Now that Spring is here, you may be thinking about getting some more exercise.

We all slow down over Winter. It can be hard to get yourself motivated to get out and about and get fit when the nights are shorter and the weather is colder. As a result we often feel quite listless and perhaps struggle to get ourselves motivated.

As Spring dawns we often find that we are ready for our own new dawn. Spring cleaning fever sets in and a new wave of motivation seems to wash over us. For many people joining a gym can be an option that appeals, for others it can seem a little to regimented, not to say expensive.

I personally love to get out in the fresh air and go walking, or running if I feel energetic. Once the rains have cleared from the pathways I also love going out on my bike and getting some fresh air whilst cycling.

You may not have visited your local park recently but so many of them now have outdoor exercise equipment that you can use for free, and also enjoy in the sunshine or even clouds!

I went out and about and tried my local Park and I love it now. I run around Arrow Valley Lake in Redditch and it is quite gorgeous there !

You may well be amazed by how much getting that exercise and fresh air really helps to lift your mood ! Go on give it a try, I promise you will want to do it again once you have done it once !

Exercise and all the good hormones and endorphins that are released really can make you feel better.

Watch this video about exercise outdoors in the park

One of the wonderful things about working with people to help them make the changes that they desire is that I have the opportunity to collaborate with so many people who are specialists in their own area.

Make up artist Rowena Wilson is an expert on working with brides for their big day. Her skills with make up can help fill a bride with confidence and feel beautiful, but sometimes they need a little extra help with nerves. Rowena and I have written the following together..all about what you can do to make your big day go exactly as you would wish....

Rowena Wilson...

"Weddings are packed full of emotion - happiness, anticipation, excitement but more often than not some anxiety and stress too.

We use the phrase ‘blushing bride” to describe a beautiful, radiant bride but what if you’re worried your blushing will be out of control on your wedding day?

As an experienced bridal make-up artist, I will ensure that you are at your most beautiful on your wedding day which will be a great confidence boost and makes for a stress-free start to the wedding day but could the answer to blushing be more than skin deep?

The face, neck, chest and upper arms can all be affected by stress-related flushing. Stress hormones like adrenalin and cortisol can increase the blood flow to the skin resulting in flushing and heat.*

I decided to ask Clinical Hypnotherapist, Mark Powlett, for his thoughts."

Mark Powlett..

"As a bride on the most important and exciting day of your life, the thought of wearing a stunning dress, and having your hair and make-up perfect are all part of the experience that you will treasure in your memory for years to come. Sometimes though, the thought of standing up in front of family and friends and being the centre of attention, is something that can start to bring fearful thoughts into your mind, and as Rowena says you could well become a truly “blushing bride”. 

The key to making sure that you shine with radiance is knowing that blushing is something that you can control. By changing the way that you think about the event and the blushing you can turn it down and even off altogether. I like to explain to my clients that “We get more of what we think about”. This means that if you think you will blush and start to imagine it then you may well do so for real. You start to create your own mental rehearsal and it simply comes true.

As a clinical hypnotherapist I work with my clients to help teach them that by imagining the wonderful event unfolding and seeing themselves looking calm, relaxed and really enjoying it without any fear of blushing then they need not even think about the possibility any more.

It can be surprising to many brides just how quickly a change can be made to the way that they think and feel. By taking a breath and learning to relax you need never fear the thought of that flushing red across your face spreading down your body...instead you can just imagine a wide and brilliant smile spreading warmth and happiness everyone will always treasure."

*There are many possible causes of skin flushing which are not stress-related. These include skin disorders, reactions to medication, problems with the digestive system, allergies and food intolerances. Please seek medical advice if you have these concerns.

How to contact Rowena Wilson: Make-Up & Cosmetics Consultant

 www.myweddingmakeupartist.co.uk

www.rowenawilson.com      Tel: 07910 168577

www.twitter.com/RowenaMakeUp