Feel Good Zone – live a simpler life

LINZI, Live Well & Sleep Well Consultant & Educator

How to Live a Simpler Life and Healthy Living. Good Sleep rejuvenates, refreshes, replenishes you physically, emotionally and mentally. It's essential for living life well. I aim to help you Sleep Well using natural methods. Ideas on how to live a more holistic, healthy de-cluttered life. Wanting to downshifting your life and occupation to a simpler way, improved life-work balance? I'll help you find solutions to making positive conscious decisions in how you live each day. Join me on this wonderful journey with a personal consultation. Qi Gong, De-Cluttering, Emotional Healing, Meditation & more delights. SMILE FROM THE HEART

25 January 2012 0 Comments

Linzi on KVYN Radio interview – declutter your life and home and kickstart a new direction with zest

Radio interview by Dr Sharon Ufberg with Linzi Martin, how decluttering, clutter clearing of your home and life can be a healthful process. Wednesday Wellness Wake Up – KVYN Radio

Dr Sharon Ufberg, healthcare journalist, radio host, integrative practitioner www.GoodAdviceWorks.com www.drsharonufberg.com

22 January 2012 0 Comments

Clutter Clear ‘n Organize Support Group, a new Facebook group for a simpler life

Declutter Your Life and Home Support Group (Meetup group for Napa, California) has now evolved into a new Facebook group - Clutter Clear ‘n Organize Support Group

This second meeting heralded 8 cluttered declutterers for an informal chat and discussion over the process of clearing, sorting and organising their personal living space.

Linzi Martin, a professionally trained space clearing and clutter clearer, initially introduced the group and asked everyone where they were in the process of de junking and their thoughts and feelings on this.

Clutter & junk messing up your home?

Some key responses:

* I’ve an emotional attachment
* Can’t seem to get rid of it (junk, clutter)
* I can’t seem to achieve a lot
* I’ve boxed the stuff up but just not taken the final step to get rid of it
* I don’t want people over to see what I live like
* Feel stuck
* As an empty nester and a mom I’m emotionally attached, a bit of a horder
* Every item you own has a story
* I’m loosing motivation
* Hidden clutter
* Reducing my clutter and reducing my debt
* I live with other people’s clutter around me
* I can’t turn down anything free if offered to me
* Every room has clutter
* Buy books, read them, yard sale them
* One thing in, one thing out
* Only buy what I need

I think we all agreed that there has to be benefits to clearing out your stuff, to be motivated sufficiently to start, keep going and finish.

An idea suggested by Linzi, in order to help in the process where there was a ‘heavy energy or emotional attachment’ was to consider the boxes or stuff being lightweight, easy to lift, to let go.

Try to separate yourself physically from the clutter so creating a distance and therefore mentally and even emotionally being more able to consider your options of what to do with the items.

Simply put … Keep. Clear. Not sure

A useful acronym W.A.S.T.E. can be applied to almost anything you are considering as clutter or not.
(source: Dummies Guide to Organizing)

W = Worthwhile
Q do you really like the item, it is important?

A = Again
Q will you use the item again?

S – Somewhere else
Q can you easily find the item or information elsewhere, is it elsewhere?

T = Toss it out
Q Will anything happen if I toss it out?

E = Entire
Q do you need to keep the whole thing?

Attention Cluttered De-Clutterers Join the new FaceBook group Clutter Clear ‘n Organize Support Group

25 December 2011 0 Comments

Yuletide Winter Solstice Altar

What you can do with a small space to arrange an altar to honour Yuletide Winter Solstice

Yuletide Winter Solstice Altar

Here’s an example of how to effectively use a small space to express a Yuletide, Winter Solstice altar.

Featured: sprig of spruce in a small pot. A natural wooden base, with real and fabric holly, candle, small crystals scattered onto the cotton wool snow and crafted decorated felt tree, natural pine cone with acorn person. Background card is from selection painted by artist Wendy Andrew and available by mail order from www.paintingdreams.co.uk

Wording on card: … and the wheel of the year turns to Yule, circa 21st December. The Queen of the Stars spreads her protective veil around the Earth. In the dark of the year the Son/Sun is born. The days begin to lengthen and the wheel turns.

(Copywrite Wendy Andrew for design and wording on card)

19 September 2011 0 Comments

Feel Calm Be Energised 22 October workshop – Wolfville Nova Scotia

Saturday 22 October 2011 11 – 4pm

A one day workshop to introduce  you to a healthful exercise and Relaxation Meditation techniques that you can do at home and workplace

Wolfville is this unique town near to New Minas, Windsor, Kentville in the Annapolis valley and only an hour from Halifax so easy for those metro townies to visit. Oh and not forgetting Acadia university Faculty, staff and students,  I hear they return again and again even years later to relive their Wolfville experience.

Shibashi Tai Chi Qi Gong and Relaxation Meditation for all

Calling everyone in the Annapolis Valley and Halifax as well as those more local to Wolfville … Kentville, Windsor, New Minas …

Do you frequently feel a bit too much stress and anxiety?

Wish you could find a beneficial exercise routine to do at home?
Do you want to improve your posture, balance, general health?

Wish you were calmer, clearer thinking, have improved sleep?

Suitable for all abilities (includes all in the community + students, Faculty & staff)

Venue: St Johns Parish Hall, 341 Main Street, Wolfville

To Book only $50 simply email me your reservation from this site. Payment can be made via online bank payment and cash on the day.

Shibashi Tai Chi Qi Gong more information … Youtube demo by Linzi www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyAxSxTrq1Y
Mindfulness meditation in it’s secular format in recent times has been researched and developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn.

Meditation and Tai Chi Ki Kung are skills for life. You are never too young or too old to learn; we embrace all physical abilities. No equipment needed, just yourself. Wear loose and comfortable clothing, soft shoes.

For this life enhancing workshop BENEFITS may include:

  • clearer thinking & decision making
  • improved sleep
  • reduced anxiety and stress
  • better general mind & body health
  • improved balance
  • better posture (eg back pain)
  • flexibility
  • calm & peaceful mind
  • learning to create a Breathing Space within your life

Linzi Martin is an experienced teacher, writer, holistic therapist consultant.

2 September 2011 0 Comments

Story Telling from one of Canada’s foremost First Nations Authors

On a recent visit to Woody Point Writers festival (19th August 2011), Gros Morne park, Newfoundland (Canada), I had the privilege of hearing Richard Wagamese talk. The timing was particularly special for me as in the UK on the same day Tribal Earth festival was happening with it’s gathering of eco-minded, earth sensitive souls, they would have lapped up every word that Richard spoke. A kind-redness indeed.

Gros Morne is a part of Parks Canada national parks so the land is being preserved and maintained by a dedicated team. One of which, Fred, led the group of around 100 folk from all walks of life, along a 2km trail through the woods and ending up on the shore of a lake. We were asked initially to be silent, to hear the trees/land speak to us.

Richard Wagamese

On the lakeside Richard Wagamese was introduced as one of Canada’s foremost Native authors and story tellers. He has been working as a professional writer since 1979, he’s been a newspaper columnist and reporter, radio and televison broadcaster and producer, documentary producer and the author of eight titles from major Canadian publishers.

Richard did not speak for long, his few words and presence were enough to inspire the creative spirituality of the moment in that ‘space’ by the lake. It is not how much is said, rather how it is spoken. Richard used body movement, gesturing with arms held aloft to the sky, to the land where we stood and sat and to the four directions of the earth as he spoke.

Mother earth, we gather together, this is the glue, the substance on the earth.
Lightly touch the earth. We are all connected. It is not where we come from, nor what we call ourselves but the fact that we are all together on the land.

“All we have is the story of our time here. That’s it. When our physical life is over, as individuals and as a species, all that will remain is the story of our journey together on this planet. That’s a crucial message.”

In First nations Mohawk Canada was originally Kanata meaning ‘our home’, settlement, this being the original word for this land, underlying is the energy = spirits.
Throughout the whole of Canada there is the same connection. the ‘story’ is being here, where ever we are, what I smell, see, intuit. “Our community, one story, one song, here together.”

It was a moment of realism. I don’t know if people really ‘got’ what he said but I enjoyed the silence, being in the natural surrounding for that brief moment of truly being Mindful.

Feet connecting with the earth, the same for all people

Richard has developed a pair of manuals to help storytellers discover and share their authentic voice. His books: How to Be the Writer You Always Wanted to Be and From the Oral Tradition to the Printed Page, explain how Richard learned to create spontaneous oral stories and transfer that same energy to his writing.

Resources:
  

Photo courtesy of Woody Point Writers festival http://writersatwoodypoint.com/images/img_wagamese.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanata
www.richardwagamese.com

http://writersatwoodypoint.com
www.grosmorne.com
www.tribalearth.com 

 

 

 

8 June 2011 0 Comments

Emotional mental help for ‘a BIG move’ – house, career, college, country, immigration

As you might think, the whole process of moving house, let alone country, or even to a new area, college or career is an emotional roller coaster. Never under estimate the supportive or hindering power of one’s emotions, let alone the combined force of the whole family on the emotional roller coaster! Stress, anxiety, depression, illness and exhaustion are just a few emotional, mental states that can affect you.

As a Bach Flower Remedy professionally trained practitioner I offer here a few helpful flower essences if you wish to use natural remedies in helping yourself and all family members including the dog/cat (pets) for ‘a big move’, for life-work balance and improved sleep. Whether still in the planning stage or already done your ‘move’. The Bach system is a way to balance our negative emotional states so that we can live life better, aids rest and restores energy, relaxation, encouraging a peaceful, calm mind.

A little background
These flower essences, a bit similar to homeopathy, were devised by Dr Edward Bach in England in the 1930s. There are 38 individual remedies that form this self help system that support all our emotional states. They are simple, gentle and effective to use and are licensed medicines in the UK (hence why by law the manufacturer is unable to state what you can use them for on the bottle/label). Dr Bach’s philosophy on health was to treat the whole person as we each respond in different ways to our life stresses and challenges. The whole person concept connects our physical and emotional well being.

Emotional mental states
The following represent a selection of negative emotional states and what Bach remedy might offer positive support and restore balance. Make your selection of one or up to 7 remedies at one time/per mixed up bottle, consider what ‘negative’ state you are feeling.

  • Overwhelmed by responsibilities = Elm (restores one’s normal capable and efficient personality)
  • Difficulty in adapting to change, or oversensitive types of people eg leaving friends behind, familiar circumstances, breaking the old ties = Walnut
  • Struggles on although physically exhausted, joy lost in what one’s doing = Oak (restores energy and recognising the need to take time off/relax)
  • Mentally tired or procrastinate with just the thought of clearing and sorting one’s processions eg Monday morning feeling = Hornbeam (refreshens, day’s work faced with energy)
  • General anxieties, fears and worries = Aspen (Note: may want to add white chestnut if circulating worries)
  • A Fear of specific nature eg flying, starting a new school = Mimulus (Note: it can be quite useful if you are suffering a lot of anxiety and fears around this time to take both Aspen and Mimulus, thus covering both emotional states)
  • ‘Loosing it’, getting hysterical or fearful of loosing control = Cherry Plum (Note: this is also within the Rescue Remedy combination remedy)
  • Impatient about how quickly things are progressing (generally in life) = Impatiens
  • Dreamy thoughts, like staring at the clouds, unfocused, lacks concentration = Clematis (to be ‘down to earth’ and focused)
  • Difficulty sleeping as have constant repetitive (worrying) thoughts going around in your head = White Chestnut (enables a quiet, calm balanced state of mind to sleep, or problem solve)
  • To restore strength and vitality = Olive
  • Clinging to the past too much = Honeysuckle (able to see past events as valuable experiences and move forward in life with out regrets)

Dosage

Consistently needed over a period of time – 2 drops of each selected remedy added to a 30ml glass mixer bottle with a dispensing pipette, then topped up with mineral water. Doses taken from this mixer bottle at 4 drops x 4 times daily, or as required.

OR Remedies for one day at a time or ad hoc – add 2 drops of each selected remedy added to a water bottle or glass from which you sip 4 drops at a time, x4 a day or as frequently as required.

OR One off dose – 2 drops of each selected remedy direct into the mouth holding pipette away from mouth contact.

Remedies are easily purchased in the UK, USA, Canada from health shops, pharmacies and the Bach Centre mail order and also worldwide.

Further information

www.bachcentre.com Lists registered practitioners worldwide. Information about Dr Bach’s work and the remedies.

Linzi Martin, B.F.R.P. Dip. ITEC, IfL, Cert Ed   Sleep Well and Live Well consultations for improved life-work balance including bach flower remedies, meditation, tai chi qi gong and creativity – Skype consultations offered worldwide.

Disclaimer: no guarantee is offered whatsoever in diagnosing, resolving or healing any physical, emotional, mental or spiritual symptoms or conditions.

20 April 2011 1 Comment

Practice Healthful Exercise (Tai Chi Ki Kung) with Relaxation Meditation Techniques to Feel Calm & Energised

It’s Spring time, how beautiful the natural world is all around us.
Even if you live in an urban area there can always be found some wonder of colour, light, smell and texture that nature has to offer us.
Spend a little while, create ‘a breathing space’ how I call it, to observe and BE in the moment.

I’m feeling generous and excited to be offering a new combined course that will of benefit to (pretty well) everyone. Healthful exercise of tai chi ki kung with relaxation meditation techniques.

Starts: 3 May Tuesdays 8pm, 5 sessions
Location: Westerham on the Surrey Kent border UK
Cost: £50 for full course

Ask yourself:
Do you frequently feel a bit too much stress and anxiety?
Wish you could find a beneficial exercise routine to do at home?Do you want to improve your posture, balance, general health?
Wish you were calmer, clearer thinking, needing a direction?

 

Meditation and Tai Chi Ki Kung are skills for life. You are never too young or too old to learn; we embrace all physical abilities. No equipment needed, just yourself.

For this life enhancing course BENEFITS include:

  • clearer thinking & decision making
  • improved sleep
  • reduced anxiety and stress
  • better general mind & body health
  • improved balance
  • better posture (eg back pain)
  • flexibility
  • calm & peaceful mind
  • learning to create a Breathing Space within your life

To Book whole course only £50
(no reduction if start after 1st session)
01959 561774 (social hours only) linz...@gmail.com

Linzi Martin is an experienced teacher, writer, blogger & presenter www.feelgoodzone.com

13 April 2011 0 Comments

HOUSE CLUTTER STRESS Epidemic!! De Cluttering, De Junking, Re Organising to the Rescue

Are you a victim of House Clutter Stress?
Spring time is one of the traditional times of year when we feel like having a clear out of the accumulated ‘stuff’ we, and our family members, have collected. The idea starts off great, with enthusiasm and motivation. Yet getting started can often prove quite a challenge with one excuse and another the daunting prospect of actually getting down to this highly emotive activity draws out the procrastinator in us.

If you’ve got too much ‘stuff’ cluttering up your home or office then you do know about it and it’s all too  easily turn a blind eye to the situation. However with the spring-like weather, the blossoming of flowers and buds exploding into colour, a freshness all around shakes off those wintery hibernating feelings.

10 signs that may signal a cluttered or junked out space, room, home:

  1. shelves or table/desk heaving with overflowing  paperwork
  2. piles of unopened envelopes
  3. piles of urgent un-dealt with correspondence
  4. broken item(s) has been lying around (ready for repair or chucking out) for over 3 months
  5. clothing filling up the wardrobe that does not fit you any longer
  6. clothing, shoes or accessory items that are worn out/beyond repair
  7. removal packing boxes still not unpacked
  8. excessive out of date, tins and bottles of food and toiletries in the cupboards and draws
  9. after a bereavement being emotionally ‘blocked’, unable to sort, clear, decide on items that are left
  10. post divorce being emotionally ‘blocked’, unable to sort, clear, decide on the items that are left

Perhaps you feel it’s all too much to deal with on your own. That’s when it is so useful to have the advice and support of some unbiased person to kick-start you/the family into action. This is especially true after there’s been a Bereavement, Divorce, prolonged Illness, about to Move home, the Kids moving out or simply when there’s been a Build up over the years, and now it’s gotten all too much. The mere thought of tackling a clear out with all the emotional attachment, quilt, sorrow, memories etc can STOP you even starting. Then the sun comes out and it’s all too easy to walk away from the task.

This is where hiring a de-cluttering, de-junking stuff clearing consultant can move the idea forward into movement and ultimately feeling much better about the situation. If you are a creative person (and who is not creative at some level!) then having a sort out may help those creative blocks and stagnation.

The process of de junking, de-cluttering will literally turn your world around, in a positive way. It will transform your living or working spaces. Benefits may include:

  • easier to move home
  • clearer thinking
  • better health
  • reduced anxiety and stress
  • functioning better after; divorce, bereavement, illness etc
  • re-ignite the creative spark
  • improved sleep
  • clarity in decision making for say, change of career, which direction to take
  • all in all a way to get your life back in order and helping you to turn a corner

Clutter and ‘stuff ‘can seriously inhibit how we function in life. If you think or feel you require my consultation advice, practical guidance and an unbiased opinion to help you make decisions, with a friendly and supportive service, a little bit of help … contact me

Spring Offer on appointments taken upto/including 18th May 2011

Book a ½ day consultation appointment (3 ½ hours)
for the special rate of £150
to include travel  up to 9.9 miles one way from TN16 1BN
(Surrey/Kent border)

An additional travel fee will be applied for destinations: 10 – 20 miles one way £35, 21 – 30 miles one way £65, 31+ miles upon application.

Full Payment is conveniently available by cash on the day or as an on-line bank payment made whilst at the consultation. A receipt will be issued.

Contact Linzi Martin to book your consultation on a day and time to suit you. Confidentiality will be maintained throughout and after the appointment.

Tel 01959 561774 (sociable hours only) linz...@gmail.com

 

Terms and conditions:

All fees payable in advance or on the day of the consultation. A minimum of 24 hours is required for cancellation or re-arrangement of a consultation or a 50% payment of the full (not discounted) consultation fee is payable. This offer may be extended at the discretion of Linzi Martin, not more than one offer can be used/combined at any one consultation.

15 March 2011 0 Comments

BedErcise Video of Bed-based Exercises for Wellness

BedErcises Video (TM of Linzi Martin)
A short instructional style video, a lighthearted look at how we can start the day with practising some easy stretches and self massage, to refresh the body and mind. All this without even leaving the comfort of our bed. Includes whole body stretches, toning exercises and hand/head massage.

Linzi, FeelGoodZone.com explains and demonstrates some whole body stretches, a ‘kiss my feet’ exercise, then moves onto toning up ‘abs’, the abdominals. Using a bent knees position Linzi works on loosening the lower back muscles before moving onto hand massaging. This is in preparation for some easy to do facial and head massage. The film concludes with some advice on what Linzi drinks to refresh the brain ready for the day ahead. These are ideal for those wonderful women going through the menopause, or are too busy to attend an exercise class.

BedErcise forms part of the SLEEP WELL & LIVE WELL lifestyle concept. Beneficial as a natural insomnia solution, promotes good posture and balance, helps breathing and muscular strengthening. Keep yourself revitalised and refreshed and sleeping.

If you suffer from sleep problems or insomnia Linzi offers private consultations using a range of natural solutions. For those seeking to downscale their life for better life-work balance Linzi works closely with her clients to reduce stress, anxiety and create a more holistic lifestyle. Facebook page: Insomnia and Sleep Solutions

Disclaimer: please take personal responsibility
for any movements/exercises that you do and if in any doubt as to the suitability of any of the movements shown here, do seek the advice of your medical and/or fitness professional. The instructions contained in this film are for interest only and no claims or guarantees are given for any beneficial effects or results.
The exercises/stretches may be useful as part of a healthier lifestyle.

Sleep Well Live Well :}

14 March 2011 0 Comments

Book Review: How to Work Wonders, Your Guide to Workplace Wellness

How to Work Wonders, Your Guide to Workplace Wellness
Author Liggy Webb, ISBN 978-1-906645-91-5 229 pages

This very readable book starts off with a scientific explanation of Monday morning “blues”. This caught my eye as I deal with client’s sleep disorders. Our internal clock naturally operates on a 24 hour day. By Monday morning we’ve built up at least 1 hour sleep deficiency.

How to Work Wonders is about helping you develop a healing and positive attitude and approach to work and everything you do in life. Liggy says that in the 21st century we are often defined by our work, it’s about our identity. This book aims to raise our awareness of what we can do to help ourselves, the little things in daily life.

It’s well known that prolonged unhappiness at work, such as emotional burn out, low self esteem, anxiety and depression, can make you sick. It’s estimated that by 2020 depression will be one of the leading causes of disability and illness. I’ve read that mental health issues will affect EVERYONE at some point in their life and yet it is still such a taboo issue. It’s laughable now that experts (!) forecast that technology would reduce our workloads as we are all working more than ever. Absenteeism is mostly stress related. Personally I’ve heard from employees that they cannot be off sick, they have to come in to work, this represents the new culture of Presenteeism.

What’s the answer? Liggy says by taking an holistic approach we can address some of the issues of health, learn to manage stress and understand how we can help ourself. The first of six chapters deals with Attitude, following with Exercise and Nutrition, Communication, Stress Management, Environment and Goal Setting.

Liggy provides tips for home based workers. These are some I follow: take breaks in-between tasks, go for short walks. To alleviate solo working loneliness and support your local business/community by spending a few hours catching up reading articles in a ‘green tea’ cafe. Even if you have food in to go out and grape a healthy lunch, you never know who you’ll meet or network with.

I found the book to be well laid out. What I particularly liked was Liggy’s summary tips given at the end of each chapter. Post-its at the ready. As a professionally trained Feng Shui practitioner I read with interest the chapter on Environment with it’s practical eco-sustainability message. E.g. unplug your laptop/mobile phone chargers as they continue to charge using 95% of power even when not attached to the device. On a lighter note. Scientific research in the USA found that managers who facilitated the highest levels of employee performance used humour most often. Laughter burns calories, lowers blood pressure, increases energy level and is often infectious, in a good way!

How to Work Wonders is an informative, easy to read book, interspersed with humorous cartoons to ease the serious issues covered.

Liggy Webb is a presenter and also author of ‘The Happy Handbook, A Compendium of Modern Life Skills’ 2010. She is a consultant for the United Nations, the founding director of The Learning Architect , a trustee of The Chrysalis Foundation and actively supports mental health charities.

Reviewed by Linzi Martin :)

Sleep Well Live Well consultant. Writer, Presenter, Blogger, Educator

2 March 2011 0 Comments

The Sleep Dreamer a short story

The Sleep Dreamer, by Linzi Martin

He was the kind of character that always wanted to sleep. Early to bed, late to rise and an afternoon power nap to break up what was otherwise a tedious awakedness.

During those sleeping moments he dreamt. He was in his element then, in another time and space. He was another man, powerful in his own domain, a leader of men and charmer of womenfolk. In the waking world his form was more of a subservient, a pleaser and a whimp. But in the sleeping world he came to life as a master with charisma.

So he existed in ‘normal’ life, waiting for the time to sleep again, to regain his sense of purpose in his dream world. He learnt to be patient, waiting out the hours till he could drift off into his counter-counscious reality. There he had gifts that others cherished. His body was firm, toned and tallish, the result from years of training in the arts of energy gathering. His features were created from one that had found wisdom, nourishment of the soul and in being a respected member of the Gathering.

Oh yes there was the Gathering. The Gathering was akin to a village of people, there being a group of Gatherers who oversaw the management and took care of the Gathering as a whole community. He was one of this higherarchy, a Gatherer. So extraordinarily different from his ‘normal’ life, no one there took any notice of him, but in sleep-land he was a Gatherer, a someone.

Sleep was his escape. His refuge. An adventure every day, with him always as the victor, the winner and the lover. Sleep-land held romance for him in ways that ‘normal’ life never led him towards. He appeared to be quite a catch to the ladies in his sleep-land, for they smiled at him, blew him kisses and gave him romantic fancies made of flowers and delicacies. So many temptations and yes he did indulge. Sleep often held the promise of maidens with designs of passionate romances. He sometimes thought in ‘normal’ life that he saw those maidens out of the corner of his eye. Then they disappeared in a whisp of a wind. Never mind, he thinks, not long till I’m back in your arms and your pleasures await me.

Sleep calls, yes he is the dreamer who has sold his life to sleep.

Sleep Well & Live Well consultations/coaching sessions with Linzi
Writer, Blogger, Presenter, Educator

11 February 2011 0 Comments

How many hours you sleep can affect your health, a ‘ticking health time bomb’

Why late to bed and getting up too early in the day is a recipe for serious health concerns.

Daily Mail UK newspaper reports on this ‘ticking health time bomb’ with research from University of Warwick.

My thoughts are that I find it easier to naturally wake up and get ready for the day ahead with the advent of earlier sun rises with spring time. When you have spent many years forcing your body and mind to get ready for the day, before what is natural for your body clock, this can cause undue chronic stress. I wonder why we do not generally have a more flexible approach to work start and finish times within the working environment. Even with flexi-time so many people seem to be condemned to a life time of sleep disruption. Retirement must come as a welcome reprieve to this and perhaps why the Monday morning blues is a very real scenario.

If you are one of the millions of people who suffer with sleeplessness, lack of enough sleep or too much sleep, insomnia and prefer the natural approach to trying to resolve these issues, then contact me for a consultation as a sleep coach.

18 January 2011 0 Comments

Puppies & kittens demonstrate relaxation in the moment

90 seconds of sheer blissfulness showing us humans how to relax into the moment, puppy and kitten style. Okay I know some images are a but too cute, no apologies for this and I cannot vouch for the soundtrack, nor take a claim for making this video, I got it sent un-named. Enjoy the purrfect 90 seconds.
ZZZZdogscats

16 January 2011 Comments Off

Paul McKenna: lose weight, quit smoking, eliminate stress, increase self confidence, sleep well and more

Here is a selection of titles that you can purchase from the world renowned PAUL MCKENNA. Simply click on the links and order from Amazon with the same excellent price.

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Do you want to be happier? Do you want to stop feeling bad right now? Do you want to experience greater joy than ever before? What if it was possible to feel happier than you had ever imagined?
You don’t need faith in this system. Happiness is not a matter of luck or belief, it is created by particular ways of thinking and acting. Use this book, take control of your life and increase your happiness today!
Then this book and hypnosis CD are for you!

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“Truly excellent stuff. This cd will totally transform your life. However, you MUST put the effort in to what this genius of a man teaches you in order to achieve fully satisfying effects. Trust me buy this cd even if you are already a competently confident individual since there is always more to learn in life especially from a WORLD CLASS hypnotist such as Paul Mckenna.” Mr Shah

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Would you like to eat whatever you want and still lose weight?
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Do you get disheartened about your eating habits and your weight?
Then this amazing book and CD can help you!
Paul McKenna’s amazing weight-loss system has helped over a million people all over the world to lose weight and keep it off for life.

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ARE YOU READY TO QUIT SMOKING ONCE AND FOR ALL?
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I CAN MAKE YOU SLEEP: OVERCOME INSOMNIA FOREVER AND GET THE BEST REST OF YOUR LIFE, AUDIO CD
Would you like to sleep really well?
Would you like to stop your mind racing and feel calm?
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Would you like to be able to sleep when you want to?
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9 January 2011 0 Comments

Daylight, Blue Light, Melatonin – Things You Did Not Know About Sleep Part 6

Forming part of a series of posts for your information if you have problems in sleeping, can’t sleep, sleeplessness, being awake during the night, difficulty in getting to sleep, awaking too early, having a busy mind, insomnia -  for whatever the many myriad of reasons for sleep dysfunction.

Daylight

Professor Alan Bird, part of a team of scientists at Moorfields Eye Hospital, discovered how the eye affects our body clock. In 2002 they discovered specific cells that wake us up. When they scanned the eye retina they found that it’s not just when we see light that wakes us up, it is also the receptor cells at the back of the eye which help control our sleep patterns.

So when the eyes are open light passes through to the back of the eyeball, the retina. Here tiny cells contain a pigment that reacts to daylight. The cells send signals to the brain to regulate melatonin production. It’s the melatonin levels in the blood that determines whether you become or stay sleepy or awaken. At night the body increases the level of the hormone melatonin to keep us sleepy. As day light comes melatonin initiates a race around the brain.

Even though the eye lids remain closed, the cells in the retina react to ‘blue light’. This sends a signal to the brain’s biological clock that alerts the pineal gland to reduce production of the sleep hormone, melatonin. This results in the body becoming more alert and initiates the waking up process.

Tips:
1. To reduce the impact of daylight waking you up prematurely (eg Shift workers and catch up long flight sleep) have DARK COLOURED CURTAINS

2. Do not put the light on if you get up in the night as this will initiate a wake-up response in the brain. Use an infra-red torch or dimmed street lights and the moon often provides sufficient light to guide you around a familiar surroundings.

3. If you need to wake up before natural day light (eg early risers, shift workers) use BLUE LIGHT as research shows this mimics the full spectrum quality of natural daylight.

4. EAT YOUR BREAKFAST using blue light. Use a blue light BULB in the lamp on your desk/table and bathe in blue light to READ THE NEWSPAPER, MEDITATE, what ever your morning routine is.

5. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) often affects people from around October to March in the northern hemisphere. Using a blue light can help combat the depression, lethargy of SAD.

Natural Melatonin is available as a supplement, this may help to promote good sleep.

Tip: buy your Sleep Well Eye Pillow Kit to improve your nap times, to soothe your eyes and mind. Available exclusively from the www.feelgoodzone.com site

Source: Linzi Martin notes taken from the BBC1 programme, 10 Things You Did Not Know About Sleep, aired 2 September 2010, presenter Kate Silverton (plus Linzi’s own thoughts).

Sleep Well Consultations available from Linzi Martin.
You should follow the link here to contact Linzi to book your appointment