How to stay snuggly and warm the hygge way, and an invitation to the studio for some cosy yoga and deep relaxation on 1st and 15th December.
When the first frost hits the earth, and your hands are feeling chilly, it's impossible not to feel the change of weather, . From experience, I find the best approach to take is to go with the flow of the seasons and make the most out of each one. When the temperatures fall, go into the loft and rediscover your woolly scarves, hats and gloves, as well as warmer jumpers.
So how do you make the most of the Winter season? It's good to get moving in the morning before breakfast. The Chinese Meridian clock starts with the lung meridian - do you notice that the first thing you do when you wake up is to yawn and stretch? In previous times, when we all farmed the land, we would get up and out and be active, before coming in for breakfast. I like to delay breakfast and take a smoothie or porridge to work to eat when I get hungry. It would be even better to walk half an hour over the hill to work, but I have to admit, I take the easy option and jump in the car when it's cold and dark. The kids are grateful for the lift too.
Now is a great time to reflect on your work life balance, and make any reasonable adjustments. Make sure you get some exercise every day - it doesn't have to be strenuous, just make an effort to move every hour or so. You'll notice the health benefits to your physical and mental wellbeing. If you want to keep the germs at bay, I recommend using a neti pot (a nasal swish) and a diffuser with tea tree oil or seasonal scents such as cinammon, clove, orange or cedarwood. I also avoid dairy, as our bodies are naturally more mucus-y at this time of year.
I enjoy cosy nights in with friends and family, enjoying warming foods such as curry, dhals, soups, seasonal veg and veggie chilli. Cooking together is even better. My daughters prefer to bake than cook - whatever brings you joy! I love to turn on the fairy lights and huddle the family together under a throw to watch a reality show like Celebrity Hunted, Bake-Off and Gogglebox. I insist all devices are put down - they do nothing for togetherness and this is time for connection.
And then to the weekends and cosy lie-ins reading a good book with a large cup of coffee. I like to have reverse lie-ins sometimes - going to bed really early and getting snuggly under the duvet. Why don't you go to your favourite bookshop and stock up on books, then put them somewhere inviting so that you can feel the joy of anticipation. I've got so many that I need a holiday to read them! I'm reading 10% Happier by Dan Harris at the moment; Dan is a newsreader and this is his story as he goes from a panic attack on air to daily meditation while remaining skeptical about certain aspects. I enjoy the inbetween time of reading too - thinking about the characters and storyline.
Exercise is best in nature or the cosy indoors. Join me on 1st December for the Cosy Strala Xmas Treat - a warming lunch, followed by countryside walk and then into the studio for a cosy candlelit yoga flow and deep relaxation, complete with woolly socks and a free gift from Neals Yard Remedies. Or on 15th December for the Seasonal Treat a seasonal yoga flow followed by deep relaxation with Tibetan Singing Bowls. (See the Events Page for details and how to book).