women’s health

Start your day right…

Start your day right…

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‘One small positive thought or action in the morning can change your whole day.’

I’m back… For my readers, apologies it’s been a while since my last blog. So a quick down-load on what’s been happening with me. To begin there are several reasons I have not been blogging the past 2 months. I started back teaching more hours and didn’t want to over exceed my working brain- definitely have baby brain second time around and feel I can only absorb and out-load so much mentally. I find that 6- 8 months age is the most enjoyable but challenging time. Enjoyable because there are so many new milestones to achieve (crawling, standing, eating, new sounds, gestures,clapping). Lennox is one super-star. You can not hold him back from wanting to watch and learn and go, go, go and eat, eat, eat! And luckily for us Maeve has been so much better with him. She’s loving how he interacts with her more and is realising how much he just adores her so really she gets to hold being the center of attention. It’s a challenging time as there’s now so much food to prepare, they are awake more so you want to play and interact with them (this really isn’t a challenge for me but stops me from working) and emotionally I find it a hard time to let go of them a little, as they become a little more independent. Lastly, 2 months ago I found out I have a parasite and it was draining me terribly so I really needed to work on my health. Slowly getting there but it will be a slow process as there’s not much I can take whilst still breast feeding.

So anyway… What I really wanted to do was share with you a post I read the other day about how a man started his morning. I just loved it and it’s amazing how much our lifestyles have changed over the last 10-15 years. I have been talking to several people lately about how technology and media are a big part of our lives now and it can become overwhelming and/or frustrating with having to keep on top of it all the time. But I truly believe that even though it is a big part of our lives we need to know what times we can create space to disconnect from it all and not let is CONTROL our lives. We can abuse the use of technology in our lives that can become very unhealthy for us… Examples of unhealthy technology use…

  • watching too much TV or even putting the TV on first thing in the morning.
  • sleeping with your phone right next to you
  • having phones at the dinner table
  • having your phone with you when interacting/playing with your children
  • letting kids sit on their phones, ipads, computer all day. especially first thing in the morning.
  • doing computer work before bed.
  • and this is just to name a few!

So anyways I am going to share with you this blog about how this man starts his day…

“I wake up at 5/5.30am and start my day by doing a few light stretches and drinking a warm lemon water. Some mornings if I have time I will do a light workout including some core exercises. After that I read a book for 20-30 minutes. I make myself a warm, wholesome breakfast and always add greens and most morning eggs. I then enjoy a fairly cold shower. This makes me feel alert and fresh to take on my day. After I am ready for work I take a few deep breathes before hoping in to my car. On my drive to work I listen to a pod-cast. Before I start my days work I take another few deep breaths. Now I don’t do this every single morning, I am human, but I enjoy doing it most mornings especially during the week before I start work. Some mornings I love a sleep in and have a warm shower and coffee first thing.”

Did you feel inspired and motivated to change some of your morning habits? I did. I mean this exact morning isn’t for everyone but we can definitely take elements of it. I find with kids I don’t have the luxury of enjoying all this in the morning before I start teaching but I definitely try elements of it and if the kids every do sleep in I make the very most of it by doing a yoga workout or meditation or just enjoying a tea in quiet or even a morning shower (but I’m going to start trying the cold shower).

So I challenge you in the next week or month… What changes can you make in your morning routine to create a more positive start to your day that isn’t filled with technology or feeling rushed and stressed. I think if we can start our days like the one mentioned above (or even just elements of it) we will achieve so much more throughout the rest of our day and take on a more positive attitude.

Here’s to a great week ahead.

In health & Happiness,

Tenille x

 

 

My Story #7- Lennox Birth ‘Inner Lion’

My Story #7- Lennox Birth ‘Inner Lion’

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WARNING: There is an image in this post of me giving birth to Lennox

NOTE: if you are a mother and have been through a birth or are soon to be. Please be aware that everyone’s story and situation is different. No mother is the same. No baby is the same. But whatever your story is, love it for what it was meant/going to be. If there is anything I want you to take from my experience it’s this… Connect to your body and baby through out your pregnancy. Breathe. Connect. Breathe. Know your body and trust it!…

Never have I felt so grounded and connected to my physical and inner body.

Waking up Saturday morning I had slight period pains… now I never get these pains even during pregnancy so I knew I was in early stages of labour. And I was super excited. After 9 longs days being overdue and the pubic pain and discomfort I was so ready for this labour… I wanted to meet our Booboo. Kyle was at work so it was just me and Maeve at home. She actually slept in that morning and I had the urge to bake something… so I did. Once Maeve woke I just wanted to be with her. There is this deep emotion you go through with a second Bub where you don’t want to leave your first child’s side. The Guilt kicks in already knowing she will soon be looked after by someone else while I’m in hospital. You know you’re going to be so busy with a new born, that it breaks you a little inside to know that they will have to adjust to this and learn to share my attention and time and grow up even quicker. I was actually saddened when Kyle’s dad came to pick Maeve up. I said a quick goodbye before I got too emotional. There was no time for guilt or becoming an emotional mess. Maeve was safe and happy. It was time now for me to just connect and focus my energies on my labour ahead. I needed to be fully connected to my body and baby.

Just before Kyle got home my waters started to break… things progressed quickly. I wasn’t ready to go to the hospital yet but as things happened so quickly with my last pregnancy Kyle thought it was best. Kyle is the kind of guy who likes to do things right. And he gets anxiety. So for me the important thing was I needed him to feel relaxed and at ease… I needed him for what lay ahead. So I went along with what made him feel comfortable. I had the pleasure of sharing my entire pregnancy with a student mid-wife. Lara was amazing and came to all my appointments and gave great help and advice. So before we left home I called her as she was excited as I was to be there for my labour. In the car ride I still just had some cramps come and go. Waters kept breaking… luckily I chose to wear a dress and had a towel under my bum on the seat. The car ride was quick and casual. I sat in the passengers seat, we listened to music and reminisced about our labour day with Maeve (still one of the best days of my life).

Lara was already there when we got to the hospital. She had the best room available ready and waiting for us. I knew that with this birth I wanted to get my room and environment set up before any type of monitoring. I did not have this with Maeve but it was important for me mentally to do this first. So Kyle, Lara and I set up the room with diffuser and essential oils (lavender and easy air). Kyle put on the music (that I had already pre-planned). I got myself in some comfortable clothing. Lara made sure I had water and all the extra bits needed for the labour ahead. Kyle also called the lady who was to pick up my placenta as this time my naturopath recommended I do placenta encapsulation. I went to the bathroom and just sat down and just took in a few long deep breaths… This was it! I remember telling myself…’I know my body more than anyone. Listen to it. Work with your baby. Go with the flow. Enjoy the experience.’

Now laying on the bed my midwife, Marnie, came in to monitor me. I was all strapped up to the monitors to check my heart rate, babies heart rate and contractions etc… I had issues in my last pregnancy and labour so it was a must to be monitored again. But I knew this time I was so much more relaxed and in control that all would be fine. The monitor wasn’t showing too much and my heart rate levels kept spiking up and down. No contractions were showing. Funny thing is as I lie there my contraction very quickly got more intense and closer together. I tell the midwife this and we manually monitor it. Just laying on the bed for over 10-15minutes was stressing me out. I just wanted to get up and get on with it. My body was telling me to get up. I tell my midwife this and she agrees but has to check with the senior midwife first due to my apparent increase in heart rate. They decide to unstrap the monitors on me and re-do i all. Aarrrgh! After another few minutes of monitoring it is clear that my contractions are now very close together and heart rates are normal enough. The relief I had when they pulled those monitors off me and said I could now stand up. I knew that as soon as I stood up it would be on! And right I was. I was already at the later stages of stage 2. Contractions were definitely happening now. We’d been at the hospital for about 30minutes now. During this time my sister-in-law and my birth photographer arrived. For those of you who don’t know Tara, she is a mother of 4, with the kindest heart, a nurturer, so grounded (she’s like the mother goddess) and could make any situation feel at ease. After our last birth we did not get nay photos (we were so lost in the moment-which is a great thing), but I knew this time I wanted to capture my birth. As my labour got more intense I only noticed Tara being in the room once. Apparently she just stayed in a corner capturing our moments and gave me a few back massages. Funny thing was leading up to my birth I was a little worried about having extra being in my birthing room (photographer and student midwife, plus midwife and Kyle). I had told them I was not sure how I would feel about them being there, like maybe too many people would take me out of my internal space. But it did not bother me once. Even though they all did so much for me, I hardly realised they were there. I stayed within…

So anyways… Once the contractions got more intense I got that urge to go to the toilet. I know they say that birthing is like needing to do a poo. But I really needed to go. It’s a weird sensation going to the toilet and having contractions at the same time. I did go to the toilet. It felt like baby was pushing down strong against my bowels and bladder. I felt like I could have given birth to our baby on that toilet (haha). So when I stood up off the toilet I felt like I was ready to push this baby out. Shit could it really happen that quickly. It had only been just over 1 hour. Things were getting too intense too quickly. I got out of the toilet and the midwife could also tell things were progressing quickly. She asked me the usual questions including how would I like to give birth… what positions. I knew there was no time for baths or showers. I felt like I just needed to ground myself, bare down and start ‘breathing this baby out’. It was powerful. So my midwives rearranged the bed, got knee pads ready, blankets, towels… and I’m not sure what else but a minute it felt like everything was there ready for me. The next hour I bared down with all I had. I alternated between kneeling and deep squatting (very thankful for all my yoga and exercise and knowledge to do this so comfortably and confidently). I was massaged. Given water. A wet rag around my neck. And as embarrassing as it is with the baby pushing against my bladder and bowels I apparently did a few poo’s and they were cleaned up quickly. WOW yes i just told everyone that (haha). Hey it’s normal. But come on, he ended up a massive baby, no wonders.  I remember being annoyed by my hair touching my neck and within seconds it was tied up. I remember a song by ENYA came on, and I usually Love ENYA, but I hated it in that moment. I yelled for someone to please change that song. Once again it was changed within seconds. During the next hour I have never felt and connected to my body as much as I did. It was intense to say the least.

The best person in the room, by far, was Kyle. He is my everything in labour. For an anxious guy he is in total cool and calm during a birth. Whilst I squatting and kneeling, he sat there in front of me. Breathing with me, massaging me, encouraging me, motivating me, and helping me to bare down deep, breath deep from my heart and belly and push. I seriously felt like a LION. During a contraction I would breathe in, hold, bare down and connect so deep within and with all my strength, power and heart try to push. Stage 3 took me about 45minutes (it felt like hours as it was so painful). It was so challenging and frustrating. Knowing the baby was so close to come out but seeming like bub just wouldn’t. And with Maeve stage 3 only took like 15minutes so it was starting to get to me. But I had amazing encouragement and support from Kyle and my midwifes. They kept reassuring me that they could see bubs head, that everything was ok, that I was doing an amazing job. They would keep explaining how they wanted me to breath and what to do with each contraction. I trusted them. All of them. Together with their guidance and encouragement and my strength and power this baby was going to come out real soon. Another contraction and I used everything I had to get bubs head out. I felt like I was tearing right open. This was always one of my fears. I got scared. Kyle saw it and quickly calmed me.

The next part almost felt like a blur to me and it all happened so quickly. They could see that bub had the cord stuck around his neck and that he’s shoulder was getting stuck behind my pubic bone. Within seconds another midwife was there. Within another few seconds the senior midwife was there doing a maneuver called ‘shoulder dystocia’. It was so lucky that I was in a kneeling position and my student midwife also quickly lifting one of my legs to the side. During this time Kyle kept his cool and I was just looking at him and not the craziness that was going on behind us. Bub was quickly taken out and put on the trolley bed. No cry. No breath… it was then that I knew something was going on (OMG I am almost in tears writing this). But at the time I was so in the zone and felt so connected to me and my baby that I knew it would be ok. I am one of those people who always sees the best in situations so I just lay there back on the bed and just waited to hear a cry. Almost 2 minutes and we hear a big, loud, strong cry. The relief. They check him over and he is given to us as quickly as possible. Bonding is a very important part of the labour (it should be known as stage 4 labour). He didnt stop crying. I didn’t care. I just held and cuddled him. As did Kyle. The love was intense. Our hearts just grew bigger. My soul and spirit just grew bigger, but so tired at the same time. What an experience. I was so glad it was over and Lennox was with us. I remember feeling like a massive burger and a huge glass of cold water I did get it a few hours later (Thanks mum). I spent the next hour just holding my little man. trying to feed him and settle him. I just wanted him to know that he did an amazing job with me and the stress was over. He was safe. He was loved… oh my boy by so many people you will be loved…

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: A massive Thank you to the midwifes at Tweed Maternity Hospital for all your guidance, expertise and care. The midwives there throughout my labour were amazing support and I could not be more Thankful for their expertise and efficiency in delivery Lennox safely to us that day.

There is so much more I can say about this labour and the after events but I feel I have said enough for now. I’m going to finish up this post with a feeling THANKFULNESS, of PURE HAPPINESS and LOVE!

In Health & Happiness

Tenille Samuelson

My Story #5 ‘Your baby feeds off your energy’

My Story #5 ‘Your baby feeds off your energy’

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Here is our petite little girl Maeve at 3 days old… weighing in at 6.2 ounds (how lucky I was to give birth to a gorgeous little thing the first time round).

As a first time mum there are many things to learn, breastfeeding, changing nappies, bathing a new born, swaddling, burping, what I should/ not eat, how my recovery should be.. OMG and the list goes on and this is all within the first few days! But my biggest and most important lesson I learned as a mother was how the energy from me and my husband could affect my daughter so much. For example, Maeve’s first few days in the world were pretty cruisey and relaxed. I didn’t have too much trouble with breastfeeding and she slept like a champ. Kyle and I were pretty relaxed and thoroughly enjoyed our first few days with Maeve at John Flynn hospital seeing family and friends and playing cards between feeds. However, when we were getting ready for our journey home we had our first stressful moment with the car seat (apparently this is a very common one for first time parents) and we had a little argument about it. Maeve was just lying on the bed while we tried to sort out the situation. Well for the first time we saw our little relaxed baby girl crying endlessly for no particular reason. It was then that I realised she was feeding off Kyle and my energy of being stressed out and upset over the car seat. Lesson… ‘If you can be a calm, relaxed and nurturing mother, then your baby will more likely be happy and content. Energy feeds Energy’

My fondest memories of Maeve as a baby were our long walks in the pram along the creek, seeing Kyle become the amazing dad he always wanted to be and having my bestest friends close by for beach dates, walks and long chats. And like any new journey in life there were the challenges… for me it was juggling a busy business with a newborn and learning how to just let go of my commitments to my work and clients and just be a mum. Also I had to learn that it’s ok if the day doesn’t go as planned. You can be organised but not over organised with a baby as you never know what the day might bring. And 2 outings/activities a day is more than enough… before children I loved that I could fit in 2-5 outings/activities in one day. I had to learn to say NO to a lot of things… but not everything!

So I thought as part of this blog I would get a mother-to-be to ask me a few questions about labour and becoming a mother… I loved doing this as it brought back thoughts and feelings I had forgotten. And it made me realise how much I learned throughout my pregnancy and in becoming a mother and how passionate I am about pregnancy, birth and motherhood.

So what does a first time mum really want and need to know…?

How long after you had bub were you back into work? I noticed you got back into work quite soon after babe arrived. What were your reasons?

Yes with both kids I went back to work fairly early and that was for a few reasons…

I don’t think I ever truly switch off from work… with Maeve I worked up to a week before and with Lennox 3 weeks before he came. Second time around I wanted to spend as much time with Maeve as possible before Lennox came along.

With Maeve I had a full running business so I was back dealing with business duties a few days after Maeve was born but it was literally just an hour a day. It’s different when its your own business and in our industry (as you know) your clients want you and even though I had great instructors I didn’t have the money to pay staff to do all the extra admin and business management duties. I went back teaching when she was 5 weeks and just started with a few classes/ private sessions and then slowly built up classes each month as Maeve got older. I was back part time teaching (about 20 hours a week) when Maeve was 10-11 months.

When we decided to have another bub, Kyle and I thought it was best to sell up my business and start something smaller from home. I knew that having two would be much more challenging and we couldn’t afford to rent a space for a studio as well as have a house and me need more time off work once bub 2 arrived. I went back teaching just 3 sessions a week when Lennox was 3 weeks old. I had clients who were happy to work around feeds etc… Lennox is now 5 months and I’m teaching about 8 hours a week and then do about 2-3 hours of office duties etc (but I just do these around the kids sleeping times- mainly at night).

While money was a big factor for going back to work early (as being self-employed you don’t get very good maternity benefits). I also liked that Kyle got time with the kids on his own. Without me around telling him what to do and how to do it. He worked it out on his own, in the way he wanted to. He now has a great bond with our kids and I’ll be forever thankful for that.

Did anything surprise you about yourself once you had your first? I can feel parts of myself falling away all over the place and every step i take, every single day feels like a new one. I feel quite a dramatic change coming and even though I’m fully embracing it and it excites me, there is an element of unknown when it comes to what my life will look like, especially from a business perspective.

I feel like there is so much I can answer here… I deeply believe this is a process every mother needs to go through to embrace motherhood. It is so great that you are in tune with your feelings and body as you are listening to what it has to tell you so well. So many ladies do not tap in to this and it is best done through stillness, meditation, mindfulness. The feeling of change and the unknown is preparing you for what motherhood feels like on a weekly and sometimes daily basis. You can be planned and organise but at the end of the day you do not really know what your labour will be like, what your baby will be like, what day your baby will be having, how much they may want to or not feed, how much sleep they will want to have… life with a child is a process of forever change and the unknown. But know this. You are connecting with you baby now through your pregnacy. You will have a deep bond with your child and because of it they will be so much more happy and content and you will both be able to read your babies signs more easily.

In regards to anything surprising me about myself after my first child…?… I was always great with kids but was very unsure about my connection with babies. But once Maeve was born everything came naturally and fairly easily. Once again, I think through my connection with Maeve throughout my pregnancy gave us a stronger connection once she was born. And we are so alike. Its just about listening and accepting what is… is!

And from a business perspective, for me personally, I love to work, I love my job, I love being around people, I love helping, inspiring and motivating others. I always knew that I would get back to my business. I was a little worried that I would not enjoy it as much. But I did with Maeve and I still do now with Lennox. I do have the constant battle of wanting to be a full-time, fully involved mother and run a business. But that’s just me and my personality- trying to give 100% to too many things at once. Luckily my mind and body can run that way. Also, lucky for me I have great support and even though I do work, the time I am with the kids is fully embraced and full of so much love! Plus I like that I contribute to my family and our kids will grow up knowing that both parents equally worked and spent quality time with them.

When I found out you had naturally birthed a 9.5 pound baby with no tearing, I was inspired! It gave me more confidence in my own ability. What the key factors you felt helped with this?

Surrender, surrender, surrender! To the whole process of pregnancy, birth, motherhood, your body and change. I look at things as ‘it is what it is and don’t complain just do what you have to do in the best way you can, with what you have’. This for me helps over come fear, negativity, struggle, complaining and allows me to let my mind and body feel relaxed, centered and open. Plus physical preparation is important… both my pregnancies I stayed strong and open, but in a safe way. I tried not to do too much abdominal exercises or extension. I did my pelvic floor exercises. I did lots of Yoga to counter balance all my strength work. I massaged my perineum. I did my supported restorative Yoga postures. I did lots of squatting, walking and got in the water. I also took my raspberry leave tea and had it in a herbal blend from my naturopath. Plus I did acupuncture and chiropractor monthly to support my body both physically, structurally, emotionally and mentally. I knew I was having a big baby, not as big as 9.5 pounds but I did go in to my labour with the attitude just do your best. I stayed within. I breathed. I stayed within. I listened to my body. I had no exceptions on myself but just trusted my body. It was quick but it was fucking hard and painful work but I trusted my body and the support of my partner and midwives.

To all you mummy’s out there remember this…

‘You are enough. You are doing an amazing job. Your job is challenging, but it is even more rewarding. No one will ever love you as much you your child does.’

Sending all my deepest love to all you amazing mums out there!

In Health & Happiness

Tenille

My Story #2 – Pregnant and Loving it!

My Story #2 – Pregnant and Loving it!

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I remember while trying for a while to fall pregnant with our first I meditated one night and said to myself… ‘I am ready, my body is ready… whatever I have to go through to get pregnant and be pregnant I can take it…’ I was thinking please bring on morning sickness and anything else I need to just be pregnant… never did I realise that everything I was doing months before actually falling pregnant was the critical steps I needed to not only fall pregnant but have the most enjoyable and easy pregnancy experience. Seriously, I loved every part of my pregnancy… I felt I was in total control, there was nothing I couldn’t do. My whole pregnancy I felt excited, happy, creative, positive, confident, in control and totally blessed. I know many of you will be reading this and thinking… seriously? How unfair? How’d she do it…? I truly and deeply feel that it all comes down to your Preparations before pregnancy. Before falling pregnant my body was at its healthiest, fittest and happiest, physically and mentally. The acupuncture, restorative yoga, meditations, beach walks, healthy food and juice cleanses all paid off in more ways then I could imagine. In the end it was a blessing to have had trouble falling pregnant as my journey actually prepared my body the way it needed to.

I’m having to really thinking back now to my 1st pregnancy in 2014, but there’s a few stories and experiences I remember… The first feeling I remember was how proud and overwhelmed I felt to tell all our family and friends that we were expecting. Some of our friends and family knew we had be trying for a while so the excitement was felt and shared by everyone. The most special moment was from my niece, Ayva, who when found out told me. ‘I’m so happy Auntie Neilly. I know you’ll be the best mum because you are the best Auntie.’ It was being an Auntie that I knew I wanted and would have children of my own one day.

Its funny with your first pregnancy how you think you need to read up on all the books, eat all the right foods, do the correct exercise, and get yourself and home as baby ready as possible. You know what I think… this is such a load of BS! If it’s something you really want to do and it will keep you more relaxed then do it. However, I gained more knowledge through yoga, meditation, midwives, other mums and just listening to what my body really wanted and needed. I truly believe you will know and listen to your body the best when you’re pregnant. So just trust the process. One of the best things I did through my pregnancy was yoga with instructors who specialised in pregnancy. Whilst this helped to keep my body in the best shape for pregnancy and support my ever changing body. It also prepared me for labour, and prepared my baby for the world and our connection together. It really is a powerful practice when pregnant. I remember doing a yoga session with my dear friend, Candice, who was also pregnant and we had to practice the ‘Lion labour breath’… I would say we are both quite tame and private people so this was hard for us to breath loud, deep and find your inner lion… but hey I’m glad I learned it as I ended up using it in my labour and now teach it to my clients.

While writing this blog I’m trying so hard to remember how i felt emotionally and if at any stage I felt low… seriously I can not think of one. I’m sure there were times of feeling low but it just goes to show that ‘don’t sweat the small stuff’, as it’s not those things you’ll remember when you look back on life. You’ll reminder the highlights, the times you felt at your best and the memories that made you most happy. Yes I could complain about the weight gain, never being able to decide what I wanted to eat at dinner time, not having one drink or eating raw fish the whole pregnancy and working out how we were going to get by on one wage. But you know what I never really worried about these things. I just accepted that this was what being pregnant was all about. Everyone goes through the same stuff. It’s part of the journey. It’s not something to stress over but just accept the process and be grateful to be pregnant. I guess looking back on my first pregnancy the hardest thing was knowing I’d be stepping away from my business and having to put the plans and training in place to have others fill in for me. Plus working out how I could still run my business without it costing me. The one unfortunate thing about being in small business is, if you’re not working in it or on it then you’re not making money- or very much money and government support is slim to none. But once again, get over it and just accept it is what it is. Money is always something that has frustrated me in life… I think it triggers from my childhood… but I just keep reminding myself that money isn’t everything and family, love and mother nature will fulfill our lives with more.

So here is are my 5 pieces of advice when pregnant, especially with your first.

  1. Have lots of dates with your partner and girl friends
  2. Do you exercises- Pilates, yoga, walking, squatting, pelvic floor, perineum massage.
  3. Discover meditation and mindfulness and get to know and listen to your body
  4. Breath, Breath and more breathing…
  5. Try to overcome or just become aware of any fears or stresses before your labour. This will help you to be aware and completely surrender your body for a natural birth and provide an environment that more relaxing once bub comes along.

If you are interested I do run Pregnancy and Birthing Workshops. Check my Events page for my next Workshop date and details.

In Health and Happiness,

Tenille x

 

Honouring who you Truly are…

Honouring who you Truly are…

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After a roller-coaster of a week (as most weeks are) a little voice inside my head kept telling me ‘you need some time alone’, ‘time to be in your own thoughts’, ‘your body is telling you something’, ‘don’t be afraid of your thoughts and feelings-listen’. So after about a week I said to hubby “once Lennox is fed and ready for a nap I’m going to take a walk up Talley/Burleigh Hill by myself”. This is one of my favourite places… it has all the elements fresh air, rainforest, ocean, views, and an energising walk. It always interests me how many people walk and exercise with their phones and headphones. Personally I don’t get it, as for me the point of a relaxing, alone walk is to take in all the surrounds and not to be immersed in any form of electronics. So by the end of my walk I realised…

I have spent the last few months not honouring my true self and what makes me tick, what helps me survive each week! In January I had made a plan… I had decided that until Lennox was 3 months I was just going to be a mum and embrace just that. No planning, no goals, no work (or very little of it), no schedules- just embrace motherhood! I had thought this was the right thing that most mother’s got to do. I had thrown an EXPECTATION on myself that this is what other mums do and I should follow suit. But the truth is I don’t operate in this way and while I’m not honouring my true self I’m not feeling at my best and therefore neither are my family. I need goals, I need plans, I need motivation, I need to exercise, I need something to strive toward… this is what ENERGISES me, drives me and makes me HAPPY. If I’m happy, my family are happy. It doesn’t mean I can’t live in the moment… For some reason the last few months I thought to live in the moment and ‘just be’ I couldn’t do these things but I can have all this as well as ‘live in the moment’.

So this month I am going to…

  • Put together a Vision/Goals board
  • Schedule in a weekly group class just for me!
  • Planning and Scheduling our week (Monday-Friday) as a family (this is needed between my work, kyle’s work, a baby and a toddler).
  • Start eating more of the good foods I love and very little sweets, desserts and bread. And not over-eating!

Just writing this I am already motivated and excited for the rest of 2017. And this isn’t for everyone… it’s about finding out what makes you tick and motivates you, keeps you sane and your family happy and healthy.

So what does this teach us… ‘listen to your inner voice‘, ‘be true to ones self‘, ‘take time for just you‘…

I hope you can all HONOUR WHO YOU TRULY ARE!

Are you are needing some time for just you? Then my ‘Pure Bliss’ Workshop would be perfect https://awomanswellness.com/pure-bliss-workshop/

 

In Health & Happiness

Tenille xx

Why I LOVE Essential Oils & Recipes

Why I LOVE Essential Oils & Recipes

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My World of Natural Healing and Relaxation is as simple as the use of Essential Oils.

As Women we care for our bodies, it’s health and those of our families… So if you are after the natural and yummy smelling alternative to getting a good night’s sleep, supporting an injury, keeping away colds and flu’s, cleaning the house and supporting you emotionally and mentally then Essential Oils is your best fix!

I’m sure by now you’ve all heard about Essential Oils (as it’s the in thing at the moment), but do you actually know how to use them (it’s easy) and how beneficial they can be (it’s endless). And if you are already in to Essential Oils look below for some great recipes… If you’re anything like me I LOVE my diffuser and roll-ons.

I was introduced to Essential Oils about June of last year (Thanks to the lovely Kate) and I now could not imagine a day I do not use them… They have so many uses including…

  • getting a better sleep
  • getting the kids to sleep and relax
  • preventing colds and flu’s
  • clearing noses and allergies
  • healing rashes and bites
  • a simple refreshing face mist
  • Balancing hormones and emotions
  • cleaning my house and clothing
  • making our house smell fresh and delicious
  • making food taste delicious
  • injuries or post-workout therapy
  • Plus, Plus, Plus…. It’s endless really!

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So what are Essential Oils…?

Essential Oils are aromatic compounds that are extracted from plants through a distillation process and the resulting oil is used as a pure and natural health option that benefits our bodies and lifestyle.

If you’d like to read up on them more visit… What is an Essential Oil

I wanted to share with you a few of my favourite recipes… Sorry I can’t share all of them (as I have a lot- but if you need a recipe for something in particular let me know).

For a Deep Sleep:

  • Lavender
  • Peppermint
  • Clary Sage
  • Mixed in the diffuser

Face/Body Mist (Pick me up):

  • Wild Orange
  • Peppermint
  • filtered water
  • Witches Hazel

My Multipurpose Spray (it’s so easy & makes your house smell delicious):

  • On Guard Concentrate & Water

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Clear a blocked nose and sinus:

  • Easy Air or Peppermint
  • On Guard
  • mixed in a Roll-On

Orange & Almond Cake or Muffins Recipe (Yummy & Healthy)

  • 250g Almond Meal
  • 2-3 drops Wild Orange Essential Oil
  • 2 oranges pulp & juice
  • 250g caster sugar (or could use coconut sugar)
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tsp baking powder

If you’d like to know more please contact me on 0423841155 or email tenille@awomanswellness.com. I can make many Roll-on and Spray/mist options for you.

If you are wanting to just try out a few oils let me know as I put an order in on the 12th of each month. Otherwise you can purchase through the following link… doTERRA Essential Oils

 

Stay Happy & Healthy my Friends,

Tenille x

Restorative Postures on the Bolster

Restorative Postures on the Bolster

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A Gift for you…. Rest, Restore and Re-balance your mind, body and emotions… Read on for more!

Why Restorative Yoga?

Firstly I believe Exercise is all about BALANCE. We are constantly striving to strengthen, tone and work our bodies to its highest capacity, but did it occur to you that you will get more out of these types of exercises by allow the body to also rest and repair. Restorative Yoga Poses work on more than just a stretch. It includes deep relaxed breathing, releasing tension and tightness, clearing the mind, opening the heart and tapping in to your emotions and true self. All these areas we tend to more so neglect and bottle up and yet if we took just once a week to do our Restorative Exercises we will get so much more out of our weeks mentally, physically and emotionally. And even more so, as the demands of life, work and family are getting more and more, we need that time to REST, RESTORE and just simply BREATHE.

I discovered Restorative Yoga when I was trying to fall pregnant with our first child, Maeve and have been hooked even since. Thanks to the amazing Tracey Whitton from ‘Stillness through Movement’, for showing me and guiding me through this life-changing practice. And now one of my favourite pieces of equipment is the Bolster, which we keep in our lounge room and use a few times a week.

So for you I have put together 5 Restorative Exercises that are simple, relaxing and can take you as little as 5 minutes to as long as 1 hour. So find some relaxing music (or a quiet space) and a relaxing environment (I even love doing them on my bed before bedtime). ENJOY!

PROPS: It is best to use a Bolster but if you do not have one you could roll up 2-3 blankets or towels.

METHOD: All poses can be held for 2-10 minutes. All you want to do is find where you are most comfortable, close your eyes and just simply connect to your breath and letting go. Allow yourself to take in slow controlled breathes. Breathing from your lower belly, into your ribs and lower chest and then slowly, gradually exhale.

If you are interested in purchasing a bolster follow this link… https://awomanswellness.com/product/product-title-7/

 

REST POSE

Great for opening your lower back and hips. Helps to open the lungs and increase lung capacity. Is a very nurturing and inward-focused pose

HEART OPENER

Great for opening and release tension in your thoracic (middle) spine, opens the heart and lungs and releases emotions.

heart opener

STANDING FORWARD BEND

Lengthens hamstrings and glutes, opens the lower back, reverses blood circulation. Only hold for a few minutes.

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WIDE LEG POSE

A very feminine pose. Opens the hips & womb area and lengthens the adductors (inner thigh muscles). The resting on the bolster on the forehead is great to drop the body, slow the mind and relax. This posture is particularly great for fertility.

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MOTHER POSE

Everyone’s favourite. Opens and releases the heart, chest, shoulders, back, lunges. Increases lung capacity and breathe concentration. Great posture to meditate in.

mother pose

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