As a mother, wife, and business owner I rely on rest to ground my presence in what matters to me the most as I create and work: my family, community, healing, and leaving a well-rested legacy. deeply connected with nature, that impacts how we ALL live, work and play for generations to come.

BEWARE: Reading this may prompt an uncontrollable urge to grab a blanket and book a rest session for a busy, overwhelmed and rest-deprived friend (or yourself).

Here are just a few reasons why you might want to cosy up and fill that ever-giving cup of yours right now:

1. BEING RESTED MAKES YOU A NICER PERSON

You just need to ask my family for proof.

Genuinely though, think of the times when you’ve not slept well. Did you find you were your merriest, most joyful self? The phrase ‘over-tired and emotional’ comes to mind...

Plus, numerous studies have shown that practices such as meditation and Yoga Nidra (we enjoy a combination of these in my sessions) lower stress and anxiety, and improve mood, along with a whole host of other benefits.

SO, with the run up to Christmas, anything that helps us to be our most ease-filled and joyful selves is probably worth a try.

2. REST SESSIONS RELEASE FEEL GOOD HORMONES

There are a whole heap of benefits with these deep rest practices, not least the release of feel-good hormones such as Oxytocin (a hug in a hormone), Dopamine (the feel good hormone) and Seratonin (the calming hormone) in your body. What this means in simple terms is that you feel calm, soothed and just really good.

3. YOU CAN’T BE INTERRUPTED IN AN IN-PERSON REST SESSION

How many times have you tried to take a nap or some me-time at home and got interrupted by your pet/partner/child....? And I promise, no-one at my session will ask you to make them food, be their taxi service or find anything for them.

If you’re doing an online rest session I can’t promise that you won’t be interrupted, but I have created some 'DO NOT DISTURB' printables which you can hang on your door as if you’re in a fancy hotel.

4. DOING A REST SESSION WITH OTHERS IS BLISSFUL

Resting on your own is delicious. But being in a rest session in a lovely warm, candle-lit room, with the beautiful aroma of pure essential oils drifting over you, snuggled under a blanket, listening to soothing music and being guided on a group experience of rest is just... well... magic.

If you’re doing an online rest session, try to come to one of the live sessions – however you choose to join, treat these sessions as sacred time for you – have some beautiful aromas going if you have them, and make your space really cosy.

5. REST SESSIONS MAKE YOU MORE FOCUSED

It might sound a bit counter-intuitive to rest for focus, but studies have found that a well-rested mind can tackle problems quicker and with greater focus than a mind and body that is overstretched and exhausted, particularly when you have had a 'yogic nap'.

You may feel dreamy and blissed-out after one of my rest sessions, but you will most likely find that later or the following day you’ll feel more refreshed and focused.

6. SOUNDS FROM NATURE SOOTHE AND CONNECT YOU

In my rest sessions we practice EcoNIDRA – during which we listen to soothing soundscapes of nature.

Research has shown that when you listen to the sounds of nature – such as the sound of a flowing stream, a gentle breeze in the trees and birdsong – sends a signal to the brain that we are well resourced and safe. Your brain releases oxytocin (see above) into the blood stream, reducing anxiety, soothing your nervous system and giving you the feeling of a big warm hug.

It is also a beautiful way to feel more connected to nature. After all, we are all part of nature, we just tend to forget that when we’re busy and stretched.

7. REST SESSIONS HELP YOU HEAL QUICKER

When we do a yoga nidra (or EcoNIDRA) practice, we very quickly go into conscious rest, meaning you don’t fully fall asleep (although you can, and that’s okay too), and are guided into a state of deep relaxation. When we cultivate a place where the brain can enter delta waves, that’s when our bodies start doing the real healing work (our bodies are so amazing). So by coming to a rest session, you’re also giving your body the gift of spaciousness to heal itself too.

8. YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO REST (WHATEVER ANYONE ELSE OR YOUR CRITICAL INNER VOICE SAYS)

We are so conditioned in our society to push on through, even when we’re exhausted, that for many people the idea of taking time to rest seems like a luxury or a frivolous activity – something that needs to be earned. No wonder so many of us suffer burnout! So this is not just an invitation to rest, it is your reminder that it is not only your right to rest, but it is a necessity to honour yourself, your amazing body, mind and spirit.

May I just remind you that you have earned the right to rest, simply by being the amazing human that you are.

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If these reasons have had you reaching for your blanket and snuggly socks then you can book a place for yourself (or as a gift voucher for a friend or loved one) by clicking the buttons below.

WHAT IS ECONIDRA?

EcoNIDRA is a form of deep, conscious, rest.

It is a gentle, nourishing way to deeply relax the entire ecosystem of your body, mind and emotions. A way to re-connect with yourself and with nature in a profound yet simple way, whilst also planting a seed of transformation.

EcoNIDRA is a style of yoga nidra, where nidra meets nature connection.

If you’re not familiar with yoga nidra, perhaps you might have experienced some other kind of yoga, where at the end you lie on your back in the Savasana pose for a few minutes to allow all the physical movement to settle and allow you to enter a state of relaxation. This, in its simplest form, is yoga nidra. During EcoNIDRA sessions, we also partner with nature as a witness of your practice and intention. They can be held in a beautiful, quiet nature setting, or indoors. These sessions are also held online on zoom, so you can relax in the comfort of your own home.