{4 minute read}

Yoga

The benefits of yoga are somewhat limitless and indiviudal. Of course, over time flexibility will improve, along with physical wellbeing factors, like fitness levels and movement range. Though other factors can really change lives when yoga becomes a lifestyle and not a fitness class:

• Yoga is a form of meditation in itself, which helps us to switch off, calm our thoughts and focus on one thing. Taking time out for yourself, to focus on you and moving your body can have big effects on mental health and even boost creativity.
• There is more to yoga than the physical. Yoga philosophy covers a great deal of different topics. Two of them being Yama and Niyama – these are essentially principals that some Yogis live by. They outline 10 values around self discipline, how we conduct ourselves and our ethical standards. If you are intrigued, research Yama and Niyama and let me know what you think.
• There are many ways to practice yoga: group classes, online live classes, pre recorded yoga classes, YouTube videos, 1-1s, sitting in stillness or the good old fashioned way – you, your mat and movement from the soul.

Happy Feet

What did we do before shoes were invented? You guessed it, we walked bare foot…….and there are many reasons to kicking off the sandals! Modern shoes now have various adaptations from raised heels, flexible arches to extra in-build support, this may give you a sense of relief if you have an injury, pain etc. Though for the majority of us walking bare foot could give your feet some well deserved freedom.

• When we strap our feet into our boots, shoes or trainers we are restricting the natural movement of the foot, instead of walking from heel, through the arch, onto the ball of the foot and finishing with the toes, these movement are merge together. So in short we stop using all the muscles in our feet. By walking bare foot your muscles are put to work through the changes of texture in terrain (walking on the beach, grass, pavement etc), waking up our stabiliser muscles and giving our feet full range of movement. So, kick off your Sunday shoes and strengthen those muscles.

Plants

Plants and nature have been mentioned in previous Dea Dia posts (connecting with nature and bringing the outside in). Having house plants give you more than just better air quality and green aesthetics. Looking after and nurturing plants can give us a sense of achievement, purpose and an overall sense of wellbeing. Watching your chosen plant grow and flourish by your love and care is a great way to feel a sense of pride in your home.

• Plants can have therapeutic benefits, improving your mood, lowering stress and anxiety, increasing focus, helping with sleep and is known to aid relaxation and give you a sense of calm.
  *turns house into a jungle*