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!
Pilates Workout Video
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?
Little Known Ways to Hack Healthy Eating
Eating healthy is one of the most common health and wellbeing goals, but so few people manage to make it a lasting reality. This is almost always because they put nasty restrictions on what they can and can’t eat, and end up feeling crappy.
To make themselves feel better, they’ll eat even more unhealthy food, and they’ll continue the cycle.
If weight loss is your goal in 2016 - STOP!
Studies show that those who prioritise being healthy over weight loss lose more weight long term, and are more likely to keep it off.
Ditch negative goals
Swap negative goals like “I’ll fit into my skinny jeans in 4 weeks or I won’t eat carbs for a month” and switch your mindset to incorporating healthy, positive goals into your eating.
Swap ‘losing weight’ with ‘being healthy.’
Once you focus on eating healthy food, you’re bound to lose weight anyway!
There are so many ways to eat healthier, but here are just a few hints.
Print off this list and put it on your fridge. Put a tick next to each one when you’ve tried it.
1. Take Mason Jar salads to work for lunch; they're healthy & look beautiful. Layer salad dressing, then legumes, then greens, with tomatoes and nuts on top.
2. Add super foods to your diet (chia seeds, amaranth, spirulina, psyllium husks)
-Try adding them to smoothies if you struggle with the texture or taste
3. Add one extra veggie to your dinner every night. Try to aim for three to start, and work your way up to 5.
4. Eat vegetarian meals four out of seven days. Indian, vegetarian dishes are my favourites for hearty meat-free meals.
5. Occasionally swap bread for corn thins or rice crackers.
6. Take bliss balls to work for the 3pm slump instead of coffee.
7. Decrease your coffee intake by one cup a day (if you drink four now, try swapping one coffee for green tea instead - you'll save money too!)
None of the tips above are about limitation or deprivation, they’re about trying new, exciting things to brighten your plate, and give you more energy!
photo: snob fashion blog
The best way to eat healthy long term
Reading a blog post isn't always enough - you might need some personalised, tailor-made help through a one-on-one session with me.
After getting to know you through an initial consultation form, I’ll help you understand what’s holding you back from eating healthy via a one-hour Skype session. From there, I’ll give you a tangible, meaningful Wellness Action Plan to help you move forward and get results.
Whether you choose one session or a package, the small, meaningful changes you make via your Wellness Action Plan will help you learn what's holding you back from having more energy and eating good, nutritious food. I'll help you become the person you long to be; the truly amazing person you are.
By spending this time together, you’ll get evidence-based steps to help you live a happier, healthier life.
AREAS WE CAN WORK ON INCLUDE:
Why should you work with me?
After practicing Physiotherapy, PT and health consulting for years around the world in Canada, Australia and New Zealand, I’ve learned how to make health fun and inspiring. You’re not like anyone else, and your program needs to be designed for you, and only you.
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
Pilates vs. Yoga - What Everyone Ought to Know
Why Getting Married in New Zealand is Taking the World by Storm
Wellness and weddings
As more people want to live better around the world, blending your dream wedding with relaxing, luxurious wellness experiences has become the ultimate wedding experience.
Post-yoga/Pilates posing with the bride at an Aprivé Wellness wedding retreat
To celebrate the launch of our Healthy Hens and Wedding Wellness Retreats, I spoke to Jan of Pure NZ weddings. Get the inside scoop on new wedding trends, and why planning a destination wedding in New Zealand is the next big thing!
1. What is the most popular wedding trend in NZ at the moment?
I'd say there are 2:
Heli-weddings
Our scenery is gorgeous, and many couples are already married in their own country but want to have their wedding photos taken with the spectacular backdrops only found in New Zealand.
Escaping the hassle of big family weddings
In New Zealand, couples can combine a romantic getaway and return with beautiful photographs of their marriage, while putting the money they save into a house.
2. Why do you think people from overseas choose to get married in NZ?
There are a few reasons:
· It is so easy to get married here, the process is available online;
· Same sex marriage is legal;
· New Zealand consistently rates highly in travel sites for scenery, lifestyle, and adventure travel;
· We have world class venues and spectacular and accessible scenery;
· We have amazing wedding photographers all over the country to incorporate scenery and the classic romance of a wedding;
3. When is the busiest time to get married in New Zealand?
The busiest periods are those that clash with the domestic wedding season, from October to February, as well as a burst at Easter .
4. What are up and coming trends in weddings in New Zealand?
Couples who choose to escape to NZ for their wedding are making the most of off season and midweek pricing to help save them money.
Exclusive use options in venues that offer spa treatments and wellness options, like Aprivé Wellness Wedding Retreats, plus hair and makeup are getting more popular. These allow a couple to look relaxed and enjoy the whole lead up to their wedding ceremony; and if the family and friends are involved, this makes the whole wedding experience more fun.
The fun, healthy wellness retreat idea is a great way for families and friends to spend time together in a calm. relaxed setting, and perfect for the feel of a New Zealand wedding.
Yoga in paradise at an Aprivé Wellness wedding retreat
5. What are your top 3 favourite wedding venues in New Zealand?
We have so many to suit every budget!
· I love a bespoke wedding in a cute church for private hire like Wallaceville Church and Old St Pauls in Wellington!
· But I am a big fan of Huka Lodge, Wharekauhau Country Estate for exclusive use or small parties; and I know it is more than 3 but
· For a couple’s elopement wedding one close to Queenstown I love Jewel on Speargrass
