Foia

Sunrise yoga has been a success. We’ve been rained off just once, had a two week break in October but otherwise without failure and thanks to the glorious conditions here, sunrise yoga at 7:30 Wednesday has become the routine.

Why is this a routine that has stuck? I asked the regulars and found the answers surprising.

Everyone felt focused by the fluidity of the asanas and gratified by seeing improvement after a few sessions thanks to the great classes run by Peter. @familyinspires

The other reason was the feeling of awe, simply by observing the sunrise and changes in natural light across the valley towards the sea.

Our physiology and wellbeing is hard wired to changes in natural light. More than we give credit for.

In recent years scientists have proved that the wavelengths prevalent at sunrise and sunset have the biggest impact on the brain centres that regulate our circadian rhythm as well as our mood and alertness.

As humans, we’re designed to absorb the whole light spectrum. Morning sun is beneficial because it is saturated in healing red and infrared, helping improve energy levels penetrating the skin and promoting cell repair. It stimulates collagen production, increases bone growth and assists in promoting cell repair.

This time of year, we’re thinking about how small changes in next years routine can bring about life changing benefits.

By making the effort to rise earlier and do anything active for 15 minutes every day, seeking the sunrise could be a good place to start. You may see immediate improvements to health, mood and productivity:)

We’ll start again with sunrise yoga, Wednesday mornings January 3rd. #yoga #burgau #active #activeholiday #sunrise @drivingmiss_daisea @quintaflowers @peter.naumburg @familyinspires ...

☀️So long September….. sunrise yoga….. sunset swims….
Wishing time to slow in the hours between🌺 #algarve #portugal #dogslifestagram ...

🐠Sea Smiles
Why?
☀️Sand has returned to our favourite beach
🐟The water is warm, translucent and full of life.
🦋Baby blue skies are back are after the wildfires further north.
And still, 10 weeks of summer for more SeaSafaris aboard SeaSophia.☀️ #portugal #algarve #burgau #lagoswhat2do #boatlife #freedive #snorkle #sup #beach #ocean #underwater #travel #explore ...

💦Last watery shots before another GoPro meets another watery end🪼
#moregoprosthansense #portugal #algarve #jellyfish #underwater #ocean #travel #gopro #boatlife @sophiastrevenss ...

🐟Exploring from a new hilltop for a few days, seeking out glassy pools and secret swim spots, fresh as you like seafood with some unexpected wildlife thrown in.🦓

Just an hour from the Algarve, Paraiso Escondido literally is a hidden paradise and the perfect place for anyone looking for luxury whilst exploring the 60km or so of unknown and unspoilt coast between Aljezur and Porto Covo.

Ideally, you need at least 3 nights as there is so much to explore on the coast and through the valleys but it’s also an ideal stepping stone when hopping up the west coast to Lisbon. @paraiso_escondido #algarve #alentejo #portugal #explore #snorkle #freedive #ocean #travel ...

💪As often I’m a little late to the party but here’s to World Running Day yesterday:)

Having run for over half my life, I can vouch for the tremendous effect it’s had both physically and mentally. Here I share just a few.

Originally I ran for weight loss. I was over 90kg and built up distance with time so I could eventually run 3 miles slowly.

After more than 20 years it still brightens my mood, improves my fitness, gives me more energy and helps control my weight and sleep.

I love exploring and being in nature, following new trails, watching how landscapes change as the light shifts and the seasons pass.

Running tunes out the negatives of everyday life and like a moving meditation, nurtures the positives and improves your outlook – on everything. On days I run I am heaps more productive, am in a much better mood and similar to coffee, I’m much nicer after I’ve had one.

It’s simple, time efficient and free. This year I have been experimenting with shorter, faster, runs - not more than 25 minutes. This fits into a busy schedule and has huge benefits to the cardiovascular system, builds fast twitch muscle and increases strength and power.

My advice to new runners….Like anything start very slow, build it up and keep it consistent.

And if you don’t like it, don’t do it. Find something else.

Make arrangements to try something new this week - whether it’s a new class, a new activity on the water or simply getting back on your bike.

Remember, late to the start but never too late to start.🙌 #run #portugal #algarve #explore #runnersworld #travel #activeholiday #burgau #running #runnersofinstagram #active ...

🌟Celebrating🍾⭐️⭐️⭐️
A golden wedding anniversary on the Golden Coast with golden people…. Beach bars, hikes, bikes, boats, messing around on paddleboards, jumping off stuff & exploring caves. Thank you @carolyoung2297 @phil68mcgill @ems_yoga_iow @nmcgill_iow @mcgillivraykristy @james.mcgillivray #burgau #portugal #algarve #lagoswhat2do #lagos #travel #family #explore ...

☀️We love it when guests return. It means we`re doing something right🌷

This week Alison Goodwin with her league of lovable ladies returned for Alison`s May retreat.

As well as being a totally inspiring yoga teacher, Alison holds the secret recipe for effortlessly putting everyone at ease, making everybody welcome and everything easy going. She`s also an awesome chef. There was a fair bit of hiking, biking, beaching and drinking different colour wines. Some not so serious yoga happened in between…..🧘‍♀️#algarve #yoga #retreat #activeholiday #explore #portugal #hiking #biking #burgau #travel #wanderlust #relax ...