My number 1 tip for improving your energy & managing your stress!

In our modern society, the major contributing factor to ill health and disease is a little (or large) thing called stress! Our amazing nervous system has a lot of strain put on it due to the way we live our lives today, from daily caffeine consumption to constant screen time and the ever present feeling of urgency. This can leave us feeling like we are always on alert, or feeling 'wired but tired'. 

Some signs that can signal your nervous system needs support include:

• Always feeling 'on'
• Sugar cravings
• Shallow breathing
• Poor sleep and waking unrefreshed
• Anxious or worried often
• Having the feeling that you don't have enough hours in your days

We have definitely all been here at some point, and may even be feeling these symptoms right now! My number one health tip has to do with activating your parasympathetic nervous system, which is the portion that controls our ability to rest, digest, slow down and come back to equilibrium. The only way that science knows how to do this is through your breathe, which is simple yet life changing and profound. So my top health tip for you is: 

Learn how to breathe properly, deeply and slowly.

FUN FACT
Re-learning how to breathe with your diaphragm actually helps you lose weight! This is because it switches on your bodies ability to burn fat as fuel via your nervous system.

So how do you breathe properly?

Find a nice quiet spot and gently place your hands on your belly button. Take a long and slow inhale through your nostrils, and notice your hands moving outward as your lungs expand and move your diaphragm. Its good to imagine that you are inflating a balloon each time you inhale. 
Pause, and then let out your breathe in a slow exhale through your nostrils, observing as your belly shrinks back in towards your spine. 
Pause again, and then begin to slowly inhale and expand your belly as you did before. 
Repeat this process 10 times, using deep slow breathes in and out each time.

Your nervous system will thank you tremendously, especially if you make this practice a part of your daily routine. It's a great one to do when you get into bed at night, as it really helps prepare you for a delicious and peaceful nights sleep.You can also use this breathing technique anytime you feel tense or stressed during your day.

Happy breathing,

​Love Ally xx