Springclean your psyche
HAVE A MINDFUL SPRING CLEAN “CLEANING has been found to have positive effects on mental wellbeing by helping us gain a sense of control over our environment, whilst being absorbed in the activity can also help calm your mind,” says
pictured inset head of home hygiene at Zoflora (zoflora.
Sarah Fozzard,
A cold shower, outdoor workout and calming yoga can all help declutter the mind after a tough winter co.uk). It also helps improve mood and provides us with a sense of satisfaction.
Studies have found clutter in our homes can have a negative impact, resulting in feelings of tension and uncertainty and over-stimulating the senses – so a good declutter can benefit home and mind!”
SWITCH TO A MATCHA BREW
“THE benefits of matcha for energy have been shouted about for ages,” says
pictured inset, nutritional therapist and herbal specialist at Pukka Herbs (pukkaherbs.com).
“It contains a compound called L-Theanine – a naturally calming agent – that works with the caffeine to provide what’s described as a ‘calm, focused and happy energy’.
“It’s also packed with 10 times the amount of antioxidants as a regular cup of green tea.”
Huntley,
Holly
MOVE YOUR WORKOUT OUTDOORS
“THE change of season gives us the chance to get back out into some green space,” says
Alastair Crew,
pictured inset, master trainer at David
Lloyd Clubs, which run Battlebox outdoor training zones (davidlloyd. co.uk). “There are lots of benefits to training outdoors: improved mood and increased dopamine and serotonin (our feelgood hormones); you get to reconnect with Mother Nature; being out in green space provides a mental health boost, provides a mental health boost, and once we’re fully into spring you’ll be getting your dose of vitamin D from the sunlight too.”
BREAK UP THE DAY WITH YOGA “AFTER a long winter, it’s important to restore balance back to your mind and body,” says
pictured inset, co-founder of HelloYoga, a digital platform providing live one-to-one instructor led yoga (helloyoga.com).
“Yoga is also a great stress-reliever and therefore compliments highintensity training really well too. HIIT or endurance training can raise cortisol levels; yoga can be the perfect antidote by stretching your muscles and taking a breather.”
Hjorth,
PRACTISE SELF-KINDNESS
“MY top tip for starting spring is to put all the effort you’re putting into hustling
(controlling and planning your life) into surrendering to what is,” says
Palma Michel,
Adam
pictured inset, life coach, executive coach and mindfulness teacher whose meditations are featured on choosemuse.com
“Surrendering to the flow of life initially takes courage, but once you get the hang of it, life becomes nothing short of magical. Spring is also a great time to declutter your mind from thought forms that are no longer serving you and are holding you back.
“Every time you notice the voice in your head criticising you or telling you what you should or have to do, let go of these thoughts and silently say, ‘I am enough’.”
BREATHE EASY
“BELLOW breath engages your sympathetic nervous system, helping release natural energy so you’ll feel fully charged as you step into spring,” says pictured inset, breath coach and founder of
Breathpod
(breathpod.me).
“It’s powered from the navel, and the diaphragm is used to pump the navel in and out on each exhale and inhale.
“Sitting up tall, first practise panting like a dog with open mouth to get the rhythm and navel movement. Your chest remains relaxed and slightly lifted. Now close the mouth and continue this rhythm through the nostrils (inhale and exhale should be equal duration).
“Once you have nailed the movement: inhale through the nose, engaging the diaphragm, filling from the naval, while lifting your hands above your head. exhale through the nose, engaging the core and pumping the navel in towards the spine, while bringing your elbows to your sides. repeat in and out of the nostrils, pumping navel, lifting the arms up and down.
“Please note this technique is an advanced so proceed with caution. If you feel dizzy, take a break, and avoid if you are menstruating or pregnant.”
Stuart Sandeman,
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