Breathe

Meditation & Mindfulness

Words by: Becky Duncan, Chanting Stork Photo: Garath Jones Photography

There is no denying it, things get busy at this time of the year and there’s just less hours to do everything, so how can we make the most of it whilst taking care of yourself and staying positive. When the world is spinning a million times an hour and all the external stimulants feel a little overwhelming, we don’t need to go away, we need to go in. A famous quote by Marcus Auerlius; “There is no greater retreat than within”. You don’t need to sit still for hours on a mountain top, but instead, you can close your eyes and picture the most beautiful mountain that you can envisage. You can notice the speed and depth at which you are breathing and slow the breath right down by lengthening your exhalations. When we exhale our heart rate decreases and internally everything slows.

Try this simple exercise wherever you may be, whether it be in the office, at home, in a shopping centre.

1. Close your eyes and place you hands on your heart.

2. Notice the flow of your breath.

3. Inhales for the count of 4 and exhale for the count of 4.

Relax, Revive& Rejuvenate

M E E R U

There is nothing better for your wellbeing than escaping the usual routine and exploring the world. With travel restrictions relaxing, now is the perfect time to start planning your next venture. How about a tropical paradise of white, sandy beaches and turquoise lagoons to find that inner peace?

Laura Wood, Royston based independant travel agent, tells us more about the idyllic palm-fringed beaches.

With flawless white sands, shimmering turquoise waters and encircling pristine coral reefs, the Maldives is truly an experience like no other. With a wide variety of resorts across the islands, there is something for every occasion and budget, whether that be a luxury romantic hideout, or a larger all inclusive resort with an abundance of facilities for all ages.

Relaxing on the white sand and wallowing in the warm seas comes as standard, but if you’re worried there won’t be enough to do, don’t panic. Amongst the islands there are lots of exciting activities to keep you occupied such as; kayaking, standup paddleboarding, snorkelling and diving in the stunning coral gardens. For the less adventurous, you may want to select a house reef, accessible from the beach and within a few steps of the shore you can view the amazing marine life with just a snorkel and mask. You may like the idea of being stranded on a deserted island, but why not take it one step further. Many of the islands offer cruises to uninhabited islands for a true shipwrecked experience, where you can cast your fishing rod, in the hope of getting the catch of the day. The Maldives known for its peace and serenity away from urban life has an abundance of Spas to give a deeper sense of utter relaxation. After the last few years we are all in need of a little indulgence and in need of a little rejuvenation. Whilst most resorts have bars & live music the Maldives is not a destination for party animals, but to sit back and enjoy tropical cocktail and cuisine in an idyllic setting. Sound tempting?

I’m an independent travel agent, I work with leading tour operators and can help plan your perfect holiday.

01223 53 54 93 laura.wood@premier-travel.co.uk