This is the time of year to set new habits in motion (you can read my previous post about WHY this is such a good time to set up new routines, here), and to do things that bring you happiness. The days are getting colder and miserable(er), so find the space for the joy. Here are some of things I’ve been doing to feel good.
- Slowing down and prioritising rest – every person, everybody, and every thing was telling me it was time to slow down and get some rest. Then I listened to a podcast about going rebelliously slow, and that has become my mantra for the last month or so. How can I go slower? I’m feeling so much better for taking some ‘lazy’ mornings/afternoons off for me.
- Hosting yoga retreat days and doing work that lights me up. I was asked recently if I regretted leaving my office job and the answer was a straight up, NO! I can honestly that my life has changed so much for the better now that I’m doing work that helps me feel fulfilled. In October, I have had run a half-day retreat which included yoga, meditation and a gong bath, and also a full-day retreat that included yoga, arm-knitting and a workshop all about joy. I love doing this events! I can’t wait for November where I have another full-day retreat, a Friday evening restorative workshop, and my first full-weekend retreat abroad!
- Nourishing food. Meal planning and batch cooking on a weekend has become one of my favourite parts of my weekly routine. I’ve loved getting my slow cooker out (everything tastes better when it’s been slow cooked, don’t you think?) and trying some new recipes.
- I’ve also had some lovely meals out with my boyfriend and friends recently and I’m relishing having the time to do that again. For the last year I have really prioritised my job and teaching, and my social life has been sacrificed. I’m determined not to let that happen again!
- Literally getting giddy every time I go outside and see the colours of the leaves changing (it’s magical, and I won’t hear anything else about it). Want an instant mood boost? Go for a walk and enjoy the leaves.
- Learning to crochet has been teaching me to let go of perfection and go with the flow. Practice and patience is what my teacher keeps telling me, and once you get lost in the rhythm of it, it’s just the most relaxing thing to do.
- Moving my body in new ways. For months I’ve been trying to manifest becoming a gym-bunny. It’s finally starting to kick in, I’m finally starting to look forward to my gym sessions and make them a priority. This is, in part, due to getting a PT who has given me so much confidence that I know what I’m doing, and also starting to see results and changes which is so motivational.
Looking ahead, what’s my priority for the rest of autumn? Re-focus on my own yoga practice! My practice has fallen by the wayside a little bit and I notice that when I don’t practice, my teaching doesn’t feel as inspired, I don’t feel as calm in my own skin. So I am getting my mat out and getting booked on to some classes!
What is your plan for the rest of Autumn to help you savour the season?
Fancy a yoga retreat where you get to spend a full-day or even a full-weekend fully focused on you? Check out my offerings here.
Category: Healthy routines, Mindful Movement, Retreats