Anxiety, stress, uncertainty, its still all around us.   We're adjusting to life coming out of lockdown and   we're constantly being bombarded with information, numbers and news stories about the pandemic. So it's a perfectly normal to be feeling anxious and stressed.  It's our body's reaction while the brain searches for certainty.

One strategy to keep yourself balanced and resilient is to have a plan.

Ensure you include time for self care, not only exercise and good food, but also include time for calm like meditation, massage or a favourite pastime.   Anything that will quieten the brain and allow it to shift from fight or flight into reflective mode.

Have some fun..... make sure each day includes something that is just fun.   I love trees, so just a few minutes walking under trees or taking my cup of tea into the garden brings me joy and renews my energy.

It's so easy to focus on all the things you haven't done, those never-ending lists of things to do, that we forget to acknowledge all that we have done.  Congratulate yourself right now on what you have completed....in the last hour, today or this week. I like to write them in my diary and tick them off.  Include a tick for self care! Give yourself a hug right now and acknowledge your achievements.

There's never been a more important time to take care of yourself.

* Taken from Mentemia, "Re-entry after lockdown"

We all seem to be coming out of the micro trauma of lockdown in a very individual way and with Christmas approaching,  emotions seem to be high and anxiety is peaking.

One of my favourite strategies, is just to simply,   stop.    No matter how stressful and busy your day is, willingingly and consciously, just.....stop.  Even 30 seconds, can be enough to rebalance and freshen your focus.   Hug your dog, really enjoy your coffee, drive a little slower, smell the flowers.

On my way to work this morning, I stopped to appreciate these beautiful sunflowers at the markets.   I was running late, (I'm always late!) but taking just a few seconds to stop and take in these stunning flowers, was enough to for me to change my perspective and rebalance a little.

There's never been a more essential time to be kind to yourself.

I know, because I've been doing it too!    
At first glance this borders on  being a little rude, but most of us have been giving the keyboard, mouse, the tracker or remotes a fair working over.
I woke up one morning with intense pain in my index finger.    Overusing the mouse (everyone else has moved on I know, but I still have a mouse....) had tightened my forearm flexors, I could feel them bulging through my arm.   A strong massage with laser, some consistent stretching, solved the problem.    
Whatever you do, don't get behind on these niggly pains, they are warning signs that something isn't right.
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I am unable to offer any Facial treatments at the moment, but if you are after a deeply calming and relaxing treatment, I can highly recommend the Kansa Foot Massage.
Marma Points on the foot, when treated, encourage the whole body to relax, rejuvenate and rebalance.  Most people find that their sleep improves as well.
This is a great treatment to help us ground and refocus after the many weeks of our lockdown and uncertainty.
Don't worry if you have sensitive feet, when massaged properly, most people relax into this treatment really well.
Please feel free to phone or text if you have any questions.