Spring Fling Series: Niki Loe, Smile Love Nourish Move

Spring Fling Series

INTRODUCING

Niki Loe
Smile Love Nourish Move

Niki Loe has a holistic approach to the human experience as a Registered Personal Trainer, Pilates & Yoga instructor, Registered Naturopath, Medical Herbalist and Nutritionist.

Here, she shares her daily secrets for happiness, reduced stress and nurturing your sparkle.

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It has been a big year, but Spring is finally here. We are starting to experience those sparkles of sunshine that lift our spirits, warm our bodies and brighten our days. We can’t miss this. Never has there been a time more important to slow down, breathe and to stand in the sunshine. 

In busy times, it is easy to feel a little (or a lot) overwhelmed, and like a self-care routine is the last thing we have time for. Doing something wonderful to strengthen and nourish your being does not have to take a huge chunk out of your day. Even five “me” minutes can be transformational to your state of mind, energy levels and how you experience the world around you. 

If I were to share what I believe we need as human beings to truly thrive, to live a life of joy and freedom, I would borrow this quote from Dan Buettner: “Eat well, stress less, move more and love more”. 

1. HAPPY MOVEMENT
   Movement is a celebration of your body, it is not a punishment. Move in a way that makes you feel happy, free and joyful. This might look like a juicy gym workout or a dreamy hour spent flowing through a yoga / Pilates class. It might be taking your pup for a stroll, frolicking at the beach, chasing your kiddies, or turning your music up and dancing around like a crazy person (a really awesome crazy person I might add!). Whatever it is, just smile with your whole body, and move like you mean it. Make it count!

2. PLANT-RICH DIET
   You are what you eat, actually. So eat whole, fresh and eat in rainbows. Who doesn’t want to be a rainbow? If you do nothing else, double your daily veggie intake, aiming for at least 3 big cups of veggies, and eat 1-2 servings of seasonal fruit each day. The extra vitamins, nutrients, and fibre will help you shine brighter, with increased energy levels, stamina, more glowing skin, a happier tummy and a sharper state of mind. Happy herbs like Siberian ginseng and rhodiola, (my favourites) can act as adaptogens to support us in times of mental, physical and emotional stress. They are nature’s way of giving us a hug in crazy times. They help soothe our nervous system, support energy, endurance and mood. Herbs can also be used to calm anxiety, support our immune system and help us sleep more soundly. 

3. GOOD QUALITY SLEEP
   Sleep is our time to heal and replenish every cell within our body. While the perfect amount of sleep differs for each individual, 7-9 hours is the gold standard. With adequate sleep, our mood, metabolism, brain function and immunity can perform at full strength. I recommend creating an evening ritual that tells the mind and body it is bedtime. To ensure a deep and dreamy sleep that lasts the whole night through, we must first allow time for the body and mind to unwind. Phones off. Breathe, stretch, read, sip on a sleepy tea, meditate, journal. Have fun creating something special for yourself, even if it is just 5 minutes to slow down, breathe, and snuggle. 

4. TIME IN NATURE
   New Zealand, the land of staggering beauty. Rugged country sides, rich forests and mystical beaches can be found in our own backyard. We have spent more time in doors this year, and for some, our home spaces have become work spaces too. Our bodies need time in nature now more than ever. It has been proven that time spent by the ocean, or breathing in the forest air can significantly calm the body and mind by reducing stress hormones like cortisol. If nothing else, just step outside your front door to smell the roses, or hug a tree. Nature feeds our soul by life’s design. 

5. PLAY TIME
   Children have an extraordinary way of creating a world of magic where toys come to life and makebelieve is real. Energy is of abundance and stress isn’t even a real word yet. As we grow up, we can accidentally become so busy we forget to keep playing. It is time to reconnect with your childlike sense of wonder, imagination, and magic that lies within. Run into the ocean clothes and all, laugh, like really laugh from the depths of your belly, play dress ups with your kids, do a cartwheel - I dare you to see if you remember how. Notice how fun life starts to feel when you make time to play. 

6. MINDFULNESS AND DEEP BREATHING
   Did you know that as human beings, we breathe 17,000 - 30,000 times per day? When was the last time you stopped to notice a full cycle of breath? Try it now. Inhale, let it fill you up to every corner of your being, drink it in and then let it go, slowly and softly, an exhalation that surrenders you to the present moment. Do this more. The richness and quality of your breath is the fastest way to calm your nervous system and bring you into the present moment. Try to be mindful in all that you do. Notice the sounds, the smells, the beauty around you. Those who seek beauty, shall find it. 

7. GRATITUDE
   Practicing gratitude can be a quiet thank you to the universe, a feeling you express out loud in words, or something you write about. I like to carry a “gratitude rock” with me everywhere I go. I chose it from a special place, and every time I look at it, I am reminded of all the things in my world I am most grateful for. On a neurochemical level, the experience of gratitude significantly reduces stress hormones, while hitting our yummy “happy” hormones like serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin. This immediately uplifts the mood, and calms depression and anxiety. Did you know it is impossible to feel grateful and depressed in the exact same moment? That gives me goosebumps. 

8. STAND IN THE SUNSHINE
   Close your eyes and feel the warmth of the sun on your face. How does it feel? There is no question that sunshine makes us happy. A yummy dose of time in the sun is the best way for our bodies to produce and absorb vitamin D. Hailed as the “happy vitamin”, scientific evidence supports that vitamin D can uplift our mood and ease anxiety. On cloudy days, be reminded that sometimes we have to make our own sunshine. 

9. PRESENT MOMENTS WITH LOVED ONES
   Hug the ones you love, and tell them how much they mean to you. Every single day if you can.

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“How do I start?” You just do. Don’t wait another moment. Carve a little time into every day that is especially yours. How you care for your body will be uniquely special to you. Embrace the things that make you feel alive. Create “me” moments that allow you to breathe, think, eat, sleep, move and smile in a way that makes your heart sing. This is your life. Live it with freedom and joy.

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