Savoring Simple Daily pleasures
Having returned this past weekend from a wonderful summery beach week on the eve of my 47th birthday (!) I spent many moments on my long daily walks reflecting; reflecting on the big picture of life as my birthday drew near, and on the smaller details, the little pleasures, the milestones and of ambitions and acquiring new life skills, and relishing the daily ordinary magic -savoring the sense of time and space with which to do so, surrounded by such natural beauty and in one of my most treasured places on earth.
I was mindful of being present, listening to the distant happy barks of dogs enjoying their first walks of the day, the scent of woodsmoke feint in the air from the dying embers of last night's bonfire, the salty tang of the breeze along the shoreline, squwarks of the oystercatchers at dawn and dusk calling to each other, the warm sun on my skin, the cool lapping of the waves at my toes, and the constant soothing rhythm of the waves reaching the shore throughout.
I felt I could stay forever. The only missing piece was to have a pup of my own to walk ....one day.
But, BUT. Life does resume its normal rhythms and rituals. I love my home and my community, and I'm so fortunate to have a loving family and a delightful place to live. But I long for the simplicity of our idyllic summer beach lives.
I picked up little treasures most days, which I carefully transported home, so that when I see them here in my house, I can be transported back, hear the wind in the lines along a favorite trail, feel the salt air and the call of the gulls, and take big, deep, restorative breaths. It was my intention to have these little Portkeys (For those who aren't in the know, a Portkey is an enchanted, yet everyday object that instantly transports anyone who touches it to a specific location) So that as I passed a pebble on the hallway table, the dried seagrass on the landing, the collection of feathers in the hallway or the pinecone on the dresser, I could instantly imagine myself there, taking deep lungfuls of the freshest air, and feel the sense of calm and ease wash over me.
With an immanent busy and demanding return to work on the horizon, I knew I needed to equip myself with the tools to not only cope, but flourish, and be open to this brand new year.
I release what no longer serves me, I am open to clarity, growth and abundance.
So, I came up with an idea during these walks to inspire and spur us on for this bright new month and indeed year, of health, wellbeing, and longevity. To spring out of the sluggish indulgence that can often follow Christmas festivities- yes, even when it's not sub-zero outside, and to provide some tools and strategies to keep things light, mindful, and healthful going forward.
We must learn and educate ourselves and be mindful of the interwoven relationship of our two greatest assets. Mind and Body. A healthy body requires an equally healthy mind, without which we cannot live our best life, The two go hand in hand, caring for our bodies includes our minds.
Find your portkey, and let's positively step into 2025 together, sharing tips and tools, growing our knowledge, discovering beauty in the every day and finding magic- Supporting one another in our community of like-minded folks.
Below is a list of some good tools and springboards to help propel us into a healthful year.
1. Sleep. Try to get 7-9 hours of quality sleep.
Limit screens at least an hour before bed, dim lights, try to establish a sleep routine so your body can learn when it's time to sleep and in turn, to wake. Consider taking magnesium supplements and having a gentle stretch shortly before turning out the light. Backtrack from the time you need to wake up to plan what time is best to get ready for bed and "lights out'.
2. Protein. You're likely having far less than your body requires.
Use an online calculator to see what recommendations are for your height, weight, and age. Only have protein from clean, sustainable and lean whole/complete protein sources- fish, chicken, quality protein powders, beef, lamb, tempeh, eggs, greek yoghurt or skyr. Supplement these with additional sources - not all are considered complete protein ( - so pay extra attention if you're vegetarian or vegan. ) Beans and legumes, cheeses, nuts and seeds, and tofu. I personally aim for around 90-100gms per day- roughly 30 in a meal. This might look like a scoop of whey protein isolate in my smoothie with Greek yoghurt, a chicken salad with chickpeas, steamed fish and vegetables.
3. Up your leafy greens. You pretty much can't have too much.
Add spinach to kale to smoothies or salads. Have a side salad with lunch, sneak vegetables into most dishes by grating to sauteeing, and consider a greens powder for a boost.
4. Movement. Don't shy away from the word exercise, just MOVE your body. Regularly throughout the day.
Its better to keep moving periodically throughout the day than a huge intensity say at 6am then being sedentary for the remainder. On a typical day I work out first thing- which I vary, then I will walk, play golf or go to a ballet class every afternoon or evening- pretty much without exception, regardless of the weather. I also break up my day with short n=bouts of movement- shorter walks, take the stairs not a lift, walk to the store, housework even, then a gentle stretch, yoga session or just an amble after dinner is a good way to space it out. Even try 10 squats every time you boil the kettle - it soon adds up!
5. HYDRATE! It's full summer here and I'm continually parched!
I drink at least 600mls room temperature water upon waking, then ensure I'm drinking plenty throughout the day. I limit coffee to 2 a day- one espresso first thing, then an americano or a flat white with oat milk later on, green tea, electrolytes, sparkling water, tea, tisane- all counts. Look out for hidden sugars and stay away from soda and fruit juice as much as possible.
6. Read. Learn.
Grow your mind- listen to an educational podcast, try a new skill, read non-fiction, watch a foreign movie, go to a live theatre production, or play a word game. There are studies proving those people who continue to learn and grow and develop their minds are less likely to suffer Alzheimers or even depression later in life. Keep learning. You're never too old.
7. Skincare. Look after your one and only
Whether you're into makeup or lotions and potions or not- use the best and cleanest quality products you can afford, and use them daily. Cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize. Use sunscreen, wear a hat outdoors and take care of your biggest organ.
8. Likewise- teeth! Look after them. limit sugar. Brush and floss, Regular checkups. Done.
9. Meditation and mindful practices.
I would love to meditate and I'm working on the practice, but I'm no good- yet. However, I find my ritual of daily walks my place of peace and mindfulness, when I process, dream aspire and let go. Find your version and make it a regular habit.
10. Connect.
Connections are so important. I have a darling loving husband but my friends are so important to me- we inspire and support each other, laugh, share interests and enjoy each other's company. And while online communities such as this can be beautiful and rewarding, nothing compares to sitting next to someone, seeing a smiling face, or sharing an experience.
Bonus: Release what no longer serves you. Be open to abundance.
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