The Highs & Lows of January: Part one
Oh Gawd, the weather is as variable as my mood this January. One minute there's blue skies and sunshine and I'm running into the sea, the next minute it's grey and dark and I'm hunkered down in my living room refusing to go outside even though I know fresh air will benefit me.
So I've packed this email with some of the things I'm doing to tackle the chocolate highs of Christmas and the loneliness after wonderful quality time with loved ones.
Having all of my kids together for the first time since pre-covid, even the ones currently in Australia was pretty special. I am beyond grateful but it has made January feel a little tough to navigate.
Call it foresight but it might be why I got together with the fabulous Craig Turberville in November and suggested we combine forces for the first of my wellbeing events of 2025 to which you are warmly invited. Book your space here.
I discovered Qi Gong last year and it was a game-changer for my over-busy mind. As soon as Craig taught us the ssshhh-ing sound linked to the Wood element in Traditional Chinese Medicine, I was sold. I felt like I was calming down a baby inside my head. Coupled with gentle flowing movements related to scenes of nature such as the soaring Crane, the practice is exquisitely graceful.
Anyway, enough! I urge you come to blow away those January blues or if you feel in any way stiff, stressed or unbalanced. For my part I will take you on a guided meditation for self-compassion to help you release negative thoughts and open to gentleness and self-love. What's not to love hey, and being in circle with like-minded Souls to give each other support is an extra boost. We are social creatures after all!
Food & Mind inspo
Luckily wonderful cook-book author Melissa Hemsley came to my rescue twice this week with top tips from Suzy Reading and her new book, Self-care for Winter and a delicious soup recipe called Squash, beans and greens, a bit like minestrone without the pasta.
In her interview with Melissa, Suzy inspired me with some of beautiful phrases to cope with Winter.
"..hibernate but don't stagnate..retreat but don't isolate yourself."
You'll find her on instagram with lots of posts to embrace this tricky time of year. But perhaps you love it so don't let me cramp your style. Feel free to share your thoughts.
In line with nature, this time of year is quieter, more restful and reflective and a good time to prepare for the big energy shift that comes in the Spring and perhaps those bigger changes you want to manifest.
However, a new year heralds an opportunity to reflect a little on the past and consider how you'd like the future to be.
What you might take with you and what you might leave behind.
And I think that's reasonable. I'm not into massive New Year's resolutions but I am into continuing healthy habits from last year and gently considering some small changes while honouring the invitation for downtime that this season brings. I hope that sounds ok to you. Do let me know your thoughts.
A Fresh Start
Are you struggling with post-Christmas cravings and or low motivation?
After a Christmas of daily chocolate (always my favourite tipple), I'm back to my pre-xmas routine of 1x a week replacing the desire with a delicious locally brewed Ktea Kombucha and perhaps a few nuts or Kallo's new yummy chickpea veggie thins before or after dinner.
Note: If you are struggling to break free of unhealthy habits, having difficulty emotionally or physically, please do get in touch. I have created powerful can-do health programs to help you or individual sessions if you prefer. Watch this video to discover my unique approach here.
Over the Christmas hols my family and I joined our extended family down in the South of France for a very healthy time of barre and pilates classes and tennis so I've started pilates for core strength for back trouble, tennis lessons with the wonderful Jo Robinson (and with friends to keep the cost down) and I'm taking Padel lessons with my brother. I've realised sport is an excellent way to have fun! Not forgetting the superb Jane England for yoga at the Bathing Pools. There really are many super instructors, therapists and all sorts of activities available on Guernsey!
please note. I'm not affiliated with any of these links I've provided. I just like to recommend to inspire you;)
Check out the highs and lows of January, part 2 in my next email where I'll share more the food supplements and health techniques I'm employing to get me through the cold temperatures and dark days.
Much love and hugs,
p.s. don't forget to come and join us next Sunday if you can. You won't regret it. Please spread the word so we can keep offering these events to help our dear Guernsey populace stay connected with each other feeling healthy, relaxed, inspired and uplifted.
p.p.s. connect with me on instagram. It's where I post the most to uplift and inspire you in the world of nutrition, mindfulness and wellness generally.
Big hug
Sophie xox