In a world that often values productivity over self-care, Cromer author Katie Brown’s mission to spread the practice of relaxation is a welcome breath of fresh air.
With the business and stress of daily life, finding moments of calm and serenity can feel like a luxury. Former journalist turned yoga teacher, author Katie Brown, has embarked on a mission to help people, especially children, discover the benefits of relaxation and mindfulness.
Katie’s journey into the world of relaxation began when she found herself juggling the demands of a career in the media and the stresses of everyday life. Looking to find balance and peace, she turned to yoga, an activity that took her into the world of relaxation, mindfulness and paved the way to a journey of self-exploration.
“I’ve always been somebody who likes to be busy,” the Cromer local says. “Going into a yoga class, I find that balance, and I find myself feeling complete. It also helps me feel calm and be able to react to situations and deal with challenging situations with a clearer perspective.”
To the mother-of-three, relaxation has helped her deal with the most challenging times, prompting her to dedicate her life to her passion from a different perspective.
Katie first started exploring relaxation during a very stressful time in her life. Her mother had passed away, she had lost her job as a full-time magazine editor, and found was pregnant with her first child. “I didn’t even know who I was and my life had changed completely,” Katie says. “Then I found relaxation to help me cope and improve my mental health.
“Relaxation or guided relaxation will take you on an internal journey which can encourage you to draw the focus away from your thoughts to connect with your body,” she explains.
Combining her love for writing and her passion for yoga, Katie launched Relaxation Rainbow earlier this year. It takes children on a journey through guided visualisations inspired by the colours of the rainbow. Her first book Guided Relaxation for adults was released last year.
“In today’s digital age, where screens dominate our lives, children often find themselves caught in the hustle and bustle of modern life. It is important that we create a connection, not just within ourselves but also between parents and children. And it’s important to create moments to share relaxation and connection with kids, whether at bedtime, during a sleepover, or even in a classroom setting.”
Despite her busy life as a mother and yoga teacher, Katie believes that relaxation is a necessity for maintaining mental and physical health. And she practices what she preaches. Whenever life throws challenges her way, whether coping with the loss of a loved one or navigating the ups and downs of menopause, Katie turns to guided relaxation to find solace and strength.
And her journey from the fast-paced world of journalism to the serene realm of mindfulness is a reminder that sometimes, slowing down and taking a moment to relax can be a life-changing choice.
“It helps the parasympathetic nervous system where the body begins to heal cellular level. If we’re in chronic stress, we risk burnout, and our mind is not functioning optimally. If you are busy, you can find the time to breathe and be aware of your body. As your body relaxes, it helps your mind to feel calmer, and you can deal with whatever comes next in your life and enables you to cope with the pressure that we live under.”