I have never been one to stick rigidly to a daily routine. My husband has a solid meditation practice that he struggles to live without. Over the years I have tried different meditation and exercise routines, and then given myself a hard time about not being able to commit to the same thing every day.

I have realised that I actually do have daily rhythms and practice that support me, I have taken small things from all the different practices I have learnt and use them when I need to. I have stopped giving myself such a hard time and found I do more each day than when I stressed about it all the time.

We have a busy family life so I tend to slot things in around what is happening.

One of the best things for me is stretching. You will find me stretching whilst I cook, put the washing up or away, whilst hoovering and whilst picking up the endless stuff left on the floor. I stretch along the Meridian, lines of energy in the body, that Shiatsu works on. I feel more fluid and flexible once I have stretched, more physically and mentally.

I also used Do-In most mornings. This is a process of patting or rubbing the body awake, again using the Merdians. I start with my scalp and back of my head and neck then work over my shoulders and down my arms, continuing down my whole body. I tend to start this process as I get out of bed, make my way to the bathroom and whilst I have my shower. I feel more awake after this and my skin is tingly.

I tend to have quiet time, meditation or breathing practice, as I prepare for a session of Shiatsu. I use different forms of meditation. I use breath work meditation, Chakra focused meditation, guided meditation and Transindental Meditation. I use whatever technique feels appropriate on that day.

I really enjoy breath work. Bringing my attention to how I feel in my body. Using breath to loosen and let go of tension. Letting go of negative thoughts with my breath and bringing in positive energy with my breath in.

I also have a save all technique! This is so simple but helps me so much. When things are getting too much or I am too tired or I just need to have some space I use this. Wherever I am, within reason, I lie down – on a floor, or on my Shiatsu mat. (I don’t find it works if I lie on a bed or sofa.)

I lie on my back with my knees up and I simply rest for a moment. I can feel my body and mind settle, my spine fall into place, and then I can begin to understand how I am actually feeling. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed or exhausted but just acknowledging how I really feel allows the feelings to ease. When I first began this practice I was concerned I wouldn’t get back up or I would fall asleep but this doesn’t happen. It feels like a reset, I switch off and turn back on again, I zone out and come back, I take a moment and that is all I need.

At the end of the day I rest and I wrap my mid-drift to warm my kidney area. The kidneys are the body’s burners, if they are warm and working everything else works too. I need a lot of sleep so I head to bed early, I may meditate for a short amount of time before bed but generally I am too tired. Then obviously I start all over again the next day.

Having daily support techniques can make all the difference. I advise most clients to have some routine between Shiatsus, to keep the energy flowing and the treatment working as well and for as long as possible.

If you would like to learn some of these techniques with me let me know, I’m always happy to share and support people with their own health and well-being.

Have a good day everyone.

x