Kneaded News

~ the newsletter from Sarah Newdigate Holistic Massage ~

Hello! I hope this email finds you well.

 

I've been busy this November learning some new skills. Some of these new skills have been massage-related. I've been to a wonderful massage skill enhancement day in Exeter which gave me the chance to learn new techniques and meet some wonderful new therapists. We did a lot of hands on work which is the best way to learn any new technique. Everyone works slightly differently and each therapist is a pool of information. Days like these are invaluable and I feel renewed and invigorated afterwards.

A non-massage related skill I've been learning is crochet!

 

Initially I had thought that I'd be able to use my new skill to make lovely little home made Christmas gifts for friends and family. Now, though, I feel that unless my loved ones would like a scruffy little granny square for Christmas then I may need some time to hone my skills a bit more. Perhaps next year I will be able to make my own gifts.

 

I always love to learn a new skill, I like to feel new neural pathways forming in my brain. I also find it very calming to sit and create something with my hands.

Crochet, and other similar crafts, can be a great meditative pastime too as they involve repetitive actions, stillness and a specific point of focus. It can be frustrating to work some of the more fiddly bits but if you focus on the task not only does it become easier but the task itself becomes a form of meditation. In more formal forms of meditation it is common to have a singular point of focus, usually this is the breath but it can be a candle light or a mantra - why not a crochet stitch?

Perhaps you could take advantage of the shorter days to take up a hobby, or read some of those books you've had on you shelf waiting for you to have the free time.

 

Remember that free time or spare time isn't time wasted. It is time for you to rest and enjoy. Use it however you wish but try to notice it and appreciate it.

 

If you already have a hobby remember that any repetitive action, big or small, will have an impact on your body. Take short breaks and do some counter stretching as you go.

Why not try...?

 

At the end of my newsletter I like to try to recommend little changes that we can make in our lives to better them.

 

I try to choose small, easy changes that everyone can implement if they so chose. Things that don't take large amounts of time or cost anything are the best.

 

 So today's little change I would like to recommend is... walking every day!

 

It doesn't have to be a long walk, it just has to be outside everyday. It doesn't sound too hard does it? But it does have to be everyday. Whatever the weather, whatever your mood. Now it might sound a little tougher.

 

The key to making this a daily habit is doing it on the bad days. When you feel that there is no time or it's too cold or too wet outside. If you can get outside and take a quick walk down the road or around the block on those days then you can do it every day!

 

And the benefits to daily walking are huge. Your mental and physical health will thank you. Your blood pressure may drop, your mind may ease, your joints may loosen. Try it for a month and see what benefits you feel.

 

Some of you may already be doing this, particularly if you have dogs! If that's the case then while you are out walking I'd like to suggest you add a few moments of mindfulness to your walks. Take a few moments to take in your surroundings. Feel the ground under your steps, notice the wind on your skin, how does your breathing change as you walk?

 

So walking... every day. No matter what. Give it a go for at least one month and see how you feel. And enjoy! 

 

Click Here to Get In Touch
Follow me on the Socials
Follow on Facebook
Follow on Instagram
Broadacres, East Coker, Yeovil BA22 9LW, UK
07583 039744

Find out more about Sarah Newdigate Holistic Massage on my website  
This email was created with Wix.‌ Discover More