Happy Wednesday everyone! Are you being nice to yourself yet? If you have no idea what I’m talking about, see Tip #1 from Sunday.
So now that you’re acknowledging you’re having a hard/stressful/busy time, and starting to be compassionate to yourself, it’s time to take some action. Specifically: GET MOVING. That’s right, I’m telling you to shake your booty.
It’s not just that you want to get exercise and potentially burn off some of that holiday eggnog, though this is a nice side effect. Getting moving is even more important for your psyche. You want to move the gunk around, clear some toxic energy and hopefully shift your mental patterns.
I say this from experience. This week I really shook it up and practiced SO intensely. And after only one of these mega practices I was giggling like a kid. My Dad asked me if I was drunk! It’s amazing how fast you can shift your mindset.
Also, I find that when I’m in a bad mood and feeling assaulted or depressed or just worried, I tend to cave in on myself. Ever find yourself typing at work with your shoulders hunched while on some sort of deadline? Sometimes I do. It’s as if my subconscious feels someone literally breathing down my neck and I hunch myself in to protect against the onslaught. I think this is a general protective posture we assume when we’re worried. And the cold weather just exacerbates it. I feel all bundled and bunched up in sweaters and jackets and scarves. I curl in to protect myself. And after a while I just lose touch with my more outgoing nature, I feel disconnected from my body, and the creeping, amorphous “ick” starts to return. Anyone relate?
When I get on my yoga mat and twist my body in every possible direction, I can feel the icicles melting and the emotional knots loosening just a bit.
So, if you can relate, it’s time to get moving! Got a yoga practice? Get to it! Habit is a great thing here, as it’s easier to keep doing something that’s already ingrained in your body than to try and start something new. On the other hand, if you are stuck in a yoga rut and aren’t really feeling the Shakti, maybe throw in an extra class that’s outside your usual routine.
Love the gym? Great too. Get sweaty. Take off a few layers in the warmth of the gym and get more in touch with your body.
If you don’t already have a yoga practice or other habitual practice, it might be hard to start one up. During these pressure filled times going way out on a limb just might be too much to ask. But you’re still going to have to shake yourself up in order to get the good feelings flowing. Anyone can walk! Make it a scheduled part of your week and walk faster and farther than you normally would.
Really stumped and need some help? Engage in a few private lessons or a video chat for inspiration (you can book one by contacting me) to get you going. Start up a practice that’s tailored just for you and can be done at home, even if you only have a short amount of time.
And, no matter what you choose to do, try to be really present while you do it, consciously letting go of nagging worries for just the short amount of time you’re doing whatever sweaty thing you’re into. Make it a moving meditation and you’ll clear your mind for the rest of the day.
If all this fails to motivate you, try planning a treat for when you’re done. My favorite treat in the cold weather is salty peanut butter hot cocoa. Not nearly as decadent as it sounds, it’s made with unsweetened cocoa, almond milk, organic peanut butter and just a touch of sweetener.
Ingredients:
1 ½ Cups Unsweetened Almond or Coconut Milk (the boxed kind, not canned)
1 Tablespoon Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (or raw cacao powder)
Squeeze Stevia plus a splash maple syrup or agave or raw sugar
Splash Vanilla”
Pinch Salt
2 Teaspoons-1 Tablespoon ORGANIC Peanut Butter
Directions:
Wisk all ingredients in a small saucepan till hot.
Froth with an electric frother or blend in a blender till frothy, just a few seconds.
Say “mmmm”.
Reader Feedback: How are you feeling this holiday season? Got any tactics to keep the good feelings flowing?
