It’s hard to stay motivated and keep going to the gym or practicing yoga when the evenings are dark and carbs are calling. Here are my top 5 tips for keeping healthy and happy moving into the Winter months.
5 ways to keep healthy in Winter
Kapalabhati breathing
This week, I started my classes with Kapalabhati breathing. It is also known as the Skull-shining breath and the breath of fire, due to it’s call on the abdomen muscles. Kapalabhati breathing is practiced by short sharp contractions of the abdomen which forces the breath out of the lungs, followed by an impassive inhale. It is an amazing detoxifying and energising pranayama (breathing exercise) to open or seal your practice.
Seeking relaxation
At this time of year, we often find ourselves getting to the end of the week feeling absolutely shattered. After a long week, maybe working, maybe looking after the kids, maybe overloaded with life admin, all we want to do is relax in front of the telly. And yet, is this going to serve us? Are we going to peel ourselves off the sofa 2 hours later feeling better?
Fall to rise
Yes, sometimes we fall. In life. At work. At home. Figuratively and literally.
Yoga has taught me that no matter what challenges you face, and whatever life throws at you, you have to pick yourself up again. In the immortal words of Aaliyah, dust yourself off and try again.
Wellbeing at work
Yoga at your desk
Wrist stretch
Stretch hand out in front of you, gently extend wrist (fingers point to ceiling) and with other hand, pull back on all fingers of extended hand to stretch wrist. Then flex wrist (fingers pointing down) and once again gently pull back on fingers to stretch wrist in other direction.
Repeat other hand
Why is yoga so good for you?
Lowers blood pressure… increases flexibility… reduces stress…increases muscle strength…improves posture… calms the mind… decreases risk of injury…boosts immunity… cardio workout…
Yes, you guessed it. These, among many others, are some of the benefits of yoga.
Yoga Teacher Training
So I am almost at the end of my six month journey to becoming an Anusara inspired yoga teacher. It has been truly one of the most incredible experiences of my life, and one I’d highly recommend to any yogi, whether you wish to teach or purely to deepen your knowledge.
How can you achieve “better wellbeing”?
“Wellbeing creation” not “wealth creation”
How can we actually achieve better wellbeing? Today a report was published following research on the ‘key to happiness’. The research, conducted by London School of Economics, identified mental health and relationships as the main drivers of happiness. The report identified that the government needs to play a part in young people’s wellbeing; highlighting the need for the state to champion “wellbeing creation” rather than “wealth creation”.
Inspirational Wellbeing Warriors
Emma G, The Ironman
This is the first in a series of Inspirational Wellbeing Warriors; people who grab life by the horns and achieve amazing things. First in the series is Emma, a mum, a wife and an Ironman.
At 8:22pm on Sunday 11th September 2016, Emma crosses the finish line having swum 2.4 miles, cycled 112 miles and run 26.2 miles. In the same moment she becomes the third fastest female in her age category (45-49) to complete Ironman Weymouth.
10 days after she completed her first Ironman, I sat with Emma.
The rise of hygge
In case you aren’t familiar with the popular term, hygge is the Danish word for cosiness (and a whole lot more). It has exploded onto bookshelves and has become the latest lifestyle trend. Hygge is about enjoying simple pleasures, feeling warm and snug with a hot water bottle and cup of cocoa in front of a fire.