Yoga and Whole Body Wellness

yoga-in-dharamsalaFor years I’ve been waffling on about needing to exercise me. I’ve power walked, done step aerobics, water aerobics (that nearly finished me off) and followed fitness DVDs from Spice Girl get fit to a very cheesy Zumba video. Predictably it didn’t take me long to fall off the wagon.

As a young woman, I was believed that “an hour here” and a “fitness class there” was all that was needed to make me the best I could be physically. Over time I’ve realised there’s a lot more to it than that. I know now, wiser with age, that to affect real change you need to look at your body as a whole as opposed to separate parts. You also need to consider the link between physical and mental wellness.

I’m not particularly sporty or as active as I should be these days. I spend more hours than I should sat behind a computer. That said I am at least aware of the need for change and the type of change that is required.

For me, Yoga looks set to take me where I need and want to be. I’m not looking to be the same size and shape as I was when I was eighteen (that ship has sailed!), I’m looking to be the best version of myself I can be, inside and out.

Looking into Yoga properly, researching for personal reasons with copywriting precision I’ve learned a lot more about Yoga, its background, the culture, history and ethos behind it. I’ve also realised that someone who can take me where I want to be will have undertaken a lot of training.

Those undertaking yoga training in Dharamsala for example, learn about nutrition as well as the spiritual and physical aspects of Yoga. When you view a Yoga exercise class you don’t truly appreciate the depth of understanding, the amount of training and I believe the dedication that goes into becoming a yoga teacher, and helping others to achieve their goals.

I’m feeling quite zen I suppose you could say, about myself and my future. I have health goals and wellness goals and for the first time feel that I’ve found a way to help me achieve them, by making life changes. Who knows, perhaps one day I’ll catch the bug and might look to train as a yoga teacher myself? Anything is possible…..

From Bingo to Pinning: This Mother’s Reward

The boys are back at school now after a wonderful summer off. Working from home I’ve had the opportunity to spend the whole summer with them. Working from home also means my day has been starting at 4am every morning in order to get my work done before they come down for breakfast around 9am.

Don’t get me wrong, it has been an amazing summer but I was tired! I took three days off last week after they’d gone back to school and now I’m making sure that I prioritise my “me” time on an evening. Us parents get worn down, especially when juggling children at home and working during the holidays. By ensuring I have me time set aside I reduce the crazy tiredness build-up and recover from silly o’clock starts a lot quicker.

Now autumn has landed (or will seeing as we have a freakishly out-of-season heatwave going on today!) my me time treats are, and will be focused mainly indoors.

Reading a Good Book

I’m a huge reader. Indeed I’m only three books off completing my GoodReads challenge of 50 books in 2016. At the moment I’m reading Women in Berlin by Anonymous, harrowing yet gripping at the same time. I love losing myself in a good book.

TV

Me time often takes place on the sofa and that means Sky+ and Netflix. I’m nearly finished watching Gilmore Girls again ahead of the “new” GG in November and Chicago Fire and Victoria amongst others keep me going each week.

Bingo

I love the social aspect of online Bingo and often play at GameVillage during the evening when I don’t fancy what’s on TV. I like the promotions, the mini games (and free games) as well as the chat function. Some chat groups are better than others but I’ve found a few I enjoy. For a lighthearted flutter it’s just the thing.

Pinterest

I have something of a Pinterest obsession. I can spend hours on my Pinterest boards, adding and searching, browsing and pinning. Whomever came up with the idea of Pinterest was a genius!

Of courseRoyand I enjoy leisure time together (we’re both sci-fi/fantasy fans which means we’re rarely far from a Star Trek episode but sometimes this Mum needs some vegging out as a reward for making it through the day intact and for me, bingo, reading, Pinterest, TV and just flopping around on the sofa does the trick.

How do all of the rest of you mums and dads spend your wind-down time?