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Welcome to the NEOM Café!
Whilst you sip your Tony's Chocolonely hot chocolate and enjoy your sweet treat, we hope you enjoy these little winter wellbeing tips from psychologist Suzy Reading to help you with better sleep, less stress, more energy or a lifted mood in the run up to Christmas...
1. For Better Sleep... Schedule Time To Properly Relax
We all know that sleep is so important when it comes to feeling (and looking!) our best yet so many of us struggle to switch off. If you find yourself lying in bed wide awake despite all of your efforts to wind down, don't stress. The key is to know that it’s not just sleep that is healing and restorative – rest is just as good. The good news is that we can cultivate the ability to relax. So let yourself flop and drop, with no pressure to be asleep. Instead just rest. Sleep will come. Try to take some purposeful pauses during your day too. Practicing the skill of relaxation during the day is such a great way to reset too.
Top top: bring your hands to your heart and just take a few breaths to ground yourself. You'll be surprised at how much easier you'll find it to relax at night. The skill of relaxation is a super power. Gift it to yourself and you’ll see how it is the gift that keeps on giving!
2. For A Boost Of Energy... Rethink Your Schedule
My biggest advice is is to remember that no one has infinite capacity. This is a demanding time of year coupled with the real impact that winter has on your mind and body. It’s ok to acknowledge that you’re tired. Take a moment to extend some of that kindness that you give so generously to others towards yourself. With this gesture you can also give yourself an opportunity to tweak plans and make a few adjustments to what you've got on your plate. Who can lend a hand? What corners can you cut? What can get dropped? Be gentle and give yourself permission to be just one human being. It's not selfish to block out some time for you. Instead of over committing to things, block out some time to do whatever helps you feel energised.
3. For A Stress Release... Take A Mindful Moment
Whenever you’re feeling pulled in a million different directions or you reach that feeling of overload, pause. Make two fists and press the base of your thumbs into your forehead for 5 big breaths. Feel how this practice relaxes your eyes, releases your jaw and slows your rate of breathing down, just like you’re hitting your own reboot button. Repeat as needed and let it lead you back into your day with a little more calm. Another little tool I love is to take pen to paper. Write down what's overwhelming you... whether that's jobs that need doing or things bothering you. I always feel so much lighter for jotting all of this down and clearing my mind.
4. For A Lifted Mood... Get Outside
Mother Nature is a great remedy for brightening any mood and whilst the weather may not be too tempting, let this be your little reminder to wrap up warm and get some fresh air. Even just 10 minutes is enough to reap the rewards. Take some time away from your laptop, phone or any other distraction and truly be present. Enjoy the great outdoors and all it has to offer. A little ‘panoramic gaze’ can really help calm the nervous system. If you’re indoors, or you just don’t fancy going out, use scent to lift you up instead. Light your candle (it's Perfect Peace for me), or diffuse a refreshing Essential Oil Blend through your Wellbeing Pod.
5. When You're Seeking Peace, Fill Up Your Own Cup
Remember the purpose of this season should be joy so seek out what makes you happy. Whether that's scheduling time with a loved one, snuggling up with a good book or watching your favourite Christmas movie, it's easy to get swept up in the chaos. This only leads to burn out and feeling pretty exhausted come January. Instead, remember to connect with yourself... and others. My mantra right now is to savour the joyful moments and seek out as much goodness as you can.