Wellness in July

July is smack bang in the middle of winter.  It’s a good month for self-nurturing and hibernation, spending time in replenishment and self-reflection. It is easy to deny ourselves enough quiet time and rest so winter is a good time to consider working with stillness and recharging our batteries in more ways than one.  Rest more, snuggle on the couch, read great books, start a journal, rug up and walk in the rain, sit on a mountaintop and feel the wind blowing a gale.  Thank winter for its great part in sustaining life and slow down to enjoy it.

“If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change” – The Buddha                 

Exercise for July:  Go dancing. There are plenty of different dance classes available and the benefits of dance are many.  It’s indoors so you don’t have the excuse of inclement weather! You can meet people, have fun, don’t take yourself too seriously and attain a great cardiovascular workout.  There is such a wide range of both physical and mental benefits including:

• Improved condition of your heart and lungs
• Increased muscular strength, endurance and motor fitness
• Increased aerobic fitness
• Improved muscle tone and strength
• Weight management
• Stronger bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis
• Better coordination, agility and flexibility
• Improved balance and spatial awareness
• Increased physical confidence
• Improved mental functioning
• Improved general and psychological wellbeing
• Greater self-confidence and self-esteem
• Better social skills.

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Recipe spot

Its important to listen to our bodies needs and embrace food as a natural medicine.  Where possible its better to eat foods that are in season and locally grown as this will give you the richest of foods and nutrients- the ultimate nutrabullet straight from the source!  Winter is about slowing down, which includes slow cooked foods; more warming beverages as well as eating nourishing Yin rich foods such as high proteins, roots foods (Leaks, potatoes, parsnips) that are traditional winter foods.  They help to ground us, slow us, and nurture us. 

·       Winter Blood Warming Tea                                                                                                                             

·       5-6 of all the following per pot:

·       Clove                                  Star Anise

·       Cardamom pods                  Cinnamon Bark

·       Black pepper seeds

·       Add 1-teaspoon size:

·       Fresh Turmeric & ginger

·       Fresh Lemon grass and basil

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Place all ingredients in a mortar and pestle and bruise to release all their goodness.  Pop into a teapot, add boiling water and seep for five minutes.  All these ingredients are nourishing winter herbs used to produce warmth and expel decongestant in the body.

Workplace Wellness:

The British tradition of tea drinking dates back to the 1840’s and high teas have made a comeback.  Start a High Tea Time Tradition in your workplace.  Ask HR to indulge in a beautiful teapot for the tearoom and a selection of locally made teas, as well as a divine treat. When having your High Tea Time chillax, use your finest china and allow yourself the nectar of slowness and connection with your fellow employees.

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