As we’re all in coronavirus lockdown I thought I’d do something a little different for my blog this month to give us all a special glow.
With health, family and financial worries I guess many of us are feeling a little stressed out so I thought I’d ask a couple of experts for advice on stress-busting techniques we can all do at home.
So, find yourself some quiet space for 10 minutes and chill with Pilates instructor Cathryn Rees-Slawson’s neck and shoulder exercises, and a DIY facial massage from Margot at Slow Ageing.
Unwind and glow with Pilates
Some of you will know Cathryn Rees-Slawson, a highly qualified Pilates instructor who runs classes at The Pilates Centre in Wrexham (and a wonderful friend of mine). Cathryn filmed this video especially for GLOW so a huge thank you.
Tension in the face, neck and shoulders is a natural response to emotional or physical stress. Nature equipped us with a ‘fight or flight’ system and, when stressed, our body releases hormones which activate the sympathetic nervous system causing our muscles to contract ready to do battle or run away.
Kick back and enjoy… 😊
If you’re interested in Pilates after lockdown, I’ve popped Cathryn’s bio at the bottom of this blog – she’s fab!
S-L-O-W GLOW
Margot is the wife of the incredible David Lieber whom I’ve known for almost 30 years – we met when he was running Decléor UK. Together they started Slow Ageing Essentials and many of you will have seen this amazing organic collection at Glow.
The philosophy of Slow Ageing Essentials is based on increasing energy levels through the entire body by embracing a holistic approach to beauty and well-being.
Margot explains: ‘I have used self-massage as part of my daily regime for many years as it brings mental and physical harmony and can even act as a mini ‘workout’ for the skin. So, when we created our Slow Ageing Essentials’ collection I included a bespoke self-massage routine which I called ‘Skin’ergy’.’
Margot adds ‘The Skin’ergy massage is very calming and grounding – idyllic to do before bed each night. It’s just so relaxing. It really helps you to connect with yourself, a bit like pressing the ‘power off’ button! Humans are such complex beings and the Skin’ergy massage is rather like taking a mental ‘shower’ to cleanse the day away.’
I recently wrote a blog on Slow Ageing which you can read here.
Watch Margot demonstrate the massage then give it a go yourself:
Massage is as old as mankind and plays a significant role in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine explains Margot. It’s a wonderful way to relax and re-energise body and spirit. There are so many benefits, from better overall health to greater well-being and it’s surprisingly simple to do yourself.
Pilates for wellbeing
Pilates is an exercise method to elongate, strengthen and restore the body to balance. The exercises integrate the whole body to re-educate and restore it to optimum muscular and skeletal function, and it is this holistic approach that sets Pilates apart from many other forms of exercise. Pilates can be beneficial for just about everyone, regardless of age and fitness level.
Cathryn opened The Pilates Centre some 15 years ago and teaches classes and private sessions. She discovered Pilates when suffering with recurrent knee problems from distance running. She found the technique an effective way of keeping supple and strong without putting pressure on the knees or the back. Pilates has also helped her through three pregnancies and getting back into shape afterwards.
Hope to see you all safely soon,
My love to you all as always,
Sara xx
GLOW on the GO…
We are taking your skin care product orders over the phone where we have stock, so give Sara a call on one of our numbers or email us and we’ll do everything to try to help you GLOW.