How to turn a habit into a lifestyle and help to reduce your cortisol levels

Knowing something is good for you is one thing but it’s not always enough to keep you doing it. However, through experience and exploration, we get a deeper level of understanding of the physiological and emotional benefits and begin to integrate that knowledge into our bodies.

With modern life a mishmash of emotions and distractions it’s easy to detach from how we are feeling, or how we might want to feel. Stress is a natural state we are designed to move through, however our capacity to ride the waves of life can fluctuate. It’s in those wobbly moments we might appreciate the benefits of supportive practices most, yet at the same time they feel further from reach.

Habits take focus, intention, dedication, and practice. Lifestyles are when things become part of the ebb and flow of daily life. Turning a habit into a lifestyle comes from exploring the practices and habits that support you most on a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual level.

As someone who struggles to sit still, it took a few years to master the art of ‘stillness’ over fidgeting on my yoga mat. Meditation is a daily practice these days, but it takes plenty of practice and patience (funnily enough, I’m still mastering that last one).

When I was 28, I dreamt of a life where yoga and meditation were part of my daily routine, my body felt strong, and I was more chilled out than stressed out...

One of those is still a work in progress but 3/4 isn't bad.

Back then, I was a complicated mess of emotions and completely disconnected from my body with no awareness of the trauma and anxiety it was storing! I knew something needed to change about my health, and how I was feeling about myself, so I started a mindfulness practice. I played with a mix of different things like diaphragmatic breathing, yoga, journaling, visualisation, yoga nidra, and many more weird and wonderful modalities.

I changed things that didn’t gel with me and stuck to what I liked. Slowly new habits began to take shape, and as the months and years rolled on I started to create a lifestyle that felt good on an emotional and physiological level.

Self-care is about layering on what you need, when you need it, but first, you need a base layer; the basic and non-negotiable self-care you are choosing for yourself. Then be unapologetic about practicing it!

Life-changing benefits.

There’s one thing the incredible humans in the Big Love Membership agree on without a doubt...

It keeps them coming back to their mat even when they are feeling sluggish, anxious, or not in the mood...

They roll out the mat, throw on their comfies, and log on because they know they won’t regret it afterward. 

They know how it makes them feel.

“My knees don’t hurt anymore, I’m stronger, and it’s the only class I’ve ever stuck to in my life so I’m proud of myself too!”

Yoga is a form of mindfulness; a mindful way of moving your body to strengthen it, tone it, and improve your mobility, encouraging you to breathe more efficiently and rebalancing your somatic nervous system. 

Ticking all the right boxes.

Yoga helps you focus, which helps tune out of distractions around you and the thoughts in your mind. 

When feeling anxious or overwhelmed, there is a build-up of tension and nervous energy in your body that needs a good place to go. 

Body-mindful movement and yoga are somatic practices that help soothe and support your body as it moves, reminding your body to relax and release muscle tension.⠀⠀⠀

Yoga releases chemicals like dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins whilst decreasing cortisol levels to help you feel less stressed and improve your mood. 

Pretty powerful motivators, don't you think?

Want to know the not-so-mind-blowing solution to sticking to habits and creating the mindful lifestyle you dream of?

A series of imperfect repetitions, my friend.

When it comes to looking after yourself, less is more. We are very good at overcomplicating things. It’s often why we struggle to create new habits or end up feeling like we’ve let ourselves down.

Oh, and this is a biggie…

Accept that there will be days you won’t be in the mood to do what you intend to. Instead of beating yourself up, let your mood decide what self-care looks like that day. Keep coming back to what makes you feel good in body, mind, and spirit. Connect with the things that bring you joy, and spend time in the places you feel most calm and present.

Remember the real benefit comes from repetition, so keep things simple. The more often you do the small things, the bigger the impact will be.

Do you want to turn a habit into a lifestyle, feel stronger in body and mind, and less stressed?
If the answer is yes, roll out your mat and reconnect! 
If you're not yet a member you can sign up to begin your 14-day trial (click the link below, my friend). 

Do you want to deepen your understanding of somatic and spiritual practices and the impact they have on your body?
If you love an IRL experience, join me on 16.03.24 for Soothed + Spirited, a half-day retreat exploring body-mindful ways to self-regulate, switch off, and remind yourself of the power of your inner resources.

Stay curious and embrace imperfection, my friend!

Big love,
Becki xoxo