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5-Minute Calm for Overwhelmed Moms: Is Mindfulness Really That Easy?

Have you ever felt overwhelmed with emotions and unsure where they come from? Or struggled to identify your body’s subtle cues? This is where interoception comes in!

Between the sleepless nights, endless to-do lists, and constant juggling of responsibilities, finding even a moment to breathe can feel impossible. But what if I told you that a calmer, more centred you is just five minutes away? This week, we’re exploring simple, realistic mindfulness practices that can help even the busiest mums find peace in the chaos. Is it really that easy? Let’s find out together… 🌱


Introception: Your Inner Compass for Calm and Clarity

In the whirlwind of motherhood, it’s easy to lose touch with our own needs. But what if I told you that the path to calm is already within you? Introception – the ability to sense what’s happening inside our bodies – is a powerful way to connect with your inner landscape. This practice taps into our internal sensations like heart rate, breath, muscle tension, and even those gentle hunger pangs, giving us valuable insights into our emotional state and physical needs.

Ready for a 5-minute journey into interoceptive awareness? Click HERE to follow along with my introception exercise video and discover the calm within.


Benefits of Enhanced Interoception:

🌱 Improved Emotional Regulation – Recognising your body’s cues helps you understand the physical manifestations of emotions, empowering you to respond more mindfully.

🌱 Reduced Stress and Anxiety – Tuning in to your inner state enables you to catch early signs of stress and take proactive steps to soothe yourself.

🌱 Greater Self-Awareness – Developing interoception deepens your connection with yourself, helping you make choices that truly align with your values and desires.


Why This Matters

A recent article highlighted that many mums feel so overwhelmed they fantasise about being hospitalised just to get a break (Upworthy). This isn’t just exhaustion; it’s a reminder of the toll that constant giving takes. Interoception offers a pathway back to yourself – a practice to reclaim those quiet moments of calm, even when life is full.


Empowering Yourself Through Interoception

Interoception is more than just a practice; it’s a tool for navigating the complexities of life with grace and insight. Each time you pause to check in with your body, you’re strengthening that inner wisdom and creating space for calm amidst the busyness.

Have you tried interoception? What insights have surfaced for you? Share your experience – I’d love to hear!


Remember, taking a moment for yourself is a gift to everyone around you. I’d love to hear how this journey with interoception unfolds for you!
Warmly,
Claire x

P.S. For more daily tips on finding calm, reconnecting with yourself, and embracing mindful motherhood, follow me on Instagram @mamasvillage.co. I’d love to see you there!

The Science Behind Rest: Why Do I Need Rest During My Period?

In a world that glorifies constant productivity and hustle, rest often feels like a luxury we can’t afford. But what if I told you that rest is not only essential for your well-being but also scientifically proven to benefit your mind and body, especially during your inner winter?

Understanding Your Inner Winter

The menstrual cycle has four distinct phases: menstruation (inner winter), follicular (inner spring), ovulation (inner summer), and luteal (inner autumn). Each phase comes with its own energy levels, emotional states, and physical needs. Inner winter, the menstruation phase, is a time of low energy and introspection, making it the perfect time for rest and rejuvenation.

Yet, many of us push through this phase, ignoring our body’s signals and opting for productivity over rest. But here’s the truth: by suppressing rest during your inner winter, you’re not just draining your energy—you’re missing out on the scientifically-backed benefits of allowing your body and mind to truly relax.

The Power of Alpha Waves

Alpha brain waves are the unsung heroes of deep relaxation. These waves help us calm down, slow our thoughts, and promote a state of tranquility. You might have experienced these during activities like daydreaming, meditation, or mindfulness practices.

When you allow yourself to rest during your inner winter, your brain naturally shifts into producing more alpha waves. These waves are found prominently in daydreaming and states of deep relaxation. They’re not just pleasant—they’re necessary. Suppressing alpha waves can lead to anxiety, high stress, and even insomnia. On the flip side, when your alpha waves are optimal, they create a relaxed state that your body and mind desperately need during this phase.

The Benefits of Embracing Rest

  1. Reduces Symptoms of Depression: Research suggests that the increase in alpha waves during rest may play a significant role in reducing symptoms of depression. By giving yourself permission to rest, especially during your inner winter, you’re not just taking a break—you’re actively supporting your mental health.
  2. Boosts Creativity: Resting doesn’t mean you’re doing nothing; it means you’re creating space for creativity to flourish. The same alpha waves that relax your mind also enhance your ability to think creatively. When you allow yourself to rest, you might find that new ideas and solutions to problems come more easily.
  3. Replenishes Energy: Your inner winter is a natural time for your body to slow down. Pushing through this phase without adequate rest can leave you feeling drained and disconnected. Embracing rest allows your body to replenish its energy stores, setting you up for a more productive and energised inner spring.
  4. Improves Focus: Resting during your inner winter can also improve your focus in the long run. When your brain is allowed to slow down and produce alpha waves, it prepares you to be more focused and present during the more active phases of your cycle.

How to Embrace Rest During Your Inner Winter

  • Prioritise Sleep: Make sure you’re getting enough sleep during your menstruation phase. Listen to your body’s signals and allow yourself to go to bed earlier or sleep in if needed.
  • Incorporate Mindfulness Practices: Engage in activities that promote alpha wave production, such as meditation, gentle yoga, or simply daydreaming. These practices can help you connect with your inner self and create a sense of calm.
  • Create a Restful Environment: Surround yourself with comforting and relaxing elements—soft lighting, cozy blankets, or calming scents. This environment can enhance your ability to relax and encourage your body to enter a state of rest.
  • Allow Yourself to Do Less: Give yourself permission to slow down and do less. This could mean taking a day off, postponing non-essential tasks, or simply spending more time in activities that recharge you.

Conclusion

Rest is not a weakness or a waste of time—it’s a scientifically supported way to enhance your well-being, especially during your inner winter. By embracing rest, you’re not only honoring your body’s natural rhythms but also tapping into the benefits of alpha waves that calm your mind, reduce stress, and boost creativity. So this inner winter, give yourself the gift of rest. Your body, mind, and future self will thank you.

With warm hugs,

How Disembodiment Is Stealing Your Joy (And How to Reconnect with Yourself)

How Disembodiment Is Stealing Your Joy (And How to Reconnect with Yourself)

If you’re tired of mindlessly scrolling through social media, feeling overwhelmed, or constantly running on empty, it’s time to take a closer look at what’s really going on. Disembodiment—when you become disconnected from your body, emotions, and true self—might be behind the burnout, and today, I’m here to show you how to reconnect and rediscover your sense of joy and purpose.

Reconnecting to Your Natural Rhythms

As a coach dedicated to empowering women, I help mamas like you tune back into their natural rhythms and embrace the power of their menstrual cycles. If you’re feeling disconnected from your body, overwhelmed by your roles as a mother or professional, or simply lost in the chaos of daily responsibilities, know this: you’re not alone. Many women face the same struggle, but there is a way to live authentically and with purpose, without the constant sense of being overwhelmed.

What Is Disembodiment?

Disembodiment refers to a disconnect from your physical, emotional, and spiritual self. It can manifest in small habits like scrolling through social media, forgetting to nourish yourself properly, or exercising past your limits because you’re stuck in “productivity mode.” The constant pressure to perform can numb you to your body’s signals, leaving you out of touch with your emotions and unable to make choices that truly serve your well-being.

Signs You Might Be Disconnected

If you’ve noticed any of the following, disembodiment might be affecting your life:

  • Mindlessly scrolling through your phone for hours
  • Ignoring hunger or thirst until you’re beyond exhaustion
  • Exercising to the point of injury, driven by the need to be “productive”
  • Feeling like you’re going through the motions without truly experiencing life

The first step to healing is recognising these signs. Awareness is the key to making the necessary changes.

Emotional Disconnection

Have you ever been asked, “How are you feeling?” and genuinely didn’t know the answer? Emotional disconnection happens when you’re so overwhelmed by daily life that you lose touch with how you feel. This happens when your mind and body stop communicating, leaving you feeling disconnected and confused.

How to Reconnect Emotionally:

Start with a daily check-in. Try a simple body scan by mentally scanning from your toes to your head, noticing any sensations or emotions along the way. Even if you can’t identify a specific emotion, acknowledging your body’s signals is a powerful step toward reconnection.

The Trap of Martyr Mode

Many women, especially mothers, fall into “martyr mode”—putting everyone else’s needs first and neglecting their own. This leads to feelings of resentment, burnout, and frustration. Worse still, you may operate from a place of shame-based thinking, believing you should be doing more or being more.

When you prioritise everyone else over yourself, it’s impossible to connect with your true desires and needs. Over time, this disconnect leaves you exhausted, drained, and unable to live authentically.

Break Free from Martyr Mode:

Start small. Choose one ritual that helps you reconnect with yourself—a few moments of meditation, a quiet cup of tea, or simply sitting in silence. These small acts of self-care are the foundation of rebuilding a connection with your body and emotions.

Why Disembodiment Matters

Living in a state of disconnection steals your joy, diminishes your energy, and keeps you from living the life you truly deserve. By learning to recognise the signs of disembodiment, tuning into your emotions, and prioritising your needs, you can start living a life that’s aligned with your values, energy, and purpose.

Ready to Reconnect?

If you’re ready to stop feeling overwhelmed and start living in alignment with your body and emotions, it’s time to take that first step. Email me at [email protected], and I’ll send you a special resource to help you begin your journey toward a more embodied, empowered life. Let’s reclaim your joy together.

5 Ways Reiki Can Recharge Your Mama Batteries

Being a mama is a beautiful yet demanding job. Between endless to-do lists, sleepless nights, and emotional rollercoasters, it’s easy to feel drained and disconnected.

In this post, we’ll explore more on how Reiki, a gentle energy healing technique, can be a powerful tool for busy mamas seeking to:

  • Reduce stress and anxiety
  • Boost energy levels
  • Improve sleep quality
  • Promote relaxation and peace of mind
  • Support emotional well-being

5 Ways Reiki Can Help You Recharge:

  1. Stress Reduction: Chronic stress can zap your energy and leave you feeling overwhelmed. Reiki helps your body release tension and promotes relaxation, reducing the negative effects of stress.
  2. Energy Boost: Feeling like you’re constantly running on fumes? Reiki can help restore your natural energy flow, leaving you feeling invigorated and ready to tackle the day.
  3. Improved Sleep: Many mamas struggle with sleep disturbances. Reiki promotes relaxation and can significantly improve sleep quality, leaving you feeling more rested and refreshed.
  4. Inner Peace and Relaxation: Take a break from the constant mental chatter! Reiki allows you to enter a state of deep relaxation, promoting inner peace and a sense of calm.
  5. Emotional Support: Motherhood comes with its fair share of emotional challenges. Reiki can help balance your emotions and promote a sense of well-being, allowing you to better manage emotional ups and downs.

Beyond the Benefits:

  • What does a Reiki session feel like?

Some people will be a bit more sensitive to the energy flow, therefore they can feel sensations like pressure, heat, cold, presence of hands even when a practitioner isn’t touching the person. You might get an immediate relief from pain and sometimes anxiety.

Then there are some people who will not feel any sensations. Everyone will however feel relaxed and rested after a session!

Learn more about my Reiki wellness session! My sessions consists of a 15 minute chat before and after the 30 minute healing session.

The session takes place in your home. It can be with your baby/child on you (napping) or without them, whichever you find more comfortable.I provide a 30 minute

Experience the power of Reiki and unlock a calmer, more energized you! Click the button below to book your session.

How Can I Learn to Listen to My Body and Understand My Gut Feelings?

In a world often focused on external stimuli and demands, the concept of interoception offers a profound journey inward. Interoception refers to the ability to perceive and understand the sensations and signals within our bodies. It’s our internal GPS, guiding us through the intricate landscape of emotions, sensations, and needs.

Understanding Interoception: At its core, interoception is about self-awareness on a visceral level. It involves tuning into bodily sensations such as heartbeat, breath, hunger, and emotional cues. By honing this skill, we cultivate a deeper connection with ourselves, allowing us to respond more authentically to our needs.

The Importance of Interoception: Interoception plays a pivotal role in our overall well-being. When we are attuned to our internal cues, we can better regulate our emotions, manage stress, and make choices aligned with our values. It serves as a compass, guiding us toward greater harmony and balance in our lives.

Practicing Interoception: Like any skill, interoception can be developed and refined over time. Mindfulness practices such as meditation, body scans, and yoga can help cultivate awareness of bodily sensations. Journaling and reflective exercises can also deepen our understanding of the connections between our physical sensations and emotions.

The Empowerment of Interoception: Embracing interoception empowers us to take ownership of our well-being. Instead of seeking external validation or solutions, we learn to trust our inner wisdom and intuition. This self-reliance fosters resilience and self-compassion, allowing us to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and grace.

Interoception in Daily Life: Integrating interoceptive practices into our daily routines can have profound effects on our lives. Whether it’s taking a few mindful breaths before a stressful meeting or tuning into our hunger cues before eating, small moments of self-awareness can ripple out into greater well-being.

Interoception invites us to embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-care. By listening to the wisdom of our bodies, we tap into a wellspring of resilience, compassion, and authenticity. As we cultivate a deeper connection with ourselves, we unlock the door to a life lived with greater intention, joy, and fulfillment.

With warm hugs

Stressed Out Mama: Can Reiki Healing Really Work for Anxiety?

I’m excited to share some news that I believe will profoundly enhance your journey through motherhood. As your dedicated women’s empowerment coach, I’m always on the lookout for holistic approaches to support your well-being. That’s why I’m thrilled to announce that I’m now offering Reiki healing sessions tailored specifically for mamas like you.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a gentle yet powerful form of energy healing that originated in Japan. The word “Reiki” translates to “universal life energy,” and that’s precisely what this practice aims to channel. During a Reiki session, the practitioner serves as a conduit for this healing energy, allowing it to flow through their hands and into the recipient’s body. The energy works to restore balance, promote relaxation, and stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities.

How Can Reiki Benefit Mamas?

As mothers, we often find ourselves juggling countless responsibilities and navigating the ups and downs of parenthood. In the midst of this whirlwind, it’s easy to neglect our own well-being. Reiki offers a sacred space for mamas to pause, breathe, and replenish their energy reserves. Whether you’re struggling with stress, fatigue, or simply craving moments of peace and tranquility, Reiki can provide the nurturing support you need.

Book Your Reiki Session Today

If you’re ready to experience the transformative power of Reiki healing, I invite you to book a session with me. Each session is tailored to your unique needs and preferences, ensuring that you receive the personalized care and attention you deserve. Together, we’ll embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment.

How to Book

To schedule your Reiki session or learn more about this healing modality, simply click here and select the time and date you want! I can’t wait to guide you on this journey toward greater peace, balance, and well-being. Let’s embark on this transformative path together!

With warm hugs,

Claire