As an instructor at Yoga Rocks and a founder of Living Bliss Yoga and Wellness, Solveig eats, sleeps and breathes health and wellness, and is deeply passionate about teaching yoga.
We asked for her expert advice on leading a healthy and balanced life this summer. Here’s what she had to say…
5 Simple Ways To Move Into Your Groove & Create A Healthier And Happier You
- Aqua. Water. = LIFE
We all know this and have heard it a thousand times over but it’s number 1 for a reason! Every cell in your body (and we’re talking trillions of cells) cannot survive without this magical fluid from nature. Again, you know this. Drinking water is the simplest and most common remedy to common ailments such as headaches, constipation, muscle cramps, fatigue and that rubbish feeling after any over-indulgence. The treat here is that it has ZERO side effects and 100% benefit! If it’s accessible then go for natural fresh spring water and preferably not from a plastic bottle if you can avoid it (I’ll leave my plastics rant for another day) or get yourself a filter to help reduce the lingering chemicals from the water purification process of your tap water. The bottom line, drink water and plenty of it!
Tip: start your day with 500ml boiled water infused with fresh ginger, a dash of lemon and some mint. This will not only hydrate your ‘boody’ful body but also aid with digestion and kickstart your day with all kinds of goodness!
- Dose Up On Micronutrients
Nourish your body with a wealth of nutrients by dosing your day with a juice or smoothie. These allow for quick and easy access to nutrients that will replenish and revitalise your cells, helping to support your digestive system and give you that extra sparkle you need to shine through this summer. Juices allow for an intense dose of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants but tend to contain higher levels of ‘sugar’ and the lack of fibre may leave you feeling a little hungry. Smoothies make for the perfect breakfast. They are a little easier to prepare and contain a full range of macro- and micronutrients as well as fibre allowing your belly to feel more satisfied. You can be very creative with your choice of ingredients. Try stick to more vegetables than fruits, add a few seeds, or protein powder, or superfoods of choice.
Tip: My go-to summer smoothie to keep my energy beaming…
A handful of baby spinach (or swiss chard or kale), a handful of blueberries or mixed beries, a quarter avocado, some cucumber, a slice of pineapple or papaya, half a cup of coconut water, a block or two of ice, some fresh mint and a tablespoon of superfood or protein powder. Blitz together and welcome all that goodness into your body!
- Move Your Boody!
Move mindfully and observe the way you think, act and feel. Whether you dance, run, surf, climb, yoga, gym, cycle or any other expression of movement, do it with your full attention. It’s easy to let your mind get distracted by the endless outside stimulants that clutter your thinking and dilute your experience of being present and awake. Let the movement of your body and the rhythm of your breathing become a practice of presence, no matter what the activity.
Tip: Yoga, yoga, yoga and more yoga. I love nothing better than to get on my yoga mat, no matter what my mood or what’s going in my world – it’s the place where I nurture and grow my relationship with myself and my body. It’s not about how bendy or strong or able you are, it’s about being aware. It’s noticing the thoughts, noticing your attitude, noticing your ideas and expectations and how, perhaps, those patterns of thinking are reflected in your life off of the yoga mat. That simple awareness can shift your entire experience.
- Eat Natural, Live Natural.
Source your nutrients in its most natural form (ideally from your local farmers and free of plastic packaging). Make time to prepare your food with kindness so that you can receive it into your body with gratitude. Avoid the processed, refined ‘foods’ that have a complicated list of (mostly synthetic) ingredients.
Essentially, summer is a great time to get back to basics. Get out into nature. Nature has the innate ability to heal and nurture you and for most of us it’s right on our doorstep but the mind clutter and material clutter block us from accessing it! Step outside, feel the breeze, the sunshine, the rain or the wind! Kick off your shoes and spread your toes into the lush embrace of grass, soil, sand or sea. Appreciate and celebrate the abundant gifts that nature has to offer you.
Tip: make choices that support nature so that nature can support you. Wear natural fibres (Bamboo boodywear of course!). Grow some edible plants. Reduce your waste. Recycle what you can. And re-use the rest. Ride your bike or walk whenever you can.
- Be Kind.
Kindness is the gateway to self-love. And self-love is the gateway to happiness. When you love and celebrate yourself in your entirety, you no longer need to fill any holes or gaps or emptiness because your love is boundless and immeasurable. Love yourself first and then let your love overflow into the world around you. Keep things light and simple. Don’t take life too seriously. Learn to laugh at yourself and love yourself through those moments of vulnerability.
Tip: sit quietly each day and reflect on your thoughts and self-talk. Would you say those things to someone you love? This is where a gratitude journal comes in as a handy treat! Take time to write down three to five things you are grateful for and share your gratitude with someone close to you. Sharing in gratitude creates joy and joy is the true expression of love which connects us all from within.
