“So each of us must seek, so each one of us must dance through life, must have tremendous ecstasies, great sorrows and pains and great pleasures; and the greater and stronger they are, the more quickly shall we arrive at that stage of Nirvana, that absolute oneness with Life."

J Krishnamurti

The Pool of Wisdom

(1895-1986)

Health and Wellness

I also work as part of the team at Funfit, Stapenhill, Burton on Trent. Funfit is Burton’s only dedicated personal training studio and provides pilates and personal training. All programmes are tailored to your individual needs. Life Balancing works with Funfit to keep mind, body and spirit in tip-top condition.

Newsletters

Spring 2008

The Relaxation Room

Mini Facial

Staring at a computer screen, frowning, or even talking can lead to us carrying a great deal of tension in our scalp, forehead and jaw.  This quick mini-facial will not only ease away tension, but will also help to tone the muscles in the face.  Who knows?  With regular practice, you could look 5 years younger!

• Place your hands over your face - hold for a few seconds then sweep hands to the side.
• Tilt head to one side and stroke from collar bone to chin using the backs of your hands.
• Pinch along the jaw-line.
• Gently slap under your chin with the backs of your hands.
• Press gently in a circular motion around chin and mouth.
• Stroke outwards from the mouth to the ears.
• Press gently in a circular motion on the temples, then onto the forehead and extending to the scalp.
• Repeatedly stoke the forehead in an upward movement.
• Pinch along each eyebrow.
• Press gently in a circular motion around the eyes.
• Place your palms on the eyes and then stroke hands outwards.

Thirsty?

Would you like to improve your memory and concentration, reduce daytime fatigue and nourish your skin?

Let us introduce you to an all-round miracle drink that can do wonders for your health…

Here are some of the other benefits that can be gained from this wonder-drink:

• Keeps headaches at bay.
• Reduces infections (including kidney and urinary tract infections).
• Prevents fluid retention.
• Helps remove toxins from your body.
• Aids circulation.
• Regulates your body’s cooling system.
• Improves muscle tone.
• Lubricates joints.
• Keeps bowels healthy.
• Essential for digestion and nutrient absorption.

It’s recommended that you drink 8 glasses of this miracle drink per day. 

And the name…  water.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique

Tension can gradually creep into our body and mind without us realising it.  Where do you hold your tension?  In your neck, shoulders, back?  Try this simple technique to, firstly, identify where your tension is, and then, secondly, to release it. 

• Sit comfortably, with your feet flat on the floor and your back straight.  Rest you hands comfortably, possibly by placing them gently in your lap.
• Allow your mind to focus inwards for a moment or two.
• Be still and quiet.
• Take your focus to your toes.  Clench them tightly, then release.  Do this twice more.
• Now do this with your whole foot.  Clench both feet tightly, then release.  Do this a total of three times.
• Progress slowly up your body - shins, knees, thighs, buttocks, stomach, chest, back, hands, arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, face, brow. 
• You should now feel that all tension has been removed from your entire body.  If you still feel tension anywhere, revisit that area – tensing and relaxing.
• Now take your focus to the centre of your forehead, and imagine you are tensing the thoughts in your mind.  Tense and release, until your mind is relaxed.
• Whenever you feel ready, take a couple of deep breaths, centre yourself, and get on with your day feeling revitalised and refreshed.

Counting the Breath

Breathe in for the count of 4 – focussing your attention on the in-breath and each number. Breathe in to your abdomen (not your chest).

Hold your breath for the count of 4.

Exhale for the count of 4.

Pause for the count of 4 before inhaling again.

Do this for 5 minutes a day at first, slowly increasing to 10 or 15-minute sessions. This can help to still your mind and give an overall feeling of calm and balance.

If you find that counting to 4 is too uncomfortable, try counting to 2. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can count to 6, 8, 12, etc. See what feels right for you.

The Inner Smile

Our journey through life can sometimes be stressful – let’s face it, it’s not all soft music and candles!  Similarly, our journey on the roads can include delays, traffic jams, road-rage – need I go on?  I’m sure you will agree, it’s not the ideal situation to be in.

Here is a little exercise – the inner smile - that will help you maintain (or restore) a sense of calm behind the wheel:

And don’t forget to plan your journey time to allow for delays and parking hassle, and then it won’t be so stressful when it happens. 

Smile – it suits you!