80% of the thoughts we have on a daily basis are about things that have happened already in our past or might happen in the future – just take a moment to stop and think about that! We constantly replay, ruminate on and analyse past actions and events. We try to pre-empt, imagine or predict actions and events in the future. It is a normal part of human nature aimed at keeping us safe by helping us learn from our mistakes and avoid potential perils in the future. Interesting fact… the area of the brain responsible for rumination is larger in women than men!

The damaging effects of chronic stress on physical and emotional health are much talked about in the media, and deeply felt by many of us in our daily lives in the form of sleep issues, high blood pressure, auto immune and chronic pain conditions, anxiety, irritability and even obesity. But did you know…? Within each of us is a silent hero who plays a significant role in regulating our body's response to stress and harnessing its power could be the key to a truly stress-free future and it is something you can take control of.

When a baby or young child is upset or stressed, we often use the power of touch to soothe them; we stroke their hair, rub their shoulders or pat their back lovingly. This instantly comforts them and helps them to feel safe and loved. As adults, we crave this same sense of touch to soothe and comfort our over-stimulated and over-burdened nervous systems. However, our very British prudishness means this source of comfort and safety feels often as if it is only available to us, at best, in our one-to-one intimate relationships.

Yet, it is within our power to offer ourselves this sanctuary and relief either through professional massage or by incorporating some simple self-massage techniques into our daily self-care routines.

According to Government prescription data, in 2017-2018, just over a quarter of all adults in the UK were dispensed at least one prescription for a drug in the five main categories – Benzodiazepines (anxiety, Z drugs a.k.a sleeping tablets), Gabapentinoids (epilepsy, neuropathic pain and anxiety), Opioids (non-cancer chronic pain) or Anti-depressants. A truly shocking figure.

Drugs like these are important but might there be something else that could be prescribed alongside these to help boost their effectiveness or maybe even prevent a need for them in the first place?

We all experience stress on a daily basis, but can it actually be dangerous for our health? In today's fast-paced world, stress has become a silent killer, lurking in the shadows of our everyday lives. Whether it's looming deadlines at work, financial worries, or personal struggles, stress finds its way into every corner of our existence. But why does it affect us so profoundly, and what can we do to combat its destructive influence?

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it can be easy to overlook, or mis-understand, the signals our bodies send us, especially when it comes to the intricate dance of our nervous system. A dysregulated nervous system can manifest in various ways, impacting our mental and physical wellbeing. In this blog post, we'll explore the signs that your nervous system might be out of balance and delve into holistic remedies, including mindfulness, reiki, and other tips to restore harmony.

Friday 15th March saw us celebrate World Sleep Day. With as many as one in three adults in the UK experiencing poor sleep at least twice a week and one in ten suffering with chronic insomnia (poor sleep that has lasted at least three months), millions of us are scouring the internet for ways to sleep better every night. There is a lot of information out there but what is actually true and what is just a sleep myth?

The power of aromatherapy to promote relaxation and improve sleep has been recognised for centuries. Our sense of smell, or olfaction, is deeply intertwined with our emotions and can have a profound impact on our mental wellbeing. Aromatherapy can form an important part of the solution, alongside nervous system reset, behavioural strategies and stress-management techniques, if you are looking to ditch the ineffectual miracle sleep ‘cures’ and sleep better naturally.

In our fast-paced and demanding lives, it's getting harder for more of us to get a good night's sleep. The truth is the quantity and quality of your sleep is intricately connected to the habits and choices you make throughout the day. Contrary to popular belief, achieving a restful night doesn't begin when you crawl into bed; it starts the minute you wake up in the morning. As a recovering insomniac myself, and now certified sleep coach, I’ve spent years studying the science of sleep so, let’s delve into the reasons why prioritising your sleep starts with the dawn of a new day.

Breathing is an essential part of living, yet its significance often goes unnoticed. Beyond just sustaining life, the way we breathe plays a crucial role in both our physical and emotional wellbeing. In this blog post, we'll explore five ways in which your breath can positively influence your overall health, and we'll share a simple mindful breathing exercise to help you tap into its transformative power simply by noticing it and then focussing on it for a few seconds.

Our inner dialogue plays a crucial role in shaping our emotional wellbeing. The words we choose can either empower or disempower, uplift us or drag us down. In this blog post, we'll explore why the language you use when speaking to yourself matters, and more importantly, how you can modify your internal dialogue to support emotional wellbeing. After all, the relationship you have with yourself is the most important one of all.

Valentine's Day is often associated with expressing love to others, but it's equally important to extend that love to yourself. In the spirit of self-compassion, let's explore five simple ways you can show yourself some love today. From selfcare rituals to mindfulness practices and positive self-talk, these small acts can make a big difference in nurturing your wellbeing.

Roses have long been associated with love, romance, and passion, especially during the month of February when Valentine's Day captures the hearts of many. However, there's much more to these delicate blossoms than meets the eye. Beyond being a symbol of affection, roses, particularly Damask roses, offer a wealth of therapeutic benefits for the body, mind, and skin.

During a reiki treatment the recipient normally lies still on a couch for 50-60 minutes, so it is fair to say that the experience doesn’t burn many calories. However, if you are looking to eat more healthily, ditch sugary foods and improve your overall physical health by losing some extra pounds then incorporating a reiki session into your routine really can support you in these goals.