As the new year approaches so does everyones new years resolutions and reflections of the past year. Brooke Chamberlain shares an insight into how she makes every day count.

I always love to reflect on my achievements over the year and take a moment to be proud of myself. Take a moment and think, “what can you be proud of this year?” “What can you be thankful for?” and focus on those.

To kick off 2019 I thought I’d share my favourite way to start the day. First thing I like to do when I wake up is MEDITATE it gets you starting the day feeling balanced with a clear mindset. Once your mind is ready for the day ahead its time to get your body ready.

STRETCHING AND EXERCISE!!
Exercise can come in many forms and its best to do the things you enjoy. I personally like to start the day with a walk/jog, skipping or Boxing. I love doing cardio in the mornings and its great to get your body moving and heart rate racing before life’s stresses come at us in the day. I also love jumping in the ocean after a workout which for me is the most refreshing thing to do for your mind and body. (Depending on where you live of course)

Here are a few of my favourite simple lower body stretches.

Seated Hamstring Stretch
Sit up tall with your legs straight and feet hip-width apart , arms above your
head. Exhale as you bend forward at the hips, lowering your head toward
floor, while keeping your head, neck and shoulders relaxed. Wrap your arms
around your ankles and hold for 2 minutes.

Prayer Stretch or Child’s Pose
This stretch is for the lower back muscles along the spine. On your hands and knees, sit back so your bottom is resting on your heels. Reach your hands forward to lengthen your spine and feel a stretch in your middle back. You can reach your hands to either side to focus the stretch on the opposite side of your spine. Hold for 10-30 seconds and perform 2-3 repetitions.

Pigeon Pose
Pigeon pose is great for opening up your hips. Sit with your right knee bent and your left leg extended behind you. Pull the right heel in toward your left hip, or if your hips are more open, inch your right foot away from you. Stay here with your hands resting on your hips, or walk your hands out in front of you, allowing your chest to rest over your right knee. Hold for 2 minutes. Repeat this pose with the left knee bent.

Once you have MEDITATED, EXERCISED AND STRETCHED its time for a healthy smoothie filled with nutrients to keep you focused throughout the day and full of energy.

Look after your body and mind as you only have one.

Be the best version of you and never stop smiling!!

Smoothie recipe:
Green Dragon
This recipe is simple to make, highly nutritious, very good for alkalising, is gently detoxifying and helpful in reducing inflammation such as experienced with sensitive or overloaded digestion, aching joints, hands, feet, muscles.
Into Blender add
– 1 heaped teaspoon Mayella Alkalise Green & Go or Mayella Green Harmony
– 500mls choice of water, coconut water or macadamia milk (can use any nut milk or oat milk, preferably not cow milk)
– 1 teaspoon Coconut oil
– 1 heaped teaspoon Mayella organic hemp seeds
– 1/2 teaspoon Mayella organic Turmeric powder
– 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon to taste
– 1/2 Mango fresh or frozen
– 1/2 Avocado
– 1 Banana fresh or frozen
Add ice if you like your smoothies nice and thick or simply have your fruit and water or milk chilled.
Blend well to mix all the ingredients. This smoothie is very satisfying and will blend nice and creamy. You are making enough to share with up to two or three people or enjoy having some for breakfast and take the rest to work with you to enjoy later in the day.

Berry-licious
A delicious smoothie that is high in plant based antioxidants and will boost your immune system.
Into your blender add
– 1 heaped tablespoon Mayella Acai Berry Beautiful Blend
– 300mls Coconut water
– 200mls Coconut Milk
– 1 Banana fresh or frozen
– 1/2 – 1 teaspoon organic true vanilla paste or liquid
Add ice if you like your smoothies nice and thick or simply have your fruit and water or milk chilled.
Blend well and serve in glass/es for 1-3 people or put some of the blend in the fridge to enjoy later in the day. You can also freeze any left over into ice block holders for a delicious berry “nicecream” treat.
Coconut water & milk can be substituted for any nut milk if you wish to enjoy a lighter or different base.

Happy Holidays everyone! Don’t forget to set yourself some goals and remember you can do anything you put your mind to, you just have to believe!

Bring on 2019 and all its new challenges.

Brooke Chamberlain xx

You can find out more about actress and fitness instructor Brooke here