What am I doing every day right now?

As energy levels and temperatures start to plummet, lots of us are feeling more tired. Yawning feels highly contagious; so much so that it's a topic of conversation in my yoga classes (and no, it's not boredom!)

Somewhere in the depths of our natural state, we are still craving the season of hibernation, but our busy, full-of-to-do-lists-and-a-barrage-of-information-lives rarely allow for this. So here are some simple choices I'm making to feel more balanced and myself - EVERY DAY!

• I'm getting outside whatever the weather. A rainy, windy stomp in waterproof trousers may not sound that appealing, but trust me the resetting of your nervous system and the hot drink at the end of it is worth every ounce of slight discomfort that occurs just before your body temperature raises, and you start to feel the effect of the exercise endorphins.

• I'm cooking something warm and fresh, no matter how small and simple it is. Yesterday I was really busy, so my fresh warm bowl of goodness was a quick porridge with chopped pears, almond butter, ground flaxseed and a drizzle of local honey. It tasted incredible, and made me feel warm, full, grounded and happy all in one go (I had just been out for a cold and blustery beach walk which we know makes everything taste even more amazing).

• I'm staying hydrated. This is a tricky one for me as it gets colder, because I crave tea and coffee and all drinks hot, meaning I have to adapt some of my drinks so that they're not all caffeine. I'm currently loving fresh root ginger and lemon juice in hot water, camomile tea, sometimes simply hot water if I'm feeling cold and thirsty, and also ensuring I drink plenty of plain water (not too cold) because I still feel that I need plain water to really quench my thirst.

• I'm doing a stronger yoga practise. I'm always working to maintain and build strength in my body, but at this time of year it feels even more important because I want to feel heat and strength which improves stability, posture & breathing, circulation and the release of unnecessary tension. All of which contributes to an increased physical capacity and a general feeling of improved wellbeing. It also helps me reduce the frequency of needing to curl up into a tired ball over the colder months. In ayurveda, this is one of the ways in which we reduce the heavier, wintry, excessive kapha energy which can make us feel more weary and lethargic.

  
  

  If you are currently less able, and/or feeling fatigued right now, continue to move every day to a level which feels like an appropriate increase for you. Whatever this iswill improve confidence and positivity which is a great step towards feeling stronger and more energised. I have #multiplesclerosis so understand the fluctuations very well and will be writing lots more on how to build strength and maintain energy levels alongside a long term health condition.

• And of course I'm making all the soup...This one is extra special - make this if you feel like you need an extra little boost. The toppings were originally an afterthought, but as it turned out, they were the bit that reminded me why I take the time to cook something homemade - entirely for me -regardless of whether anyone else in my house is likely to eat it.

RECIPE: Spiced butternut squash, red lentil and coconut soup topped with roasted peppers, aubergines, rainbow chard and pine nuts - jam-packed full of fibre, vitamins, flavour and joy.

• 

  Spiced butternut squash, red lentil and coconut soup topped with roasted peppers, aubergines, rainbow chard and pine nuts

  INGREDIENTS: 1 x large butternut squash, 1 x large carrot, 1 x large leek, 1 x large white onion, 1 x cup red lentils, 1 x heaped tsp - turmeric, ground cumin, ground coriander, 1 x half tsp chilli flakes & ground black pepper, 1 x good pinch of salt, 1 x litre veg stock, 1 x red pepper, large handful of pine nuts lightly toasted, extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil or cold pressed rapeseed oil for frying.

  
  

  METHOD: Dry fry the spices until they smell lovely, add some oil and the onions and leeks and cook slowly until they have softened. Peel and dice the squash and carrot and add to the pan, cooking for a few minutes and stirring everything to combine all the flavours and ingredients. Add the stock and lentils and cook on a medium heat until everything is tender. Whilst that is cooking, slowly fry the red pepper in lots of salty extra virgin olive oil until it looks soft and slighty charred. Then add the pine nuts until they start to brown, then the chard for about a minute. Set the peppers, pine nuts and chard aside. Add the coconut oil to the soup and whizz to a beautifully silky smooth consistency. Serve immediately with the salty, oily soup toppings and immediately feel incredibly happy and well fed. Because you have been well fed. And you took the time to cook it for yourself. Which is all part of a happy, healthy digestion.

  
  

Thoughts, questions or comments are always welcome

Lynne x

Hello lovely reader,

If you're reading this feeling fatigued, under the weather, overwhelmed and under-prioritised, remember you don't have to make all of the changes in one day. In fact, one great decision at a time is an excellent first step towards feeling amazing!

If you are looking for some personalised wellbeing guidance, encompassing holistic therapies such as yoga, nutrition, reiki, ayurveda on a one to one basis, so that you can fully prioritise yourself, I currently have 2 x spaces for one to one coaching in Shoreham or via zoom.

Get in touch directly if you are up for making a real and long lasting

difference to your wellbeing

Details of my classes, coaching and retreats are all on my website

 or you can contact me directly on lynnejarrettyoga@gmail.com

Lynne x