Category: Mind Body Soul

Nutrition, Sleep And Mindset – The Answer to a Magnificent Menopause by Author Alison Bladh

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Alison Bladh/ Chocolate PR)

An award winning nutritionist and beauty therapist who’s helped hundreds of women globally to navigate menopause with wellness in mind is celebrating having climbed the Amazon book charts to become a No.1 Bestselling author, outperforming the likes of Davina McCall, Lisa Snowdon and Dr Louise Newson, with new Menopause manual –‘Have a Magnificent Menopause: A Straightforward Guide to Looking Good and Feeling Great’ 

Alison Bladh, 56, who is also a clinical supervisor for Nutritional Therapy at the University of West London, splits her time between the UK and Sweden was excited to see the book reach the top 30 bestselling books overall on Amazon Sweden across all genres including fiction and non-fiction, one of the only health titles to break the coveted Top 50, highlighting the demand for evidence-based, practical menopause support.

Offering women over 40 a no nonsense guide to thriving through perimenopause, menopause and beyond with or without Hormone Replacement Therapy, this straight-talking manual is already being praised as “a breath of fresh air in the menopause space”, and described as “like having a wise best friend, nutritionist and beauty therapist rolled into one.” 

Sharing practical guides, check lists and real women’s stories alongside clinical research and scientific studies, Alison’s mission is simple –  to help women over 40 take back control of their bodies, rediscover their energy, and feel confident and empowered in their skin again, after researching menopause became a passion of hers, having witnessed her mother suffer in silence  at a time when the topic was taboo. 

“Menopause, though more openly discussed in some countries today, is still stigmatised as something negative”, she said. “Growing up in a strict British household, I remember watching my mother and the women around her, all navigating perimenopause, suffering through what was then simply referred to as “The Change”. Nobody talked about it. It was shrouded in silences, misconceptions and misinformation.”

“While things are improving slowly in some parts of the world, this isn’t the case everywhere and there’s still a lot of work to be done. Women deserve knowledge, support and care during this natural stage of life. Menopause isn’t about fading into the background or becoming less relevant. It’s about stepping into a new kind of power, one where experience, wisdom and purpose shape the next chapter of our lives in ways that extend far beyond motherhood.”

The book tackles common challenges, everything from fatigue, brain fog and weight gain to confidence, skincare and mindset, helping women feel vibrant and in control at every stage of life. The tone is supportive and straight talking, cutting through confusing advice and adresses “menowashing” to deliver clear, evidence based solutions that work.

“Menopause is not something to ‘get through’ it is a wake up call to start putting yourself first” she says. “You deserve to feel in control, strong and beautiful and this starts with understanding your body and taking small yet powerful steps each day”.

“Have a Magnificent Menopause: A Straightforward Guide to Looking Good and Feeling Great”  will resonate with any woman who has ever stood in front of the mirror wondering where she went and is now ready to find her again”, she added.

(image: Alison Bladh/ Chocolate PR)

Here she shares 5 practical tips from the book to help women start feeling better today:

Alison’s Top Tips for ‘Thriving, Not Just Surviving’

1. Follow the 90/10 Rule
Healthy eating doesn’t have to mean restriction or perfection. The 90/10 rule is about nourishing your body with supportive foods 90% of the time  like protein, healthy fats, fibre, leafy greens and slow-release carbs  while still leaving room for 10% of the treats that make life enjoyable. Whether it’s a slice of cake with friends or a glass of wine on a special occasion, this balanced approach helps women stay consistent without guilt. It’s realistic, sustainable and removes the all-or-nothing mindset that often leads to frustration. Eating well should be empowering, not punishing.

2. Start the Day with Protein, Not Caffeine
Reaching for a coffee first thing in the morning might feel like second nature, but it can actually spike your cortisol and send your blood sugar on a rollercoaster. Instead, start your day with 20–30 grams of protein to support hormone balance, energy, focus and mood. A protein-rich breakfast  such as eggs, Greek yoghurt, tofu scramble or a protein smoothie helps stabilise your blood sugar, reduces mid-morning crashes, and keeps cravings at bay. This small shift can make a big difference to how you feel all day long.

3. Keep a Cooling Toolkit in Your Bag
Hot flushes and sudden temperature spikes can be distressing, especially in public. That’s why I always recommend keeping a “cooling toolkit” with you. This might include a peppermint facial mist, a mini hand fan, cooling wipes, or essential oil rollers (peppermint or lavender work well). Having something to soothe and cool you down helps you manage symptoms discreetly and confidently. It’s a small act of self-care that reinforces one important truth: you are not powerless, you are prepared.

4. Digital Declutter for Hormonal Health
Our devices might keep us connected, but they can also wreak havoc on our hormones. Constant notifications, social media scrolling and screen time raise cortisol levels, interfere with melatonin production and contribute to stress and poor sleep, all of which worsen menopausal symptoms. A daily digital break, even just 20–30 minutes, can calm the nervous system, ease anxiety, and support better emotional balance. Turn off the noise, step away from the screen, and reclaim some stillness. It’s one of the simplest ways to feel more grounded.

5. Swap Wine O’Clock for Magnesium Time
It’s tempting to unwind with a glass of wine at the end of a long day but alcohol can disrupt sleep, trigger hot flushes and make anxiety worse. Instead, create a relaxing evening ritual with magnesium. A warm magnesium-rich drink or a magnesium supplement can help soothe your nervous system, relax tense muscles and prepare your body for restful sleep. It’s a healthier wind-down option that supports hormonal balance and helps you wake up feeling restored instead of groggy. You’re still prioritising yourself just without the hormonal backlash.

For more tips see  https://www.alisonbladh.com/book

5 Daily Habits for Mental Clarity and Emotional Balance by Miranda Spears.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 2 Comments

(image: Roxana Zerni, Unsplash)

You need daily habits in your life for mental clarity; these daily habits are often vital for wellbeing. Sometimes your mental health might take a dip, you might feel drained, depressed or feeling like you are left behind and cannot keep up. Here are some daily habits that can help to boost your mental health:

Practice Morning Mindfulness

Mindfulness can include simple tasks such as starting off the day on a positive note and setting good intentions by writing or speaking affirmations or engaging in prayer. Every day after you get up, you should make your bed as this is a small exercise that will only take two minutes of your day and prepare for a good day. As soon as you get up, do some simple, mindful stretches like swinging your arms in circles or doing the cobra pose to prepare your body for a focused day quickly. 

Move Your Body

You should move your body and avoid sitting in one place, as moving around ensures that blood flows to your brain better and faster, providing it with oxygen, and activities like taking a stroll, especially early morning strolls when the weather is nice and there is calm in the air, are also good for you. You can breathe in fresh air and it makes you look at things from a new perspective. So, take morning or lunchtime walks so you may be prepared for the day. You can also do activities like yoga which boosts mindfulness and helps you get mental clarity. It can also calm your mood, and you can also do cardio workouts like cycling and running to give your brain the pump of blood it needs and help you think more clearly and better. 

Fuel Your Brain 

If you want your brain to think clearly, you must provide it with the right type of nutrients, too. You should make a list of foods that are good for your mental health and incorporate them into your daily routine. You can have fruits and vegetables, healthy carbs and proteins as your brain cells need nourishment to think better, too! You should also drink water and get yourself hydrated, as water makes your blood move around the body faster, wakes up your brain, and increases brain function. Also, you can take supplements like chlorella, a high protein plant. Some chlorella benefits include detoxification and improved focus, which are good for mental clarity.

Journalling for Emotional Release

There are some activities, like journalling, that you can do at the end of the day to let go of any stress that your body has. You can write about the things that went wrong in the day and what went well. Take your time to reflect on things so you do not end up overthinking things and overstimulating your brain. You should have a journal by your bed so if you feel like some unprocessed thoughts are coming to you, you can vent them out in your journal, which should help your mental health. 

Sleep Better

Establish a bedtime routine for yourself that is unique to you so that you can look forward to it every night, and it helps you sleep better. You can read a book, lower the brightness of the lights in your room, and have decaffeinated tea or water. You should also avoid screens before going to bed, the LED light is not good for your eyes and does not let you sleep well. The use of screens has proven to have a strong link with less sleep time and delayed sleep. 

Daily activities for your mental health require you to be consistent and true to yourself if you really want to see the results.. So, start with something small like making your bed and practicing mindfulness and then keep on adding some activities to your routine so by the end of a few days, you meet with a better, improved version of yourself, one with a clear mind and better health.

This blog was written by Miranda Spears.

5 Steps to Finding Deeper Inner Peace by Miranda Spears

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Amy Treasure: Unsplash)

In a world of continuous alerts, daily stresses, and the need to be effective, inner peace can be a distant, even impossible idea, but there are still moments- tiny, little corners that speak of peace. The difficulty is to get back to that silence when life is noisy.

These are five easy and considerate steps that can be used to guide the path towards inner peace. All of them need perfection, but most importantly, they need willingness.

1.   Make Room to Pause

The sound of daily life usually overshadows what is important. It does not mean that one has to retreat or change drastically to slow down. Other times, it is just a choice of sitting down and taking a few minutes before rushing out the door or taking a walk without music or any other distractions.

Space is the process of letting the mind breathe. It is in silence that thoughts can settle. The ever-rotating motion starts to decelerate. This is where the foundation of peace is made by creating space in your busy lives.

2.   Listen to the Body

In many cases, the body narrates before the mind can comprehend. The tight shoulders, shallow breathing, and clenched jaws are indications that something is wrong inside. Peace is not only about having the right thoughts, but it is also about feeling safe and being in the body.

That is why physical awareness is important. Observing posture, breath, or tension may be a way to come back to the present. In case you live in the region/USA, somatic healing Orange County specialists can lead this type of body-based consciousness in a more comprehensive, supported manner. They are concerned with making people realise that emotions and experiences are stored in the body, and this can be the gateway to healing and permanent peace.

3.   Make Things as Simple as Possible

It is not possible to have peace in a filthy environment. Whether it is a cluttered room or a cluttered calendar, what fills your space and what fills your time is what defines your feelings on the inside. Simple does not imply giving up everything.

It is a matter of making decisions that can really promote well-being.  It can be as easy as removing two or three items that you do not need, like saying no without feeling guilty, or emptying the small drawer that has been cluttered up long ago.

All small streamlining gestures say something that life does not need to be hectic, and in most cases, there is peace beyond the clutter.           

Each small act of streamlining says something: Life does not need to be busy, and in many cases, there is peace on the other side of the clutter.

4.   Gentle Self-Honesty

Peace does not imply evading harsh realities. Actually, one of the most obvious ways to become whole is honesty, which is said in a kind way to oneself. This type of honesty is not judgmental. It is about the soft question of what you really need, or if this is how you want to live.

Truthful contemplation can raise painful feelings. It also brings clarity. And in that clarity, peace may start to grow.

5.   Find Time for Others

Life has its moments of greater meaning, the sunrise, laughing with a loved one, or doing something nice to a stranger without any reward. These are the times that make you remember that you are more than the to-do list.

Inner peace can be found by looking at meaningful moments, not urgent moments. It is the act of paying attention to what is joyful, awing, or connecting. These experiences satisfy something within that nothing in terms of productivity or distraction ever can.

The more meaningful moments are embraced, the more they increase, and in them, there comes a feeling of peace that does not rise and fall with the day.

Conclusion

Inner peace is not a place to visit. It is a soft manner of getting around in the world, of being with yourself in a kind and openhearted way.

The small moments are the beginning of peace. It is fed by being there, fed by telling the truth, and cultivated by being in touch with the body, with others, and with what is most important.

This blog was written by Miranda Spears

Men Four Times More Likely To Be Very Satisfied With Their Body Image by Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Unsplash- Sam Moghadam)

A survey conducted by Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors of over 1,468 respondents highlights a clear gender gap in body image satisfaction. Men are more than four times as likely to report being very satisfied with their body image (16%) compared to women (4%).

Body Image Satisfaction

Men: 16.37% very satisfied, 32.46% somewhat satisfied, 28.65% neutral, 16.67% unsatisfied, 5.85% very unsatisfied.

Women: 3.87% very satisfied, 26.45% somewhat satisfied, 23.60% neutral, 33.67% unsatisfied, 12.41% very unsatisfied.

Men were also more likely to feel their body image had remained the same or improved over time, while women were more likely to report a decline in satisfaction.

Impact of Social Media and AI

Nearly half of all respondents (49.89%) cited social media as a key influence on body image, with Instagram (62.42%) being the most frequently mentioned platform. AI technology, including filters and editing apps, was noted by 31.23% of respondents as a factor shaping body image perceptions.

Men were less affected by social media’s impact on body image (9.36% strongly agreed) compared to women (21.16%). AI technology also had a greater effect on women’s self-perception, with 22.18% agreeing that it made them more critical of their appearance, compared to 11.99% of men.

Cosmetic Procedures and Future Trends

While 15.36% of women reported undergoing cosmetic procedures, only 4.68% of men said the same. Among those who had undergone procedures, the majority expressed a positive impact on their body image.

Despite the influence of social media and AI, only 19.88% of respondents felt these technologies made them more likely to consider cosmetic surgery.

“The findings demonstrate a clear disparity in body image satisfaction between men and women, influenced by social media and AI,” said Michael Saul, Partner at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors. “Understanding these trends helps to address unrealistic beauty standards and promote a healthier self-image.”

The data underscores the gender differences in body image perception and the influence of digital media. These insights may inform discussions on promoting healthier self-perceptions and mitigating unrealistic beauty standards.

About Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors

Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors is the UK’s leading law firm specialising in cosmetic surgery negligence claims. 

The Kind Mind Method: A Book and Philosophy by Alexander Walton

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Alexander Walton)

In 2015, Alexander Walton had an idea. It was an emotional short story that he wrote, then placed in brightly coloured envelopes and randomly distributed across the city he lived in. Each one also contained a small gift: a symbol of hope. He called this project Find My Story and through the support and kindness of others, it expanded across the globe.

Over the next five years there were three stories in total. Hundreds of volunteers. Thousands of envelopes. And an avalanche of profound and moving responses from people who had found one of these envelopes, and had the curiosity to open it.

This experience was the inspiration for The Kind Mind Method and ultimately changed the author’s life in ways he never could have expected. He continues to advocate kindness and positivity through his books and ongoing projects.

(image: Alexander Walton)

For years, scientific studies have continuously demonstrated a clear link between kindness and mental wellbeing. Throughout that time, there has never been any unified mechanism to harness this power. Until now.

Do you feel as if you are stuck inside your own head? Does worry stop you engaging with the wider world? Do you sometimes feel helpless to stop negative thoughts? The Kind Mind Method is a simple thought process that will allow you to embrace a positive mindset in everything you do. It will change you in ways you never could have imagined and snap you into the moment like nothing else you have tried.

Built upon proven scientific principles and leveraging the power of kindness, Alexander Walton will explain how you can benefit from this profound change. Through clear steps and real-world examples, he will guide you through its adoption and ongoing usage. Along the way, he will examine how this approach provides you with a true alternative thought that you will actively want to pursue. And by the end of this book, you will understand how it can offer a structured mechanism to deal with any situation, and watch as you seamlessly embrace a different thought. A better thought. A kinder thought.

Here were just some responses to the Find my Story envelopes:

  • Found your story and you have no idea at what time it entered my life and the impact it had.”
  • “It is impossible to describe how this story made me feel…I will keep this gift on me until I feel I need to pass it on myself.”
  • “THANK YOU for writing your story, and sending that message of hope out into the world. I needed it so badly and I’ve kept the gift with me ever since. I’ll never forget the feeling of opening your envelope.”
  • A Christmas carol’s feeling in the belly. Your story is beautiful and your letter found me in a very special time. A time of uncertainty and doubts where this star blowing in the middle of the night was somehow something I didn’t expect anymore.  Thank you so much for that.

You can find Alexander Walton on his website and his book is out now.

Yoga And Fitness: A Holistic Approach to Total Body Wellness by Sean Lynam.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 2 Comments

(image: Pexels)

Approximately 300 million people worldwide practice yoga every day, and the numbers are only increasing. This is because awareness of the benefits of yoga is growing. The most popular topic on Instagram in the UK during the lockdown was yoga, followed by health (as the second topic of interest). Yoga is gaining traction as a holistic approach to total body wellness and fitness. 

About Yoga

Yoga has its origins in India, with its first mention being in an ancient sacred text Rig Veda. The world embraced this graceful fitness approach with open arms. Of course, it underwent some adaptations as this practice crossed countries. However, its essence remains the same, regardless of where and how it is practiced. Yoga focuses on breathing, balance, and flexibility. It comprises mental, physical, and spiritual practices. The most important components of yoga are the postures and the breathing work. There are approximately 19 different types of yoga and around 66 basic postures.

Yoga for Total Body Wellness

Many scientific studies support the claims about the benefits of yoga, so you can rest assured that it is not just hype. Some of the ways in which yoga can help in conditioning the mind and body are highlighted below:

Physical Benefits of Yoga

Yoga improves blood flow, which leads to increased oxygen supply to the brain and organs. This promotes cell growth and muscle recovery. If you are recovering from any disease or injury, yoga can accelerate the process for you. Yoga is a low-impact form of exercise, so you don’t have to worry about it aggravating any existing issues. Just select the poses that are most suitable for your fitness level and health condition. 

There may be no other approaches as well-rounded and effective as yoga for bodybuilding. Yoga can supplement all other bodybuilding efforts as it substantially improves mobility, increases muscle strength, and enhances balance. Low-intensity or restorative yoga is great as an active recovery workout; it reduces muscle soreness and speeds up recovery. 

Yoga is also effective as an adjunct treatment for chronic conditions like lower back pain, arthritis, and diabetes. Yoga also helps lower cholesterol and and blood pressure, and can therefore work wonders for your heart. Regular yoga practice can improve immune function and help combat diseases. 

Beneficial Effects of Yoga on Psychology

Typically, there are no mirrors in yoga studios. This is to prevent people from getting distracted by the way their body looks during a pose. Yoga encourages a person to look inwards and connect with oneself better. Surveys have found that people who practice yoga have a better body image and are less likely to be overly critical of themselves. Yoga also encourages one to be mindful of their eating habits. Mindful eating and a positive body image can help people with eating disorders. Health professionals are now supportive of yoga as a tool for long-term recovery from eating disorders. Yoga therapy also serves as a treatment for depression. Regular yoga can increase mental clarity, improve focus, relieve stress, relax the mind, and boost general mental health. 

It is only possible to recover and achieve total body wellness when physical fitness is supported and supplemented by mental health. Yoga has beneficial effects on the mind as well as the body and is therefore highly suitable as a holistic approach to total body wellness. Pre-workout supplements could help boost the effects of yoga, such as an increase in blood flow and a rise in endurance levels. 

Time to Get the Yoga Mat 

Yoga is better understood when experienced. Don’t take anyone’s word for it; rather, try it yourself. After your first yoga session, there is a high possibility that you will return for more. You will find yourself making healthier lifestyle choices. With yoga, you can engineer your inner self and your body, to bring out your best version. 

Author Bio:

Sean Lynam

Sean is a fitness enthusiast and personal trainer by profession, and a freelance writer by passion. Sean writes and shares his knowledge for a range of fitness publications and nutrition brands.

Sleep Expert Reveals How To Stay Cool On Hot Nights And What To Avoid.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 2 Comments
Image: Unsplash

This summer has been one of the hottest on record. August has been no exception, with the Met Office predicting the hot weather will continue. As Britons all over the country look to stay cool at night, experts at Bed Kingdom share their advice to prevent overheating and to get a good night’s sleep throughout the warmer months. If you’re trying – and struggling – to keep your body temperature under control at night, try these tips:

Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol and spicy food

Strenuous exercise before bed gets your blood pumping and keeps your heart rate and body temperature up. Doing this before bed will keep your body feeling warm and will prevent you from staying cool as you try to nod off. Instead it’s best to exercise in the morning when temperatures tend to be cooler. 

Alcohol will make you feel hot. Remember the ‘beer blanket’? It’s the warmth your body feels as it tries to manage alcohol consumption. While your body is not actually heating up, it will feel like it and may prevent you from feeling cool and comfortable at night.

Spicy food often contains capsaicin, which can increase your body temperature and interrupt your sleep. Also, eating spicy food before you go to bed may give you indigestion, making it difficult to feel able to drift off as your body battles discomfort.

Practice mindfulness and meditation

Anxiety can cause your fight-or-flight response, which can lead to night sweats in bed, which is a common stress symptom. Setting aside ten minutes for a mindfulness exercise before bed, such as meditation or journalling can relieve some worries and prime your mind for a good night’s sleep, helping you to stay cool throughout.

Turn off unnecessary electronics before bed

Electronic devices such as computers, games consoles and TVs can get hot after use, leaving rooms, especially smaller ones, feeling stuffy and trapped with heat. It’s best to switch these devices off an hour before you go to bed to let the room cool down. This also has the added benefit of preventing the blue light from devices interfering with your sleep cycle, letting you drift off to sleep easier at night.

(image: Sincerely media via unsplash)

Switch to breathable bedding – and avoid these

You may be using bedding that is not breathable enough for the summer months. Cooling bed sheets should wick moisture away from you and help you to regulate your core body temperature. 

Cotton is one of the more popular fabrics for bedding as it is breathable and versatile. It can keep you cool on hot summer nights and warmer in winter, depending on the weaving and thread count. Cooling cotton sheets are typically between a thread count of 250 and 300, and should not be more than 500. Cotton is also durable enough to last years of use.

Linen fabrics can keep you cool at night. Bed linen can absorb a fifth of its weight before beginning to feel damp, making it an effective choice to keep the fabric fresh if you often get hot at night. This fabric type can be less likely to stick to your body.

Bamboo fabric has become popular over the years as it is an eco-friendly alternative to synthetics. It can be more breathable than cotton, and the natural, soft and durable material is a good choice for those that have allergies.

Eucalyptus sheets, like bamboo, are another eco-friendly option made of natural materials, which can effectively wick moisture and stay breathable all night. It can dry quickly, deter dust mites and is hypoallergenic. 

Many people choose microfibre bedding as it is a low-cost option. However, it is made from synthetic fibres that aren’t very breathable. Other fabrics to avoid during the summer are polyester, nylon, rayon and silk. 

Have a light meal for dinner – avoid heavy fats and carbs

Eating a meal too close to your bedtime can be harmful to your sleep. The more food you eat, the more uncomfortable you may feel. Heavy meals tend to be high in fats and carbohydrates, which takes more energy for your body to break down. This could lead to feeling bloated and uncomfortable when trying to sleep at night.

The recommended space between your last meal of the day and your bedtime is about three hours, which gives time for your body to process any food eaten. Opting to eat fats and carbohydrates earlier in the day, and eating a light meal at night, will require less from your body while you drift off, as it has done the work to break food down earlier in the day.

Take a shower before bed

It’s a great feeling to wash the day away and then climb into fresh bed sheets at night. Showers can help to regulate our body temperature, which can ease us into a peaceful sleep. When it’s hot, a lukewarm shower can cool your core temperature down. A cool shower can be more beneficial than a hot shower to help you fall asleep faster. However, a hot shower can still help as your body temperature will change as you dry off. Whether you prefer to take a hot or cold shower, try to avoid extreme temperatures, as they can negatively affect how you sleep. 

The heat can cause stress both physically and mentally, so make sure you look after your health.

This article was written by a freelance writer and contains a link.

Mental Health, Low Self Esteem, Body Image and Fashion.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 1 Comment

(image: Freestocks at unsplash)

Fashion is a powerful force. It has the ability to make people feel confident, empowered, or at its worst horrible about themselves. It can have a positive impact on mental health and self-esteem if you find something pieces that make you feel good about yourselves. On the other hand, fashion can also have a negative impact on self-esteem and mental health if you’re constantly exposed to images and messages that make you feel inferior or unhappy with who you are. Especially with the inward turn of the pandemic, its hard for people to feel happy and confident about themselves.

The Psychology of Fashion

Fashion is a multi-billion-dollar industry and a big part of many people’s daily lives. It’s a subculture that’s easy to invest in. And, like any other trend, fashion comes and goes, so you’re always in control of how much you invest in it. The psychology of fashion reveals the different aspects of how fashion impacts people’s self-esteem. From the way people perceive others based on the way they’re dressed, to how people present themselves to the world by choosing outfits, fashion has a strong psychological effect on everyone.

Body Image

Our bodies are such an important part of life, and it’s normal to have some insecurities about them. Still, as you grow older, many people struggle with body dysmorphia or an unhealthy obsession with one’s appearance. Constant exposure to images of other people’s bodies that are unrealistic and unattainable can be harmful to your self-esteem, especially in young people who are still forming their self-image. This can lead to eating disorders, body dysmorphia, low self esteem and depression and anxiety. Looking at images of gorgeous models wearing clothes you can’t afford or fit in can makes you feel left out or confused. It’s fun to keep up with trends, but try to avoid getting stuck in a rut of hype culture.

(image: Hannah Morgan at Unsplash)

So what should I do?

You can’t ignore fashion and societal trends- but it’s important to not let fashion (or what is popular to wear) become something that defines who you are. It’s a fun accessory, something you should do for enjoyment, creativity, and confidence. For people who have found themselves struggling with their mental health due to the psychological effects on body image, it’s important to seek help. Talk to your friends and family members, or seek professional help if you need it. There are many ways to find happiness in style- whether you’re into vintage clothing, a specific designer, or a particular style like athleisure. You can read blogs with good recommendations, and wear things that you love, like that pair of perfect trainers or Men’s Off-White Hoodies. There’s something for everyone, and it’s important to have fun with it!

Fashion and societal expectations of how one should look can have a big impact on mental health, so it’s important to be mindful of it. It is also hard to be bombarded with negative messages on body image via social media. The body positive movement has sprung up because of this narrative- showing curvier models and embracing your flaws as beautiful.

There are also many ways to wear your favourite clothes in a way that makes you feel good about yourself, without negatively impacting your mental health. Focus on what makes you feel like the best version of yourself!

This article was written by a freelance writer and contains do follow links.

Bereavement, PIP, Promotion and Panic by Eleanor

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 11 Comments

 

 

Hi lovely readers,

So much has been going on that its been a little overwhelming so I didn’t feel able to sit here and type out my feelings. But today, I feel like I can share so here goes.

My dear father in law passed away from brain cancer at the age of just 67 last month. This was expected, after a two year battle, rounds of surgery and chemo and radiotherapy and being told they could do no more treatment as he had two aggressive tumours and they couldn’t operate further. However, it was still immensely painful when it happened (although we were all with him at a nursing home) and we had the funeral and week of mourning (shiva) as per Jewish tradition. I moved in to my in laws home that week to be there to support my husband, brother in law and mother in law.

We will all miss him terribly- a truly wonderful man and it was a privilege to know him.

Despite this sadness in our family, some positive news has followed. I had applied and been awarded a disability benefit called PIP (Personal independence payment) and been awarded it due to my bipolar disorder and panic attacks impacting on my mental health and ability to work outside the home. This greatly helps our situation and means I can work alongside it too in my role at the Body Shop from home and around my writing (my book Bring me to Light is available here) . We also found out that Rob is being taken off furlough and returning to work on the 1st September- he has been furloughed for 6 months and this was a huge relief for us, as you can imagine.

Additionally, a few weeks ago I got promoted to Area Manager of my Body Shop team, team Hope. This means I manage a team of consultants/ manager in training and help them to develop their businesses too. I feel incredibly lucky to do a job that I love from home and be so supported by my manager Sarah and all my wonderful team mates too. I truly love this job and hope to make it my full time career eventually. The products are so good for self care too.

Now on to my mental health. My anxiety has returned with a vengeance these past few weeks. One night I was up til 5am with panic and insomnia (feeling tearful, restless and pumped with adrenaline) so took some prescribed anxiety medication. I also use a lavender pillow mist which helps me to sleep better too. I have had to cancel and reschedule things. I am not good with change and my anxiety is being triggered. I have a wonderful therapist and so I will definitely book in another session with her soon because I can feel myself dipping a little.

The guineapigs are adorable and good for cuddles and I have had a lot of support from friends and family, so thank you for that, and from Rob too.

How is everyone?

Eleanor xx

 
Infographic by Mindful Urgent Care

The Road to Recovery: On PTSD, Trauma and the Future… by Eleanor for Mental Health Awareness Week

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 15 Comments

Trigger Warning: sexual assault, details of assault and severe mental illness

Hi everyone,

Its been a while but I thought I would put type to keyboard and write a blog for more mental health awareness.

Since my book was published, I haven’t written many follow up personal blogs, purely because the launch of my life story into the public domain felt overwhelming and scary. 6 months on, I am used to it being out there but I have been working hard in EMDR trauma therapy to help myself.

See, the truth is that right now the Bipolar Disorder for me is stable and under control on my medicines. I still get side effects- weight gain, dry mouth and thirst, but my mind is generally healthy in terms of the Bipolar- no mania or depression. Anxiety and panic yes but Bipolar, not really at the moment.

Yet, almost lurking unseen after I left hospital in 2014 and began my recovery was the fact I was traumatised by my experiences of going into psychosis (losing touch with reality via delusions, false beliefs) and my experiences when being sectioned. I will just give an overview as the rest is in my book- but this included- being restrained, being attacked by other patients and seeing them self harm, being injected with Haloperidol (an anti psychotic) in front of both male and female nurses in a part of the body I didn’t want, being chased round A and E by security men in genuine fear of my life, dealing with lawyers and going to tribunals while ill, thinking I had been abused by family and was locked up by a criminal gang and fearing my family were against me. My bipolar mind could not cope.

Just before this all happened, I was very vulnerable and was sexually assaulted by a man I knew through friends and all of this trauma stayed with me.

I did what most of us with severe mental illness and assault survivors do- I tried to rebuild my life. I tried to work in schools helping children with special educational needs. I tried to work for a mental health charity as a peer support worker for people like me. I began to blog and write and share as therapy- from charities to national newspapers. Bit by bit, as I wrote out what I has been through, I started to slowly heal. But, the symptoms of the extreme panic remained. I lost jobs because of it. I became depressed. I started dating but I often had to cancel dates- (before I met Rob, my husband who listened to me talk about it all and didn’t bat too much of an eyelid.)

I was in a state of flux, a state of transition. I knew I had trauma still living in my brain and body. I had been physically and sexually assaulted, I had been mentally violated- I had been sectioned twice in a few months and now I was sent home to try and rebuild my life as a 25 year old single woman.

I share this important blog, not to share that I am a victim- because I am not. I want to share that I believe for about 5 years, I have been suffering with some of the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). My therapist believes the same.

The panic attacks that grip me with fear before work or the day ahead when I have to leave the house. The fear of going out or travelling at night alone. The fear of being taken advantage of and having to trust men again (thank you to my husband for helping ease this pain). The fear of exploitation, of losing my mind, of not trusting mental health professionals any more.

My panic attacks get triggered by certain events- it could be having to speak about my life or book, or seeing people I don’t feel comfortable with, of feeling exposed, of worrying about others judgement. I am still healing from all I have been through and experienced. The PTSD means that I have to take medication (Propranolol) to function sometimes. It means that I experience flashbacks in my body- I feel gripped with fear, I get chest pain and shallow breathing and I start to cry. I had one the other day at 4am….. thank the lord for meds so I could calm down and sleep.

My therapist is incredible and we have been working since October to process the roots of my trauma and panic disorder. We use a combination of rapid eye processing with talking therapy which helps to tackle each and every trauma- and we are still at the tip of the iceberg. It takes time to process the deep rooted experiences in my brain- we are getting there slowly.

For me, in many ways my future is uncertain. My medicines have long term physical side effects. Motherhood will be more of a challenge due to medication and my mental health- I am still processing the choices I will have to make, which I will write in another blog.

I want to end this blog by saying- if you know someone with anxiety, PTSD, another anxiety disorder or something like bipolar or schizophrenia- Be Kind. You never know what someone has gone through.

The NHS waiting lists for help are too long, services are too underfunded- all my treatment has been private provided by my family due to being stuck on a list for years. I am lucky, not everyone is. 

I hope this blog gives some information about my experiences of PTSD since leaving hospital 6 years ago. It is by far the most personal thing I have posted since publishing my book but I hope it helps you feel less alone.

Positivity and Hope are key.  Meeting my husband and my therapist changed my life for the better as I slowly rebuild and find an equilibrium again.

Love,

Eleanor x