Brighten your mood with these simple steps
Hang ten
For me the best way to find my "inner summer" is to go surfing. It's the best workout and makes me feel so vital. The hilarious thing is, I'm still a learner after 10 years of trying and I think that's why it makes me feel so invigorated every time I do it. As an adult we're always in danger of stopping doing the stuff that we're not competent at, which starts to narrow our options, sometimes considerably, if you think about it. I usually stand on the bank for ages deliberating about whether to get out there or not. People probably think I'm checking out the sets or something technical, but really I'm just trying to convince myself that it doesn't matter that I'm not that good and reminding myself of the exhilarated feeling that I always get catching the first wave or cloud of whitewash! It just feels so damn fabulous to be in the ocean, surrounded by all that life and sky and to know that there are others out there who are loving it just as much as you are.
All the really good surfers at my local beach say it's never too late to learn and that getting out in the water is half the battle. So this summer I'm trying to take it more seriously and have been doing "pop ups" in my lounge. And last weekend, when I was in Gisborne, I took a private lesson with Frank (from Surfing with Frank). It was great to have to listen and follow instructions and struggle against old habits and then miraculously to improve! Who knows, this summer I might actually get to ride a clean, unbroken, blue wave for longer than 15 seconds! Ha, whatever happens I know I'll feel good trying.
- Nici Wickes
Stand on your head
Headstands are no doddle but often the hardest part about keeping up yoga practice is making it to a class. Now, thanks to US website yogaglo.com, you don't even need to leave the house. For US $18 a month (about NZ $24) you can sign up for unlimited yoga classes to do at your leisure. Each one is filmed at an LA yoga studio and posted online so you can pick and choose depending on your mood. It's a bit like having your own yoga private teacher show up on command. All you need is an internet connection. There's also an option to connect your laptop to the TV.
The site allows you to pick your teacher (some are more philosophical than others) or choose a class based on style (hatha, vinyasa flow and meditation among them), level (beginner to advanced) or duration (from 5 to 210 minutes). There's even a tab for specific use, whether you feel the urge for backbends or hip opening poses, or want to revitalise after a long-haul flight.
Or if you're feeling lazy, sit back and take in the expert lectures on happiness, the meaning of yoga and lifestyle habits. The beginner's centre is another good place to familiarise yourself with the basics if you're new to yoga, and if you're unsure about the whole shebang and want to try it out, the first two weeks are free.
Of course, there's nothing quite like a real yoga class with a good teacher who can help you align your poses. But if that yoga DVD is boring you to tears, yogaglo could be a convenient way to get in shape for summer - and you won't have to worry about downward dogging in anyone's way.
- Rebecca Barry
Instant pick-me-ups
Tennis lessons
Get a professional to teach you how to play properly - or simply have a friendly game and whack a ball around at your local tennis courts.
Go for a bushwalk
Connect with nature and get moving by going bush. If you're in Auckland, the Waitakere Ranges are at your doorstep, with a range of tracks for every fitness level.
Tend to your feet
Relax, reduce stress and balance energy flow with a Thai foot massage at Ease Massage on Ponsonby Rd - no appointment necessary, so you can just walk in off the street. Ph (09) 360 0198.
Buy fresh flowers
Brighten up your day, and home, with a beautiful bunch of flowers from The Vida Flores Wednesday Flower Market. The market, at Vida Flores' Newmarket store, allows you to get fresh, market priced flowers. Sign up to the Vida Flores email list on flowers@vidaflores.co.nz and each Wednesday morning you'll receive an email telling you what is available that week.
Plant it
Or you could grow your own flowers, another way to add some simple joy to your day. Get your hands dirty, breathe some fresh air and potentially grow something edible by getting out in the garden.
Dance like no one's watching
Turn up the stereo and dance - whether you're on your own, with your partner, your kids or friends. Let loose.
