February Sadness? February Gladness! (or How to Beat the Winter Blues)

February Sadness? February Gladness! (or How to Beat the Winter Blues)

by | Feb 19, 2018 | Healthy Living, Off the Mat, On the Mat

Well here we are, marching (or slipping and sliding) into another winter month.  I really never understand people who *like* winter.  I guess some people like being cold and shovelling snow?  It takes all kinds!  Spring is (kinda) on the horizon (Spring Equinox March 20, baby!) yet here in Newfoundland we know that it might be a little while yet before we’re stripping off the layers and lunching in the park. 

The Winter months can be hard for many of us.  The body and mind crave light and heat and going without that goodness for so long can put us in a funk: winter blues anyone?  But February doesn’t have to be the dark, dreary month we sometimes think it to be.

5 ways to beat the winter blues:

1. Get on your yoga mat: Heart Opening poses (like Cobra, Bridge, Wheel, Camel, and Rockstar) are incredibly invigorating and uplifting and can carry you right out of your funk (try my WARRIOR FLOW for a lovely boost!)

2. Get outside: feel like the couch or bed is glued to your back?  It’s comfy, I know, I totally hear ya.  But getting out for a walk or even going to a friend’s house or a coffee shop is good: a change of scenery can be refreshing.

3. Be grateful: when you are in a funk think about 3 things that are really, really good in your life.  It might sound corny but reminding yourself of what is good can far outweigh the not-so-good.

4. Eat some good HEALTHY food: fresh, vibrant fruits and vegetables can make you feel light and bright which is a welcome shift from the heaviness and lethargy of winter.

5. Look at a calendar: time passes, seasons are temporary, and you will be wearing your jean jacket and having that drink on the patio before you know it.

Shine on,
-mel-
xo

Give Yourself Some Love (go on, give it a try – it feels REAL good)

Give Yourself Some Love (go on, give it a try – it feels REAL good)

by | Feb 5, 2018 | Off the Mat, Healthy Living, On the Mat, Travel

In December 2012 I escaped.  I’m not a big fan of Xmas and I don’t much like winter so I took my savings, skipped town, and went to Mexico for a 7 day New Year’s Yoga Retreat.  What a treat: 6am mornings, vegetarian meals, and 3.5 hours of yoga a day.  Ok, I know it sounds like a nightmare for many people but for me it sounded INCREDIBLY delicious.  And listen, I’m no saint: I like my late nights, my live music, and my Irish whiskey.  But this retreat sounded like just what I needed.  Plus it was being led by Kathryn Budig and I knew that practicing with her would leave me dripping with inspiration.

And it was great.  Truly.  What a brilliant way to end one year and start a new one.  Instead of starting the year feeling bloated and hung-over from holiday indulgences I felt motivated, refreshed, and renewed (and really, really clean.  Fresh fruit, vegetables, and fish for a week?   Wicked).  It was a really amazing way to give back to myself: a great boost for my body and mind.

I realized, then, how important it is to give yourself that treat, you know, to refuel, to recharge, to show yourself some LOVE.  And it doesn’t have to be a crack-of-dawn-veggie-yoga-fest.  What floats your love boat?  Find out what that is and indulge in it; give back to yourself and you will have so much more to offer those around you.

Fancy an adventure with me?  Check out www.melaniecaines.com/retreats to escape.

Happy exploring!
-melanie-
xo