January/February Blues?

After the excitement and bustle of the Christmas season, it is completely natural to feel a little down at this time of the year. January and February, the months of cold weather, dark mornings and -possibly- failing in our New Year’s resolutions collide to create “January Blues”. Typically, January Blues manifests itself as feelings of low mood, sadness, lack of motivation, tiredness and low energy.

Our Commitment to Wellbeing through Movement 

Here at Tales to Inspire we agreed it was important to be kind to ourselves during the winter months, and understand why we might feel a little low. We also wanted to share how you can fight those blues this January. An easy way you can do this is to get moving . Moving for Wellbeing is ideal for everybody; you can move sitting or standing, on your own or as part of a group.

The Sciency Bit 

• The mental benefits of movement  have a neurochemical basis. 
• Exercise reduces levels of the body’s stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol.
• Movement  stimulates the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that are the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators. 
• Endorphins are responsible for the “movers high” and for the feelings of relaxation and optimism that accompany you throughout the day. 

Emma Marshall: ‘Movement is Medicine’ 

Emma had chronic illnesses and travelled to Mexico to find holistic cures. Whilst she was there Emma discovered how the locals used movement to better themselves. If they were feeling negative emotions, they would beat a drum and dance until they felt the emotions shake out of them. In their culture, they use their bodies to understand their emotions and get healthy . 

Emma realised that our  emotions are locked inside until we find a way to release them, through this ‘Movement is Medicine’ was born.  Emma began holding classes for people to come and move whilst explaining how it was helping them scientifically. Committed to well-being through movement she has helped around 30 people get better through movement. 

Raji Sander: ‘Movement is a way of life’

Raji was incredibly successful in her career, a top corporate player, but also  wondered whether there might be more to life than a 9-5. In 2015 her friend invited her to run a 5k for charity. Raji knew nothing about running but that race changed her life. Raji caught the running bug. 

Raji decided to start a blog called ‘Mid-life Runners’ which instantly took off. She

helped people from around the world who thought that they couldn’t achieve their goals through inclusive low impact running. Raji says that ‘ Midlife runners are for the  underdogs, making  running accessible. Movement is not about competition but about feeling good and making friends for life.’

Inspiring Well-being through Movement

One can take a lot from our amazing ambassadors this month, to help carry us through these winter months. They have challenged internal stigmas by making movement accessible for themselves and passing this gift on to society. Activity shouldn’t be gruelling, but incredibly joyous, helping connect with ourselves and others. 

Take Charge and Be Kind to yourself this January – 

For advice and support head to our blogcast to read more about or wellbeing ambassadors.