Need a Hug?!

Now, a few years ago, I definitely was never one for hugs, especially with people I hardly know, but I found with different circles I've hung out in many people think nothing to a casual hug and kiss on the cheek just as a way to say hello or goodbye.

These days however I think they are awesome and I recommend everyone to have at least one decent hug a day,preferably more, whether its with a friend, family member or total stranger that is completely up to you. Not only is hugging a powerful form of healing, but it is effective at healing sickness, disease, loneliness, depression, anxiety and stress. Here are a few other benefits that hugging can do for you...

1. Gives you a Sense of Safety 
2. Boosts oxytocin levels - heals feelings of loneliness, isolation and anger.
3. Elevates your mood

4. Strengthens your Immune System.

5. Boosts Self Esteem 

6. Releases tension

7. Helps you be more present in the moment

I don't know if you have ever heard the following statement made by a respected family therapist called Virginia Satir, but I find it quite interesting...She said “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs a day for maintenance. We need twelve hugs a day for growth.” 

How many hugs do you currently have each day?? I would guess most of us are barely surviving. I don't know about you but I'm aiming for 8 or more. Grab the opportunity when you can, I highly recommend a good hug :-)

Have an empowered and hug filled week:-)

Much Love & Gratitude

Your Body & The Benefits of Movement

How do you move your body? Our bodies were designed for movement, not to be sat behind a desk all day or being glued to a couch. The fact is in today's society it is very easy to get lazy. You drive to work, then you sit behind a desk all day and because it is such a long day all you want to do is collapse on the couch when you get home...Does that sound familiar? Ok so maybe not everyone sits behind a desk all day, you may be on your feet, which is why that couch is even more tempting. The fact is not everyone likes the gym... and thats ok because you don't have to go to the gym if it's not your thing. There are plenty of other ways to get your body moving. It's only excuses why you don't get moving, but today I'm going to let you in on a few benefits to keeping your body moving, even if its only 30 minutes a day. I'll also be letting you know a few of my favourite exercises (and least favourite) that you can do anywhere, so there are NO EXCUSES. 

So here are a few of the benefits to getting your body moving are:

It helps with Weight Control - Engaging in physical activity burns calories, the more intense the activity the more you burn.

Helps combat health conditions and diseases - By being active, this boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol and decreases unhealthy triglycerides. This keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which decreases your risk of cardiovascular diseases. Not just that, regular physical activity can help you prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and concerns.

It improves your mood - Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals which improve your mood, helps you feel happier and more relaxed.

It gives you energy - However tired and lethargic you feel before exercising you can bet you feel 100 times better once you've actually done it. Something to do with it delivering oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helping your cardiovascular system work more efficiently.

It promotes better sleep - Exercise is great for helping you get a good nights sleep just don't do it too close to going to sleep as you may be too energised.

It can put the spark back in to your sex life - Due to exercise giving you more energy and of course looking better, this can easily have a positive effect on your sex life, not only that but exercise can lead to enhanced arousal in both men and women. 

It's Fun  - I have a rule, if it's not fun don't do it. Choose exercise's, sports and activities you enjoy. If you do this it will never be a chore and you will find yourself looking forward to this part of your day.

Click HERE for a link to 20 great body weight exercises that you can do anywhere. This shows the basic exercise, however you can easily make alterations to up the intensity or lower the intensity depending on your fitness level.

My favourites are the burpee, switch lunges and frog jumps:-)

Have a Fit and Empowered Week:-)

Much Love & Gratitude

www.empowering-matters.com

Reiki for Healthy and Happy Living

Reiki is a healing art that originates from Japan. The technique involves the use of an unlimited supply of ‘life force energy’ provided by the universe to rejuvenate those who are lacking in the same. According to Reiki, those with lesser energy have a higher tendency to fall prey to illness and misfortune.