November Favourites

November, the month where we start to settle into this new pace of the year and anticipate the activities December brings. Below are the tools I have used to guide me through the month.

Sesame Oil

For some, winter equals dry skin. Especially on exposed areas such as the face, hands and feet.

My go to for deep hydration is sesame oil (untoasted). In ayurveda, sesame oil is the base of any massage treatment offered. The oil is tridoshic, meaning it has benefits for everyone. As the oil penetrates deep into the cells it not only hydrates you from the inside out, but helps to relieve any symptoms of unbalance in the body.

Heat up some oil and self-massage hands and feet before bed to promote sound sleep.

Get yours here

Digital Detox

This month I said goodbye to Instagram!

Although for any business it is now integral to have social media, personally, it causes nothing but anxiety and a lot of wasted time. Don’t get me wrong it’s been uncomfortable to fully sit with myself without the comfort of distraction. My muscle memory clicks exactly where the app use to be without me even thinking but by not using the app it has created space for me to fill my time with productive, enjoyable things. Have you ever thought about your own relationship with social media?

The Happy Post Lady

Local to Northampton, The Happy Post Lady sends hand written letters with heartfelt words of happiness to brighten up someones day. Best of all she offers this for free! If you want to make someones day and send a little envelope of sunshine you can get in touch here.

Dhal

Winter requires us to eat food that keeps us internally warm. Dhal ticks all the boxes as a winter warmer. Hot, cooked and spiced, this meal promotes balance in the body.

Create your own with this easy recipe:

You'll Need:

- Two handfuls of red lentils, rinsed

- Half an onion, finely diced

- 2 cloves of garlic

- A thumb sized piece of garlic, chopped

- 1 tbsp of garam masala

- Half a tsp of cayenne pepper

- 1 litre of boiling water.

Method:

1. Sweat down the onions, garlic and ginger in a glug of oil until soft

2. Add the rinsed lentils and stir

3. Add the spices and fry off for 30 seconds

4. Add the water and simmer

5. The lentils will begin to thicken, add more water if necessary

7. Cook down for 20 minutes or until cooked

6. When ready, season with salt and pepper to taste

Savasana

Said to be the most difficult pose of them all, savasana (corpse pose) allows you to find stillness, within and without.

For most, stillness is an uncomfortable, unexplored road. We feel as though time is wasted through stillness in a world that promotes constant action. Yet, this pose allows us to confront ourselves. We have no choice but to sit with our thoughts, to reconnect to our body, our breath. It allows us to feel. How often do you truly feel what’s going on inside?