Unlocking the Secrets of Better Sleep

Dear reader,

The following information is for anyone struggling with sleep. Please read on if applicable, or share this information with someone who may benefit.

Are you tired of tossing and turning all night, desperately seeking a good night’s sleep?

Do you long for a restful slumber that rejuvenates and empowers you to greet the new day with energy and clarity?

If so, look no further.

I’m excited to present the solution you’ve been searching for: “No More Sleepless Nights,” an interactive 6-week online program that aims to enhance the quality and quantity of your sleep.

This course is a unique blend of the ancient practice of yoga and modern sleep science, unlike any other sleep program you might have tried in the past. I offer this course only a few times a year, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to get better sleep.

Unlock the Secrets of better sleep.

In this course, we’ll delve into a specialized sleep recovery methodology that consists of five essential aspects:

• Body

• Breath

• Mind

• Emotion

• Soul

What sets “No More Sleepless Nights” apart is the positive changes you’ll experience right from the start. Through customized exercises, practical techniques, and engaging content, I’ll be your trusted guide, supporting you every step of the way. Together, we’ll unlock the secrets to quality sleep, setting the stage for a restorative journey that incorporates your entire being.

Here’s why you should attend “No More Sleepless Nights”:

1. Improve Your Physical Health. The benefits of quality sleep go beyond feeling rested. In this program, integrating mindful movement and body relaxation techniques will strengthen your immune system, enhance your overall physical wellness, and improve your brain function.

2. Reclaim Your Energy. Do you feel tired and drained after a night's sleep, making it difficult to start your day? Are you stuck in a cycle of constant fatigue? Imagine waking up every morning feeling refreshed and full of energy, ready to take on whatever comes your way. Break free from the fatigue cycle and start feeling rejuvenated and energized each day.

3. Enhance Your Mental Clarity. Have you ever experienced a day where you felt completely focused and clear-minded? I’ll teach you techniques that can help you achieve that state of mind. By calming the mind, eliminating distractions, and enhancing mental clarity, you can increase productivity and success in all areas of your life.

4. Boost Your Emotional Wellbeing. Getting good quality sleep is closely linked to a healthy emotional state. By addressing the emotional aspects of sleep, you’ll learn techniques and strategies to help you manage stress, anxiety, and mood swings. As a result, you’ll experience greater emotional wellbeing and a more balanced life.

5. Nourish Your Soul. Sleep is essential for both physical and spiritual wellbeing. I’ll help you reconnect with your inner self as you explore your sense of purpose through guided meditations and reflective practices.

If you’re tired of restless nights and want to experience the transformative power of restful and rejuvenating sleep, visit my website by clicking here for program details. 

Discover “No More Sleepless Nights” and join me in this life-changing experience. Together, we can make sleepless nights a thing of the past. I can’t wait to welcome you aboard!

Would you like a preview of the program? 

Join me on Thursday, November 23rd, for a live online introductory workshop. Invest in yourself and reap the benefits of a life infused with energy, clarity, and vitality. Click here for details about the preview/workshop.

If you know anyone who might benefit from this information, please share.

With joy and gratitude,

Jeannine

Embracing Winter: 5 Tips for Beating the Winter Blues

In response to my latest blog/newsletter about why I love winter, a yoga student emailed me her thoughts. She mentioned that she initially walked around outside, repeatedly saying, “I hate winter!”. However, after reading my blog/newsletter, she realized that winter has beauty and wonder worth appreciating. Her message warmed my heart—a great example of how changing our perspective can help us see things differently!

Winter can be challenging, particularly if it comes earlier than anticipated. The shorter days, colder temperatures, and absence of sunlight can lead to the so-called “winter blues”, which may include feelings of sadness, low energy, boredom, and loneliness.

Instead of letting the winter blues get the best of you, why not use this time to nourish your body and mind? In this blog post, you’ll find five practical tips to help you overcome the winter blues and find joy and wellbeing in this cold yet cozy season.

1. Embrace Hygge. Incorporating the Danish concept of hygge into your life can help you find comfort, happiness, and wellbeing. Hygge involves relaxing and enjoying life’s simple pleasures alone or with loved ones. During winter, you can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your living space by lighting scented candles, adding soft blankets, and playing soothing music. Practicing hygge as a form of self-care can help boost your mood and alleviate the winter blues. Give it a try and see how it might work wonders for you.

2. Keep Moving. It’s important to keep moving, especially during winter when the blues can hit hard. Incorporating yoga into your daily routine can help energize your body and spirit. Whether you practice at home or attend virtual or in-person yoga classes, engaging in physical movement and mindful breathing releases endorphins (nature’s feel-good chemicals), boosting your mood and relieving stress. Spending time with like-minded fellow yogis can enhance these benefits even more.

3. Connect with Nature. While the chilly weather may limit our outdoor activities, finding ways to connect with nature is still possible. Bundle up and take brisk walks in your neighbourhood, nearby parks or open spaces, even for a few minutes daily. Allow yourself to experience the beauty of winter landscapes, breathe in the crisp air, and find solace in the stillness of nature.

4. Prioritize Self-Care. Winter encourages us to slow down and turn inward. Use this time for self-care practices that nourish your soul. Engage in activities that bring you joy, such as reading a good book, warm bubble baths, or savouring your favourite herbal tea. Prioritizing self-care fosters a positive mindset and helps alleviate the winter blues. Why not watch uplifting movies and do things that make you laugh? Remember that you are what you consume—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

5. Gratitude and Meditation. Winter is the perfect time to focus on cultivating gratitude and practicing mindful meditation. Take some time to reflect on the things you’re thankful for in your life, and consider keeping a gratitude journal to jot them down each day. Additionally, practicing meditation can help you find calmness and inner peace, allowing you to be fully present in the moment.

Winter doesn’t have to be a gloomy season since it can be transformed into a time of growth, self-care, and self-reflection. Following these five tips—embracing hygge, keeping active, connecting with nature, prioritizing self-care, and cultivating gratitude and meditation—can help you overcome the winter blues and create a winter filled with peace, joy, and inner warmth.

Each season brings its own set of distinctive possibilities for personal development and exploration. Embrace winter as a chance to reconnect with yourself and find beauty in the season’s stillness. Stay warm, stay mindful, and let your inner light shine brightly throughout the coldest days. Keep practicing yoga, surround yourself with positivity, and remember that spring always follows winter.

Let me know if you’d like to join my Monday evening in-person classes. The five-week session begins November 6th, and there’s one spot left! Click here to register. You can also join the remaining five weeks of my live online classes. E-mail jeannine@studio71yoga.com if you’re interested.

With love, joy and gratitude,

Jeannine

P.S. If the “winter blues” intensify and include signs of depression, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, feelings of restlessness, worthlessness or inappropriate guilt, please seek professional help.

Why I Love Winter (Even if it Arrives Early)

It’s the last week of October. Winter has arrived a few weeks earlier than usual where I live (perhaps also in your region), with temperatures below freezing and lots of snow. I couldn’t be happier! 

It may seem strange to many of you, and I may have written about this last year. Nonetheless, here are a few reasons to embrace the winter wonderland.

Why I love winter.

Snow-covered landscapes. Winter transforms the geography around me into a picturesque wonderland with snow covering every surface. The sight of pristine white landscapes is truly magical and breathtakingly beautiful. The snow makes everything lighter and brighter, adding to the charm of the snow-covered scenery.

Cozy indoor experiences. Winter is the ideal time to enjoy comfortable indoor activities. You can curl up by a crackling fireplace (I am fortunate to have an old-fashioned wood-burning fireplace on the main floor of my home), sip a hot beverage, and read a good book or watch movies with your loved ones. These activities can create a warm, intimate, especially enjoyable atmosphere during the colder months.

Winter festivities. The arrival of winter brings various festive celebrations, such as Christmas and New Year's Eve. From dazzling light displays to holiday markets, festivals, and horse-drawn hay rides, there’s an abundance of joyful and enchanting experiences to be had during this time of year.

Wildlife sightings. Winter in central Canada, where I live, offers exceptional opportunities for wildlife sightings. Animals such as majestic snowy owls, playful foxes, and graceful deer can be spotted more easily against the snowy backdrop, making nature observation and photography even more rewarding.

A break from the heat. For individuals like me who prefer cooler temperatures, winter is a welcome relief from sweltering summers, not to mention the devastation of forest fires. The crisp, chilly air is refreshing and invigorating, providing a much-needed break from the heat and humidity.

Winter sports and activities. I’m not a big outdoor sports enthusiast, but this time of the year in Canada and elsewhere offers many thrilling experiences and opportunities for adventure, such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

Tranquillity and serenity. Last but not least, winter has a way of slowing down the pace of life, bringing tranquillity and serenity. The peacefulness of the snow-covered landscapes, the absence of bustling crowds in outdoor spaces, and the stillness of nature create a calming atmosphere that I find highly comforting.

There are many reasons to love and embrace winter, including the magical scenery, cozy indoor experiences, wildlife sightings, festive celebrations, outdoor sports, and respite from scorching summers.

However, if you find it hard to embrace the winter wonderland, there are ways to beat the winter blues. Stay tuned for my next newsletter, where I will share tips that may help you.

With joy and gratitude,

Jeannine

Fear is not the Enemy/Interview with Jeannine

A few days ago, I shared that a friend and fellow yoga teacher, Ilona Goanos, interviewed me recently and posted the interview on her blog. If you didn’t have a chance to check it out, here’s the link so you don’t have to search your inbox.

I also shared how participating in the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb helped me manage my fear of heights.

Fear, as we all know, can paralyze us, holding us back from living our fullest lives. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

By embracing my fear of heights, I did so with curiosity and self-compassion. I learned that overcoming fear does not mean eradicating it but learning to coexist with it.

I’ve learned that fear is not the enemy—it’s merely a teacher, presenting us with opportunities for growth and transformation.

I encourage you to confront your fears, whatever they may be.

Embrace the journey of self-discovery, seek support, and take small steps towards empowerment.

Remember that you are capable of so much more than you realize.

With fearless love, joy and gratitude,

Jeannine

Personal Growth and Fulfillment One Step at a Time

Greetings!

I’m incredibly grateful to share a recent blog post by my dear friend and fellow yoga teacher, Ilona Goanos, who interviewed me last week (scroll to the bottom of the page for the link).

Ilona is a talented writer, and I think you’ll find that “A Transformative Journey from Corporate Health Care Worker to Yoga Teacher: Jeannine’s Story” is worth reading.

But first, I would like to introduce Ilona, who lives in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey.

Ilona—a devoted wife and mother to three adult children and her dog Polly—enjoyed a successful 40-year career working in the U.S. government defence field. During a pause between jobs, she pursued a yoga teacher certification, which led her to become a yoga teacher for individuals with substance use disorder—a job that she found deeply fulfilling.

Unfortunately, Ilona was let go from this job due to the pandemic. So, she began teaching yoga online and writing a weekly newsletter.

Over time, her newsletter/blog evolved from yoga philosophy to cover various topics, including aging, emotional wellbeing, sobriety, and death.

Ilona’s writing specifically targets individuals approaching the end of their careers, empty nesters, or anyone starting a new chapter in life with meaning, intention, and purpose.

I took the photo above in 2012 during my visit to Sydney, Australia. It showcases tiny dots, which are actually people climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Witnessing this inspired me to conquer my fears and do the same.

The concepts of challenge, transformation and gratitude are essential for personal growth and fulfillment.

I faced my fear of heights by taking on the bridge climb challenge, which you can see in the image below.

Though nervous, I took one step at a time while safely tethered and equipped with a unique jumpsuit and gear.

I was the second person from the top (right next to the climb leader), and stopping for a breather was always a welcome relief.

Embracing challenges is never easy. But by doing so, we can achieve inner peace and happiness while appreciating the blessings in our lives.

It’s important to remember that transformation is an ongoing process, and every day offers new opportunities for growth and self-improvement.

Practicing gratitude can positively affect our relationships, overall wellbeing, and self-esteem during tough times.

I encourage you to take on challenges and transformations incrementally.

I suggest incorporating gratitude into your daily routine by acknowledging even the smallest things. Whether it’s something minor or monumental, it's worth appreciating.

As my Sydney climb leader did for me, I’m here to support you as you embark (or continue) on a journey of personal growth, fulfillment, and success.

With my focus on you now, I would like to share two upcoming events that may spark your interest.

Want to experience a deeper Savasana? Would you like to start sleeping better? Click here if you’d like to find out how.

Once again, my friend Ilona Goanos is a talented writer, and I think you’ll enjoy reading “A Transformative Journey from Corporate Health Care Worker to Yoga Teacher: Jeannine’s Story”.

You can click here to read the interview.

Finally, since it’s Thanksgiving long weekend in Canada, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your presence and support.

With the greatest of joy and gratitude,

Jeannine