Just Breathe

With each stress piling onto another I felt my shoulders rise a little higher. Ever felt that tension?
I definitely can tell when the pressure or stress is getting to much for me. Any little physical pain sends me on irritated rampage on anyone in site. It it makes me extremely upset to be like that because I truly strive to be positive and filled with joy.

I stopped yesterday when I could feel the irritation and tears start rising and thought "what am I not doing?". Not too add more pressure to myself but to examine my daily routine. The funny thing is that in times when you need a practice, routine or self love is when you avoid it at all costs. Saying that you "don't have time" or "I should be doing...... not this". When in reality that self love is what will help heal your soul, calm your stress and allow you to achieve so much more. I have clients who know how amazing and fulfilled they would feel if they just went for a small walk but instead find any justification why they shouldn't. They finally give in and are elated with the aftermath.

What was I denying myself? Meditation. Each day I would remind myself that it would be beneficial to sit down in the morning to meditate. Even if it was just 5 or 10 minutes, but morning after morning I skipped right past that lonely meditation pillow and added another binding stress to myself. So last night I stopped talking about it and just took a step. Small but immediate, I sat down and listened to a guided mediation. I wasn't ready to do it on my own yet so I received help from a guide. After 10 minutes I got up and felt I had finally stretched through "something". Today I sat down again and just breathed. Letting it all go. Gently my shoulders relaxed and a smile grew on my face. Tomorrow I will do it again and break away the built up tension that is getting in my way of happiness, positivity and adventure.

One small step at time. Just breathe. It will all work out.

What are you denying yourself that you know would make the world of difference in your life? Or how are you enjoying self love?

I'd love for you to share.

-Michelle 
Holistic Health Coach

6 Ways to Get a Better Sleep

I am so happy today! Want to know why?
I finally got some sleep last night! Woohoooooo

 Beware of Sleep Disturbers! 

I usually sleep really well. Like hit the switch and I'm out kinda sleep. The last couple days though were out of my control. We are babysitting a year old Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy and have had some troubles getting him to sleep through the night. Yesterday I seriously thought I was going to fall asleep during yoga class standing up or absolutely lose it on someone.

This got me thinking about how precious our sleep time is to our bodies, mind and soul. I have lots of clients who come to me for help with their sleep. Today I thought I would share the risks of not getting enough sleep or good quality sleep and 6 ways you can get to sleep better and stay asleep.

First the risks of not getting enough sleep or good quality sleep:

• Brain Function: without a good sleep your mind does not function the same. You have poor concentration and you are unable to memorize new things. A little slow today?
• Mood & Stress: just think of those grumpy toddlers who didn't sleep through the night. We haven't changed. You might notice you have those same type of temper tantrums but just in a grown up way. A little snappy at some poor innocent person at the office?
• Metabolism & Weight: When we don't get enough sleep our whole body starts to go backwards. Your metabolism slows down and you start storing carbohydrates and fat differently. This leads to weight gain.
• Disease Risk: When our bodies are running on low fuel it brings down our immune system. This puts us at risk for viruses, flu and higher risk for abnormal cell growth. 

6 Way to Get a Better Sleep:

1. Eating Time: Try not to eat anything at least 2.5 hours before bed. Food is fuel for our bodies. If we eat something we are telling it to start the engines. Start moving! That's not what we want our bodies to be doing while we are trying to close our eyes. Mixed signals!
2. Fluids: Just like food, water or any fluid is also fuel for our bodies. I try to avoid drinking an hour before bed.
3. Electronics: Turn that tv, cell phone, computer and anything with a bright screen off an hour before bed. The flashing and brightness confuses our brains. Our brains are thinking "If it's night time than why is there bright light and motion going on? Must be daytime... Keep awake!". Can we say mixed signals once again?
4. Journal: If I've had a really active day and my mind is racing I like to journal it all out on paper. Get it out of my mind and let there be space for silence. This is also a great time to do some gratitude journaling which helps calm your nerves.
5. Breathing: Lay on your back and close your eyes. Start by observing your belly rise and fall in a natural way. Then notice your breathe start to slow down. If your mind wanders off just bring it back with ease and let that thought float away like a cloud. Let your body melt into the bed with each exhale. Continue...
6. Goodnight Yoga: Tara Stiles has a great yoga routine for bedtime. Relaxing and for all levels.

Do you have great sleep tip you would like to share? Leave it in the comments below and I may share it with our Facebook followers as well. 

Sleep well!

-Michelle

Holistic Health Coach

New to Yoga

I've found something new for me and I absolutely adore it! It's Yoga!

Over the past few years I've tried yoga here and there but always found it to be a challenge. Not physically but mentally. Stuck in my head were the thoughts "is this almost over" , "ugh, I hate being told what to do", and "I should be doing ____ instead of yoga right now". All these caused me to become irritated with yoga.

I couldn't understand how people developed this intense love for yoga. I tried giving it a shot at home but nope.. again easily distracted and left it behind until. Until recently when I was adamant about meditating every morning for at least 15minutes. This helped me become grounded (being in the present moment), control my breathing and set intentions for the day. My days became a lot more in the moment and less worrying about the past and future.

One day I saw that one of our local yoga studios (I live in the Vancouver area- there's lots!), Kushala offered an early morning class. I'm a morning person and am truly willing to try new things early on in the day so I thought I'd give it yet another shot. I walked out of the class thinking "hmm, that was different and I like it". Putting it out there and wanting more, the universe gave me a kind nudge and gift. Kushala Yoga had a deal for the summer - 2 months unlimited for a cheap price. Okay, I got the hint and I snagged the deal.

It's been 11 days since and I'm so in love with Yoga! My days are so much calmer. When stressful situations arise I don't react as I would have a month ago. My body is transforming into a long lean working power house that holds my found again spiritual side. I'm being challenged to try new things at my classes and I'm actually taking the risks. My thinking is going deeper into my true self and I'm wanting to express my true self to the world, accept me as I am. My posture when I do other exercises or even sit/stand has improved (my core is building). There are so many benefits that are naturally adding up after each class.

I'm aligned again and looking forward to the rest of my summer yoga journey. I will give you all an update on the rest of the yoga journey in September.

*Side note: Lululemon has come out with a great app that locates the nearest yoga studio near you and what their schedule is. Check it out here: Lululemon Om Finder

-Michelle
Certified Holistic Health Coach

Yoga for Starters - Namaste infographic by HealthCentral.

8 Healthy Ways to Start Your Day

Are you morning person or are dragging your butt to get going?



Sun Salutation - via

 Me - I'm a huge morning! I love rising early before everyone else gets out of bed. I love the calmness of the morning and being able to hear all the sounds of nature outside. There is nothing like a crisp cold morning and watching the sunrise to revitalise you.

I find that how you begin your morning sets the tone for the rest of the day. Setting your morning off with a healthy routine leaves you wanting to live the rest of your day on healthy tone. I know that too often we can get caught up in the hustle and rush of the morning which leaves us feeling disconnected and lost. Making time for yourself in the morning is one of the keys to great health. It doesn't have to be complicated but adding some small steps and easy healthy habits can change your wellbeing. I've listed a few of my favourite habits that I do on a daily basis or a couple times of week. My best advice is to listen and observe what makes you feel the happiest. That is the goal when starting off the day: to bring happiness and love to yourself so you can share it with the world.

8 Healthy Ways to Start Your Day:

1. Warm Water with Lemon : this combination helps to get your digestive system going and also to jump start your metabolism. I also recommend drinking lemon water with filtered water through the day. It's great for your body and actually helps with weight loss.
2. Meditation: If this is new too you, I have one word for you: Patience. There is no right or wrong way to meditate. I've found the best way for me is to play some Reiki music (you can find it on Youtube), sit on a fluffy pillow so my bottom is raised a bit, cross my legs and place my hands with palms facing up on my knees. Focus on your breathing. Inhale for 6, pause for 2 and exhale for 6, pause for 2 and repeat. Focusing on your breath can create stillness in your thoughts.
3. Choose a mantra, an intention or word (or all 3) for the day: Creating a path for the day lets you have a focus. Having a mantra or word to fall back on when life becomes hectic or stressed always helps your to restart and become calm. For example: my word today is "gentle". Whenever I catch myself rushing around or speaking harshly I utter the word in my head 3 times and I instantly feel at peace.
4. Sun Salutation or Yoga: I love Yoga in the morning. It's a great way to gently exercise your body and mind. The sun salutation is my favourite practice. It feels very natural when you are performing the routine. The image above is a cute chart on Sun Salutation and here's a video I often refer too if needing a little guidance. If you are just beginning here is a more instructional video.
5. Be Still: If yoga and meditation is just not your vibe right now then the next best thing is just to be still and present. Grab a tea or coffee and sit still with no distractions. Reflect on the day ahead with a soft and positive outlook. Just breathe. Let there be relaxation and calmness.
6. Exercise: builds energy for the day. It can be any form of exercise. A small walk around the block, a run or anything that gets your body moving. This sends signals to your mind and body that it's time wake up and gets your brain sparking and metabolism going. Exercise in the morning actually has a great effect on what your eat for the rest of the day. When you go to reach for that unhealthy snack you will take a second and think if it's worth wasting the time you spent exercising in the morning.
7. Journal: The morning is a great time to write and get all your thoughts out of your head. Once they are all on paper it's easier to organize your thoughts, realize patterns or find new ideas through your notes.
8. A Healthy Breakfast: it's the most important meal of the day. This meal should be full of protein and provide energy. Fruit in the morning helps activate your brain. Breakfast is also a great way to jump start your metabolism. Make sure that breakfast leaves you feeling comfortably full so you don't run out of energy before lunch.

What are some of your healthy morning habits? What is your morning routine?

-Michelle