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Thursday 8 September 2011
Saturday 3 September 2011
Minimise back to school stress and maximise 'You' time!
Top tips for tired mums, as the kids go....
The summer holiday has ended, time to treat yourself to some TLC...
Weekly classes from Wednesday 14th September at Fitness First Fleet (non members welcome).
Monthly classes from Thursday 22nd September at the Memorial Hall in Church Crookham
See Classes Tab for more information.
Relax and Enjoy September! x
If you’ve been running around after energetic kids all summer, the chances are you’re feeling pretty pooped! Luckily, there are plenty of relaxing and de-stressing ideas to help you..
Routine really helps at allivaiating Back-To-School Stress
- see this article for some great ideas to help your daily rountine.
The summer holiday has ended, time to treat yourself to some TLC...
- Take the weight off your feet with a soothing foot massage
- Show your hands some love with a marvellous manicure
- Freshen up with a fantastic facial
- Get nice and limber with some yoga or pliates
- Unwind with a Relaxation Class. Never underestimate the importance of a bit of ‘me time’. Spend just a little time on yourself and you’ll be left feeling relaxed, refreshed and ready to deal with absolutely anything!!
- Mellow Relaxation classes start up again this month, come along and reconnect to your inner calm....
Weekly classes from Wednesday 14th September at Fitness First Fleet (non members welcome).
Monthly classes from Thursday 22nd September at the Memorial Hall in Church Crookham
See Classes Tab for more information.
Relax and Enjoy September! x
Tuesday 9 August 2011
Send thoughts of Light, Peace and Love around the World
Help send Light, Peace and Love to the world in this time of unrest with this lovely visualisation from Relax Kids. Great to help children feel than they can help too. x
Saturday 6 August 2011
5 Ways to Relax When the Kids are Driving You Nuts
5 Ways to Relax When the Kids are Driving You Nuts.......
Article from: www.relaxationhaven.com
"Parenthood is awesome. Parenthood is stressful. Parenthood makes me laugh till I cry and weep with joy. And it can also leave me standing in the middle of the kitchen weeping from sheer exhaustion. From the outside looking in, these kids are innocent and cute and cuddly. And all of that’s true. But day in and day out, they fight and they scream and they always. need. something. They always need you.
And yes, you can take the occasional day off. You might even squeeze in a weekend away, but is that enough? Most definitely, no. Parents need a reprieve in the heat of the battle. We don’t necessarily want to run away from our children (okay, maybe sometimes we do); we just want to survive the day.
Here are five ways that I’ve learned to relax while caring for my children.
#1. Nap. It seems so simple, but parents just don’t do it. We’re so driven to “get stuff done” when the kids are asleep. Yes, it’s true, naptime is the golden hour to get stuff done, but this doesn’t mean we have to use it every day. Once in a while, lie down with your children (or in a different room) and take an honest to goodness nap. My oldest thinks herself “too old for naps,” and really doesn’t take them anymore. But still, every once in a while, I tell her, “Mama needs to rest today, so you don’t have to take a nap, but we are going to rest.” I tell her she doesn’t have to sleep, but she has to be quiet and rest, because rest is important. And she does it. She often looks at a book, but she stays horizontal and she’s quiet. If you’re worried about escapees, utilize childproof doorknobs and toddler gates. Even if you don’t actually fall asleep, you will at least get a moment to relax. The laundry can wait. Really, it can.
#2. Amoratherapy. I diffuse essential oils in my home nearly every day. If I’m feeling tense or anxious, I diffuse lavender oil. If I can’t keep my eyes open, I use lemongrass oil to perk myself up. I tell you the truth – it really helps! And my kids love it too! Be sure to use real essential oils and not synthetic fragrance oils. And if you don’t have a diffuser, just wear a little oil like a perfume.
#3. Walk. It might sound counterintuitive, but it really works. Take a nice long walk and it will relax you and your kids. And if you tire out your kids, it will make an easier day for you! If it’s cold out, bundle everyone up and make it a (short) adventure. Fresh air and getting your body moving will definitely help you unwind.
#4. Classical or Relaxation music. My kids complained at first because they wanted “cool music,” but after a few days, they started to like it. At first, I was reluctant to play music in the house, as I didn’t want anything to add to the constant noise, but classical was different. It didn’t feel like noise – it felt like a layer of serenity.
#5. Yoga. Your kids can do yoga! They even make kids’ yoga videos if you need some guidance. (Or just look it up on YouTube.) It won’t be the same as a true adult yoga class, as your kids will still be giggling and making comments, but it will be yogic enough to provide you with some of the many benefits of yoga, including de-stressing!"
Relax and Enjoy! x
Here are five ways that I’ve learned to relax while caring for my children.
#1. Nap. It seems so simple, but parents just don’t do it. We’re so driven to “get stuff done” when the kids are asleep. Yes, it’s true, naptime is the golden hour to get stuff done, but this doesn’t mean we have to use it every day. Once in a while, lie down with your children (or in a different room) and take an honest to goodness nap. My oldest thinks herself “too old for naps,” and really doesn’t take them anymore. But still, every once in a while, I tell her, “Mama needs to rest today, so you don’t have to take a nap, but we are going to rest.” I tell her she doesn’t have to sleep, but she has to be quiet and rest, because rest is important. And she does it. She often looks at a book, but she stays horizontal and she’s quiet. If you’re worried about escapees, utilize childproof doorknobs and toddler gates. Even if you don’t actually fall asleep, you will at least get a moment to relax. The laundry can wait. Really, it can.
#2. Amoratherapy. I diffuse essential oils in my home nearly every day. If I’m feeling tense or anxious, I diffuse lavender oil. If I can’t keep my eyes open, I use lemongrass oil to perk myself up. I tell you the truth – it really helps! And my kids love it too! Be sure to use real essential oils and not synthetic fragrance oils. And if you don’t have a diffuser, just wear a little oil like a perfume.
#3. Walk. It might sound counterintuitive, but it really works. Take a nice long walk and it will relax you and your kids. And if you tire out your kids, it will make an easier day for you! If it’s cold out, bundle everyone up and make it a (short) adventure. Fresh air and getting your body moving will definitely help you unwind.
#4. Classical or Relaxation music. My kids complained at first because they wanted “cool music,” but after a few days, they started to like it. At first, I was reluctant to play music in the house, as I didn’t want anything to add to the constant noise, but classical was different. It didn’t feel like noise – it felt like a layer of serenity.
#5. Yoga. Your kids can do yoga! They even make kids’ yoga videos if you need some guidance. (Or just look it up on YouTube.) It won’t be the same as a true adult yoga class, as your kids will still be giggling and making comments, but it will be yogic enough to provide you with some of the many benefits of yoga, including de-stressing!"
Relax and Enjoy! x
Article from:
http://www.relaxationhaven.com/tips/5-ways-to-relax-when-the-kids-are-driving-you-nuts/ see website for more Relaxation tips.
Wednesday 3 August 2011
Great Stress Relief Breath Exercise....
I find this breathing technique VERY EFFECTIVE at relieving stress, it really calms me down!!
Kundalini Yoga Instructional Video: Stress Relief Meditation Breath
Relax and Enjoy! xTuesday 2 August 2011
You can even Relax on the Loo!!!
I saw a great tip the other day.....
Add a couple of drops of lavender oil (or another relaxing fragrance of your choice) on the inside of the cardboard toilet tissue roll.
With each turn, fragrance is released into the room, not only making the room smell nice, but making you feel calmer and more relaxed at the same time!
Add a couple of drops of lavender oil (or another relaxing fragrance of your choice) on the inside of the cardboard toilet tissue roll.
With each turn, fragrance is released into the room, not only making the room smell nice, but making you feel calmer and more relaxed at the same time!
Who could ask for more from their bathroom experience :)
Wednesday 27 July 2011
Relax into your authentic self.....
No thought, no trying, no “efforting” can bring about awareness. It just is, when we allow it to be.
‘Being’ isn’t a mental concept, but a state. It isn’t something we have to try to do.
Being is our essential self spontaneously and quite naturally expressing itself. Hence fulfilment and ultimately inner peace, is the flow of our inner fullness into every aspect of our day.
When we are aware and present, we also naturally become relaxed and calm.
When we are aware and present, we also naturally become relaxed and calm.
Allow yourself to relax into your authentic state.
Insights from Michael Brown’s Alchemy of the Heart
Tuesday 26 July 2011
Those Lazy Days of Summer........
As we head into the summer holidays, it is very easy to get so booked up with days out, play dates, outings and trips that we end up going back to school/work in September for a rest! While it’s fun to have lots of activities to do over the holidays, make sure you schedule in some ‘Lazy Days’ too! Lazy Days are where you stay in your PJs or casual clothes all day and just chill out together as a family. Make it a day where there is no TV or computer games, so you can spend time together just lazing in the garden, playing games, reading, listening to music.
It’s really important that children learn that it’s ok to just ‘BE’ sometimes, they don’t have to constantly be ‘doing’ something. You may get initial resistance but you’ll be amazed at how quickly children can find ways to amuse themselves without the electronic devices, and while they are lost in their own little world, you can enjoy some relaxation time too! If it seems too difficult to manage a whole day like that, start with 1 hour – where it is clear that everyone is to amuse themselves and just have some chill out time. If your children are still very young, then use their nap time to give yourself some quality relaxation time, don’t use it to do a million chores – the world won’t stop spinning if you leave the washing or the dishes for later or tomorrow. It may not be practical to do this every day, but make sure that at least once a week you hide the ‘to do list’ and prioritise yourself, having quality relaxation time for you and your family!
Those lazy days of summer are here…….enjoy them (whatever the weather!) x
Friday 22 July 2011
Make time for yourself!
It's the smartest parenting tip you'll ever get: Make time for yourself!
Doing things you enjoy, whether getting your nails polished or reading a chapter of a delicious novel, actually makes you a better mum because it replenishes the well your kids are always drawing from. Otherwise, you'll be so tapped out you'll have nothing to give, which is bad news for everybody.
Here are 9 easy ways..... x
Thursday 21 July 2011
Say “yes” to the Present Moment......
Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have. Always say “yes” to the present moment. What could be more futile, more insane, than to create inner resistance to something that already is? What could be more insane than to oppose life itself, which is now and always now? Surrender to what is. Say “yes” to life — and see how life suddenly starts working for you rather than against you. - Eckhart Tolle
Tuesday 19 July 2011
For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.....
5 Reasons to Slow Down Your Life Today, and How to Do It.
See this great blog post from PositivityBlog - 5 Reasons to Slow Down Your Life Today, and How to Do It.
Relax and Enjoy x
See this great blog post from PositivityBlog - 5 Reasons to Slow Down Your Life Today, and How to Do It.
Relax and Enjoy x
Saturday 16 July 2011
Wednesday 13 July 2011
TOMORROW - Relaxation Class
You deserve some 'Me' time!
If you live near Fleet in Hampshire, read on......if you live further a field, please follow this Mellow Mums blog or Facebook page for lots of lovely relaxation tips!
TOMORROW - enjoy a wonderfully evening putting yourself first and learn some great relaxation techniques to benefit all the family.
The class includes some relaxation tips, gentle movement and stretching, breathing exercises and ends with a fabulous guided deep relaxation.
Suitable for all ages and abilities!
Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat, or similar, to sit on. Please also bring a shawl or blanket and a bottle of water.
Can you think of a more beneficial way to spend an evening?
NEXT CLASS:
Date: Tomorrow - Thursday 14th July
Where: Memorial Hall, Sandy Lane, Church Crookham GU52 8LD
Time: 8pm - 9:30pm
Cost: £7.00
Classes will then be once a month from September.
To reserve a place please contact Katharine via this page, or by email: mellowmums1@gmail.com or by phone 07929 919035
If you live near Fleet in Hampshire, read on......if you live further a field, please follow this Mellow Mums blog or Facebook page for lots of lovely relaxation tips!
TOMORROW - enjoy a wonderfully evening putting yourself first and learn some great relaxation techniques to benefit all the family.
The class includes some relaxation tips, gentle movement and stretching, breathing exercises and ends with a fabulous guided deep relaxation.
Suitable for all ages and abilities!
Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat, or similar, to sit on. Please also bring a shawl or blanket and a bottle of water.
Can you think of a more beneficial way to spend an evening?
NEXT CLASS:
Date: Tomorrow - Thursday 14th July
Where: Memorial Hall, Sandy Lane, Church Crookham GU52 8LD
Time: 8pm - 9:30pm
Cost: £7.00
Classes will then be once a month from September.
To reserve a place please contact Katharine via this page, or by email: mellowmums1@gmail.com or by phone 07929 919035
Labels:
Relaxation Class
Location:
Fleet, Hampshire GU51, UK
Monday 11 July 2011
'Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.'
'Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.' a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson.
I love this quote.
When we get all flustered, we need to remember to take a deep breath and be patient. What is meant to be will be. Stressing ourselves out in the interim won't change this. Choose the Mellow path..... x
Sunday 10 July 2011
12 Happiness Enhancing Activites
Mellow Mums are Happy mums!
Have a look at the list below of 12 Happiness Enhancing Activities from the book 'The How of Happiness' by Sonja Lyubomirsky and pick 3 or 4 that you can really relate to. Try to incorporate them into your daily life to increase your happiness levels!
Practicing gratitude and positive thinking:
(1) Express gratitude - this one is huge! Thinking about all the things we are grateful for, shifts our perception of life and we start focusing on the positive.
(2) Cultivate optimism - the glass IS half full!
(3) Avoid overthinking- stop over analyzing things and let them go. What will be will be.
Investing in Social Connections:
(4) Practice acts of kindness - try and do a random act of kindness every day, it works even better if you don't tell anyone you did it!
(5) Nurture social relationships- although it's good to have 'me' time, make sure you make time in your diary to spend time with positive friends too.
Managing Stress, Hardship, and Trauma:
(6) Develop Strategies for Coping - by developing coping skills, we can keep our anxiety to a minimum. The key is to have those skills in place before they are needed. Determine what things in your life are stressful and be prepared for them.
(7) Learn to forgive- if you don't, it's you that comes off worse, as the negativity eats away at you. It's not always easy to forget, but try to forgive (including forgiving yourself for things), the sense of release will allow you to feel much calmer.
Living in the Present:
(8) Increase Flow experiences - those moments when you are completely and totally absorbed in an activity and as such, everything else is forgotten.
(9) Savour life’s joys - by being present in the moment we notice so many more of life's small joys, that otherwise would have passed us by. Savour them.
(10) Commit to goals - you'll feel an amazing sense of achievement when you reach them!
Taking care of body and soul:
(11) Practice spirituality - spirituality means different things to different people, but I think just having that senses of being part of something greater, gives much more depth and meaning to life, things have a sense of purpose and having a sense of purpose makes one feel happier.
(12) Take care of body through -
Wishing you much happiness! x
Have a look at the list below of 12 Happiness Enhancing Activities from the book 'The How of Happiness' by Sonja Lyubomirsky and pick 3 or 4 that you can really relate to. Try to incorporate them into your daily life to increase your happiness levels!
Practicing gratitude and positive thinking:
(1) Express gratitude - this one is huge! Thinking about all the things we are grateful for, shifts our perception of life and we start focusing on the positive.
(2) Cultivate optimism - the glass IS half full!
(3) Avoid overthinking- stop over analyzing things and let them go. What will be will be.
Investing in Social Connections:
(4) Practice acts of kindness - try and do a random act of kindness every day, it works even better if you don't tell anyone you did it!
(5) Nurture social relationships- although it's good to have 'me' time, make sure you make time in your diary to spend time with positive friends too.
Managing Stress, Hardship, and Trauma:
(6) Develop Strategies for Coping - by developing coping skills, we can keep our anxiety to a minimum. The key is to have those skills in place before they are needed. Determine what things in your life are stressful and be prepared for them.
(7) Learn to forgive- if you don't, it's you that comes off worse, as the negativity eats away at you. It's not always easy to forget, but try to forgive (including forgiving yourself for things), the sense of release will allow you to feel much calmer.
Living in the Present:
(8) Increase Flow experiences - those moments when you are completely and totally absorbed in an activity and as such, everything else is forgotten.
(9) Savour life’s joys - by being present in the moment we notice so many more of life's small joys, that otherwise would have passed us by. Savour them.
(10) Commit to goals - you'll feel an amazing sense of achievement when you reach them!
Taking care of body and soul:
(11) Practice spirituality - spirituality means different things to different people, but I think just having that senses of being part of something greater, gives much more depth and meaning to life, things have a sense of purpose and having a sense of purpose makes one feel happier.
(12) Take care of body through -
- Meditation - going inwards and becoming centred gets to you a place where you can respond much more effectively to what life throws at you.
- Physical activity - has a long lasting effect on happiness levels
- Acting like a happy person. Fake it till you make it! You're brain doesn't know the difference and will release the happy hormones anyway!
Wishing you much happiness! x
Friday 8 July 2011
Feeling a bit frazzled?
Have a wonderful bubble bath with some essential oils – the ones you choose can make all the difference to your mood…..
Bubble Bath – use a natural or organic bubble bath that isn’t full of nasty chemicals, which stress the body out. I like the Faith in Nature, Green People and Earth Friendly Baby brands, all easily available online and most good health stores stock them. Local mums can find them at Organically Speaking in Hartley Wintney and Food for Thought in Guildford – both fab stores!
Essential Oils –
For Relaxation : Add 5 drops of Lavender to a teaspoon of milk or cream – most decadent - can’t be beaten! You could also add a drop of Clary Sage to help you sleep.
To De-stress: 2 drops of Lavender
2 drops of Mandarin
2 drops of Orange
2 drops of Ylang-ylang
There are many websites detailing other wonderful oil blends, experiment with what works best for you.
Oils can be purchased online or from stores like Neal’s Yard (Local Mums – they have a store in Guildford). Try to buy organic oils where possible.
If the kids are playing up, add some oils to their baths too, to help chill them out. Half the quantities for under 12’s. As with all essential oils seek professional advice if you are pregnant.
For some lovely family bonding time, all jump in the bath together and enjoy the fun bubbles and relaxing aromas!
Relax and Enjoy the weekend fellow Mummies! Let me know how you enjoy your bubbles! x
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