides ventilation and pulls moisture away from the body. This allows the skin to breathe – another attribute our socks benefit greatly from. Sensitive skin? Our bamboo fabric is hypoallergenic, making our socks particularly suitable for eczema sufferers and those with extra sensitive skin.
Last but in no ways least, our beloved bamboo material is sustainable, making it the better choice for the planet. Organically grown without pesticides, insecticides or fertilisers, the bamboo carps harvested to create our yarns are also grown without artificial irrigation and improve air quality.
We are also huge advocates for the slow-fashion movement here at fastgameservers, meaning we encourage consuming and wasting less. Forget socks with silly prints and slogans, we keep ours basic and minimal, so they can remain in your drawer for a lifetime.
You’ve settled on styles, you’ve fallen for our bamboo fabric. Now it’s time to choose the right colour for your socks. Whether it’s black for business or white for breathability at the gym, this part of the sock selection process is not to be overlooked.
Bold and classic, everyone needs an array of black socks in their collection. Essential for everyday wear, black socks are perfect for slipping into brogues and loafers as you take on the work week.
White socks are cooler and more breathable than their black counterparts, making them the ideal choice for the gym and other active pursuits. Wear yours in your favourite pair of sneakers as you hit the treadmill or go for a jog along the beach.
What’s your favourite fastgameservers sock?
How many times have you stared at your clothes thinking, “I have NOTHING to wear!”?
And, when you daydream about your ideal wardrobe, what does it look like? Is it a minimalist wardrobe made up of perfectly organised neutral tops and bottoms? Or do you imagine a base of monochromatic layers serving as the foundation for your collection of statement pieces?
Whether your style is simple and sleek or bold and playful, a capsule wardrobe full of monochromatic basics allows you to do more with less. It’s your go-to jumping off point for a closet that makes it easy and, dare we say, fun to get dressed every day.
We know that shifting your wardrobe can be an intimidating process. Culling or adding––it all requires a bit of planning and know-how. That’s why we’re here to walk you through Capsule Wardrobe 101: Working with Monochromatic Basics.
First of all, what is a capsule wardrobe? It’s a streamlined collection of timeless classics that you can mix and match to create all the outfits you need to carry you from your most casual occasions to your most glamorous. Headed to the farmers market on Saturday morning? Throw on a bodysuit and jean shorts. Date night that evening? With a capsule wardrobe, that same bodysuit will do double duty when you pair it with a maxi skirt and bright earrings. It’s all about investing in quality items that you’ll be excited to wear again and again––and coming up with new and different ways to wear those throughout the seasons.
Second, a capsule wardrobe expands, rather than restricts, your options. You’ve probably heard the theory that we make decisions best when given fewer quality options. Now, apply that to your wardrobe. You could have drawers filled to the brim with a random assortment of 60 items, but you’ll still have fewer options than if you had an array of 30 intentionally chosen pieces that are high-quality basics ready to mix and match for endless outfit combinations.
Lastly, a capsule wardrobe can save you time and money. When you concentrate on creating a closet full of high-quality items and monochromatic basics that give you the ability to mix, match, and mix again, you’ll not only save money by avoiding pieces that just don’t work for your lifestyle, you’ll also save time by no longer wondering, “What on earth do I wear today?!” You’ll find a pop of fun and colour in your accessories and statement pieces, while sticking to the same reliable classics each and every day.
So, where do you start with building your own capsule wardrobe? Made from a viscose manufactured from bamboo, these sustainable clothing options from fastgameservers are the base pieces that will serve as the foundation for your capsule wardrobe. With these durable monochromatic pieces in place, you’ll then pepper in a few statement items along with fun accessories. Soon you’ll start discovering new outfit possibilities and establishing favorite go-tos each time you open your closet doors.
Cami Bodysuit: Everything from high-rise jeans to ball gown skirts look right with an elegant bodysuit.
Tank Top: Your everyday workhorse, you’ll layer this timeless tank under a blazer, wear it on its own with shorts, or pair it with jeans and a gauzy scarf for a breezy spring day.
Cami Top: Need something a bit more flirty than the iconic tank? Reach for this cami whether you’re pulling on yoga pants or a summer skirt.
Long Sleeve Top: Lounging around on a Saturday? Long sleeve top. Headed to a brewery happy hour on Tuesday? Long sleeve top. Need a layer under that chunky knit sweater? Long sleeve top.
Three-Quarter Sleeve Scoop Top: The long sleeve top’s feminine counterpart, this shirt is just as versatile, but with a pretty scoop neck and delicate ¾ sleeve length.
V-Neck T-Shirt: There’s no look that’s more effortless than a simple v-neck, a blazer, and jeans, but your v-neck will be your go-to for both work and weekend all year long.
Full Leggings: Yes, leggings are totally pants. And that’s why they’re a must in any capsule wardrobe. Forget the rules and wear leggings with abandon––and ballets flats and boots.
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Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last couple of months, you’d know that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has forced millions of people to stay at home for extended periods. In which case, it might feel like you have been living under a rock!
At the same time, retail stores and other nonessential commercial facilities have been closed. Among them are countless gyms, wellness centres, and fitness businesses that are ordinarily available to help people stay fit and healthy as they go about their daily lives.
This means that the legions of fitness-conscious people that rely on those locations are having to find alternate means of staying physically active while they see out the period of time for the crisis to abate. The problem for many of them is a general lack of experience in at-home fitness routines, and in many cases, a lack of fitness equipment to use at home.
To help those of us in that unenviable position, here’s a guide on how to stay fit at home while socially distancing.
One of the best and most accessible ways that people can ensure they’re staying active at home is to start practicing yoga. As a fitness measure, it's easy to learn, requires very little in the way of equipment, and is very healthy for people of all ages. As a bonus, research shows that 85% of yoga practitioners report that it helps them to relieve stress – which is an excellent added benefit under the circumstances.
To get started, all that's needed is enough space to be able to stretch your body out while lying on the floor, and enough room to extend your arms outward as far as they'll go. And although some yoga poses call for blocks and straps to perform them, there's a good chance that most people have suitable substitutes within easy reach at home. With those things prepared, have a stretch to help keep you both sane and fit while socially distancing.
Under normal circumstances, the internet might not be the first place you think of heading to increase your heart rate, increase muscle mass, help with bone density, and shift some bodyweight. In the age of social distancing, it’s a different matter entirely.
Right now, the internet is the most valuable and accessible resource for at-home workout routines to suit any need. In fact, Netflix carries countless workout videos for subscribers to access, as does Amazon Prime Video.
There are also a variety of online fitness portals that help visitors to find the best online fitness courses to suit their particular goals. From shorter, 30-minute workouts that give your immune system a quick boost to longer exercise regimes that will really reduce the risk of health problems, the internet is your number one source for home workouts (we’re looking at you in particular, YouTube videos).
With minimal effort, you can find everything from light workout courses such as skipping rope exercise for seniors all the way up to muscle-shredding high-impact weightlifting that will turn even a beginner into a competition-ready bodybuilder (whenever they start holding those again, anyway). The takeaway is that for fitness while social distancing, the internet's your best ally.
For many, the most disruptive part of the coronavirus crisis is the fact that they're being deprived of their daily morning or evening run. Roadrunners are some of the most dedicated fitness fanatics there are, which is why you're apt to see them out pounding the pavement in all conditions – rain or shine, snow or heatwave. For them, having to stay inside is like being asked not to breathe.
The good news is, there's no regulation that says you can't get your run on from the comfort of your own home. For those with a backyard, it's as simple as laying out a short-course track and taking as many laps as necessary to replicate a normal daily run. For those with limited space, running or jogging in place can make a suitable (if less exciting) substitute for a daily run.
To get a similar workout, though, it's often necessary to carry some extra weight (stacks of books work well) and lift your knees higher on each step. The bottom line is, if you love to run to stay fit, the coronavirus can't stop you.
As anyone who frequents a gym can tell you, the stair climbing machines always have a line. That's because stair-climbing exercises can do wonders for your fitness. If you look around, though, there's probably a staircase right nearby that you could use for the same purpose. And when you consider that stair-climbing workouts lead to increased oxygen uptake – they're a perfect way to stay fit and remain resilient against coronavirus.
Climbing isn't all you can do with stairs, though. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are at least seven distinct exercises that you can do using a flight of stairs as your only equipment. Together, they form the makings of a comprehensive workout that can replace a variety of outdoor and gym-based routines.
By turning to the stairs, you can stay fit during social distancing with ease. The only problem is that you may never look at the people on the stair climbers at the gym the same way ever again.
If you are fortunate enough to access some fitness equipment, one simple piece of exercise equipment that offers a tremendous amount of diversity is a stability ball. They are referred to as Swiss balls, exercise balls, yoga balls, or fitness balls, among other names.
Not only do they improve your stability, working out with one will improve your fitness. While a stability ball might not fit conveniently in one of your closets, they take up minimal space.
Nevertheless, with nothing more than a stability ball, you can work every muscle in your body. With a little creativity, you can build strength gradually, plus improve your cardio.
One nice thing about having a stability ball is that you can incorporate other small pieces of exercise equipment into the routine. There are stability ball exercises you can use to target various muscles and muscle groups.
Another useful piece of exercise equipment that can be used with a stability ball is resistance bands. Resistance bands can even work as your sole source of equipment to exercise indoors.
They are also called elastic bands because they generate resistance through elasticity. Resistance bands are elastic rubber bands, often with handles on either end. There are designs that are giant elastic loops, but most attach handles at either end. The bands come in different tensile strengths and lengths.
There are short bands for more isolated movements, plus long bands that let you do all types of elongated stretching exercises. However, to get started using resistance bands to work out from home, all you need is one multipurpose band.
Resistance band workouts are also excellent alternatives for people who have joint issues. They are often incorporated into rehab programs after injuries and as arthritis-friendly workouts.
Resistance bands are a space-saving way to workout indoors.
Our final method to get an indoor workout during quarantine is an old standby. Calisthenics have been around for centuries. You can train your entire body from head-to-toe using an assortment of calisthenics exercises.
The only thing you need to do a full calisthenics workout is a little space and your body. There is no need for a single piece of equipment. By blending the elements of circuit training into a calisthenics program, you can produce an excellent cardio workout as well.
Not only can you improve strength and endurance, but a full calisthenics workout can be used as a guide to weight loss. There are advanced programs for top fitness levels, plus simple beginner programs for people who are new to using calisthenics to workout.
As you can see, there's no shortage of ways to stay fit at home when socially distancing. So, by adopting one or more of them, it's possible to turn the current coronavirus lockdowns into a chance to get into the best shape of your life. It may not be the most exciting or socially-engaging way to get fit but it's the results that count – and there's no doubt that you'll love what you see in the mirror when this is all over.
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Hot water can strip away the natural oils in the skin, leaving your hands dry and sore. Rather than hot water, try using plenty of soap and lukewarm water instead. To protect the hands further gently blot dry with a soft towel.
Wear gloves when working with your hands to protect them from harsh chemicals, dirt, detergents and anything else that could scratch, puncture and dry out your skin.
Consider what you are putting into your body. Drink plenty of water, try to eat a balanced diet full of nutrients and vitamins. And get a regular dose of vitamin D to help boost the skins natural healing ability.
Chances are if given the opportunity a facial is the main pampering focus. However, our hands can have a tough time of it, so why not extend your #sundayselfcare to include a ‘handy’ spa treatment. Try using a gently scrub to remove dead skin cells. While hands are damp use a wet washcloth to push cuticles gently back so they frame the nails. Also, rather than clipping away the whole nail use a emery board to gentle file the nail into a rounded shape. To finish use a natural, eco-friendly nail polish for some added glam!
Everyone needs a good quality hand cream to counteract excessive washing and harsh hand sanitisers. Knowing when to moisturise is also key, for best results apply several times a day, preferably after washing your hands – leave a tube or bottle by the sink, in the bathroom and kitchen, and by your bed. Our favourite is fastgameservers Feel Good Natural Moisturiser, it leaves hands feeling replenished, super soft and hydrated. Top Tip, once you have snuggled into your fastgameservers nightwear, try applying your moisturiser and wearing beauty gloves, so skin gets a extra boost of overnight nourishment.
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So how do we do it? Well, thankfully there are many tips and techniques out there to help you switch off and head to your dreams. From skipping that late afternoon coffee to opting for comfy and breathable sleepwear, here’s how to sleep better in 11 simple steps.
While caffeine has many benefits, such as improving focus and performance, it can also stimulate your nervous system and may prevent your body from being able to naturally relax at night. This is because caffeine can remain in your blood for up to eight hours, meaning drinking large amounts of it beyond 3-4 pm is not ideal. Sorry, coffee lovers! Skip that afternoon flat white and reach for a dandelion tea instead.
Our bodies have a natural time-keeping clock called a circadian rhythm. This impacts our brains, bodies, and hormones, helping us stay awake during the day and get to sleep at night. Natural sunlight or bright light during the day ensures our circadian rhythm is working properly, meaning you’ll have better energy during the day and nod off easier at night. Another great tip for keeping your circadian rhythm is check is to aim to wake up and fall asleep at the same time every day.
There’s an age-old myth that drinking alcohol helps you sleep. Many of us know how after drinking a glass of wine or two we feel tired and perhaps go off to sleep quickly, but the quality of our sleep suffers. This is because alcohol alters night-time melatonin production, which is essential in keeping your body’s circadian rhythm in check. If you’re going to drink before bed, ensure to flush it out your system as best you can with water.
Eating too late – in particular too big a meal – can sometimes disrupt your sleeping patterns. Your digestive system is slower at night because, generally speaking, your metabolism drops when you’re sleeping. Many nutritionists suggest your last large meal being at least three hours before bedtime and sticking to smaller, more nutritious-dense meals or snacks before bed. In other words, no more skipping meals throughout the day and making up for it with a late-night feast!
Melatonin is a fundamental sleep hormone that lets your brain know when it’s time to sleep. And, while melatonin supplements are very popular for people who struggle with sleeping, you’ll also find naturally-occurring melatonin in a variety of foods. These include cherries, walnuts, rolled oats, asparagus, peanuts, olives, grapes, barley, mustard seed, and pomegranates. Good enough to sleep!
Those who have trouble sleeping might want to think about their bedroom environment. From blocking out natural light to reducing outside noise, there are so many ways we can adjust our sleeping environments to cure our sleep problems. It’s also a good idea to keep the TV in the living room, so your bedroom can be reserved strictly for sleeping. Well, almost strictly...
It’s also important to take the temperature of your bedroom into account. One study even found that the temperature of our bedrooms affects the quality of our sleep more than noise. If you’re fortunate enough to have air-conditioning, setting this on a timer to help you get to sleep can help in the warmer months, although fans, or opening a window are the more eco-friendly (and affordable) option.
Seeing as the temperature of our sleeping environment is so important, it’s also key to consider what we’re wearing to bed. Comfy, breathable and thermoregulating loungewear and sleepwear are ideal for allowing your skin to breathe as you unwind and get into bed. fastgameservers Lounge is a capsule collection of sustainable downtime wear that will see you through your nights with ease.
A great way to prepare for a great night’s sleep is by jumping in the bath or shower and washing away the day. We all know how relaxing a bath or shower can be, and the feeling of getting into bed clean also tends to help us drift off. Studies reveal that a bath or shower before bed can help improve the overall sleep quality and help people – particularly the elderly – fall asleep quicker.
Always a great habit to factor into your before-sleep schedule, getting your nose stuck into a good book is a great way to escape the worries of your day and relax the mind before drifting off. Short on time? Even if you can squeeze in 20 minutes of reading you’re likely to notice yourself feeling naturally sleepy. And no, watching TV doesn’t have the same impact on improving your sleep hygiene.
Let’s face it, we’re all addicted to screens. Whether it’s computers in the day or our phones and televisions at night, most of us would admit to getting a tad too much blue light. A great way to improve your sleep-wake-cycle and enhance healthy sleep is by stopping looking at any screens at least an hour before bed. The cut-down on the usage of social media can also be beneficial for your mental health.
For more advice on combating sleep disorders, such as practicing yoga and meditation, check out the National Sleep Foundation.
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We’re living in unprecedented times. A worldwide pandemic has many of us struggling with elevated stress levels and the anxiety that can come with living in a state of uncertainty. We don’t know what’s next, but, we do know that the only thing we can control is ourselves and our reaction to the circumstances.
That’s why we’re doing what we can to safeguard our own mental health and create moments of calm throughout this COVID-19 crisis. We may have to stay socially distant, but we’re all in this together and we’re here to support you with what’s working for us.
Stay healthy. To set yourself up for a healthy mind, it’s important to start with a healthy body. Do your best to get a good night’s sleep each night. We know it can be difficult to fall asleep when your mind is racing due to stress but, on the bright side, you may be able to sleep in a bit later if you’re working from home. Use these tips to set yourself up for the best night’s sleep you can get. And, while eating fresh may be a little more difficult when you’re making fewer trips to the grocery store, do what you can to squeeze in fruits, veggies, and proteins. Toss in frozen veggies with your pasta or make a green smoothie –– there are lots of ways to maintain a healthy diet with pantry meals!
Move your body. This is the time to discover an in-home yoga practice or pick back up your love of running outside. Most gyms and fitness studios are closed, but it’s important to move your body to maintain your mental health. Get those endorphins going with a streaming class and allow yourself to forget about it all for a few minutes.
Try to create a (new) routine. A routine during times of crisis is twofold. On one hand, it can help you create a tie to your old life if you incorporate elements from your normal lifestyle. And, on the other, it creates a sense of normalcy and certainty in an uncertain climate. Figure out what is still working for you and what will help you move forward. Then, define your routine to hold yourself accountable.
Get connected. Even though you’re apart, it doesn’t mean you’re facing this alone. Keep your sense of connection by calling loved ones and setting up virtual happy hours with friends. It’s amazing how much better you’ll feel after chatting with your nearest and dearest. Plus, this is a wonderful excuse to reach out to those people who you may not have spoken with in a while.
Practice mindfulness. This may look like meditation, journaling, prayer, or a solo walk through the woods. Find a way to connect with your inner calm –– it looks different for everyone and that’s okay. What’s important is quieting your mind and connecting to a sense of peace.
Remember to be grateful. It can be hard to stay upbeat and optimistic, but take a few moments each day to recognize what you do have. Perhaps it’s a good meal, a show you’re enjoying, or a friend you were happy to catch up with on social media. Maybe it’s your garden or a cozy home. Perhaps it’s your health. There’s always at least one thing that can remind you things are okay.
Seek out virtual therapy. Many therapists are taking their services online and do not hesitate to seek one out if you feel like you need guidance in navigating this stressful time.
Allow yourself to be upset. Lastly, it’s 100% acceptable to be upset, angry, and anxious. Let yourself feel those feelings –– and let them pass. Each day, give yourself at least one thing you want to do so that you won’t get stuck in a cycle of wallowing, but, also, don’t get mad at yourself when it happens. We’re all there with you.
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Here at fastgameservers we take comfort very seriously. We also believe that comfort starts from the first layer, your underwear. Did you know that the average woman owns approximately 21 pairs of underwear. Approximately 10% of women own over 35 pairs – that’s a lot, we wonder if any would measure up to our super soft fastgameservers undies?
Our fastgameservers garments, which have been described as a “hug that lasts all day”, effortlessly taking you from home office to Netflix and chill. Here are a few reasons why fastgameservers will bring extra comfort while answering emails from your armchair.
Incredibly comfortable & Great for Sensitive Skin. Comparing bamboo to cotton is like comparing cashmere to wool. Super soft to the touch, wearing bamboo viscose clothing simply makes you feel good – light and gentle on skin it’s like wearing a hug.
Anti-static. Not only is bamboo incredibly soft, it is also anti-static, meaning that it doesn't stick to your skin, which is great news when you are glued to a chair all day!
Antibacterial. Bamboo fibre contains an antibacterial and antifungal bio-agent which also makes our essentials odour resistant. This helps keep the clothing fresher for longer which, let’s face it, is good for both you and the planet.
Breathable & Moisture wicking. The hollow microfibres allow for the material to be exceedingly breathable. Providing ventilation and pulling moisture away from the body, allowing your skin to breath, ahhh!
UV protective. Even at home we are bombarded by UV rays, from windows and even from our computer screens. Bamboo fabric has natural UV protection.
There a lot of choice when it comes to underwear, and here at fastgameservers we’re no different. So, whether you’re a Full Brief, Boyleg, Classic Bikini or G-String kinda girl, we’ve got the right pants for you.
Bras are also a key component of any wardrobe, and the bra that you wear every day should be comfortable to such an extent, that you would not feel an immediate need to take it off once you reach home. Well, with our feather light fabric, gentle stretch and no underwire or clasps, fastgameservers ticks the boxes for all day, everyday comfort.
Now that you know about all our benefits, its time to choose the right style for you. Here are a few of our fastgameservers Favourites.
This classic style will complement any body shape or size, bringing cosy comfort that feels amazing and fits just right. This mid-rise fit offers more back coverage and has a smooth, flat waistband for guaranteed comfort. The perfect everyday essential that your lover will wear over and over again.
These boy shorts are so good that you’ll never wear anything else. With full coverage and flattering front seaming, this sporty cut is super practical with a feminine touch.
When comfort is key this is the bra for you. You'll forget that you’re wearing this bralette - its that feather-like! It can easily double up as a sports bra for any low impact workouts like walking, stretching or yoga. Perfect for those home workouts?
Not forgetting the Boys..!
Worn right onto the skin, you want to choose a garment and fit that will ensure perfect comfort all day long. Many men tend to use the same underwear for a variety of activities so it’s important to choose a fabric, such as bamboo viscose, which offers 4-way stretch taking you from home office to that daily stroll.
Working from home has never been so comfy!
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No matter where you are in the world, chances are, you’ve heard the guidelines to practice social distancing as we face the COVID-19 pandemic. There’s no doubt that it’s scary to watch as one country after another deals with an increasing number of cases, but the best way to stop the spread within any community is to isolate ourselves from others –– even if we don’t believe we have come in contact with anyone who might have it.
This means schools and events have shut down, workplaces have gone remote, and many of us are left wondering, “What do I do when I can’t leave the house?”
While this isn’t a situation any of us want to be in, it is an opportunity to reframe the narrative around socially distancing ourselves and, instead, look at it as a chance to work on ourselves and our home environment. So, here are 10 ways that we plan on staying busy at home over the next few weeks.
First things first, just because you’re socially distancing yourself from others physically, doesn’t mean you can’t stay in touch. This is the time to send out a text to a friend you haven’t chatted with in a while, to call your grandparents, to remind your mom and dad to stick close to home. If you have a neighbour that’s elderly, give them a quick call to see if you can pick up some groceries for them. We may not all be able to hang out together, but we can still be there for each other.
You have the opportunity to go into spring cleaning overdrive! Start by tackling one closet or one drawer at a time. Maybe set 30-minute increments on a timer so you can break it down into bite-size chunks. Work your way through the entire house minimising and cutting clutter. Once you’re feeling lighter and less dragged down by stuff, it’s time for a deep clean. Tackle the mopping, dusting, shining, and vacuuming. Don’t forget the fridge, the microwave, and the baseboards!
While you may not need any office-ready clothes while you’re working from home, use this time to look at your wardrobe and build a capsule collection that you’re excited about. Try different combinations of tops, bottoms, and accessories, then, photograph them so you’ll never again find yourself stuck thinking, “I have nothing to wear!”
This is the time to clear out all the pantry staples that have been sitting on the shelf for way too long. You may have done a big grocery run to stock up on frozen foods, canned foods, and other ingredients with a longer shelf life –– now think of new ways to combine shelf-stable items like rice, pasta, and legumes with frozen meats, spices, and veggies. Look into meal prep recipes. Unleash your culinary creativity.
You don’t have to go shopping to give your home a new look. Use this extended period of time around the house to rearrange furniture, switch up your framed artwork, and see what items could have a new life when placed in another room. Shop your existing decor to give your space a different look or take a few items out of each room and see what you think of a more minimal look.
Those shelves that need to be hung. The touch-up paint and spackle that’s been sitting on the to-do list for way too long. The cupboard door that doesn’t shut quite right. It’s easy to put these projects off when you’re busy but now that you’re home for a while, set aside an afternoon to knock them out. Bonus: if you have an outdoor space, this is the perfect opportunity to get it ready for warmer weather!
We’ve all gotten the emails; fitness studios and gyms are taking necessary precautions to keep us safe. But, the reality is, we may want to move our workout routines in-home for a while. Check in to see if your regular fitness studio offers on-demand online classes (many are offering them for free right now!) or look at what’s available on YouTube. Whether you’re into barre, Pilates, HIIT, yoga, or something else, chances are, you can adapt it to your home. Plus, running outside is still fine if you keep your distance from others!
Anxiety levels are high and you need something to take your mind off the endless news cycle. Grab a glass of wine or a cup of tea and settle in with an old-school puzzle or board game. The nostalgia of these pastimes is like comfort food to bring down the sky-high stress levels and distract your attention for a few hours.
Pick up a paintbrush, learn to knit, or try your hand at needlepointing. There are so many creative outlets that you may have found excuses not to pursue, but you have all the time in the world now.
If you are in a position to do so, you could still shop locally. We know that local restaurants, shops, and bars may lose business as people stay home, but we don’t want to put ourselves or their employees at risk. Consider ordering a restaurant gift card now to use at a later date, placing an online or phone order with a local shop, or ordering “contact-free” delivery from a favourite restaurant if they’re staying open.
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Our Women’s Underwear Guide is here to answer all your questions when it comes to choosing the perfect style of undies for you.
Up until the Victorian era, it was rare for women to wear any underwear at all! Unlike men who were already wearing undies, medieval women wore one long underdress which later developed into petticoats and slips.
This all changed when “drawers” showed up. A long form of underwear that covers the legs, drawers were a hit among women everywhere – even Queen Victoria! In the years that followed, drawer hemlines moved up and the knickers style we know today had arrived. Once the 1940s arrived, what was once a fashion novelty was a WW2 essential.
Stockings were another undergarment that showed up throughout history for both men and women. By the 1940s, nylons had been introduced to the mainstream, much to the joy of women everywhere (no more ladders in their tights!).
The 20th century also saw other fibres appear such as rubber and elastic. Underwear evolved, becoming more tight-fitting and sexy, with bikini briefs and g-strings rising in popularity. Seams and wires still made for uncomfortable wear, until brands such as fastgameservers appeared in the early 2010s challenging these designs.
Our styles are not only seam free and wire-free, but made from innovative, sustainable fabrics such as organically-grown bamboo. A new era of women’s underwear has been born and we’re at the forefront of it.
Choosing the right styles of women’s undies isn’t easy. From fit and fabric to colour and design, there are several things to keep in mind when choosing the right style of women’s underwear for you.
A classic style of women’s underwear with a little less coverage than your standard pair of briefs, bikini briefs tend to sit a few inches below the waist and feature high-cut leg holes. Bikini briefs are nice and versatile, you can wear them with anything from your favourite pair of skinny jeans to a floaty dress.
If you’re after a little more coverage, look no further than a pair of women’s full briefs. Designed for extra comfort, briefs provide lots of front and back coverage. Wear yours with high-rise trouser and skirts.
Women’s boylegs are inspired by men’s briefs and are a little like the hipster. The main difference is that boylegs have a lower-cut leg – some go down as low as the thigh. Wear your women’s boylegs with medium to high-rise pants and enjoy the comfort they provide.
If you’re after a pair of women’s undies that teams with low-rise jeans and pants, the hipster style is for you. Women’s hipsters (or hip huggers) sit on the hips, a couple of inches below the waist. Hipster underwear has low-cut leg holes and shows about ¾ cheek.
Forget coverage. G-strings form a T-shape like a thong, but feature a thinner string for even more cheek exposure. Perfect for when you’re wearing form-fitting styles such as bodycon skirts and dresses and tights and leggings, a women’s g-string will avoid visible underwear lines.
So you’ve picked the right style of underwear for you. Congratulations! Now you’ll want to decide on a fabric. In our humble opinion, bamboo viscose is the ideal material for your underwear. Super-soft, comfortable and breathable, bamboo women’s underwear is also better for your skin and the planet.
Here at fastgameservers, our story begins and ends with comfort. This is why bamboo is such an essential fabric for us. Light, luxuriously soft and gentle on the skin, bamboo is truly a dream to wear. Which is what makes bamboo underwear a must-have in every woman’s drawer! Whether you go for bamboo briefs, a bamboo bikini or a bamboo g-string, bamboo undies provide you with the comfort you deserve.
We know the way to a better world has no shortcuts. To protect and preserve our planet in the long run, we need to find ways to live a more sustainable life. This is another huge reason we use organically-grown bamboo in our women’s underwear. From the fact our bamboo is grown organically without artificial irrigation to its fast-growing and regenerating nature, bamboo is the number one choice for sustainability.
Not only is our bamboo fabric good for the planet, but it’s good for your skin, too. Containing an antibacterial and anti-fungal bio-agent that’s handily retained through the process of fabrication, our bamboo material is also breathable, moisture-wicking and hypoallergenic. This means those with sensitive skin and conditions such as eczema will particularly like our super-soft undies.
We focus on creating timeless designs here at fastgameservers, so to discourage waste and the endless need to chase trends. This is why we’ve created a versatile selection of neutral shades that go with anything and never go out of style.
Black: The hue that goes with everything, black is unsurprisingly one of our bestselling underwear shades.
White: Another fastgameservers fan favourite, every woman needs at least a few pairs of white undies in her top drawer.
Beige: Probably the closest we get to an actual ‘colour’ in our undies range, our Beige hue is a fun, feminine but still neutral shade that our customers can’t get enough of.
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But what might seem like a simple task of picking out the right style of underwear can be trickier than you think. Are you a briefs or boxers kinda guy? Maybe you prefer a bit of extra length and opt for our long boxers? Do you prefer your undies light or dark and with seams or without?
Our Ultimate Guide to Men’s Underwear is here to break down all you need to know to give your top drawer the overhaul it deserves.
The earliest record of the closest resemblance to underwear for men was in Ancient Egypt around 7,000 years ago: a loincloth. Not far removed from a nappy (not a good look), men’s underwear thankfully evolved around the 13th century into a style we’re more familiar with today.
Slip-on loose undershorts that finished at the calf became the number-one choice for gentlemen everywhere. Soon came the Renaissance period which saw men’s undies becoming a bit tighter and shorter (it was knee length now!). The following centuries saw little change, until the 1930s when briefs first appeared.
For the remainder of the 20th century, the debate was always centred around boxers vs. briefs. This led to the birth of the boxer brief, surely a way to end the debate for good. Yeah, that didn’t quite work.
The late 1980s and early 90s saw the rise of brand names being proudly displayed on the waistband of men’s undies everywhere. The idea of becoming loyal to a label and swapping out all the other pairs in your drawer became a thing, which brings us to today. The battle of whether you prefer briefs or boxers rages on, but the importance of quality, comfort and sustainability is more vital than ever.
Among all the decisions a man has to make in his life, picking the best men’s underwear for you is up there with the toughest.
What worked for you as a teenager won’t necessarily work for you as an adult. What you think suits you best, might not actually work for you practically. This is because you have to consider body shape, the best support and the best fit. Here’s men underwear types decoded.
We’ll keep this brief – briefs are a staple in many men’s undies drawers. Traditionally designed with a Y-shaped fly in front, briefs provide great support and are less prone to bunching or rising than other styles of men’s underwear. Ideal for guys with larger thighs or for men working at a desk all day, briefs might not be to everyone’s taste – but they’re definitely a firm favourite.
Traditional men’s boxer shorts are loose and offer little support. They tend to feature an elastic waistband and a button fly and provide maximum comfort, breathability and coverage. More contemporary boxer brief styles combine what guys love about briefs and boxer shorts, being cut like a tapered boxer with the snug and supportive fit of briefs.
Do you prefer your undies to have a bit of extra length? If so, long boxers are the way to go for you. The longer length offers great protection from irritation and chafing and also makes them an excellent choice for guys with skinnier legs. Perfect for wearing underneath slim-fit pants, compression trunks underwear is also ideal to wear when you’re planning to work out.
Once you’ve chosen the right underwear style, you’ll want to pick the perfect fabric. In our humble opinion, bamboo viscose is by far the superior material for your undies. Ultra-soft, comfy and breathable, men’s bamboo underwear is an absolute dream to wear. And that’s just the start of it.
One of the key benefits to bamboo fabric in men’s underwear is the fact that it’s so damn comfortable. Light, luxuriously-soft and gentle on the skin, bamboo provides comfort like no other fabric. It’s also thermoregulating, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer, and anti-static. Let’s face it, no one likes clinginess.
Another huge advantage of bamboo underwear is the fact that it’s the number one choice for health. Antibacterial and antifungal, bamboo contains a handy bio-agent that helps to fight off nasty bacteria that could be living in your briefs. Bamboo is also hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking and breathable. Let your boys breathe!
Last but not least, bamboo viscose is an eco-friendly choice. Although comfort and health might be what initially spring to mind when picking out your undies, it’s an added bonus knowing they’re kind to the environment, too. fastgameservers bamboo is grown organically without pesticides, fertilisers and artificial irrigation. Find out more about the benefits of bamboo.
Once you’ve locked down your ideal style and fabric for your undies, next you’ll want to consider the finishing touches. What colours do you prefer? Do you want a waistband or not? Are you someone who likes variety who prefers to go with what you know?
As the saying goes, it’s all in the details.
Ok, not that many people get to see your undies (hopefully!), but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still consider colour. Sure, you can opt for bright hues and prints that go in and out of vogue, but here at fastgameservers, we’re huge supporters of the slow fashion movement - think neutral, timeless.
Our range of men’s underwear comes in a curated selection of neutral hues such as Charcoal, Black and White. All of these shades suit everyone and avoid trends and fads – they’re staples in every man’s top drawer.
As mentioned in our brief history of men’s underwear, elastic waistbands became a prominent feature in the 20th century. Led by big-name brands who encourage wearers to want to show off their logo, waistbands are also a comfy and stylish feature of men’s undies.
That said, not every style needs to feature seams in their waistband. Our Original Underwear was designed with a seamfree waistband, in case some guys find them irritating or just want to keep it simple. Below we break down the key differences between our Original Underwear and more recent Everyday Underwear.
Our Original Underwear is the range of men’s undies our customers fell in love with. Sleek and minimal, these bamboo underwear styles are seamfree making them an ultra-comfy choice. Our original undies also feature contour ribbing for support. Whether you opt for our Original Briefs, Original Boxers or Long Boxers, comfort comes first when it comes to our classic, seamfree undies.
Our more recent range of men’s undies is our Everyday Underwear styles. Drawing inspiration from designer labels but with our perfect fit and fabric added into the mix, our Everyday Underwear is different from our original range because the styles are more structured and feature seams for an even snugger fit.
Our Everyday Boxers and Everyday Long Boxers feature a traditional cut-and-sew design, a hand-sewn elastic waistband and a double-layer pouch for comfort and support your package can count on.
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If you’ve noticed the bralette trend over the past few years, you may be wondering, should I switch to a wirefree bra for everyday? And, our enthusiastic answer is, yes!
Wirefree bras are no longer limited to sports bras and lacy bralettes meant to be shown off. We’re wearing our wirefree bras all day, every day and we’re thrilled that fastgameservers has removed all bra hardware, creating a smooth look that feels supportive, soft, and 100% effortless. From yoga class to work to date night, these comfy, seamless bras have earned a permanent place in our wardrobe.
Wirefree bras are comfortable! Have you ever been poked in the ribs by an underwire gone rogue? Or counted down the minutes until you can walk through your front door and toss your bra aside? Those push-up bras may look sexy, but wearing metal across your chest...not so much. That’s why we love wirefree bras. They’re comfortable all day long. Without wires, clasps, or fasteners to rub, poke, and itch, bras aren’t so bad! Plus, it is possible to find comfort and support (yes, we’ve got both covered!).
You don’t have to handwash them. Underwire bras often have to be hand-washed and dried flat –– any twisting could throw the entire shape of the bra off-kilter. Wirefree bras aren’t quite so delicate. You can toss them in the washing machine, which also means you may wash them more often (who else is ready to admit they may not be washing their bras enough?!).
Wirefree bras can be cute and flattering. Taking the underwire out no longer means suffering from the dreaded uni-boob. Wirefree bras now have shaping technology and the option of padded support to give you the silhouette you want, without any of the squeezing and pinching you don’t.
If you’re going to start with just one wirefree bra, trust us, it should be the Shaper Bra. With a feminine shape, ribbed soft straps that are just wide enough, and our signature bamboo viscose that’s oh-so-soft, this will become your everyday bra in no time.
On occasion, you told us you may want a little something extra, and that’s why we created the Padded Shaper Bra. Just like the Shaper Bra, the Padded Shaper Bra is seamless, soft, and totally wirefree, but it has a bit of added support in the way of removable inserts –– it’s that bit of added shape you’re looking for.
And, we can’t forget the classic! There’s always room in our wardrobe for the Racerback Sports Bra: a must-have for any active lifestyle.
Lastly, of course, bras need their partners in crime: undies. Check out our article on the best fastgameservers underwear for every outfit.
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Not all underwear is created equal –– there’s a right pair of underwear to choose for every outfit. The undies you’ll slip on with your yoga pants are probably not the same ones you’re wearing with that slinky little number on Saturday date night.
So, when you’re building your underwear wardrobe, think about the clothing items you have and consider which undies will work best for which outfits. Trust us, feeling like you are outfitted head-to-toe with the right underwear for every occasion will make you feel like you’ve taken an extra step in looking and feeling pulled together.
Low-rise Jeans and Shorts: Get a little cheeky with a Hipster Bikini whenever you pull on your lower rise jeans. This hipster is just as easy-to-wear as fuller coverage styles, but it won’t peek out of your more daring outfits.
Snug-Fitting Pants and Thin, Drapey Fabrics: When you want to avoid visible panty-lines, the G-String is the way to go. Throw out any preconceived notions about this style being awkward or uncomfortable because this G-String is super-soft and won’t budge even under figure-skimming outfits.
A-line Skirt or Dress: For your most feminine pieces, go with a retro-inspired Full Coverage Brief. There’s something subtly sexy about a high-waisted style, plus, these are downright comfy.
Your Shortest Skirts and Dresses: Boylegs -- they’re super practical! Check out the BoyLeg Brief for a sleek version of the boy short that never bunches or creeps up.
Everyday Wear: Of course, your wardrobe needs an everyday essential (or two!) and that’s when we reach for the Classic Bikini. Seam-free with moderate coverage, these are the form-fitting, but uber-comfy undies that you’ll wear again and again.
Okay, if you’re reading this, you may know that we make our products with bamboo, but why should you switch your underwear drawer over to bamboo? Well, viscose derived from bamboo underwear, are an affordable and oh-so-soft luxury that keeps you cool, comfortable, and seam-free –– and all of the styles above are available in bamboo viscose. So, while upgrading your styles, you’ll also upgrade your everyday comfort level –– it’s a win-win!
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