Healthy habits

There's a lot going on this month. Luke Jordan is coming next week (which takes a lot of organising), we have a new shala in the pipeline, and I've got a big (for me) concert coming up in Cork in a couple of weeks.I don't tend to suffer from stress too much but I'm feeling it a little this last month or so. I'm starting to see and feel the effects of increased levels of stress in my life and it makes me feel compassion for those who live with stressful situations on an ongoing basis. I know that includes some of you who read this email.It's patently true to say that stress is a killer. It has actually become a cliché to say that these days. And I find that worrying. Stress has become the norm for many of us; at work, at home, with family, relationships, commuting, finding a home, you name it.As a society, we're starting to sleep less, move less, connect with each other less and our food choices are becoming less and less healthy as the decades go on. It paints a bleak picture of our future and that of our children.There are, though, some beacons of light amongst us who can help us to combat this downward trend, and I think it's helpful to share some of the things I do in order to help me lead a more uplifting life.I eat mostly plant-based, whole, organic food. This is where we buy most of our veggies. For those of you who say you don't have time to go and find organic food. Just get onto these guys. And sign up for their weekly emails. I find them inspirational.I absolutely 100% need to get outdoors every day. And so do you. You know it. So do it. Go out and move around. You can borrow my kids if you need an excuse!I listen to The Rich Roll Podcast almost every week. This guy, for me, is the ultimate lighthouse in the stormy sea. There are so many amazing people out there; teachers, mentors, or people who lead and inspire us by example. How many of them are available for us to listen to for two or more hours every week in our earbuds though? And all for free? Get listening to The Rich Roll Podcast asap!If I'm lying in bed, unsuccessfully willing myself to get up and get on my mat I sometimes get the phone out and go onto The Happy Pear Instagram account. Seeing those guys swimming in the Irish Sea at sunrise every morning never fails to give me the jolt of positivity that I need to throw the covers off and put the coffee machine on! Be careful though, not to start clicking on all the other accounts or other apps that you're addicted to on that iPhone!All of these things are really great but, most importantly, I practice yoga every day that I can. Every day that I practise I am thankful for it. I have found that my life improves in direct proportion to the amount of time I spend on my mat that day, week, month or year.Stress really is a killer.And yoga really is magic.P.S. You can't really borrow my children. They'd freak out.