Taking care of ourselves and looking after our wellbeing is often way down on the list of priorities for busy people these days. There are so many other commitments that have to be dealt with first generally in the realms of family, school, work, meals, housekeeping - all priorities. So how can we possibly squeeze in enough ‘me’ time?
We often don’t have the energy to consider our own wellness, since we are too busy running around after other people, getting from A to B and sorting out everyone’s stuff. They are the first to admit that when they have a momentary lull they just want to flop on the sofa with a nice cup of tea.
The effort involved in getting to a gym or yoga studio can be too overwhelming, when classes need to be booked in advance, then the worry of finding the right level of ability, since there are now so many styles and levels to chooses from.
When things get extra-crazy, that’s exactly when you need to stop, slow down and de-stress!
There is another way to prioritize a busy Mum’s lifestyle. Before even considering ‘what’ and ‘how’ to make any changes. First think out of the box and look at the ‘why’! - You must put yourself at the top of the list because if we aren’t firing on all cylinders we won’t be able to drive the ship.
Instead of looking to find a suitable exercise regime, time frame and place. There could be a perfect location waiting at home, for you to consciously do nothing except unwind, release and let go. Even if you only have ten minutes, you can still relax your mind, body and soul with a few simple techniques that will mindfully bring you into the present moment.
Resting Breath
Lying on a yoga mat or simply on the floor, slow your breath right down by placing your hands on the belly. Take a nice slow inhale, into the belly, filling it with air, like a balloon, feel the hands rising. Hold the breath for a count of four then exhale slowly releasing the breath, feel the hands fall as the belly flattens out. Hold the breath here for a count of six. Then inhale and repeat the complete round two more times.
Synchronized Bridge
With the arms by your side bend the knees and plant the feet hip wide apart.
Inhale to prepare and as you exhale peel the back off the mat, coming onto your shoulders, pressing the palms and feet into the mat.
As you inhale take the arms over your head, keeping the back lifted off the mat.
Exhale and release the back to the mat, then inhale the arms back down by your side. Repeat the sequence six more times beginning with exhaling the back off the mat.
The idea is to synchronize the movement with the breath so that you flow through the sequence with minimal effort.
The bridge pose is a great stress reliever plus it stretches the chest, neck, spine and hips. Strengthens the back, bum and hamstrings. Improves blood circulation and calms the nervous system.
Starting to practice from home is a good way to develop a simple yoga routine that best suits your needs and your lifestyle. After a week of daily practice, you will notice a change in your mood, feeling more uplifted, energised and able to tackle daily situations in a calm, more balanced way.
Annie Moore is a holistic therapist, yoga and meditation teacher with 25 years experience. She teaches yoga and meditation courses from her studio in Surrey and hosts yoga and meditation retreats in the Algarve, Portugal.
For more information please contact moorwellbeing@gmail.com
website www.moorwellbeing.com
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