Happy New Year, lets focus on me!
A huge ‘Happy New Year’ from the team at Coach House Forge. We hope you have had a wonderful festive period and are looking forward to the brand new year ahead.
When we meet up with our friends and colleagues after the holidays’, the topic of conversation always seems to get round to ‘resolutions’
‘What are your resolutions?’
The tradition of making resolutions dates back thousands of years to the Ancient Babylonians who made ‘ pledges’ . They believed that keeping these pledges/resolutions would earn them favor with the Gods.
Thousands of years later here we are still making these pledges. It can be easy to get swept up into a list of all the things we need to give up, cut down or get rid of, but here at Coach House Forge the theme for our pledge this year will be ‘Self care’. Prioritising looking out for our own wellbeing.
In the hectic whirlwind of modern life, it’s all too common to feel overwhelmed by the constant juggling act of family, work, home, health, finances, school, and friendships. It can be exhausting.
Putting yourself first, making yourself a priority can be an alien concept for many of us.
Putting your needs above those of others and saying ‘no’ doesn’t always come naturally and can make us feel uncomfortable , even selfish !
Self care is not selfish, it is necessary. Don’t take our word for it – here are some of our favourite wellbeing quotes.
“The first wealth is health” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Happiness depends on ourselves” – Aristotle
“We can’t control the direction of the wind, but we can adjust our sails” – Jimmy Dean
‘Your body listens to everything your mind says” – Naomi Judd
There is no ‘One Size Fits All’ remedy for wellbeing. Simply do what makes you happy, take time for you, fill up your own cup.
A quick survey around the office came up with a great list of activities which can all be done at home for free.
Meditation
Whether via an app or youtube video or just by yourself, simply find a quiet space and take time for yourself. There are meditations online from as little as 5 minutes per day which is perfect for busy days.
Reading
Getting absorbed in a good book gives us a little ‘ brain break’ from the hassles of daily life. Get yourself set up with a warm drink, a blanket and maybe even light a candle to set the mood.
Sound Bath. (No water involved!)
This is the practice of lying or sitting and being immersed in soothing music, healing vibrations from crystal bowls, cymbals and gongs and sounds from nature. Lots of apps and Youtube videos offer sound baths for free and no equipment is needed.
Yoga
All you need is a mat and yourself and you can begin your own Yoga journey. With thousands of videos online to choose from, whether you are a complete beginner or an expert.
Breathing
Simple breathing exercises can help with stress and anxiety and aid relaxation. A simple google search brings up lots of brilliant and usable information including some great exercises on the NHS website.
We all need a reminder to take care of ourselves from time to time.
