Sunday 17 July 2011

Glastonbury & Changing bad habits



With the busy lives we lead, it can be very easy to get absorbed by it all and forget about looking after our health. That is exactly what I have done for the past months or more like the past year....

My daily routine and way of life have changed since becoming busier with work and having to deal with various things that life throws at you. I have got into bad habits such as eating more sugary foods, convenient food to eat on the go and fewer healthy alternatives. I used to eat a lot more raw foods and not as many sweet things and felt great for it!
My daily 5 km walk stopped over a year ago. However busy I am, I realise that I cannot, must not compromise when it comes to my health, it must take more priority. The way I have been feeling lately has been a wake up call for me.

Time to take action!


I have made a list of the things I need to change or go back to:

1) Go back to walking (30 to 60 mins) at least 5 days a week
2) Try and go back to 50% of what I eat being raw.
3) Take up yoga
4) Learn how to meditate (I have tried before but found it hard switching off, my mind would keep wandering off to something I need to do)
4) Have an aromatherapy or Indian Head massage from time to time (My ultimate relaxation treat! It works wonders for body and soul)
5) Give myself quiet quality time to just relax - without feeling that I should be getting on with something around the house, garden or work related.
6) Catch up with my friends around the world, I am behind on writing letters to them and I don't like the feeling that I am neglecting them.
7) Try and accept more easily that sometimes I may not be able to get some things done by a deadline I set myself. I'm one of those people who when they have an idea in their mind they like to do it now and want it completed asap...

I'm sure I'll come up with more to add to the list but that is not a bad start for now.

Making this list may seem an obvious thing to do but it has helped motivate me in to doing something about the effects my busy life has had on me. I'd love to go back to being full of energy and putting a stop to the migraines.

Where best to go than Glastonbury! Home to alternative therapies, health food shops, crystal shops etc. I like Glastonbury, it's atmosphere, it's shops and the array of therapies available to all and guess what? We only live about 20 minutes away from there!


The High Street

One of my first stops was at one of my favourite health food stores
called Earthfare on the High Street. They have a fantastic selection
of health foods, organic fruit & vegetables, health magazines, supplements
and many more things.

















Nicholas Cage has a house in a nearby village and is sometimes seen shopping and walking around Glastonbury. We didn't spot him today though.





I like this little courtyard, pretty and magical looking



Whenever I go to Glastonbury, I always pop into Star Child,
it has a most wonderful selection or dried herbs,flowers,
spices, candles, essential oils and a lot more.









George & Pilgrims Hotel




Glastonbury just wouldn't be the same without these shops






Back home with some magazines to inspire me and healthy food to get me back on to the right track :-)

A bientôt!

Isabelle X

35 comments:

It's me said...

Love............xxx

Jules said...

What a lovely post. I think I should just take your list and work from it myself - starting tomorrow :) Thanks for the tour of Glastonbury - and there was me thinking it was just a field x

salty pebble said...

oh isabelle, ive had a radical re-think on the 'healthy side of things'...i do walk everywhere as i do not own a car...but on the food front ive made sure our bread is wholemeal and made locally, fresh veggies n fruit from the farmers market and we've changed our meals alot, no packagey cheap- high salt n high sugary quick meals...i make sure i make everything and add as many veggies as i can. i already feel less stoggy and enjoy cooking again...
My daughter had become very picky with veg but now she's changed so much, cos she helps me with the chopping, pouring and stirring and really enjoys her veggies...

Look after yourself...
and enjoy the healthy options,

x Kazzy x

Victoria - Florence and Mary said...

I know what you mean about reaching for the convenience food when busy and I too need to go back to cooking properly rather than relying on Captain Birdseye!

Victoria x

Riddlers cottage flowers said...

I am going to try your list.Lesley x

Unknown said...

Thanks for such am inspirational post. Love the look of Glastonbury - must visit someday
Viv
xxx

Andi's English Attic said...

Unfortunately I've fallen in love with M&Ms. I swam regularly until two years ago when I had a health blip. Good luck getting back there. We all know how good it makes us feel, so why is it sooooo hard to do? xx

Marigold Jam said...

I know just what you mean - it's all too easy to go off the rails as it were isn't it? Hope you get back on track soon and feel the benefit. Have you visited the Challice Gardens at Glastonbury? They are supposed to be very tranquils and peaceful and might be just the job for you. I haven't been yet but it's on my list of places I want to go as it's not far from where I live. Like you I find it really hard to switch off and find I am just getting into relaxation at the end of my yoga class when it's time to come back to the world again! Frustrating.

The Vintage Knitter said...

We spent our honeymoon in Glastonbury staying at the George and Pilgrim; our room was one of those with the bay windows that looks down upon the high street (just out of picture in your photo).

ted and bunny said...

don't know if it might prove beneficial for you too but I've found Mindfulness easier to bring into my daily routine than the big leap of to trying to meditate and being frustrated at what I had thought was failing- it's really helped me to focus and concentrate rather than being/trying/doing everything at once, and lovely to get a rest from my own mind!
xx

Angie Burrett said...

The list is perfect - thank you for making it for me! It is always too easy to get distracted - I know we all multi task, but there are times when we need to put ourselves and our wellbeing first. Glastonbury looks wonderful - now on my list of "Places I should Visit". Please keep your post updated with your progress - good luck.

Shortbread and Ginger said...

Glastonbury looks like an amazing place - very interesting! Some lovely shops too.
Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

Gigi said...

Beautiful photos and such good ideas for taking care of yourself. The Indian head massage sounds like heaven -- well any massage is pretty heavenly, isn't it. I just had one when we were away for a weekend retreat -- lovely!
G

Pussycats and Angels said...

Hi Isabelle
Great post..I too need to go on a heathly eating plan..although I am on the go most of the time ...I tend to eat rubbish because it's easier than making a balanced meal....Glastonbury is a great place to get you mind into gear..It always leaves me feeling more positive...Thanks for sharing......
Blessings
Julie

Radka said...

I like Glastonbury very much too, and like you, I am also not too far away. The shops are interesting and different from anywhere else, a visit there makes a nice change:-)

Tracy Glover said...

I loved this post.
I have been to the Glastonbury fest three times in my youth, but never visited the town. Bizarrely, it reminds me of the Czech Rep where I live a bit, with the colourful buildings and lovely architecture. There look to be some lush shops there. I really want to visit now.
I started exercising more and eating less junk about six months ago after a less than favourable cholesterol test. It is dull sometimes, but so important to take care of ourselves, you are so right. xx

Carly said...

Hi Isabelle,
I' m Carly! I found your blog through Kazzy,a mermaids purse. I adore your pictures from Glastonbury! ;)
Pop star looks awesome, unfortunately I've never seen one here in Connecticut. I read your first blog from 2009, I really enjoyed it! It made me think of my gramma who will be 90 next month. She helped me be the woman I am today, with such a love for second hand vintage.
Carly ;) swtvintagelove.blogspot.com

cheri said...

What a great way to start your new "Me" regime. Glastonbury looks lovely and I will have to put it on my must see list. I have only ever thought of it in relation to the festival before.
I find that I forget to be mindful of myself and so thanks for this post as a little reminder

Unknown said...

That is a great list ;-) I think it always helps to write things down it kind of makes it more real so to speak. It was lovely to see your photo's of Glastonbury the last time i went was in 2007 on my wedding day. I had my reception in the little tea shop opposite the trail gates its also opposite the car park. We had a cream tea with our guests sadly we are separted now but it was a magical day we also had a piper as my husband is Scottish, he played as we walked through the town. Good luck with your list, dee x

bellaboo said...

Good luck with your new healthy eating regime! I wish I could have a bit more willpower when it comes to food. :0)

YONKS said...

I love Glastonbury. I was there recently myself and I love that little courtyard with all the quirky little shops. There is a really nice jewellery shop and I agree with you about Star Child - Amazing!
Dianne

Sandies' Patch said...

I'd love to visit Glastonbury sometime...it looks like a magical place.

Thanks for showing us around.

Sandie xx

June said...

I quite agree - sometimes life takes over. As John Lennon said Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans! That street art on the Cancer Research shop is by an artist called Stik who paints stick men. They are usually dotted around Brick Lane and Shoreditch in London!
June

Homes and Dreams said...

Hello,
I know exactly where you are coming from with this post as I've been thinking exactly the same thing! Thank you for the inspiration x

Anonymous said...

Glastonbury will get you sorted, Isabelle. I love your new header! So beautiful and cosy looking.
I have a friend who works in Glastonbury taking tours around the Chalice Well. I loved it there when I visited. And I am also starting meditation again and more Yoga as I was also very stressed. When it comes to raw food, have you seen the 'sexiest 70 year old' as voted by PETA, Mimi Kirk? She looks amazing. She is on my Facebook page and a real inspiration for what raw food can do. I'm going to buy her book. Here's a link to it. Take Care. xx
http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Live-Raw-Mimi-Kirk/9781616082741

Mimi and Tilly said...

Hello Isabelle, thank you for follwoing my blog. Have a great week. Em xx

Julie Whitmore Pottery said...

Well what a wonderful blog,
I have been making a real effort for the last two years to eat better and even drink healthier things. It does make such a difference, and I can tell when i slip off the cart for a couple for days. Like yesterday I had chocolate cake at a birthday party.
(it was worth it)
xx
julie

Akissfromthepast said...

This blog is great! i love vintage too!!!
xoxo

akissfromthepast.blogspot.com

haven of peace said...

Hi, I am Gillie, Sue Meagers friend.I was interested in reading your post.
The Shepton Mallet complementary clinic is opening very soon with a full range of therapies for healing and health and well-being.
I am having a meditiation evening and would like to get a ladies get together for self-empowerment.
Please take a look at www.havenofpeacelightschool.co.uk
A visit would be lovely
Gillie x

Bleudelavande said...

Hi Isabelle,
such a great post! I just love all those places!!!!
Have a nice day take care.

The Vintage Bazaar said...

not sure if that comment went through? Lizzie xx

Anonymous said...

Hi Isabelle,Glastonbury looks like a great place to visit,I love the look of all the shops. Good luck with the health kick.I'm going to get back into mine after my holidays in two weeks! take care,julie.xxxxxxx

Catherine said...

Lovely place! nice shops. I am doing reflexology at the moment to relax and i am like you i need to take good decisions. Unfortunately, i will have a surgery in August and should feel better afterwards! Catherine

Simone said...

I hope you feel better soon. Glastonbury looks wonderful - just my kind of place! x

Pixie said...

Oh, this post has just warmed my heart sooo much...i adore Glastonbury...and would just love to go back, and seeing your photos just brings it all back for me...yes, star child is just a wonderful space as is that health food store..and seeing the high street has cheered me so much...i have been feeling very low of late as i don't live anywhere near the areas that my soul needs,so seeing these photos has been just wonderful...thank you...sometimes when i am in meditation or just in my quiet space i picture the chalice well gardens and then i am there....Pixie x