Posted on February 16, 2026February 16, 2026 by Sue Smith — Leave a comment

Hold On Tight: The Fire Horse is Here

Tomorrow, February 17, 2026, we welcome Chinese New Year—and not just any year. The Fire Horse is arriving, a rare visitor that only gallops in once every 60 years. That makes this moment extra special, and it’s worth pausing to feel the energy it brings.

What’s the Fire Horse All About?

Picture a horse: strong, powerful, and charging forward with unstoppable determination. Now add fire—bright, creative, passionate, sometimes a little unpredictable. Together, they create a year that’s full of drive and possibility.

This means we may find ourselves swept up in projects, goals, and dreams with more energy than usual. Inspiration could come easily, and momentum might carry us further than we expect. But here’s the catch: fire can warm and illuminate, but it can also burn too hot. If we’re not careful, we risk rushing headlong, becoming impatient, or letting emotions run away with us.

Balance Is the Key

Within the heart of Qigong and yoga lies in balance—balancing body, mind, and emotions. That balance will be our anchor this year. The Fire Horse wants us to leap, but Qigong, yoga, and grounding practices remind us to land softly.

In an earlier blog, I suggested winter was a time to hibernate and hold off on big goal‑setting. But now, with the Fire Horse urging us forward, you may feel naturally drawn to setting intentions and that’s perfectly aligned, as the energy of this year can help us achieve, as long as we stay steady.

Gentle Reminders for the Year Ahead

Plan before you gallop. Write things down, sketch out your ideas, and give yourself a roadmap. A thoughtful canter beats a reckless sprint.
Stay grounded. Cooling practices—like Fountain, Cloud Hands, Zhan Zhuang (Standing Meditation) or grounding yoga like Cat Stretch and Downward Facing Dog will help balance fiery energy.
Practice humility. If passion tips into hotheadedness, pause, breathe, and if needed, offer a heartfelt apology.
Let creativity flow. Fire brings sparks of inspiration—use them, but channel them with care.

This year is about embracing the rare, powerful energy of the Fire Horse while keeping our feet firmly on the ground. Move forward with intention, balance, and a touch of humility, and the ride will be exhilarating without being overwhelming.

The next in~person Yoga and Qigong Class at Norman Park:

Friday 27th February
11:00am – 12:30pm we will embrace the Fire Horse.
£18:00

Wednesday online yoga and Qigong classes resume again on Wednesday 4th March 2026.

£35:00 for the SET of 5 classes or £9:00 per drop-in class.

Posted on January 10, 2026January 11, 2026 by Sue Smith — Leave a comment

New Year, No Rush: Resolutions Can Wait – Here’s Why

Winter, Yin, and the Wisdom of Slowing Down

Winter marks the deepest expression of Yin energy. It’s the coldest, darkest, and most inward‑turning time of the year—a season when nature naturally contracts, rests, and conserves its strength. Spiritually, this is the time to follow nature’s lead: to slow down, soften your pace, and allow stillness to become part of your daily rhythm. It is not the time for exertion or for pushing ourselves headlong into new goals.

The Water Element: Spiritual Meaning and Emotional Flow

In Qigong and traditional Chinese philosophy, winter corresponds to the water element, which governs the kidneys and bladder. Water represents wisdom, adaptability, and the ability to flow with life. When our energy is balanced, Water moves freely—calm, deep, and steady.

But when we push ourselves too hard during winter—overworking, under‑resting, or ignoring the body’s need for quiet—the Water element is said to “freeze.” Spiritually, this shows up as:

*a sense of fragility or overwhelm
* increased worry and heightened fear
* difficulty trusting the flow of life

These emotional shifts are indicators that our inner reserves are being depleted.

The Science Behind Winter Fatigue and Kidney Energy

Modern physiology supports many of these ancient observations:

• The kidneys regulate fluid balance, blood pressure, and stress hormones. When we’re overtired or chronically stressed, the kidneys and adrenal glands work harder, which can leave us feeling drained or anxious.
• Cold weather increases metabolic demand. The body uses more energy to stay warm, so rest becomes even more essential.
• Reduced daylight affects the brain. Lower sunlight reduces serotonin and increases melatonin, making us naturally more tired and more reflective.
• The nervous system shifts toward conservation. Winter encourages a parasympathetic (rest‑and‑digest) state—if we allow it.

The ancient idea of “protecting kidney energy” aligns beautifully with what science tells us about managing stress, sleep, and hormonal balance during the colder months.

Live in Harmony With Winter and take her invitation to :

• rest more deeply. Relaxation and Yoga Nidra
• sleep longer
• take naps without guilt
• keep warm and protect the lower back/kidney area
• choose reflective activities like meditation, journaling, reading, or gentle Qigong
• move slowly and intentionally
• conserve energy rather than scatter it

Winter is a season for replenishment, not overexertion. The above practices support both the spiritual flow of water and the scientific need for restoration.

When Water Freezes Within Us

If we ignore winter’s call to slow down, we risk draining our reserves. In traditional language, the water element becomes icy—rigid instead of being fluid and flowing. In modern terms, this looks like:

• adrenal fatigue
• heightened stress response
• increased anxiety or fearfulness
• difficulty concentrating
• emotional sensitivity

Finally, we can benefit from reflection, consider what you want to leave behind and what has a place in the new year. It’s a great time of year to consider rebuilding your self-esteem and boosting your confidence with hypnotherapy. Reading, journaling, drawing and mind mapping are great creative pursuits at this time of year.

According to TCM (Traditional Chinese medicine) the ears are linked to the kidneys so this is a good time to listen in, change channels and hear your own inner wisdom from within.

Think of the moon bringing light into the darkness, you’ll benefit from longer deeper meditations that will likely bring enlightenment and “ah ha” moments of clarity. This is a great time for creative thinking (not doing) that will help shape the year ahead.

Keep an eye out for my Spring is the Perfect Season to Start Anew blog at the end of winter.

Posted on July 2, 2025July 3, 2025 by Sue Smith — Leave a comment

MIND MANAGEMENT: MOVEMENT OR MEDITATION?

A few years ago I was teaching yoga in a local gym, when a student approached me seeking guidance on managing her anxiety. She asked which specific yoga poses could help her. Curiously, I inquired about her daily practice, only to learn that she felt too anxious to practice at all.

The purpose of any discipline, be it prayer, meditation, Yoga, or Qigong, is to connect with your inner self. This connection taps into an unwavering, peaceful presence that resides within you. By establishing a regular practice, ideally daily, it becomes easier to access this infinite source of calm.

The long-term benefits are profound. When you cultivate a sense of stillness and peace, it feels like returning home to a place you instinctively know you belong. You can carry this sense of calm with you as you navigate life’s journey.

Of course, as humans, we will still experience feelings of sadness, anger, and depression. Acknowledging these emotions is essential; they are part of the human experience. However, your practice allows you to move through these feelings more quickly. Embrace them after all, they are real and valid. With your discipline in place, you’re more likely to remain more positive as you move through the challenges of your day.

Can you take seven to ten minutes every day?

When you care enough about yourself to commit to a short time every day for your practice – whether that’s running, martial arts, or chanting – it becomes easier to remain centred, react less to external triggers, feel generally stronger and feel more in control of your life.

What you experience in your practice is eventually translated into every area of your life. For example, in the ancient art of Qigong, we learn to move slowly with relaxed breathing and in time we approach all our daily activities in the same way, thus gaining some self-mastery.

Over time we develop resilience as we realise that emotions are fluid; nothing stays the same forever, including how you feel in any given moment. Whilst we can’t escape illness, loss and life changing events we’re able to handle them in a more robust way.

Your Practice as an Anchor

Consider your practice as an anchor during life’s storms. Whilst many external circumstances are often beyond our control, building a daily routine fosters a sense of balance and inner strength that will serve you well throughout life.

Just before lockdown I started my teacher training in Qigong which I’ve added to my regular yoga practice. I cannot sing it’s praises more highly; it is a remarkable practice and there is a huge body of scientific evidence to prove its efficacy.

It’s an easy practice to learn… you just have to keep practising.

If you would like to experience some of the wonderful benefits of Qigong. I am holding a mini-Yoga and Qigong Summer Retreat in a beautiful setting in Bromley, Kent. Contact me at sue@thestresshacker.com for more information.

Posted on April 6, 2025April 7, 2025 by Sue Smith — Leave a comment

Mind Body Wellbeing Hacks

Here are 5 simple hacks for a mind body reset.

Hum doesn’t matter what tune or whether or not you’re in tune, just hum it’s an easy fix to feeling calm.
Stroke your neck from your left ear to your right collar bone hand over hand, then from right ear to the left collar bone, finally stroke from your chin down to the little u bend at the base of your neck.
Put an ice-pack on the nape of your neck for one-to-two minutes.
Gargle ’till you gag. Use Himalyan salts if you can get them and gargle robustly for a good couple of minutes until your gag reflex is triggered.
Learn how to belly breathe it’s a life saver in stressful situations. To be able to change your state by moving into deeper belly breathing offers us a sense of control in challenging situations.

It’s all to do with resetting your vagus nerve

This net-like nerve pretty much travels the length of your torso from your 12th cranial nerve to your gut. Apply some of the mind body wellbeing hacks above and you’ll feel in control again. It will move away from anxiety toward self-confidence.

Mind body hacks were used as far back as 12th century. Techniques such as the Inner Smile Meditation were used to give subtle messages to the major organs in the body that all is well. Cool, simply by smiling and connecting with them we start to feel great.

Light, Heartshaped Mirror Plant, Wind Chime — Light Heart Chimes with Wellbeing and Nature

Now it might sound daft to smile and connect with your heart, but if you want to live in harmony, know that the heart is the Emperor of the emotions. Stop and think about that for a moment and you’ll know it’s true. When you feel sad, angry, fearful, happy or loving you experience those feelings from your heart.

FREE GIFT

It stands to reason then that we should look after the heart. With this in mind I made a gift for you. It’s my version of The Inner Smile Meditation. Download it free here in the shop or listen to it on my YouTube channel. Once you’re familiar with it you can do it yourself EVERY day to trigger a healthy mind body connection. Let me know what you think of it.

Sunlight shining on a woman in nature who is smiling. — Smile with your heart, smile with your eyes let the light in and spread the love.

Yoga and Qigong Classes

If you’d like to join me in exploring more mind body hacks, I run an in-person Yoga and Qigong class in Bromley on the last Friday of every month and online weekly. You’ll love how you feel afterwards. Beginners are welcome you only need to bring your mind and body.

Thanks for reading.

Posted on November 4, 2022 by Sue Smith — Leave a comment

My Top 10 Autumn Tips

Whilst we’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy the warmer weather, don’t be fooled by it, as late summer yields fully into Autumn the way we take care of ourselves now, will dictate whether we have a cosy winter or one fully of colds and allergies.

As the leaves become crispy, dry out and fall to the ground, so will we unless we take sensible, self-care steps. Have a browse through my self-help tips to nurture yourself through to Winter and let me know how you get on.

My Top 10 Autumn Tips

My Top 10 Autumn Tips:

Whilst we cling to the last of the late summer sunshine, remember that the air can be cold and drying, consider adding foods to your diet that are the opposite of cold, drying and still. Think of foods that are warm, stimulating and pungent such as garlic, onions, chives, black pepper, ginger, cayenne pepper, horseradish and mustards.
Start the day with warm teas, slice some fresh ginger bring to the boil and cool to drink.Finish the day with a cosy cup of warm milk with a pinch of black pepper, a 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric and a little honey. It will give you a great night’s sleep.
Although it’s a great time for clearing out your clutter e.g. look at the sell by dates in your kitchen cupboards and take your unwanted items to the local donation hub or charity shop, it’s a bad time to set yourself up with big goals or deadlines.

Autumn is a time of death, a letting go of things that no longer serve us.
Instead, take the pressure off and slip slowly into the winter months by considering the equal and opposite; for example Autumn is chilly, blustery, with wind whipping up the leaves in swirls, do the opposite, take time to be still, create small spaces of quiet time to read and relax. It’s a great time to reintroduce the practice of meditation. Take time to bathe in nature, wrap up warm and sit in your local park or take a slow quiet meditative walk.
Emotionally this is again a good time for letting go of resentments and grudges. Remember though, that forgiving those who have hurt you, doesn’t necessarily mean that you allow them back into your life. It does mean however that you can practice letting go by writing a therapy letters, journalling and even saying out loud “ I forgive you so-and-so for… blah blah …” It really works, but don’t take my word for it, try it yourself!
As well as being a good time of year for clearing out, it’s also a great time for creating clear boundaries. Are there people who don’t respect your boundaries? Take some time to consider how you will establish the boundaries, think about what you might need to do or say in this respect, so that you’re clear on how to move forward.
As natural as it is for the leaves fall from the branches at this time of year, it’s all a good time to let the tears fall, go on, give yourself permission to let it go. You’ll likely find when you create time and the right environment, emotions will surface, especially sadness. Allow them space as this is the perfect time to release and clear space.
As a yoga teacher I encourage the clearing of energy blocks in the body. As we practice bending, stretching, twisting, using breath and visualisation to release tension, it brings a sense of freedom and space. In this way we don’t somatise our ‘stuff’ or push our emotions even deeper into the body’s systems and organs. So don’t be rigid, bend and stretch daily. It’s one of the reasons that students feel so good after a yoga class.
Now is the time to use more oils and balms to massage into dry skin. Try warmed sesame oil rubbed into your feet or Vick rubbed into the soles of the feet, pop a pair of socks on and sleep like a baby!
I’m going to share a secret, the best oils and balms come from Urbanveda and they have given a generous discount especially for thestresshacker readers! So grab your discount on their fabulous products here thestresshacker20 . Also when you place an order they plant a tree!

Try This Autumn Meditation

Sit in an upright chair, close your eyes and allow your awareness to move down to your chest ……. allow yourself a little time to tune into the quiet rhythm of your breathing …….. then allow the breath to drop a little deeper down into your abdomen ……. and simply enjoy the deep sense of calm and relaxation that diaphragmatic abdominal breathing brings.

Rest here a while as you observe the miracle of life force and energy moving in and out of your body without you having to do anything at all.

Just Be.

Enjoy!

Posted on September 12, 2022 by Sue Smith — Leave a comment

Six Simple Steps To Self-Care

These tips for self-care will help towards achieving positive health and wellbeing. You’ve heard the expression ‘Charity begins at home,’ so does self-care. Let’s be honest if you can’t look after yourself and take an interest in your wellbeing, why should anyone else?

Successful people use simple mind hacks to boost their self-confidence while they sleep and feed their minds with personal development programmes and podcasts by day.

With the NHS creaking under pressure and GP appointments hard to come by, preventative steps to ensure our positive mental health and wellbeing are more important than ever.

Tips for Self-Care

One Eastern approach to wellbeing is called Ayurveda, roughly translated as The Science of Life. I’ve loosely studied Ayurveda since 1984 by reading and attending courses but I feel as if I’ve just scratched the surface! It’s a vast subject and one of the main things is to understand your constitution, also known as your doshic make-up.

A quiz can help you do this and it’s one of my favourite tips for taking better care of yourself so read on…

Know yourself. Take the Dosha quiz here: Dosha Quiz
As we move out of late summer, rethink your diet, you’ll need to eat differently as the Autumn winds and damp weather take hold. See my delicious recipe below.
Keep negative thoughts at bay, use this vibration meditation. Close your eyes, inhale slowly and on the exhale make the sound Mmmmmm. Feel the vibration on your lips and imagine it resounding around the inside of your brain. Do this for 3 minutes minimum. For a greater sense of calm try 7 or 21 minutes. It’s excellent if you suffer from insomnia, obsessive thoughts and anxiety.
Are you one of those people who feel irritated easily? Start the day with fresh lemon and warm water it’s cleansing for the liver and surprisingly, can calm your disposition. If your digestion is feeling sluggish peel and slice fresh ginger, boil it and cool before drinking first thing in the morning. It feels very warming to the gut.
If you have trouble sleeping, massage your hands and feet with warm sesame oil and go to bed wearing socks and light cotton gloves. Write down anything that could keep you awake . Make a list of all the things you have to do tomorrow, then forget about them until the morning. When there are things you need to get off of your chest, journal until you’re bored!
Aim to bathe in nature at least once a week and preferably more often . Go for a walk in a park, woodland or visit the seaside, blue and green are soothing for the soul.

Would you like to try a regular weekly online meditation class?

I run a session at 8.30pm – 9.30pm on Wednesday evenings email me at sue@thestresshacker.com and I’ll send you details. Read some of the testimonies to hear what other’s say about it.

Recipe for Kitchari

Make the recipe below for yourself and see how nurturing it is. Let me know how you get on I love to hear your feedback.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup basmati rice 1 cup mung dal (split yellow) I also use red lentils as I find them much easier to digest and quicker to cook.
Approximately 6 cups of water
Roughly 1 inch of fresh ginger, chopped or grated – it really is easier to peel with a teaspoon!
¼ teaspoon of rock salt
1 tablespoon of ghee
1/2 tsp. coriander powder
1/2 tsp. cumin powder
1/2 tsp. whole cumin seeds
1/2 tsp. mustard seeds
1/2 tsp. turmeric powder
1 pinch asafoetida (hing)
It’s a bit of a faff measuring this out every time you make it, I make it up in bulk and keep it in a jar and I tend to pulp it into a powder in a pestle and mortar (except the ginger and fresh coriander.)
A handful of freshly chopped coriander
A handful of assorted vegetables ( these are optional)
Preparation – takes no time.

Cooking Instructions:

Thoroughly wash your lentils in a sieve, make sure the water runs clear through them and leave to one side.
Place a heavy bottomed saucepan on a high heat, when it’s hot, turn it down add the ghee, let it melt and throw your spices in (but NOT the fresh coriander) stir them into the ghee until the seeds pop (If you haven’t pulped them) Do NOT let it burn.
Next add the washed lentils and coat them in the spicy ghee mixture, then cover until they become soft. (Check from time to time that it’s not burning and add a little more water if necessary.If you want more of a soup, add more water and don’t add rice. If you want a more substantial meal, add less water and add your vegetables for about 10 mins or less if you like them al dente.

Note: If you’re adding some vegetables, wash and chop them into small chunks, you could use broccoli, courgettes, carrots, sweet potato, or some spinach or cabbage.
Finally throw in a packet of 2 minute basmati rice (or a cupful that you might have already cooked) and stir in for 4 or 5 minutes.

In my opinion good cooking comes from tasting as you go along, after all you’ll be eating it so you’re the judge of it! If you’re feeling low or unwell, this is considered a ‘healing meal’ and is the perfect remedy for any body type or age group. Enjoy!

Posted on February 19, 2021February 22, 2021 by Sue Smith — 1 Comment

‘Open Heart Therapy Workshop’ Personal Development

In 2004 I ran my first personal development ‘Open Heart Therapy’ workshop and whilst successful, I sensed it was ahead of it’s time.

So many people are saying it’s the right time for personal development and the success of last weeks Open Heart Therapy workshop proved it for me.

But what does Open Your Heart even mean? As a therapist of 30 years I know too well how people shut down when they’re hurt. Whilst that’s no revelation, it is interesting to recognise that it’s the people closest to us who are capable of hurting us the most.

It’s the friends, family, lovers and partners who we allow to get close, those who we open our hearts to that we can feel most wounded by.

When we are honest and open-hearted we can be vulnerable. If betrayed and hurt in that space then naturally we lose faith and can be loathe to experience that again.

If you burn your hand when you put it into a fire, ouch! It hurts. You’d be crazy to do it again. The same kind of things happen when we’re hurt emotionally.

Fundamentally the heart is a pumping muscle which can tighten and contract like any other muscle in the body. With sufficient reason(s) to become restricted, it can metaphorically, close down and because it’s a muscle it can’t judge and can shut out people who haven’t hurt you.

The consequences of emotional numbing in the heart can have the knock-on effect of deadening passion in other areas of life, we can feel drained have that “whats the point, who cares” type of thinking .

In addition, being emotionally blocked can also inhibit our ability to speak our truth openly and assertively.

This is because the energy centres above and below the heart are adversely affected. We can feel weakened energetically, loose will-power and find it hard to fight addictions or stick to a healthy lifestyle.

These are good enough reasons for personal development and attempts to heal the heart.

The thing is muscles need stretching and exercising and this is what my Open Heart Therapy workshop offers it aims to help you to move forward and heal the past if you’re ready. Are you ready for some personal development?

Testimonies:

“It totally met my objectives, mentally and physically.”
DB 12/02/2021
“It also made me very aware of the impact of parents’ behaviours on their children…Yes, would definitely recommend…”
NS 14/02/2021
“I’d like to say it was very good the workshop today, very beneficial and very well put together…I have already recommended it to other people!”
MF 12/02/2021
“It went really quickly – I would like to do it all over again!”
SB 15/02/2021

Posted on December 24, 2020December 24, 2020 by Sue Smith — Leave a comment

Open It Now! It’s For You

How are you? It certainly feels like we’re being tested on so many levels in these changeable times.

I’m sure you know that among other things, stress is a feeling of not being in control which can trigger all kinds of emotional, psychological and behavioural problems.

But how to deal with it? One of the main keys to dealing with stress is to develop flexibility so that we improve our bounce-ability factor and become resilient.

Dare I say the most flexible tree is the bamboo because of it’s ability to bend easily in the wind and then stand tall again.

How can we become more flexibile? Well I could say take up yoga, develop new hobbies, improve your way of thinking by listening to hypnotherapy programmes. But better still, find your own ways.

Write down 10 things you could do to become more flexible mentally and physically.

Along with sending you my good wishes for the holiday period I want to offer a couple of approaches to help manage stress, anxiety and any other difficult feelings.

Please do the exercise, as it’s experiential, it will only that will take about 7 minutes of your life and it may prove valuable. Try it now.

1. Sit somewhere away from distractions and close your eyes.
2. Repeat the following words to yourself silently and mentally.
“Be” “Just Be” repeat this periodically until you find your breathing slowing and a sense of quietness beginning to emerge.

You might find the next bit challenging and counter intuitive on one level but just go with it.

3. Invite the negative thought/feeling/emotion into the quieter space by simply saying “I welcome… (anxiety, frustration, sadness, headache, stomach churning or whatever.)

4. Imagine them as an unexpected, slightly unwanted guest who’s arrived at your door but your good manners dictate that you’re going to invite them in anyway!

5. When you’ve repeated ” I welcome” let’s say anxiety in, notice where it lives. Do you feel it in your chest? Or stomach for example.

Don’t get lost in the thought or feeling and don’t get too involved, stay mildly detached, you’re merely observing it.

6. After a few minutes of this, welcome in the opposite feeling/emotion/thought. So you might then say silently “I welcome peace and calmness” again repeating it several times.

Notice what peace and calmness feel like and where these feelings sit in your body.

Another odd thing to suggest but do it anyway…

7. Begin to move back and forth between the words “I welcome anxiety and tension” then “I welcome peace, calmness and tranquility”

8. Finally after doing that for a couple of minutes, imagine you can step back away from the opposites and repeat silently “Be” “Just Be”

Let me know how that works for you.

The second gift I would like to offer is a free mind/body training that will lead to a more relaxed in control you.Download it and practise it until you’re able to do it anywhere anytime on your own. It’s my gift to you along with my fervent wishes that you be well and happy.

It’s a tried and tested method that with repetition will give you a greater sense of control in your world.

https://www.thestresshacker.com/product/relax-autogenic-relaxation-response-program/

Oh and if you fancy listening to an interview I gave earlier in the year about finding your purpose check it out here:

https://www.hotflushrebels.com/optin1597304230526

Posted on June 14, 2020March 16, 2021 by Sue Smith — Leave a comment

How To Take Part In Today’s Global Meditation

Chaos and unrest are necessary ingredients for change and I doubt that any of us have escaped change so far this year.

Working as a psychotherapist, coach and yoga teacher I’ve learned that there is a time of turmoil and confusion when we learn something new. It stirs up and unsettles what we thought we knew.

Space is required whilst new neurological pathways are carved out adjoining new learning with old. Updating the software if you like.

We can see this as a macrocosm and a microcosm in the world right now. The quicker we learn and understand that things need to change, the more quickly life can settle down again as a recalibrated, refined and improved version.

What easier way to create the space needed than to meditate. It is a simple yet powerful tool that can facilitate our growth and development mentally, physically and spiritually and there is now a plethora of scientific evidence to back this up. https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2018/04/harvard-researchers-study-how-mindfulness-may-change-the-brain-in-depressed-patients/

There are huge benefits to meditating and here are some of the experiences that others have https://outwittrade.com/meditation-benefits-and-stories

Please Accept My Invitation And Join Me Today In A Global Mediation For World Peace And Healing.

Here’s how.

At 16:10 today (ten past four) today clear a space, in your home, garden or out somewhere in nature.
Sit upright (laying down may encourage you to sleep!)
Either keep your eyes open with a soft gaze or gently close them.
Allow your mind to quieten. Try this way… imagine an expansive blue sky with soft white fluffy clouds passing by… constantly imagine yourself as the blue sky and the thoughts, the clouds, you can’t stop them but you don’t have to hang onto them or investigate them in any way. Just observe each thought as it passes.
Periodically bring your awareness to your inhalation and exhalation.
Stay quietly meditating like this for 15minutes.

Know that you and I are sitting together with thousands of other like-minded souls around the world at exactly this time to co-create peace and healing in individuals and mother earth.

You may wonder why this time? Well there are powerful astrological reasons for meditating today at exactly this time … reasons that I do not profess to fully understand here’s a link to get you started if that’s of interest though.

https://www.lunarplanner.com/2020/index.html I do hope you’re able to find 15 minutes to join me today.

If you are interested in listening to my podcasts please follow this link to listen https://anchor.fm/stresshacker the next few episodes are all about mindfulness. Please feel free to share them with your loved ones and anyone else who will enjoy them.

Also if you fancy joining my online yoga classes drop me a line or follow this link for more information.https://www.thestresshacker.com/product/online-hatha-yoga-class-pass/

Oh and check out my new book all put together with the help of my friend, thanks Shelby https://www.thestresshacker.com/product/guide-to-kicking-anxietys-butt/

Sue x

Posted on February 12, 2020February 11, 2020 by Sue Smith — Leave a comment

Stresshacker Podcast Ep4: Beat Anxiety, Depression And Burnout With Balance

So many people I see in my practice are lacking energy; they feel tired, anxious and lethargic especially during wintertime. Never before have so many people and, dare I say, particularly women, been so exhausted and frazzled!

That’s the subject for my latest podcast.

Episode 4 of The Stresshacker Podcast offers some valuable ways to re-connect with yourself and others.

I talk about how you can bring much needed balance back into your life and, in the process, counter some of the struggles that we face – such as depression, anxiety and exhaustion.

The pressure is constantly on and our lives are more demanding than they have ever been.

Think about it, are you constantly doing?

In the absence of a nice smattering of being (or certainly doing much less), there’s an imbalance. The more doing we do the more that imbalance will show up in our everyday lives.

Listen to this episode for ways you can regain your sense of balance.

I’ve been so blown away by the response to my adventures into podcasting. It’s a new experience for me and I’m learning as I go.

If you’ve enjoyed these recent episodes, please do like them on iTunes and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. It really does make a difference to how many people find the podcast!

As a special thank you for those who listen to the end, I’d like to offer you half price access to my Wellbeing In A Week short course. Listen to the podcast to find out how to claim it!

I’ll be back soon to bring more peace into your life.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe on Spotify

Subscribe on Google Podcasts

Episode page: (let me know if this isn’t available on your favourite podcast app)

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