KEEP CALM & CARRY ON

If you’re struggling to find some inner stillness, these practices will help get you back on track

- Markeeta Waddington.

This year has not only thrown a spotlight on health issues, but also on how our mental health is holding up. “The ripple effect COVID-19 is starting to have on people’s wellbeing is concerning, and that’s why it’s so important to dedicate a small amount of time each day to looking after your mental health,” says Luke McLeod, meditation and mindfulness instructor and founder of Soul Alive. While taking time for yourself can seem like another item on a never-ending to-do list, these simple exercises from Luke will have you feeling zen in no time!

STORED TRAUMA HEALING

Think of your body as one big sponge that absorbs energy from every single thing you do on a daily basis – that’s a lot of stuff to contain! While some energy is filed away in our brain as memories, Luke says it can get caught in other parts of the body such as muscles and organs causing pain or discomfort.

Stored trauma healing is often guided by a teacher who helps identify pain points in the body and clears out any blockages through awareness prompts. You can try doing this at home by focusing on particularly tense or sore areas of your body and imagining those sensations releasing as you breathe out with force.