Pilates Workout Video

While I was on holidays on the luscious Hamilton Island, I filmed a short clip of a super Pilates workout. It challenges your core, balance, posture, and really works your abs too!

Give it a try!

The Zen of De-Stressing Your Tech

I love my laptop and, even though it took convincing to leave my flip phone for a smart version, I love my phone too. However, sometimes notifications popping up on a screen can make me feel overwhelmed and I used to just put my phone in a drawer, only to open it again when I heard another *ping!* Now I do things differently.

Instead of shoving your phone in a drawer when it's overwhelming you with noises, vibrations and messages you probably don't need to reply to right now, try these tips.

1. Try having a calm inbox.

Try checking your inbox just twice a day, once in the morning, and once at night. 10AM and 3PM are good times to answer any emails that need your attention and file away, or delete any others. You’ll find you inbox is less cluttered, and you actually process your email better when you’ve made time to sit and read them, rather than scrolling through them on the train. You’ll also want to turn off your email notifications on your phone, otherwise the calm inbox idea doesn’t work!

Tip: If a calm inbox just isn’t an option for your work inbox, try just doing it for your personal one. You can also change the level of calm by checking it 4 times a day if it suits you better.

2. Turn off unnecessary push notifications

Do you really care that someone you went to high school with just liked the same photo as you? No. Unless you’re a social media manager, the notifications from facebook, twitter and Instagram aren’t urgent.

Check them when you’re ready, not when your device tells you to. Without that *ping* interrupting your chat, coffee, drive or ‘me time,’ you’ll have more undivided attention directed at whatever you’re doing.

3. Change your ring tones

Just the sound of certain ring tones can put us on edge, so choose a round, bubbly sound rather than a shrill, hectic tone. If you can’t find one you like, there are plenty to buy online. Choosing a ringtone that starts softly and builds in volume can work too.

4. Delete those apps

Do you still play Angry Birds? If you do, never mind. But if you don’t? Delete it! On a tablet, laptop or smartphone screen, seeing pages and pages of apps can seem overwhelming. The feeling that you just can’t deal with everything in your life is made worse with too many choices, options and clutter. Ditch any apps you don’t use. You won’t miss them.

5. Turn it off or on silent & face down at bedtime

As you drift slowly into a deep sleep, there’s nothing worse than *ping!* ‘someone liked your photo.’ Tech is being blamed for why so many people are sleeping badly, so don’t get sucked into the trap. If you’re reluctant to turn your phone off, put it on silent (not vibrate) and place it face down. That way you’ll still get your messages in the morning and your alarm will still go off, but your evening slumber will go undisturbed.

Technology is here to make our lives easier, so don’t let it get in the way. 

What have you tried to de-stress your tech?

Happy Easter 2016

I hope you have a wonderful weekend, wherever you are, and whoever you're with. Whether you're busy with friends and family or relaxing by yourself, I hope you have a calm, happy day.

Top tip to avoid over-indulging this Easter

To those who are worried of overdoing it with the chocolate eggs this Easter, try closing your eyes, and taking in the sensation of the chocolate melting into a smooth, rich paste on your tongue. Breathe in and savour the sweet, sticky goodness. You'll appreciate your eggs so much more, and you're less likely to over-indulge when you eat with more awareness.

Most of all? Enjoy them without feeling guilty! Guilt doesn't belong at meal times, snack times or even at dessert, so enjoy those chocolate eggs....mindfully.

Have a Happy Easter.

-Caitlin xo

Motatapu 2016 Queenstown, NZ

If the phrase Ultra Run makes your stomach churn, you're not the only one.  If luxury relaxation, low impact exercise, a fun nutrition workshop and a beautiful mountain top setting is more to your taste, the Queenstown Wellness Retreat on March 5th is your ultimate day out.

Motatapu Isn't for Everyone

Mountain biking through mud, running around mountain tops and the feeling of your heart tearing through your chest may be your worst nightmare. It might feel like you're the only one who doesn't like adventure races, but you're not! There are plenty of people who prefer low impact, gentle and inspiring exercise, so why not join them for your own healthy day out?

The Benefits of Low Impact Exercise

You don't have to run up a cliff to be healthy. Health and wellness is about finding what works for you! If you like to get a workout without hammering your knees, and prefer to be calm rather than feel your breathe rattle through the cold, a wellness retreats' yoga/pilates fusion class is a great way to workout. Rather than a gruelling cardio workout, these yoga/Pilates classes work on your balance, core strength and overall toning.

Tips to Eat For Your Weight

You know how to eat healthy right? We all do, but somehow we just don't. The interactive nutrition workshops at a wellness retreat teaches you how to make healthy eating the easiest choice for you. You'll learn things like how to make tasty, healthy salad dressings and how to create deliciously decadent smoothies to inject superfoods into your diet without compromising on taste.

Luxury in Queenstown

Nothing beats a spa day. The soothing waters of a hot tub, calming steam room, refreshing sauna and gentle cool of the plunge pool at the luxurious Nugget Point Boutique Hotel & Spa can't be beaten. You'll enjoy these luscious features in the last two hours of your wellness retreat, leaving you calm, refreshed and ready for your perfect Saturday night. If you crave a champagne or wine finish, you can head to the bar at this beautiful hotel to end your retreat day.

Photos: Queenstown Life

Best Vegetarian Food in Queenstown

Your lunch at this wellness retreat is handcrafted by the top chefs at Nugget Point Boutique Hotel & Spa. From filling, delicious salads jam-packed full of nutritious goodies to a cheese board (because life's about balance) you'll find the best vegetarian food in Queenstown at our retreats. You'll also stay energised mid-way through the day with a chia-seed filled smoothie.

Photos: Queenstown Life

What to do on Motatapu Weekend

Choose your own adventure, and pamper yourself with an inspiring wellness retreat at Nugget Point Boutique Hotel. Forget mud, cliff running, crowds and hammering your knees and joints, choose a gentle, motivating and beautiful day out. You'll see the best views in Queenstown, eat tantalising food, get a gentle workout and treat yourself to luxury relaxation.

Any questions? Ask me now.