January can feel like a long month after the excesses of the festive period, so here are some affordable ways to unwind if you're feeling stressed (but not so flush). And yes - they're vegan and alcohol-free, so they shouldn't harm your New Year resolutions...
Pay-what-you-can Classes, Bristol Yoga Centre
For a recommended donation of £5 you can currently participate in three weekly classes - Mindfulness Meditation, Hatha Yoga, and Krama Vinyasa Flow Yoga, which aim to help with relaxation and flexibility. All are welcome to this class, particularly those on low or no-income, benefits, refugees and asylum seekers.
Image credit: Bristol Yoga Centre via Facebook
, various locations
This weekly meeting is completely free, and helps participants achieve a state of yoga, restoring balance and harmony, using simple meditation techniques. No need for mats or special clothing - though you’ll want to be comfortable - as this practice requires no more than a seated position and an open mind.
Pay-what-you-can Classes, Bristol Yoga Space
A pay-what-you-feel weekly drop-in class for anyone and everyone, which runs during school term time and accommodates all levels of yoga experience and fitness. No need to book, simply go along.
Image credit: Bristol Yoga Space via bristolyogaspace.co.uk
Free Meditation, The Sri Chinmoy Centre
The Centre has been offering meditation classes in Bristol since 1984 and all their events are free of charge - as Sri Chinmoy believed it should be. Classes cover a wide range of meditation techniques including mantra, focusing on the breath, creative visualisations as well as practical advice on setting up your own daily meditation routine. They offer a structured programme of 5 or 6 classes, rather than drop-in sessions, to help meditators progress as part of a group.