22 Dec Tis’ the season to slow down and re-energise

Wow this is a busy time of year! There are Christmas parties, late night shopping trips, friends to catch up with, work projects to finish, plans to make and a million and one things piling up on our to do lists. It’s easy to get caught up and carried away with the hectic pace of the season. Whilst there are so many fun things to do and celebrate right now it can also be exhausting and leave us feeling unhealthy and run-down.  

At this time of giving we really need to take time for ourselves too. Here are 5 simple ways to slow down and re-energise in minutes so you can feel calmer, brighter and more able to give to those around you in the coming days.

5 Ways to Slow Down and Re-energise in Minutes

In 1 minute

CHOOSE DIFFERENTLY

Commit to making yourself a priority. Remember you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself is a necessity not a luxury. Decide right now to start prioritising yourself and your own wellbeing. Don’t allow the things that energise you and make you feel good to fall off the bottom of your to do list. Now is the time when you need that yoga class, long walk, green smoothie or quiet relaxation time more than ever. 

In 3  minutes

MEDITATE WITH A MANTRA

When we are busy our minds move at a hundred miles an hour and our bodies can struggle to catch up. We become disconnected with how we are really feeling and what we need to look after ourselves and feel our best. A 3 minute meditation can be all it takes to find a deeper sense of calm and connection.  Try this simple practice: for 2 minutes breathe deeply repeating these words silently to yourself as you breathe: (inhale) I am calm (exhale) I rest in stillness. Then for the next minute sit silently resting in that sense of calm and stillness and really pay attention to just how you feel in your body right now.

In 5 minutes

CONSTRUCTIVE REST POSE

You can practice this restorative yoga pose at home whenever you have 5 minutes to spare. It will nourish your body and make you feel so much more calm and full of ease. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet on the floor mat width apart, place a yoga block, folded towel or blanket between your knees and secure your thighs together with a yoga strap, belt, or dressing gown cord. Wrap your arms around your upper chest like you are hugging yourself and close your eyes. Stay here for 2 and a half minutes then swap the cross of your arms and spend another 2 and a half minutes with the arms crossed the other way. You can see a picture of constructive rest pose here.

In 10 minutes

SCHEDULE IN SOMETHING FOR YOU, EVERY DAY

A relaxing bath, having your nails done, half an hour reading a good book, dancing in your living room to a song you love, a yoga class, even a phone call with a friend or watching your favourite tv program curled up in a blanket with a hot chocolate. It doesn’t have to be anything big and extravagant just make time for you, every day. Take 10 minutes now to schedule it in and make a plan for the week ahead because it’s just as important as everything else you need to do in your day.

In 20 minutes

YOGA NIDRA

I know many people who struggle to sleep at this time of year, the rich food, sugar, caffeine, to do lists, plans for the new year, work stress and general busyness means it’s not easy to fall asleep when your head hits the pillow, even if you feel exhausted. Yoga nidra, or yogic sleep, is a beautiful way to relax deeply and may help you to drift off. There are so many yoga nidra’s available online. Try this 20 minute yoga nidra from Jennifer Piercy specifically for sleep.

We hope you enjoy all of the wonderfully exciting things this season has to offer but remember to make time to slow down, relax and restore too. You’ll feel so much more energised, balanced and content if you do, and when you feel that way you’ll see the impact it has on the way you act in the world and your ability to give.

Comment below and let us know which of the above you’ll be trying…