A while ago we asked you what products and services we could offer that would help bring more relaxation and wellbeing to your lives.  You came up with lots of brilliant ideas and the first one we’re implementing is Space To Be Retreats.  I’ve been in the beautiful island of Ibiza checking out potential venues and have found the perfcet place to host a 5 or 7 day boutique wellness retreat.

More details coming later this week but for now you can start imagining spending a week in a boutique villa overlooking the hills and sea, lazing in the infinity pool, enjoying yoga and fitness sessions, eating delicious but healthy food and getting to know your fellow retreaters.  I can’t wait….

I’m Carla, the founder of Space To Be and a life coach who focuses on helping people avoid burnout and get more balance and reduce stress in their everyday life.  This blog will keep you updated on our latest news and helpful info and advice on all things relaxation-related.

Happy reading and please do join in and share your thoughts, ideas and recommendations too.

Love

Carla x

1. Move – when you change your phyiscal state it changes your mental state so get up now and walk around with a big smile on your face.  If you're at home you can literally shake off your worries by shaking your hands and feet and you'll find yourself feeling much more positive and energised.

2. Drink a herbal tea designed to soothe your spirits such as chamomile or valerian tea.  Enjoy the process of making it and taking a break.

3. Take some long deep breaths – breathe in, right down to your belly, and feel the air filling your lungs and belly.  Then just let go of the out breath and imagine letting go of your stress at the same time.  Do this 10 times or until you are feeling calmer and more in control.

4. Drink a big glass of water – your brain is 85% water and when it is dehydrated the level of energy production in the brain decreases so drink a glass of water and your concentration levels will improve.

5. Stop telling yourself that you're stressed.  When we focus on something it magnifies it so why not focus on taking action and feeling in control rather than feeling stressed and powerless.  What one action could you take right now to take you a step closer to where you want to be?

6.  If the kids are stressing you out why not do some creative with them to keep them entertained. This time of year is great for nature spotting with all the leaves and conkers and changing colours.

7. Ask yourself if you are adding to your stress by placing too much importance on the issue at hand.  Will you still think it's important in 10 days?  How about in 10 months?  Or 10 years?  Could you choose to be less stressed right now?

8. Plan a reward for when you've dealt with whatever is stressing you out, or just got to the end of a hard day with your humour intact.  What could you do to give yourself something to look forward to?  A long hot bath?  Reading a chapter of a novel?  A peek at X Factor? 

Finally don't forget that Space To Be created its hypnotherapy recordings to help you de-stress and feel great.  You can buy our Ultimate Unwind MP3 track here for 25 minutes of pure relaxation or visit the Space To Be website for our free 10 minute relaxation download.

If you think something is missing in your life, it is probably you. 

The idea that something is missing in your life, in your relationships, in your work, or in any given situation, is a projection.  The projection is based on the fact that you are not fully present.  In other words you think something is missing here because you are not here.  Somehow you are not being real enough, honest enough or authentic enough.  True happiness requires you to participate fully in your life now.  

"For many of us, the very happy moments are about connection – connection to ourselves, connection to each other, connection to nature, or connection to God.  These moment are being moments and they have little to do with doing or getting or chasing or searching.  Also many people notice that being very happy has more to do with intentions, choices and attitudes that you bring to each moment rather than the "things" you hope you find in each moment." 

The report about Nowism from trend-watching.com also shares some interesting recent research from the Boston Consulting Group where 47% of the women they surveyed said that the big stress in their life is the demand on their time and 45% said they 'don't have enough time for me'.

Space To Be wants to help women create that time for them – before they get burn out from focusing on everything except their own needs.  And we can do it instantly in just 25 minutes with our Ultimate Unwind relaxation download – it's relaxation on demand

Read more in The Independent…

Mmm I'm off to eat some yummy wholegrain bread dipped in bucketloads of olive oil right now…