Activ Life Postcard [wellness tip #4]

Dear Activ Life enthusiast

Do this now. Step away from the mayhem for just a few minutes. Close your eyes. Stretch your arms above your head. Pop on your headphones and listen to a calming song.

Taking five minutes daily to float in a “bubble of calm” from the chaos may not feel like a priority towards success. But in truth, it is the first—and perhaps most essential—step on the ladder.

This week’s postcard captures a lady stretching at the beach after her morning walk. The emails can wait. Your body won’t.

Health doesn't have a snooze button. It's silently responding to stress, poor sleep, and lack of breaks—even if you're not consciously aware of it.

Here are some surprising insights into why your “bubble of calm” matters.

Did you know that your brain rewires in stillness? Neuroscientific studies show that even brief moments of mindfulness can shrink the amygdala (the brain's fear centre) and strengthen the prefrontal cortex, improving focus, emotional regulation, and decision-making.

Just five minutes of slow breathing or quiet reflection can lower cortisol levels - the stress hormone - by as much as 20 per cent. That’s like hitting a mental reset button.

Research from the University of California found that daydreaming and idle thought activates the brain’s “default mode network”, which is linked to creativity, problem-solving, and emotional insight.

Here are five fun and simple tips to create your “bubble of calm”:

Set a daily reminder titled “Bubble Time.” When it goes off, stop what you’re doing and take five deep breaths or look out the window. It’s a cue to disconnect and reboot.

Try a “Micro-Meditation”; a 1–5 minute meditation that fits between meetings or before bed.

Try a quick 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise. Name five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste. It brings your attention fully into the present.

Can’t get outside? Put on a nature soundscape - rainfall, ocean waves, forest birds. Even virtual nature exposure has been shown to lower blood pressure and elevate mood.

Visualise your calm bubble. Picture yourself inside a transparent, protective bubble that filters out stress and noise. Just imagining this safe space activates calming brain regions

Take away note. Don’t feel bad for taking a few minutes to stop and reset. Feel energised and in control.

Visit the Activ Life Online Studio for short meditations and calming yoga sequences. Go to www.theactivlife.com.

On our website you will also find our class schedule (all FREE to attend for Zest Wellness Enterprise Clients).

We look forward to seeing you on the mat soon.

Your favourite travelling yogis

Louise and Sarah