Happy New Year to you, I hope you've had an enjoyable festive season and are ready to get back into the flow of things. The beginning of the year can sometimes feel daunting with talk of detoxing and New Years resolutions. The truth is that the body naturally detoxes albeit there are simple things you can do to give it a helping hand.
Here's my tips for my keeping it simple:
1. Be Hydrated - start each day with some warm water & a slice of lemon.
2. Be Active - get out in fresh air.
3. Be Rested - make sure you're getting enough sleep as this is the time when your body repairs and regenerates.
4. Be Adventurous - try something new.
5. Be Happy - do more of what you love.
With cold winter mornings, this can be a great time to reflect, observe the choices that we make (and how they make us feel) and for perhaps trying a few new things. Having been invited to do a tea tasting after the Saturday yoga class at my local lululemon in Edinburgh, the 2nd of January seemed the ideal time to share some JustBe Happy tea - and I'm so glad that I did.
The theme for the class, which was taken by Demelza Feltham, was on Santosha the second of the 8 limbs (or steps) of yoga - to be content. The first two limbs: Yamas and Niyamas look at our restraints and observations to ourselves and others. The 'wise characteristics' of Yamas is compassionate, generous, honest and peaceful. At the end of the class we were each given a card. I received the miracle of nature - to give thanks for reconnecting through nature and fresh air. Again keeping it simple.
The Great British Gardening Revival starts again on BBC2 7pm, Wednesday the 7th of January, when you can see me talking with Chris Beardshaw about my love of cherry blossom.