In my recent article of Whole Life Challenge, 6 Healthy Ways to Feel Awesome in Time for Spring Break, I touch on a few things that you can do to reset your body and your habits so spring and summer find you out in the world, feeling active, happy, confident, and healthy.
These include:
- Drinking Lots of Water
- Limit Fatty Meat and Dairy Products
- Avoid Breads and Processed Carbs
- Move Your Body
Hopefully you find the tips in this article really helpful to reset!
For those lades who missed out on the camp here is an opportunity to do some meditation in your own time. This is an excerpt from an article I wrote from a magazine which gives you a brief explanation and a step by step guide on the ‘how to’ of meditation and the basics.
There are many different methods of meditation but the simplest way to reach this peaceful state is to focus entirely on the body and the breath. This practice is known as “mindful meditation” or “focused attention.” Our breath is one of the only things that is autonomous that we can actually control.
Here’s how to do it:
Start by finding a comfortable place to sit or lie down without being distracted.
Close your eyes and inhale slowly for a count of six to eight. Then exhale slowly for a count of six to eight.
When you inhale, imagine you are breathing in clean light air or energy, and when you exhale, imagine you are releasing dark air or energy that your body needs to clear.
Keep this focus on the breath while trying to relax every part of your body. Visualize moving down your body from the top of your head down to the tips of your toes. As you move through each part of your body, allow for the relaxation to set in, specifically taking advantage of each exhale to further relax your muscles.
Enjoy the stillness. If a stray thought comes into your mind, push it out by returning your focus to your breath or to the relaxed muscles in your body. Every time a thought comes into your mind, replace it as soon as you are aware of it.
Deep, calm, and purposeful breathing has been shown to relax your body by slowing down your central nervous system (which can be over-activated from anxiety and stress). Meditation has been shown to repair the central nervous system like a good night's sleep. Reduced stress also means lowered cortisol levels and lower blood pressure, increased immune function, and increased mental wellbeing.
My October Lifestyle Camp was an absolute hit!! A huge thank you goes out to everyone would attended the camp & to the amazing sponsors (Fuji Sports, Juice Plus+, Menhune Soaps, Shapes Gym, Finding Samata & Fortitude and Wellbeing).
Here are a few snippets from the lovely Jodi Schwartz article!
" Morning person or not, the ladies of the camp got up early each morning to be greeted by a stunning array of fresh fruit before taking a short walk to the beach for sunrise yoga led by the brilliant and beautiful Jiu Jitsu Yogi, Jasmine Bienvenue . Each day, Jasmine explored different flows where she encouraged a connection to the body and breath before laying and meditating in a sweet savasana as the sun came up.
The practice was followed by a hearty nutritious breakfast which offered a choice of fruit, eggs, yogurt, gluten free or rye toast with coffee and tea. All meals were prepared by the woman of many talents, Tina West, with help from sous chef Jodi Schwartz.
At 10.30am Sophia McDermott taught the BJJ sessions. Sophia who is a world, no gi world and Pan Am Champion as well as the 1st female black belt from Australia shared her knowledge BJJ with a particular focus on techniques that were better suited to women. After a couple of hours of BJJ techniques and open rolling came where the pictures of smiles do not do the happiness and joy felt justice.
After a good training session, The ladies had worked up an appetite were ready for lunch. They were greeted with a nourishing lunch of protein, vegetables and complex carbs before relaxing in the afternoon. The next three to four hours were open for whatever suited. Many of the girls went to the beach, some to the pool, some shopped, went to a movie, or took a much needed nap. There was also little downtime for walks, relaxation, meditation, private lessons or snap chat sessions.
Evening activities varied day by day, which included workshops that alternated with a focus on the body and mind/spirit. Sophia taught a toning & sculpting workout, a nutrition workshops, partner stretching and a BJJ Q&A session. Tina west took charge of the Warrior Within empowerment workshops, sound therapy and guided meditations. You can check out all of Tina’s talents and skills here and here.
Dinner was always ready after the workshops to make sure that ladies were refulled and recharged from all the activities of the day. Although, the focus of the camp was about health and good nutrition if needed, the ice cream shop and convenient store was just a quick walk away for those with chocolate cravings."
It is a euphoric feeling for five days where women from all over the US and World come together to meet, learn, experience, share and make lifelong connections. The sisterhood developed is on a different level than one most have ever experienced. Each day and session seemed to light more of a fire within each woman, inspiring each one of us to be the wonderful person that we are, listening to our hearts and choosing our own paths. #bethestarofyourownlifeIt.
