Mindful Monday - December 20th

Hi everyone,

Thank you for reading our short notes this year and especially those of you who replied with questions, thoughts and words of gratitude, it means a lot.

This week is a mixed bag of varying Christmas vibes – I hope you find something useful and/or fun.

The clever folk over at The Naked Pharmacy have been brainstorming how to stay healthy during the festive season and come up with a few hot tips. Read on…

“Alcohol inflames the digestive system (where 70% of our immune system resides) so ensure you eat plenty of green leafy vegetables (sprouts, yes, sprouts) and/or broccoli.

Get some winter sun to help balance melatonin (sleep hormone) and decrease cortisol (stress hormone).

Spice things up with Saffron, Cinnamon and Turmeric for mood boosting, lowering blood sugar and anti-inflammatory goodness.”

Nice one guys, thank you.

May I also suggest that keeping your spine moving well and your nervous system tuned up does wonders for helping you successfully navigate this often piquant time of the year.

Bodyclock Glow
Tomorrow is the shortest day of the year – yep, onwards and upwards from here – but there’s no denying that we still have a few dim months ahead. Lumie’s Bodyclock Glow may just be the answer to help you stay well rested and alert during these dark times…

Stay connected
There are many ways to be connected, some more healthy than others. StoryWorth is beautiful set-up that helps you learn about and connect with loved ones. StoryWorth emails them weekly questions that they reply to with a story. You get weekly insights about your loved ones and an annual book to hold on to.

Unwinding colours
Emma Farrarons' book The Mindfulness Colouring Book: Anti-stress Art Therapy for Busy People is a calming way to de-stress from the year that was or might have been. Her Insta feed is also fun look at life as an illustrator.

A very chill Christmas playlist
Ok, so the name is (literally) melancholy – Meloncholy Christmas – but this playlist is full of beautiful tracks to help soothe you through what is traditionally one of the busiest weeks of the year. Featuring Phoebe Bridgers, Nina Simone, Fleet Foxes, Billy Joel and Low, there’ll be something you love.

Have a beautiful week and a very happy Christmas.

Big love,
Luke