Part 2: The Highs & Lows of January
Are you struggling with the January blues?
It seems harder than usual which is why I was prompted to write part 2 with a January theme.
The days are getting a little longer but the temperatures remain low as expected in Winter. We are in the heart of it, a time of hibernation in nature and for us, an invitation to take more rest and more time for reflection in preparation for the activity and expansiveness of Spring and Summer.
Suzy Reading's 'hibernate' but don't 'stagnate' keeps playing on my mind. So my self-care practices such as core strengthening for my back, Qi Gong and tennis continue albeit more indoors.
I know it's hard to be outside much at this time of year but as I emphasised at a Nutrition and Wellbeing presentation for staff recently, even if you step out of the office for just 5 minutes, it's a valuable thing to do especially if the sun is shining. Light entering the eyes is the most beneficial. Turn in the direction of the sun and let its rays enter through closed eyes.
Winter-time relates to the Water element part of the Chinese 5 element system in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Broadly speaking, it relates to the kidneys, our seat of fear which also relates to the ears and to the colours blue and black. So if you wear a lot of blue and black, you are supporting this element.
It may also be a sign this element is unbalanced within you.
Symptoms with any of the organs may also be an indication of imbalance. For eg; if you tend to build up a lot of ear wax or suffer from earaches, tinnitus and other ear problems, Hair-loss relates to the kidneys also and remember the adrenals that sit on top of the kidneys. These little power-houses are constantly managing your stress but chronic or long-term stress can lead to burn-out.
If you feel you're heading this way, do schedule a complimentary call to discuss your needs.
My current healthy habits
Shilajit* is one of my favourites. It's an ayurvedic remedy, a natural dark sticky black tincture from the Himalayas. Rich in minerals and fulvic acid to both detoxify and fortify the body. I add just a tiny amount from the tip of a small knife and dilute in lukewarm water in the mornings. It's recommended not to take for more than 3 months at a time. Long-term, I usually take it for about 5 days then have a little rest.
*read more
I always follow my intuition, taking a moment to tune in to decide if it's appropriate. I do this with all supplements. Intuition is a spontaneous inner urge that is not preceded by thought and can be felt as a strong positive 'yes' feeling often from the solar plexus (high stomach) or sacral (navel) areas. If you feel confused or simply don't know what to do then don't act. You'll often find the answer will come to you when you've turned your attention elsewhere and stopped thinking about it. It's not something that can be forced.
Sea-moss is my next favourite as the gel moisturises the bowel, a key element in bowel function. A healthy functioning bowel supports the liver which means healthy detoxification and elimination takes place. These are key basics of health before adding supplements.
Drink warm water throughout the day
Fill up your metal water bottle with half cold water and half boiling water and it'll stay lovely and warm for several hours. You'll find it much easier to keep your water intake high during the day with this tip. Drinking it warm means it doesn't have to be heated up in the stomach which can make you feel uncomfortable. It goes straight to bowel and from there is reabsorbed to hydrate the rest of the body. We're nearly 80% fluid especially in the brain so it's crucial.
And remember we're in Water element time. Being indoors with central heating and a tendency to drink more diuretics - cups of tea and coffee can lead to low water consumption. Chronic dehydration is the first stage of imbalance leading to poor elimination and increasing toxicity or acidity which causes inflammation. Drink water to flush out toxins AND consume foods with a high water content to hydrate the cells such as soups, stews and rice, veg and fruit.
Liver support
I've discovered a rather wonderful liquid fish oil called Bare Biology which has no taste just a tiny hint of lemon. I have a 5ml tsp together with a tsp of sunflower lecithin powder to help emulsify fats and add healthy fats, a key constituent of healthy cell walls.
When I'm talking about cells I'm talking about the most fundamental part of the body, deeper than hormones etc. Cells make up everything in the body, our organs, tissues etc. so for me, it's always about ensuring the cell is healthy then everything else can fall into place.
Contact Beccie at The Treatment Room to purchase locally. I'm not affiliated I just like it.
Note. I never take supplements 7 days a week in order that I rest liver. You don't want to ask the liver* to do something every single day. Give it a rest! It has plenty to do I can assure you!
* Read more
Joe Wicks free menopausal workout with weights is my next addition. Joe is so incredibly positive and motivational as he guides you through this short program. I realised using my own body as resistance such as planks in yoga practice is good but adding weights is an extra bonus for long-term muscle and bone health.
Wake-up music
My daughter has taught me to play great songs to get me out of bed in the mornings. Jumping out of bed has never been on my fave list of things to do and now at this time of year it's even worse!! People Watching by Sam Fender, Stay for Something by CMAT and People have the Power by Patti Smith are my current no.1 choices.
Curbing comfort eating
Last week I mentioned Ktea pre or post dinner to ward off a daily chocolate urge from Christmas. I do occasionally also have to do an intervention on myself aka; habit-breaking, by avoiding sofa TV time for a few days. It's why I have the utmost empathy for anyone who struggles with emotional eating and why I've devised tried and tested strategies to help.
Get in touch
Another is Habit-stacking. It's where you combine habits, negative or positive, in my case: herb tea, sofa, TV and snacks but you could attach healthy ones too, for eg; after brushing your teeth and drink a glass of water to hydrate.
Please note: I can not take any responsibility for any action you take as a result of what iI've shared here. it is important to seek expert advice when changing your diet or taking supplements.
Upcoming Events:
23 March
Spring Equinox yoga & guided meditation. Details to follow.
10 April
Plaisirs Spring wellbeing event. Details to follow.
13 April - to be confirmed
Day retreat to include Qi Gong, Yoga, Nutrition, Breath-work, Meditation and more. Details to follow
Sending you a big warm hug
Sophie xox