Category: rest

fitness · holiday fitness · holidays · meditation · rest · self care

Making Space 2023: Day 19

Christine Hennebury

Hey Team,

I hope that day 19 brings you a feeling of tearfulness and spaciousness.

I wish those things for you every day, of course, but I am sending them out with a little extra boost today.

And speaking of an extra boost…

I feel like I often veer towards gentle workouts when I seek videos for this post, and that works well but I also know that many of us may want to work a little harder sometimes. Soooo, I thought I’d pick a workout with a little more intensity today.

Here’s a 10 min No Jumping Full Body HIIT workout from MadFit that I thought you would enjoy. Fee free to take it at your own pace or only do as much as you have time for.

Still image: the instructor, a woman with white skin and brown hair in black sports bra and shorts, with her hands behind her head, elbows sticking out, stands on the left.. The video title is superimposed on the right side of the image.

This is the second time in a week that The YouTube algorithm has given me a really recent meditation video from a new-to-me instructor. I love this video – 5 minute Mindfulness Meditation (Creating Space Within) from Thaisa Haerts.

And the idea of creating space within is just perfect, isn’t it?

Still image: The instructor, a woman with brown skin and curly brown hair, sits in a welcoming living-room type space. She is wearing a fuzzy jacket and a brown bandeau top and white pants.

About Making Space 2023:
In December 2020, Fit is a Feminist Issue blogger Martha created a tradition – a series of reminder posts to take good care of ourselves during this last month of the year when it is far too easy to get swept up in your to do list, no matter what you are celebrating or not celebrating. 


In 2021, I started doing daily December reminders with a post called Give Yourself Some Space,  and that’s how the ‘Making Space‘ December tradition began. Throughout December 2021 and 2022, I wrote a short post that included two videos – one for exercise and one for meditation – and a bit of encouragement for you to make space for yourself at this busy time of year. 


These posts are not about cramming more things into your month, they reminding you that there IS a *YOU* who is doing all of the things and that you are worth taking good care of.


Perhaps the things I suggest aren’t what you need at the moment. That’s totally ok. Perhaps you can use something else to create some space, something that will help you feel more relaxed or more in charge of your day. Just do whatever you can to give yourself a little more breathing room.


Personally, I am trying to Finish 2023 Soft so I am putting conscious effort into resting whenever I can. My overjangled nervous system needs a chance to unjangle and that process may look different every day. 


So, some of these posts may be long and some may be short but please know that every single one of them is written with the hope that you can find a little ease in your day, whatever that looks like for you.

A winder street at night with decorative lights on many of the houses Finishing Soft Week 4: Remembering How I Want To Feel
fitness · rest · self care

Finishing Soft Week 4: Remembering How I Want To Feel

Christine Hennebury

As I move through December, I have more and more opportunities to do more and more things, to add more and more to my schedule.

I can feel the pressure of those possibilities all over the place.

But I am committed to Finishing Soft so when it comes to these optional activities, I am using softness as a guideline for my choices.

Every time I think of something else I *could* do or somewhere else I *could* go, I check in with myself to see how the idea of doing or going makes me feel.

And I weigh that feeling, whatever it is, against the fact that I want to feel ease, that I want to Finish Soft.

If that task or activity isn’t adding to that feeling of softness, I vote no.

That doesn’t mean that I am automatically avoiding hard tasks, I’m just making sure that the hard tasks are worth it, that they will contribute to the overall softness in my life.

Has this worked perfectly?

Of course not! I’m still me!

Has it helped overall?

Oh hell yes!

fitness · holiday fitness · holidays · meditation · rest · self care

Making Space 2023: Day 18

Christine Hennebury

Sometimes when our energy is low we need to rest and sometimes low energy is a signal to get moving a little.

If you need rest today, I hope you can find it.

If you need to get moving, perhaps you might like to try this Jumpstart Cardio Workout from Fitness Blender.

Either way, I’m wishing you a straightforward day that feels like it has a lot of space in it.

Still image is of the instructor sitting cross-legged on a mat on the floor with a large sleeping dog next to her.

And whether or not your day unfolds as you want it to, I hope you can be kind to yourself in the process.

We can use more self-compassion at any point in the year but at this busy time when there are way too many opportunities for comparison, a self-compassion boost is essential.

That’s why I picked this 5 Minute Meditation – Self Compassion video from Jackie de Crinis for us to try today.

Wishing you ease, my friends. 💚

Still image is the title of the video ‘5 Minute Meditation for Self-Compassion’ in black text on a white background.

About Making Space 2023:
In December 2020, Fit is a Feminist Issue blogger Martha created a tradition – a series of reminder posts to take good care of ourselves during this last month of the year when it is far too easy to get swept up in your to do list, no matter what you are celebrating or not celebrating. 


In 2021, I started doing daily December reminders with a post called Give Yourself Some Space,  and that’s how the ‘Making Space‘ December tradition began. Throughout December 2021 and 2022, I wrote a short post that included two videos – one for exercise and one for meditation – and a bit of encouragement for you to make space for yourself at this busy time of year. 


These posts are not about cramming more things into your month, they reminding you that there IS a *YOU* who is doing all of the things and that you are worth taking good care of.


Perhaps the things I suggest aren’t what you need at the moment. That’s totally ok. Perhaps you can use something else to create some space, something that will help you feel more relaxed or more in charge of your day. Just do whatever you can to give yourself a little more breathing room.


Personally, I am trying to Finish 2023 Soft so I am putting conscious effort into resting whenever I can. My overjangled nervous system needs a chance to unjangle and that process may look different every day. 


So, some of these posts may be long and some may be short but please know that every single one of them is written with the hope that you can find a little ease in your day, whatever that looks like for you.

fitness · holiday fitness · holidays · meditation · rest · self care

Making Space 2023: Day 17

Christine Hennebury

Hey Team,

I hope that you have managed to fit some space and ease into your weekend – even if you had a lot of places to go and things to do!

Today’s workout is called 10 min Seated Movement for Seniors and Beginners and it’s from Improved Health.

As usual, if you don’t have 10 mins, feel free to just do part of the video. And if you don’t want to do it at all? Feel free to make space in your own way! 💚

Still image features a small photo of the instructor on the left and the name of the video in white against a pink background on the right.

Today’s meditation is called Unwind and Recharge with a Short Guided Meditation and is led by Liz Jones. This video only came out this week, I’m glad I came across it!

Still image shows the instructor sitting cross-legged amidst pillows on a living room couch. The words ‘For A Quick Reset’ are superimposed on the upper left of the image.

About Making Space 2023:
In December 2020, Fit is a Feminist Issue blogger Martha created a tradition – a series of reminder posts to take good care of ourselves during this last month of the year when it is far too easy to get swept up in your to do list, no matter what you are celebrating or not celebrating. 


In 2021, I started doing daily December reminders with a post called Give Yourself Some Space,  and that’s how the ‘Making Space‘ December tradition began. Throughout December 2021 and 2022, I wrote a short post that included two videos – one for exercise and one for meditation – and a bit of encouragement for you to make space for yourself at this busy time of year. 


These posts are not about cramming more things into your month, they reminding you that there IS a *YOU* who is doing all of the things and that you are worth taking good care of.


Perhaps the things I suggest aren’t what you need at the moment. That’s totally ok. Perhaps you can use something else to create some space, something that will help you feel more relaxed or more in charge of your day. Just do whatever you can to give yourself a little more breathing room.


Personally, I am trying to Finish 2023 Soft so I am putting conscious effort into resting whenever I can. My overjangled nervous system needs a chance to unjangle and that process may look different every day. 


So, some of these posts may be long and some may be short but please know that every single one of them is written with the hope that you can find a little ease in your day, whatever that looks like for you.

holiday fitness · holidays · meditation · rest · self care · stretching

Making Space 2023: Day 16

Christine Hennebury

Welcome to Day 16!

People often suggest deep breaths as a way to reduce stress and while it’s a good suggestion, stress often makes me feel like I *can’t* take a deep breath.

That’s why I chose this great video of Easy Breathing Exercises to Help You Breathe Better from Ask Dr Jo, perhaps this will be my new step 1 when I feel stressed.

Wishing you ease and space in your day, whatever that may look like for you. 💚

still image: Dr. Jo, a woman with light skin and brown hair who is wearing a blue tshirt, is demonstrating one of the exercises with her hands at shoulder height with her elbows bent. She looks like she is holding an invisible exercise ball. The title of the video is in white text against a yellow background in the upper left side of the image.

And I thought it would be nice to try more meditative drawing so here’s a video called Mindfulness Drawing Meditation from Art with Flo. This video is 12 minutes long but feel free to do just part of it if you are pressed for time. The instructor works on an iPad but gives instructions for using paper as well.

still image is of an iPad and an apple pencil on a brown wooden table. The iPad screen has the words Drawing Meditation superimposed upon it and, as background, the screen has a series of patterns within interlocking shapes drawn in grey.

About Making Space 2023:
In December 2020, Fit is a Feminist Issue blogger Martha created a tradition – a series of reminder posts to take good care of ourselves during this last month of the year when it is far too easy to get swept up in your to do list, no matter what you are celebrating or not celebrating. 


In 2021, I started doing daily December reminders with a post called Give Yourself Some Space,  and that’s how the ‘Making Space‘ December tradition began. Throughout December 2021 and 2022, I wrote a short post that included two videos – one for exercise and one for meditation – and a bit of encouragement for you to make space for yourself at this busy time of year. 


These posts are not about cramming more things into your month, they reminding you that there IS a *YOU* who is doing all of the things and that you are worth taking good care of.


Perhaps the things I suggest aren’t what you need at the moment. That’s totally ok. Perhaps you can use something else to create some space, something that will help you feel more relaxed or more in charge of your day. Just do whatever you can to give yourself a little more breathing room.


Personally, I am trying to Finish 2023 Soft so I am putting conscious effort into resting whenever I can. My overjangled nervous system needs a chance to unjangle and that process may look different every day. 


So, some of these posts may be long and some may be short but please know that every single one of them is written with the hope that you can find a little ease in your day, whatever that looks like for you.

Dancing · fitness · holiday fitness · meditation · rest · self care

Making Space 2023: Day 15

Christine Hennebury

While you are making space on this Friday, the 15th of December, I dare you to choose to maximize your fun.

Maximizing fun will look different for everyone so please choose something that *you* find fun, not something that is just supposed to be fun.

So, for example, if you are like my dear friend M and the idea of sorting a bunch of small items into groups sounds like a blast then have at it. If you are like me and you want to draw a bunch of stars on some paper and colour in between them, have at that. Please, please, please, just do something that appeals to YOU!

Anyway, on to our videos.

I really like the energy of The Fitness Marshall‘s videos and I was happy to see this one come up when I searched for ‘fun Friday workout.’ If you are inclined to give this ‘Lady Gaga – Just Dance/ Caleb Marshall/Dance Workout’ a try, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

still image is of three people in workout outfits standing on gravel with trees in the background. They are each holding their right hand in a sort of OK symbol and looking through it with their right eye. They are all making deliberately exaggerated expressions.

And as for meditation, I like this simple suggestion from Patrick T. Randolph and his cat, Gable. It feels playful and that’s definitely fun!

still image is of the instructor – a middle aged man wearing glasses – who is in mid-sentence. He has his eyes closed, his right hand on his chest and his left hand at chest height but closer to the camera.

About Making Space 2023:
In December 2020, Fit is a Feminist Issue blogger Martha created a tradition – a series of reminder posts to take good care of ourselves during this last month of the year when it is far too easy to get swept up in your to do list, no matter what you are celebrating or not celebrating. 


In 2021, I started doing daily December reminders with a post called Give Yourself Some Space,  and that’s how the ‘Making Space‘ December tradition began. Throughout December 2021 and 2022, I wrote a short post that included two videos – one for exercise and one for meditation – and a bit of encouragement for you to make space for yourself at this busy time of year. 


These posts are not about cramming more things into your month, they reminding you that there IS a *YOU* who is doing all of the things and that you are worth taking good care of.


Perhaps the things I suggest aren’t what you need at the moment. That’s totally ok. Perhaps you can use something else to create some space, something that will help you feel more relaxed or more in charge of your day. Just do whatever you can to give yourself a little more breathing room.


Personally, I am trying to Finish 2023 Soft so I am putting conscious effort into resting whenever I can. My overjangled nervous system needs a chance to unjangle and that process may look different every day. 


So, some of these posts may be long and some may be short but please know that every single one of them is written with the hope that you can find a little ease in your day, whatever that looks like for you.

advice · Dancing · meditation · rest · self care

Making Space 2023: Day 14

Christine Hennebury

Hey Team,

I hope you have found some ease in your week so far and I am wishing you a little extra space in your day.

I would also like to suggest a little challenge for you on Day 14 –

Have a look at your long to do list and pick one thing to remove, something that you have decided NOT to do. Sound good?

Ok, here’s the really challenging part – try not to immediately add something else to take its place.

Yes, I know other stuff will crop up and there are all kinds of things that aren’t officially on your paper, screen, or mental list and they will get added as time goes on but for right now, just try to keep that space, that one less thing to do, in place for a while.

ANYWAY!

Our first video for today is a 5 Minute Nia Dance Break with Vanessa Lowe from the Nia Technique channel.

Still image is of a woman with light brown skin and grey hair in braids (these may be called cornrows?), she’s wearing exercise clothes, she is smiling and her eyes are closed. She looks like she is having fun. She is in an exercise studio with a brick wall and big windows behind her. There are two more people behind her to her right. The name of the video is superimposed in white over the image.

I think I used this meditation video last year but I like the sheep in the still image so much that I am giving it another whirl. She starts by mentioning an Uber ride and I don’t know what that’s about but this a good meditation and the sheep make me happy. This is 3 Minute Relax and Relief from the channel for the Calm app.

still image shows a flock of long-haired sheep among rolling hills covered in green grass, the title of the video is superimposed in white text over the image.

About Making Space 2023:
In December 2020, Fit is a Feminist Issue blogger Martha created a tradition – a series of reminder posts to take good care of ourselves during this last month of the year when it is far too easy to get swept up in your to do list, no matter what you are celebrating or not celebrating. 


In 2021, I started doing daily December reminders with a post called Give Yourself Some Space,  and that’s how the ‘Making Space‘ December tradition began. Throughout December 2021 and 2022, I wrote a short post that included two videos – one for exercise and one for meditation – and a bit of encouragement for you to make space for yourself at this busy time of year. 


These posts are not about cramming more things into your month, they reminding you that there IS a *YOU* who is doing all of the things and that you are worth taking good care of.


Perhaps the things I suggest aren’t what you need at the moment. That’s totally ok. Perhaps you can use something else to create some space, something that will help you feel more relaxed or more in charge of your day. Just do whatever you can to give yourself a little more breathing room.


Personally, I am trying to Finish 2023 Soft so I am putting conscious effort into resting whenever I can. My overjangled nervous system needs a chance to unjangle and that process may look different every day. 


So, some of these posts may be long and some may be short but please know that every single one of them is written with the hope that you can find a little ease in your day, whatever that looks like for you.

advice · holiday fitness · meditation · rest · self care

Making Space 2023: Day 13

Christine Hennebury

Hey Team,

I hope your plan for the day can include making space for yourself in a way that suits you best.

Our videos for today are both about taking a little break from your work to find some ease.

First up we have a 5 Minute Refresh[Office Stretch] from Work. Break. Stretch – I really like how straightforward this one is!

still image shows the words ‘5 minute Refresh’ on the right side of the screen. The left side of the screen shows a woman with light skin and long dark hair in a single braid, she is demonstrating one of the stretches. She standing next to a large potted plant in front of a window, she has her right hand on her right knee while she turns slightly to the left and raises her left arm upward.

And keeping with our ‘taking a break from our work’ theme, here’s a Mindfulness at Work Meditation 3 Minute Reset from Ally Safety This isn’t a guided meditation but you can breathe your way to some calm as you watch the beautiful video or enjoy the the restful music.

still image is a top-down view of a greenish blue wave with white foam at the edge washing over a yellow sand beach. There is the outline of a white circle superimposed on the image and white text reading ‘Mindfulness at Work – 3 Minute Reset-‘ in the centre.

About Making Space 2023:
In December 2020, Fit is a Feminist Issue blogger Martha created a tradition – a series of reminder posts to take good care of ourselves during this last month of the year when it is far too easy to get swept up in your to do list, no matter what you are celebrating or not celebrating. 
In 2021, I started doing daily December reminders with a post called Give Yourself Some Space,  and that’s how the ‘Making Space‘ December tradition began. Throughout December 2021 and 2022, I wrote a short post that included two videos – one for exercise and one for meditation – and a bit of encouragement for you to make space for yourself at this busy time of year. 
These posts are not about cramming more things into your month, they reminding you that there IS a *YOU* who is doing all of the things and that you are worth taking good care of.
Perhaps the things I suggest aren’t what you need at the moment. That’s totally ok. Perhaps you can use something else to create some space, something that will help you feel more relaxed or more in charge of your day. Just do whatever you can to give yourself a little more breathing room.
Personally, I am trying to Finish 2023 Soft so I am putting conscious effort into resting whenever I can. My overjangled nervous system needs a chance to unjangle and that process may look different every day. 
So, some of these posts may be long and some may be short but please know that every single one of them is written with the hope that you can find a little ease in your day, whatever that looks like for you.
Dancing · habits · holidays · meditation · rest

Making Space 2023: Day 12

Christine Hennebury

I just have a quick reminder before we go to the videos today:

Please be kind to yourself about the things you get done or don’t get done today.

You are doing the best you can with the resources you have.

And I wish you ease.

Our exercise video today is Dance For: Stress & Anxiety Release today from Tamara Nazon, a dance movement therapist.

Still image is of the instructor, a woman with brown skin and long dark hair who is wearing shorts and a tank top while she dances on a rooftop patio.

And our Mindful Meditation: 5-Minute Deep Breathing Mindful Relaxation video is from Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Florida.

Still image is of the sun shining brightly through trees on a hillside.

About Making Space 2023:

In December 2020, Fit is a Feminist Issue blogger Martha created a tradition – a series of reminder posts to take good care of ourselves during this last month of the year when it is far too easy to get swept up in your to do list, no matter what you are celebrating or not celebrating. 

In 2021, I started doing daily December reminders with a post called Give Yourself Some Space,  and that’s how the ‘Making Space‘ December tradition began. Throughout December 2021 and 2022, I wrote a short post that included two videos – one for exercise and one for meditation – and a bit of encouragement for you to make space for yourself at this busy time of year. 

These posts are not about cramming more things into your month, they reminding you that there IS a *YOU* who is doing all of the things and that you are worth taking good care of.

Perhaps the things I suggest aren’t what you need at the moment. That’s totally ok. Perhaps you can use something else to create some space, something that will help you feel more relaxed or more in charge of your day. Just do whatever you can to give yourself a little more breathing room.

Personally, I am trying to Finish 2023 Soft so I am putting conscious effort into resting whenever I can. My overjangled nervous system needs a chance to unjangle and that process may look different every day. 

So, some of these posts may be long and some may be short but please know that every single one of them is written with the hope that you can find a little ease in your day, whatever that looks like for you.

a close-up photo of a snow-covered tree branch on a sunny day Finishing Soft: Week 3
rest

Finishing Soft: Week 3

Christine Hennebury

Once I made the decision to finish the year soft, I started to feel a little less tense right away. Just a little but enough to notice.

Over the past couple of weeks of consciously choosing activities and approaches that are focused on easing my jangled nerves, I have noticed steady improvement. Incremental improvement but improvement all the same.

And this past week, the change has been much more significant. I feel a lot calmer, a lot more myself.

Now, to be clear, I have not spent the last few weeks lying on a lounge chair by the pool being fanned with a palm frond. It’s cold, I don’t have a pool, and I have stuff that’s important to me to get done.

Instead of the palm frond scenario, I have been framing my day with yoga, resting when I can, and seeking more relaxed approaches to anything I possibly can.

The change hasn’t been automatic and it certainly hasn’t been easy or straightforward but it is worthwhile.

I’ve spent a bit more time asking myself ‘What do you need to do?’ instead of ‘What needs to get done?’ and I have been trying to give myself a bit of extra time with any task I take on.

I’ve been giving myself a bit more leeway to do things the way I need to do them rather than in the most ‘efficient’ or ‘sensible’ way because I know that’s easier on my brain.

So, while I have made some changes that affect other people – saying no to certain tasks and activities, changing some deadlines, etc. – the most important thing I have done to help myself uncurl a little is to pay closer attention to my approach to my schedule, my plans, and to my day-to-day.

I’ve spent a bit more time evaluating the energy costs for my plans and my tasks and I’ve adjusted my plans and my to-do lists accordingly.

I’m feeling a bit tired as I write this on Monday afternoon but it feels different from the tired of a few weeks ago.

Today, I feel ‘that was hard work’ tired instead of the ‘I’m too worn out to even try’ kind of tired I was dealing with a few weeks ago and I feel really encouraged by that.

I still need more time to rest, of course.

I don’t want to make the mistake of starting to feel better and then jumping back into the same routine and brain space that wore me out in the first place.

BUT…

I feel good about the fact that I am feeling a distinct difference after three weeks.

This improvement in my general well-being means that I am doing something right, that I am taking better care of myself, and I plan to keep up the good work.