When was the last time you paused and took a deep breath today? Let’s do it now - breathe in…breathe out… feel better, right?
Life can feel pretty stressful sometimes, and you’ve probably held your breath more times than you realise because of that today! There’s the never-ending to-do list, the smallest issues throw you off track and you’re not sure if you’re living the life you want anymore - it’s a struggle to keep up with it all! The problem with being in this constant state of fight/flight is that your capacity to adapt is low, self doubt begins creeping in, and you just want to hide away from it all.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
You can learn how to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and make decisions from a place of empowerment rather than fear. You can find clarity on what’s important to you, feel grounded, and live authentically. That means doing the things that matter and ditching the rest! How? By establishing a deeper connection with yourself.
How? Here are our 3 favourite ways:
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Yoga
Yoga is more than just physical exercise, it’s a way to strengthen the mind-body connection. It allows you to slow down and tune into the present moment. As you move through poses, breath control and meditation, you become more aware of your thoughts, emotions and how your body feels. With this heightened self awareness, you’re able to develop a deeper understanding of yourself and what you need. See the physical practice of yoga as a gateway to connecting with your inner self.
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Breathwork
Breathing is something you do every single day but it’s potential is often overlooked. ‘Breathwork’ is intentional and controlled breathing and there are many ways to practice it. You don’t need to dedicate an hour to lying down and 'going deep’ to make big shifts in your life. You can do it right now while you read this blog! Start with a simple technique such as diaphragmatic breathing, where you focus on breathing slowly into your abdomen. Expand your belly as you inhale, contract as your exhale and notice the sensations as you do. This style of breathing activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System (rest and relax) which will help you feel calm within minutes.
A regular breathwork practice can help you become more aware of your breathing patterns and subtle sensations within your body. It can serve as a powerful anchor, grounding you in times of stress.
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Wild Swimming
Nature has a profound ability to restore and nourish us, and immersing yourself in natural bodies of water can be a magical experience. The cool water against your skin, the gentle movement of the currents, and the sounds of nature awaken your senses and bring you into the present moment.
You’re disconnected from the noise and distractions of everyday life and reconnected with yourself and nature. As you float in the water, you can release tension, enjoy a sense of freedom, and experience a deep sense of connection with both yourself and the world around you.
This is why we incorporate all 3 of these things into our retreats, because we know how effective they are at establishing a deeper self connection, and how impactful that is for your wellbeing. So, If you’re feeling stressed and like you’ve lost your way, take time to pause, breathe, and weave these practices into your life to help you nurture the connection with yourself.
