Mindfulness and the importance of being ‘present’ is being encouraged everywhere you look these days and as lovely as it sounds, how does a person who is not quite so Zen, fit this into their hectic, caffeine-fuelled lifestyle?
Personally, I am 100% behind the mindfulness movement- I know it sounds faddy to some but I truly believe that we should learn to enjoy ‘the now’ and stress less about the yesterdays and tomorrows. But, as much as I believe that, putting it into practice with 2 young kids, a hefty mortgage and freelancer insecurity is a totally different matter. So, I decided to implement a few, small, mindful changes into my life to regain my inner chill.
First up on my baby-steps approach to mindfulness, was the introduction of Naomis’s Kitchen ‘I AM’ supplement powder range. The I AM range is a selection of superfood blends curated by founder and wellness consultant, Naomi Buff alongside a leading supplements scientist. The thing that sets Naomi’s Kitchen apart from other supplement ranges on the market, is the inclusion of adaptogens. Adaptogens are herbal compounds that work on a deeper cellular level to moderate immunity, boost energy levels (when needed) and help the body adapt to stress. The blends include I AM Beautiful, I AM Energised, I AM Lean, I AM Cleansed and I AM Superman. When you drink, you are encouraged to repeat the affirmation I AM ……. to feel it and believe it. That affirmation is your little moment of mindfulness for the day, totally easy to fit in to your life even when you are rushing out to work/school run/both.
Next on the mindful list was a new style of exercise class. I love the gym but I’m aware it can mess with the cortisol levels (stress hormones) if I’m already burning the candle at both ends. The obvious choice for my new programme was yoga but I never seem to get the same energy boost from a yoga class as I do from the gym. Matthew Cohen ‘the energy whisperer’ claims that by doing his combined method of yoga, Qigong (pronounced chee-gong) and martial arts, you can tap into your energy whenever you need it. Matthew formulated this method under the reasoning that yoga is very ‘yang’ and was designed by men for men, whereas Qigong is very ‘yin’ (feminine) combining the two creates a sense of harmony and balance. Matthew believes that through the fusion of these practices, something powerful and transformative emerges- and with A-list clients like yoga-fan, Minnie Driver, who am I to question it?! Another tick on my mindfulness mission!
Last, some breathing we can all get on board with (well not exactly breathing), it’s the Oxygen Facial by Arcaya Actives! Oxygen facials have grown in popularity over the years due to their skin brightening effects and now the Arcaya Actives facial goes a step, or 3, further by adding bespoke infusions to the mix. You start with a base treatment infusion to target your skin condition; Hyaluron for dehydration, Vitamin C for pigmentation, Collagen for anti-ageing and so on. Next you have your targeted treatment infusion for your concerns; Viper for botox-like wrinkle control, SOS Extreme for inflamed skin, etc. Last you have your bespoke Final Care infusion for added care and protection. It is a lovely, cooling facial, perfect for adapting to our ever-changing skin needs and an ideal 45 minutes to add some chill-out time to your day. I’ll be so laid back soon I won’t be able to stand up! All together now, Ommmm!
Naomi’s Kitchen available exclusively at Selfridges and Grace Belgravia from £15.00 www.naomis.kitchen
Matthew Cohen will be hosting exclusive workshops for 2 weeks only this May at Triyoga book a space via www.triyoga.co.uk £45.00 each
Arcaya Actives Oxygen Facial from £80.00 www.arcaya-actives.co.uk