stress part #1: is your stress normal?

In student clinic over the last couple months, all of my clients seemed to have one thing in common: S T R E S S.

And not just any old stress; but intense, big energy, all consuming and overwhelming stress.

These women were all presenting with a range of symptoms from: anxiety, exhaustion, palpitations, sweating, weight gain, and insomnia, to bloating, digestive issues, constipation, dizziness and more. So... was their stress 'normal'? And more importantly, is YOUR stress normal? (Because, let's face it - it's a rare person nowadays that doesn't experience the dreaded stress mayhem!)

In simple terms, stress is the body's reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response. So every single one of us experiences stress, and our body reacts physically, mentally and emotionally. Stress will come from our environment, our body, thoughts… and even good things (a new job, a baby!) will produce it.

So really, it’s important to understand that our bodies are designed to experience stress - and respond to it. Stress is what keeps us alert and motivated, it’s what helps us stay alive and grow! But the key for us in dealing with it, to get a little nerdy on you, is for the body’s autonomic nervous system to be allowed to rest and chill between stressors. You know, to get back to baseline. To release and find relief from that flood of chemical reactions that made you run for your life (to meet that deadline, to cross the road, to be aware of your surroundings).

So really, the question isn’t “is your stress normal?” but rather, “is your pattern or stress normal or chronic?” Because chronic and unrelenting stress is where the danger lies - when we have no relief, no respite, and our baseline keeps getting nudged further and further off centre.

Chronic stress (with no return to baseline) is going to mess up our body’s balance and lead to a host of problems -->

• headaches
• digestive issues (upset tummies and bloating)
• immune issues (are you getting sick a lot?)
• reproductive issues (periods being haywire, or painful)
• high blood pressure (your poor heart!)
• depression
• panic attacks
• anxiety

And in real terms, in real life people like you and I, this looks like dizziness, teeth grinding, indigestion, muscle tension, sleeping issues, exhaustion, weight gain or loss and more. Sounds familiar, right?

And research shows that stress is currently linked to 6 of the leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, liver cirrhosis, and suicide. So what are we to do?

Part 2 coming up shortly xo

SOURCES:

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11874-stress#:~:text=Stress%20is%20the%20body's%20reaction,your%20body%2C%20and%20your%20thoughts.

step back

Like any good curveball, we rarely see them coming. Those new chapters in life that make us catch our breath. Those periods when we feel like we’re spinning a little out of control.

Know what I’m talking about?

And it’s exactly these moments that make our yoga practice and our habits of self care seemingly fall apart.

My babe turned 1 year old this past weekend - and we had a beautiful birthday party for her (and a surprise wedding!) and as I look back on the year I gotta say, I am still in a little shock, and a bit breathless!

The best tip I can offer for these moments (or years!) of the world shifting? Step back.

Yes: step back. Be gentle. We are so used to fixing and pushing and doing. But really, there are seasons in life for rest -just as there are for creation.

Don’t overdo. Let the moment do it’s thing. Don’t rush to get your body back after baby (because you never lost it - you created a human, you wonder woman you!). Don’t rush to settle into a routine - let it unfold.

Don’t push too hard. Feeling uninspired in your work or your practice? We so quickly have the instinct to readjust and try something new, but at times, doing less and letting our practice shine or our work glide along is just what we need.

Just show up. I’ve talked a lot this past year about ‘pockets of practice’ and I’ve had so much positive feedback from you guys! It seems that hour long practices are NOT the norm for so many of you, juggling busy lives! And who would have thought, but hour long practices are NOT necessary - just showing up is. For 5 minutes. In your jeans. Sitting down to breathe. However it looks- pockets of practice can give you breath when you’re struggling, and inspire you when you need it. #someisbetterthannone .

7 days of self care: extra

EXTRA DAY:

It’s quite easy to associate acts of self care with little extravagances during the day, isn’t it? Or to just do a little 7 day challenge, like that covers it all off.

And this can be true, but more often than not, self care is a way of life: a daily practice of looking out for yourself and doing the next right thing, in order to have a sustainable, happy life.

In other words: Self care is work.

Self care for me means regular therapy, and being absolutely true and vulnerable in those sessions.

It means surrounding myself with good people, and with good habits. Cutting out toxic relationships, time killers, numbing hobbies (everything from social scrolling to sugar binging!).

Self care sometimes means saying no, and a lot of the time it means showing up - doing exercise for health, taking those supplements, and going to bed early (very rock n roll).

Self care is not selfish, and it’s not an extravagance, and heck, it’s not always easy. But if you want a happy life, it is vital.

Tell me: how did you go this past week, loves? . . .

#selfcare #meditationforanxiety #movementismedicine #selflove #selfcareiswork #slowyoga #acupuncture #chinesemedicine #togoslowistogofast #mentalhealthawareness #chronicillnesswarrior #livingwithanxiety #innerwestmums

7 days of self care: day 7

DAY 7: REST

There is a beautiful saying in the Chinese Medicine tradition that “to slow down is to go fast”; meaning, do something slow and steady, do it well, and you won’t need to redo it - thus actually taking less time overall to get through things. But unfortunately in this modern world, we have somehow been sold this fallacy that to be 'busy' is to be worthy. It’s the rubbish story that hustle is where it’s at, that doing more is efficient, useful, and powerful, and anything else is lazy. On top of that, we live in such a time where being busy is just normal, and it can be almost impossible for some of us to find a pocket of time to just BE.

But then why is it as we get more and more used to multi-tasking, rates of burn-out are zooming upwards? Why is it no surprise that stress is the most common issue we see in the TCM clinic week after week? Answer: because this constant busy busy busy behaviour isn’t doing us any favours.

So today, can we you simply sit and be for 5 minutes? Meditate. Micro nap. Daydream. Look at the clouds (or the ceiling). Just stop and exhale. Can we give our nervous system a break? Better still, can you wrangle a day of doing nothing? Take naps, eat lunch and stare out the window. Just go slow!

What ways can you slow down, dear ones? . . .

#selfcare #7daysofselfcare #burnout #multitasking #heartoverhustle #slowdown #mindfulness #slowliving #breathe #relax #meditation #bepresent #downtime #slowyoga #meditationforanxiety #donothing #burnout #goslowtogofast #chinesemedicine #acupunctureforanxiety #mentalhealth #anxiety

7 days of self care: day 6

DAY 6: EXPLORE

Today, we’re exploring.

Maybe just a new wander around the neighbourhood. Maybe a new cafe with a friend. Maybe a new recipe for dinner. Dive into a book and let your mind run free.

But something beyond our day to day habits - and then we’ll get to taste, see, smell and experience the new. Live a little bigger. Breathe a little lighter.

Who’s in? Tag your mate who can go exploring with you today xo

7 days of self care: day 5

DAY 5: PLAY

As we've said earlier, one of the main function’s of the Liver in TCM is ensuring the free flow of qi (energy) around the body. Yep - it’s all about freedom, movement, flow, ease, grace. And think of the times when we’re most likely NOT in this space - it’s when we’re stressed, juggling deadlines, adult-ing 🤣 you know the drill.

So today, let’s do the opposite!

Whenever I take my wee one to the park lately, I jump on the swings, and it’s been YEARS since I’ve swung and felt that breeze in my hair. Can you swing by a swing this week?

Or maybe drop by an off leash dog park in the evening dog-walking time and play with the puppers?

Go for a swim and do handstands in the water?

Whatever simple pleasures it might be, can we forget the responsibilities for a moment and just BE in the moment? Tuning in with the lightness of the seasonal energy around us will do wonders for that free flow internally and externally!

7 days of self care: day 4

DAY 4: CREATE

Spring time in TCM is all about making plans, dreaming and bringing these goals to life.. so be it big picture dreaming and planning, or just pulling out some paper and paints and getting messy and creative, can you create today? Drawing, painting, making mandalas out of leaves and flowers in the park, baking or a million and one other creative outlets… what could be on the menu for you?

The nitty gritty: the Liver in TCM is related to our ability to make plans and bring them all to life! But we all know life doesn't always go to plan.. so throughout the journey we need to be flexible and able to bend, while being strong enough to keep growing (think of young bamboo!).

The Gallbladder (the yang partner of yin Liver) is the decision-maker of the body, and helps us get clear on what needs doing. Plus - importantly - it helps us find the courage to implement them.

Spring then is all about moving and growing - both inside (us!) and outside (the world & nature!). Nice, isn't it?

7 days of self care: day 3

DAY 3: CLEANSE

They don’t call it Spring Cleaning for nothing… and while we talked about making things easier for your digestive system yesterday, today let’s take the load off your mind by clearing your space.

Decluttering your physical space has such an impact on our heads and needn’t be a whole Kondo-esque type effort! Sometimes it’s a simple at a 10 minute tidy at the end of every night, consistently, so there’s less ‘stuff’ around. Little and often is a great motto and one I’ve seen create so much big and long-lasting change in my students and clients.

One thing at a time: your work desk, a corner of your home, your car, your cupboard! Take a big inhale, an even bigger exhale… and enjoy that space!

7 days of self care: day 2

DAY 2: NOURISH

Seasonally, Spring is the time to think of adding more leafy greens 🥦 🥬 🌿 🥑 🥒 onto your plate: rocket, sprouts, kale, lettuce, spinach… plus some sour flavours like lemon and apple cider vinegar, as this is flavour of the TCM season.

The Liver is seen to be responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (e n e r g y) throughout the body, and an important organ that helps with an internal Spring clean ✨ So these sour-flavours will give a punch to your digestive system and get everything moving!

All throughout the year we’re aiming for fresh, seasonal foods, but a nice Spring clean in this warmer weather seems so much more possible, doesn't it?! Why not support the body’s natural detoxification system and go easy on the dairy, sugar and processed foods this coming week?

Green smoothie anyone? Be sure to throw in some fresh ginger as well, to give it some warmth and keep the body strong (this change of season and the hot/cold/hot/cold days are prime for bugs to invade our bodies.. keep strong and well!).

Who's in?

7 days of self care: DAY 1

A little nudge in the right direction, as we enter this beautiful new phase of warm Spring. As much a reminder for me as it is for you ;) Won't you work along with me? With love xo

DAY 1: MOVE

And just like that, Spring is in the air! With it comes a natural increase in energy along with the warmer weather (after the bunkering down vibes of Winter), so it’s the perfect time to flow with the rhythm around us. Movement is one of THE best ways to:

🌿 combat stress

🌿 increase immunity

🌿 improve sleep and mental health.

And in TCM, the Spring associated organs of the Liver and Gallbladder are alllll about the free flow of qi (energy) throughout the body - and yep, movement is always gonna be the best tool to keep this flowing with ease.

In Springtime we see all those green shoots and gorgeous blooms popping up out of nowhere (so it seems), and the air is filled with yummy scents. This vibrant energy can be expressed within us in so many ways - I'm obviously a yoga fan and a gentle flow perhaps even building a wee sweat would do wonders right now! But so would a walk outside, or a swim, or a run-around with the kids in the park. Whatever floats your boat, the time to get that spring in your step is now :) 🍃 🌱

Tag this and shout out to your yoga buddy who inspires you to keep on flowing xo

A Bowl of Porridge a Day Keeps the Dr Away

Winter time is the season of stillness, and in Chinese Medicine it's based on the element of water 💙 So how does living with the rhythm of the seasons and movement look at this time of year?

Well, let's take our cues from nature! The trees are bare, everything is still. It's all about the Winter pace, crisp air, and cosy socks.

I always find it interesting that the very next season after Winter is Spring - such a vibrant, upwardly-moving and energetic space. And a key thing to think of - where on earth does all of that energy come from? I mean, little baby shoots sprout out of the earth! That's some solid growth!

And the answer? From the stillness of Winter of course. The deep rest. The nurturing. All of this Winter pausing allows regrowth, recharging, and renewal for what is to come next.

💙 During this yin season, be sure to do activities that replenish energy reserves. This is the preparation time for what comes next (Spring) so hibernate and allow goodness to grow. Why not come and do some slow yoga with me if you're in Sydney?

💙 Furthermore, it's a good idea to avoid too much outdoor in the windy, rainy and cold weather, as from a TCM perspective this is when wind evils or evil qi (great names, right?) and dampness can enter the body and attack. Key: wear scarves outside (and in doing so, you'll cover and protect the wind-gate, where (in TCM theory) external attacks are likely to enter).

💙 In Winter, the order of the day is WARMTH, which we can get from warming foods - this'll help with so many issues that this time of year can throw up such as digestion, dehydration, phlegm and deficiencies. Think warm porridge on a cold morning, ginger teas when you're feeling the dryness of the season, or delish and yummy cooked pears for dessert. Your body will thank you! ⠀

Winter Haven

It all gets a little more quiet in Winter, doesn't it? Nature seems to be at rest, and it's a time to slow down, in order to top up. Chinese Medicine practitioners - and in fact most holistic practitioners! - encourage us to live in harmony with the seasons and find balance by doing so. But how exactly do we do that in Winter?

💧 Think of your body as a container, and at birth you have all the 'essence' and spark and life force you're going to have during your life. You'd want to protect it, right? Take care of it. Nurture it. Love it. Normal busy lives can see our essence or jing 'leak' out, and stress and disease will do the same, but key for us is that this Yin time of year (with it's dark, cold, slow and inward energy) is exactly the seasons to replenish it.

💧 From a TCM perspective, Winter provides the deep space to be still and refuel, as it's the end of all the seasons. It's time for meditation and slowing down, to allow us to become receptive and introspective. Slow yoga is perfect right now!

💧 Winter is associated with the Kidneys which hold our most basic building block - our essence that we talked about above, or in TCM terms, 'jing' - and we all know how alive and topped up we feel after a great, deep rest... so of course rest is super important to nourish our kidneys (we could well take note of animals that hibernate in Winter!).

💧 And last but not least, diet always plays a part! The good old bone broth that is a fave in Winter is actually one of the most powerful Jing tonics we could have! It's literally what the (TCM) doctor ordered! Tips for other warming foods: eat what grows at this time of year! Root veggies, dark leafy greens, apples and pears... just perfect!

A Winter Yin Yoga workshop is coming up shortly in the Inner West with me, so stay in the loop to know when it's live! Now, rug up, my loves xo

a moment of reality

Ok, let's get real here. I'm all about community. I'm all about heart. I'm all about being honest and real and showing up all gritty and dirty and being ok with that - because we're HUMANS dammit, and we're gritty and dirty and we have moments where we absolutely, 100% do NOT have our shit together.

Why then, have I spent the last 2+ years with a very clear vision of putting some online classes up - and only just done one course?

I'll tell you why: because I'm human, and the internet is amazing but it also sucks, because it's a great tool of comparison. Before going back to uni, my career of a couple decades was in PR - a world where teams come together to create a product, test it, trial it, fancy it up, and make it all pretty and 'perfect'. And it's an industry I loved, but it's left me a little frozen when it comes to creating my own stuff... just me, and a laptop.

Furthermore, I look at everyone out there on social media today with 'hashtag yoga' and it's all polished gymnastics. Ok ok.. I know it's not ALL like that, but to someone who's never felt quiet good enough, my lens is turned towards that and ... frankly, I'm so bored of it.

I am super selective about who and what I follow on social media now (there's a self-care tip for you, you DO NOT have to follow everyone you think you need to!), and I don't generally follow those yoga-celebs with tens (or hundreds!) of thousands of followers.

They're not my peeps. And maybe, just maybe, they're not your peeps either.

So if you're looking for your gang, keep reading.

Here we go, folks, here's the Shiny-version of online yoga. It's real. It's gritty. It's YOGA. Nothing more, nothing less. It's honesty, it's thought-provoking, it's movement, it's connection. It's yoga for REAL, NORMAL people. Just like you.

And here it is! Classes, online stuff, inspiration. Practice slow yoga with me, here in the inner west, Newtown Sydney or online. It's yoga for real people.

Love to you all, sweet ones. I hope you enjoy xo

Let the Leaves Drop

In these Covid-19 times, one silver lining for me has been seeing nature take back her power, as us humans are staying indoors. Pollution free cities, animals roaming the streets, pops of colour returning. And of course, forced isolation is making me miss the outdoors even more - how beautiful nature is, just in Her glory! It makes this change of season all the more gorgeous.

🍂 In Chinese Medicine, Autumn is about the metal element, and is a time for us & the earth to move from the height of summer energy, and begin turning inwards to the Yin of coolness and winter.

Even though we're staying indoors a little more right now, have you taken time to notice the leaves changing? The weather allowing us to relax and rug up? Have you found any pockets of time to slow down, as the season is? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

PRIORITIES FOR AUTUMN

🍂welcome the new pace of this slower season, and the sense of reflection it gifts

🍂 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘨𝘰 of the things you no longer need to keep carrying right now. Declutter, resolve old issues, find calm

🍂 this is the time of the Lung and Large intestine TCM organs, which are in charge of respiration, digestion and elimination. So focus on your 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 (simple: full in and out breaths, mindfully) and up the warming, nourishing and 𝘱𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵 foods (think home-cooked warm stews with ginger, pepper, bone broth, garlic and chilli)

As a friend recently said, "Metal allows us to shine” so enjoy stepping into the layers of this new season, and adopting the rhythm of the world around us. She really does know best!

Stay tuned for a wee Autumn yoga practice coming here shortly. Stay in the loop to know when it's live xo

Time to Relax

In this time of not knowing oh so much, is there any hope of relaxing? ⁣

I had a friend message me today, sending me wishes for me and my little family, and her and her little family, that we are all held right now by something bigger than all of us. It gave me such hope and joy, to know my friends are sending me love and prayers, and that we don’t need to figure it all out.⁣

It made me soften, and relax. So now... I’m sending those wishes to you - you’ve got this. xo⁣

---

PS now go message your friends some love xx⁣

PPS I was meant to return to teaching post-mat leave this past week. Obviously in this covid-mayhem all my studios are shut and I won't be leading you from the mat just yet! However, I'm cooking up some online content so stay tuned. Much love xo