Tag: making space 2023

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

Making Space 2023: Day 31

Christine Hennebury

We did it!

Here we are at Day 31 and I hope you were able to use my posts as reminders or prompts to make a little more space for you in your days.

It can feel a bit weird to add something else to our lists this time of year but it is worth it. Making space for ourselves helps remind us that we aren’t just here to get things done, we are here to live our lives, to enjoy ourselves, and to be ourselves.

Anything you do that reminds you or who you really are, anything that reminds you of your own power, will help you show up in the world the way want to show up, will help you to be responsive instead of reactive. And all of that will help you feel better over all.

This is the last entry for Making Space 2023 but tomorrow I’m starting our Go Team 2024 entries. Go Team 2024 will be a month of posts encouraging you to be kind to yourself and to recognize your own efforts each day.

Whether you view January as a month to jump into new goals, to continue on your current course, or to just putter along through while you figure things out, I’m going to be posting every day to remind you that your efforts count – no matter what those efforts entail.

Wishing you all ease as 2023 becomes 2024 – a change that has as much meaning or as little meaning as you want to give it.

Even though I (gently) boss you into being kind to yourself, you are, after all, the boss of you and you decide what matters.

Onto our videos!

If you want to ease your way into the new year, here’s 10 Minute Bedtime Yoga video from Yoga with Adriene

Still image shows Adriene lying on her yoga mat with her head on a pillow, she is wearing comfy clothes and her dog Benji is sleeping near her feet.

If you want to welcome 2024 with a bit more oomph, here’s The Fitness Marshall team leading us through a dance to Lady Gaga‘s Bad Romance.

Image description: three people in dance clothes doing claw hand gestures as part of a dance move.

If you want a restful meditation to welcome the new year, this 10 Minute Mindfulness Meditation / Present from the Calm app channel might be just the thing. The video features a crackling fire in a fireplace and that seemed like a good meditation focus to me.

Still image shows flames crackling around a tall cone of logs and sticks in a fireplace.

And if you want powerful energy to greet the new year, perhaps this 5 Minute Meditation to Access Your Superpowers from 5 Minutes by Great Meditations might be a fun way to start.

Whether you choose calm or energetic or something in between and whether or not you choose to do any of these videos, I hope December 31 treats you well and that you have the space you need for your own peace of mind.

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

Making Space 2023: Day 30 – Part 2

Christine Hennebury

I made a mistake when scheduling today’s post and instead of going up today, it went up yesterday.

I’m annoyed that I did that but I guess I just have to make space (ha!) for the occasional mistake.

I have linked to what was supposed to be today’s post below and seeing as I have a little extra space here (there I go again with the space!) I just want to add this reminder for you:

In these last two days of the year, the accomplishment posts and the aspirational posts will be everywhere.

You don’t have to participate in all of that unless it makes you happy to do so.

You can opt out of all of that sort of accounting and planning.

This time of year only has the meaning you decide to give it and if the changing of the year feels weird or doesn’t fee like a big deal, so be it.

If people ask you about your accomplishments or your plans and you don’t feel like saying that you aren’t participating in that stuff, you can tell them that not talking about it is a key part of the plan.

You know, something like – “Oh, I can’t discuss it at this stage, it affects the subconscious part of the process.”

That way you give yourself space (again!) to do things your own way without having to deal with the static of other people’s approaches.

No matter how you approach the next few days, I wish you ease and I wish space – space to breathe, space to think, space to do what you want, space to be yourself, space free from the pressure of other people’s opinions.

I know it’s not always possible to have those things but it’s worth a try.

And here’s the post that was supposed to be here right now:

Making Space 2023: Day 30
fitness · holiday fitness · holidays · meditation · mindfulness · rest · self care

Making Space 2023: Day 29

Christine Hennebury

Hey Team,

Please remember that you don’t have to spend this week making plans for how to make 2024 your best year ever.

If that kind of planning feels good, have at it. But if it feels like something you *should* do, please do something else instead.

You can spend this week making space for yourself, taking deep breaths, just puttering along in whatever way suits you best.

You can also take January one day at a time once it gets here.

You also have the option of labelling January as Planuary, like I do, and deciding what kinds of plans to make once the calendar rolls over to 2024.

(Maybe that’s not how the movers and shakers do things but I am not interested in being a mover or a shaker, except in the most literal of terms – I like being able to move and sometimes stuff needs shaking up.)

ANYWAY!

Here is your movement suggestion for today. I really enjoy this 5 Minute Foot, Core, and Pelvic Floor workout from Dr Bri’s Vibrant Pelvic Health.

Still image is of the instructor smiling on a sunny tropical beach. There is a small inset photo of her feet and the words ‘Quick Foot and Core’ are superimposed on the right side of the image.

And today’s meditation is Releasing the Resistance from Great Meditations. I don’t know if you are feeling resistant to anything in particular right now but it is such a common feeling that I figured it would be useful no matter what is going on for us at the moment.

Still image is a drawing of a person with flowers in their long brown hair, they look peaceful. On the right side of the image is text reading ‘Releasing the Resistance guided meditation’

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 30

Christine Hennebury

Note from Christine: I made a mistake when scheduling this post and it went up early. My apologies for the mixup.

I hope that this last weekend of 2023 finds you with lots of space to do the things you need and want to do.

And if that space isn’t naturally-occurring, I hope you can find a way to make some.

Please remember that you don’t have to do the videos I link to and you don’t have to do the things that other people say you *should* do with your time.

We all have things that need to be done, I get that, but we also have a lot of pressure to do things that other people have prioritized. I hope that you can make a little extra room for your own priorities today and let other people deal with at least some of the things they tried to push off onto you.

The videos below do not have to be priorities for you, I only offer them to make it a bit easier for you to do a little movement and a little meditation without having to put too much extra thought into choosing a video.

I always love a video from Ask Dr. Jo and this Real-Time Morning Stretching Routine is especially enjoyable.

Yes, I know you have probably already started your day but these stretches are just as good in the middle of the day as they are first thing.

Image description: the title of the video is in the upper left on black text, on the right side of the image is a still from the video showing Dr. Jo pretending to wake up. She’s sitting on a blue mat, her feet and calves are covered in a blanket and she is lifting a sleep mask up onto her forehead.

And just like the stretches above, this 7 minute guided morning meditation from Meditate Daily with Andrea Jean is good any time.

Still image is a cartoon drawing of a person sitting crossed legged in meditation. The background is grey and white text at the top reads ‘7 Minute Meditation’ and at the bottom it reads ‘positive morning’

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 · rest · self care

Making Space 2023: Day 28

Christine Hennebury

I hope that Day 28 finds you with some ease and space in your day.

If not, I hope that you have the energy to create some of both.

Please remember that this making space series is about creating the space that YOU want and need, about doing what makes you feel like yourself. Do what works not what someone says you *should* do.

If you are looking for video suggestions for today, I really like this Yoga for Lazy Days practice from Yoga with Joelle. I’m not really keen on people labelling themselves as lazy but I can get behind declaring a day as a time to be lazy – laid back, relaxed, and at ease.

Image shows the instructor lying on her stomach on a mat on her lawn. She has the upper part of her body raised and is holding herself up on her right forearm.

And for our meditation, let’s give this one by Tara Brach a try. I love the title Arriving in Mindful Presence.

Image description: still image is sunlight on a closeup of golden grasses.

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 · habits · holiday fitness · holidays · rest · self care

Making Space 2023: Day 26

Christine Hennebury

As we count down the last few days of 2023, , it might seem like it would be easier to slide along and just hope for the best from the new year.

And maybe that’s what you need right now.

If so, have at it! That might be the best way for you to make space for yourself in your life right now.

But, if you are thinking about sliding along just because it’s easier than trying to carve out some time for you, I hope you’ll reconsider.

I hope you take a few minutes and think about what would feel good for your minds and for your body and do a little bit of that.

I have two suggestions below but really I just want you to find something that works for you.

I just want you to have a little extra space in your life.

With that reminder in place, here are today’s videos:

This Chair Stretch Workout from Caroline Jordan felt pretty good for me and I hope it helps you, too.

Still image shows text reading Chair Stretch Workout on the left and on the right is an image of the instructor in exercise clothing sitting on a chair and doing a leaning stretch with her upper body.

And speaking of feeling pretty good, I enjoyed this cozy 7 minute meditation from K.A.Emmons so hopefully you will too.

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 · rest · self care

Making Space 2023: Day 25

Christine Hennebury

If you are celebrating Christmas today – Merry Christmas!

If you are just having a Monday – Merry Monday!

No matter what you are doing or not doing today, I wish you ease and a feeling of spaciousness.

Since days like this are often fraught with emotion – good and bad – I thought this Morning Yoga for Calm Connection from Yoga with Kassandra would be a good choice.

Whether you are seeking calm connection with others or with yourself, I hope it helps.

Still image shows the instructor leaning toward the floor in a wide-legged forward fold.

And for our meditation today, I thought a centring practice would come in handy so here’s a 5 minute mindfulness meditation | ground and centre from Yoga in Melbourne

Still image is of a silhouette of person on a beach at sunset. They are standing with their arms above their head and their hands are clasped.

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 24

Christine Hennebury

Hey Team,

Whether you are celebrating Christmas Eve, celebrating Sunday, or just ambling through an ordinary day, I hope you can find some ease, rest, and space in there somewhere.

And, no matter what, please remember that you are doing the best you can with the resources you have. Try not to be hard on yourself about things left undone.

If you are looking for a way to get out of your head and take a break from your to do list, here are two videos to try:

Our exercise video for today is a 5 minute Energizing ‘Wake Me Up’ video from Senior Fitness with Meredith

Still image shows the instructor in an exercise studio, the video title is superimposed over the middle of the image.

And for our meditation today, here’s a Midday Recharge from Mindful Peace

Still image shows a clear glass cup of coffee on a white table with a laptop computer next to it. The title of the video ‘Midday Recharge: Guided Mindfulness Meditation is in white text at the top 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.

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

Making Space 2023: Day 23

Christine Hennebury

Hey Team,

If you’re pressed for time and space today, I have just the thing…

Two coffee break-themed videos to help you make a little room for you in your day.

First up is a 5 minute stretch break with Studio Jibby

Still image shows the instructor, a woman with dark brown skin in exercise clothes, standing on a yoga mat. She is facing away from the camera and there are plants on either end of her mat. The title of the video ‘5 Min Stretch Break at home workouts’ are on title cards superimposed on the upper right side of the image.

And then we have The Coffee Meditation from The Mindful Living Show Pep Farley – you can drink tea, of course. I did!

Still image shows the title of the video ‘The Coffee Meditation a 5 Minute Meditation by Vidyamala Burch’ super imposed over a photo of three cups of coffee on the left and a cup of coffee amidst a heart made of coffee beans on the right

I actually hope you have way more than 5 minutes to spend doing your own thing today but even if this day is a whirlwind, perhaps you have time to linger over your coffee/tea or to do a few stretches while it brews.

Wishing you ease and rest, whatever that looks like for you.

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 · rest · self care

Making Space 2023: Day 22

Christine Hennebury

Ever heard that proverb/saying/quote “You should sit in meditation for 20 minutes a day but if you don’t have time, sit in meditation for an hour”?

Well, don’t worry! I am not about to suggest that you exercise and meditate for an hour each and I would never start throwing the word should around like that.

But…

BUT…

I’m wondering if you will accept a challenge on this 22nd day of December…

I DARE you to take twice as long as you think you can spare and do something that helps you feel most like yourself today.

Yes, this *may* mean that you run out of time to do something on your to do list but it’s more likely that you’ll fit in your fun AND get the most important stuff done.

(To do lists are tricky that way, They try to take over your whole brain and make you feel like you don’t have time for anything else. Please don’t let the list win!)

In the spirit of taking twice as much time on this 22 day, I have two exercise videos and two meditation videos for you.

For today’s first exercise video, let’s get everything moving with this Total Body Circuit from Silver Sneakers

Still image – the left side of the image is blue with the video title in white text, the right side of the image shows a person in exercise clothes in a room with green walls. Their arms are raised to shoulder height as of they are in the middle of a movement.

Our second video is a great Full Body Stretch from Yoga with Bird.

Still image shows the instructor in exercise clothes on a yoga mat. She is doing the ‘thread the needle’ stretch where you start in your hands and knees, then extend one arm forward on the mat while ‘threading’ the other arm underneath it and out to the opposite side.

If you’re feeling a bit frazzled today OR if you feel pretty good and would like to feel even better, give this Centering Meditation from Generation Calm a try.

Still image features the video title on the left, in the centre is a picture of a person wearing headphones and that picture dissolves into a pattern of different shades of light.

Our second video is an exercise called ‘take a deep breath’ from Calm

Still image is a picture of a rippling mountain lake with trees and mountains at the edge. I’m the centre of the image is a blue circle that expands and contracts in the video to help guide the breath.

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.