I was so happy to have been able to participate in the GB News with Mark Longhurst and Nutritionist, Dr. Sara Schenker to discuss health and wellbeing in 2023.

Continuing on from that very timely conversation…

As we cross over into a brand new year, we are all bursting with renewed purpose, goals and intentions.  Most of us reach the end of January and somehow, without intending to, begin to wonder off piste!

What if I told you to forget doing anything bold and brave in January and begin instead in February? Here’s why. According to Oriental medicine by following nature’s example we are much more likely to achieve our goals and dreams with much less effort.  What that means is, winter is not the time of year to thrust yourself gung-ho into a hard and fast fitness regime. Winter is the time nature is hibernating, resting and renewing itself for the speedy growth required in spring through to late summer. If we wait until spring, the energy of that season supports us becoming more active. Spring is the time of year to put plans into action. But more about that later…let’s get back to winter.

Winter is the time of year for sleeping longer, resting, relaxation, and restoration. This is the time of year when we should also be doing less, going to bed earlier and avoiding stressful projects. This process reboots and resets your energy for the seasons that follow, just like nature!

Whilst honouring our natural desire to slow down and do less, we still need to move to nourish our body and brain. In preparation for a much more active year ahead, I highly recommend University of Bath’s (released in 2018) “Exercise Snacking” series of five moves for a slow build towards a more active year ahead. Also on the menu are five yoga inspired stretches to improve your flexibility and mobility.

Coming next: how to start your ‘Exercise Snacking’…