Surrey Homes | SH25 | November 2016 | Christmas Gifts supplement inside

Health
Time to look within
The change of season can bring mixed feelings. Helen Barton presents a few easy ways of maintaining
happiness and developing your wellbeing, despite the wind and rain
There’s so much beauty in autumn, I can’t help but feel an inkling of anticipation when the evenings start to
close in, but not everyone feels the same way. Levels of depression have been known to increase in autumn
and winter because of the late sunrise and early sunset. Many physical ailments can be exacerbated in the
cold - and although visually beautiful - the turning of our surroundings can be a reminder of things coming to an
end. Nonetheless, with every ending is a brand new beginning.
As humans, we are inextricably linked with nature’s transitory cycles. We have our own times of light and
sunshine, darkness and cold. Being aware, conscious and accepting of these external changes, can mean an
acceptance and contentment within ourselves. Here are a few simple, unpretentious and beautifully effective ways
of becoming mindful, peaceful and joyful in this colder season.
Go barefoot - It may be cold and dewy, or
even frosty, but taking a wander on grass or soil
barefoot can have a huge positive impact on
our bodies, minds and emotions. It improves
balance and overall foot health, it relieves
stress and hypertension and can improve PMS,
sleep and the immune system. ‘Earthing’
has gone from a counter-culture trend to a
scientifically researched practice. So pick a nice
morning and whip your slippers off. Experience
the cold and be aware of how it feels.
Forest walks - If you’re lucky enough to live in
the countryside, then you won’t have to travel
far to find a forest or wooded area. Being in
this environment is not only enjoyable, it can
improve overall wellbeing. Forest bathing is
the practice of absorbing the sights, sounds
and smells of your surroundings. Take a walk
and notice all you can. Your mind may drift
back to the office, but persevere. See the
landscape, the colour and texture. Hear the
rustle of leaves underfoot, smell the pine and
the soil. Feel the cold and the comfort of a
soft scarf. Stop a minute and just be there.
Be by water - Beaches aren’t just for summer
time. I’m not suggesting you go for a swim,
but a brisk walk along a bay in winter is a great
way of blasting out those mental cobwebs. If
you can’t get to a beach, then find a river, or
stream - any moving body of water will do.
In Ayurvedic medicine, the element of water
is crucial in balancing the body and creating
physical harmony, and rivers have long been
seen as sacred, being associated with rebirth and
spiritual cleansing. The average human body
is up to 75% water, so it’s unsurprising that
there’s a natural draw to and affiliation with it.
Watch your breath - By simply stopping, sitting
and watching your breath on a daily basis, a
huge transformation can take place. Find a quiet
spot, inside or outside, and sit in a comfortable
upright posture on a chair with uncrossed legs.
Place your hands loosely on your lap, with palms
facing upwards. Close your eyes and inhale
deeply. As you exhale, shift your attention to this
exhalation. With the next breath try and extend
it a little, gradually making each inhalation
and exhalation deeper. Keep your focus on
the breath and try this for five minutes. If you
feel like sitting for longer then do so. When
you open your eyes, slowly, pay close attention
to any change in sensation or emotion.
Be thankful - Work loads, family pressures and
money difficulties can often seem over whelming.
By taking a moment to stop and be thankful, a
real sense of perspective can be gained. Where are
you reading this? Are you safe and comfortable?
Do you have food in your body? If you can
truly and fully appreciate your situation, the
feeling of wintery negativity can be lifted in an
instant. When you wake up in the morning, try
thinking of five things you have to be thankful
for, and take a moment to stop and ponder.
By trying just one of these on a regular
basis, you have the ability to create a
profound and meaningful change in
your outlook, your relationships with
others, and your experience of life.
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