Category: Wellbeing

From Farm To Face: The Rise Of Herbal Skincare For Wellness by Amy Jones

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Pexels)

Skin care is more than just a simple product in 2025., it’s become a non-negotiable for those hoping to achieve youthful, blemish free skin that looks plump and clear at all times. The makeup gurus have come clean. The key to great looking makeup is great skin. Not only that, chemical free, ‘kind’ skin care is the key to great skin. This level of untoxic, less processed and natural skin care can be best found through the means of herbal skin care.

This type of skin care is great for general self-care and improving wellness in body and mind. If you understand the benefits of herbal teas for your gut health and overall bodily functions, just consider how great herbal skin care might be for your face? 

Let’s get into the ins and outs of what herbal skin care is, and how it’s been the answer to clear skin for perhaps the last few centuries, yet we’ve been marketed to think otherwise!

Is Herbal Skincare Considered ‘New’?

Not at all. In fact, herbal skincare is one of the oldest beauty secrets in existence. Ancient civilisations, from Egyptian royalty to Chinese dynasties, relied on herbs, flowers, and plant oils to maintain their youthful glow. Cleopatra was known for her rose and honey-infused skincare rituals, while Ayurvedic practices have long used turmeric and neem to treat skin concerns.

The real question is why did we ever stop? The rise of mass-produced, synthetic skincare created a shift away from traditional herbal remedies, replacing them with chemicals and preservatives that promised instant results. But fast-forward to today, and we’re circling back. People are finally recognising that natural, plant-based skincare is not just effective but also safer for both our skin and the environment.

How Does Herbal Skincare Differ from Conventional?

The difference is simple: herbal skin care relies on nature, while conventional skin care relies on labs.

Conventional skincare products often contain synthetic ingredients, parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances, many of which can be harsh, irritating, or even harmful to long-term skin health. Herbal skincare, on the other hand, harnesses the power of botanical extracts, essential oils, and natural minerals to nourish and heal the skin from within.

It’s not just about what’s in the product but also about what’s not in it. Herbal skincare skips the fillers and preservatives, focusing instead on nutrient-rich ingredients that your skin can actually recognise and absorb. The result? A healthier, more balanced complexion without the risk of toxins.

The Most Common Herbal Ingredients & What They Do

Nature has given us an abundance of skin-loving ingredients. Here are some of the best herbal powerhouses and what they bring to your skincare routine:

  • Aloe Vera – Deeply hydrates, soothes irritation, and speeds up skin healing.
  • Chamomile – Calms redness and inflammation, perfect for sensitive skin.
  • Rosehip Oil – Packed with vitamins A and C, promoting collagen production and skin renewal.
  • Green Tea – A powerful antioxidant that protects against environmental damage and premature aging.
  • Calendula – Known for its antibacterial properties, great for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
  • Turmeric – Brightens skin tone and fights breakouts with its natural anti-inflammatory properties.

These ingredients have been used for centuries, proving that skincare straight from the earth is more than just a trend—it’s a lifestyle. It’s also brilliant if you want to care for yourself and your skin.

The Sustainable Benefits of Herbal Skincare

Beyond its skin-enhancing benefits, herbal skincare is a game-changer for sustainability. Unlike mass-produced products that contribute to pollution and waste, farm-to-face skincare focuses on ethical sourcing, eco-friendly packaging, and minimal processing.

  • Biodegradable ingredients – No microplastics or synthetic chemicals washing into the ocean.
  • Support for small farmers – Many herbal skincare brands work directly with local growers, ensuring fair wages and ethical harvesting practices.
  • Reduced carbon footprint – No heavy industrial processing means fewer emissions and a cleaner planet.

Choosing herbal skincare isn’t just about looking good—it’s about doing good, too.

How to Add Herbal Skincare into Your Routine

Switching to herbal skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how to make the transition effortless:

  1. Start with a gentle cleanser – Try a honey-based or aloe-infused cleanser for a refreshing, non-stripping cleanse.
  2. Use herbal toners – Rose water or witch hazel can balance your skin’s pH and tighten pores naturally.
  3. Hydrate with botanical oils – Jojoba, rosehip, and argan oil deeply nourish without clogging pores.
  4. Incorporate herbal masks – Try DIY masks with turmeric, yogurt, and honey for an all-natural glow.
  5. Check your labels – If a product claims to be “natural,” make sure it actually contains plant-based ingredients (and not just clever marketing).

Bottom Line

Herbal skincare isn’t a fad,  it’s a return to what our skin was always meant to thrive on. Boost your self care and mental health today with wonderful, natural ingredients. With cleaner, safer ingredients, sustainability benefits, and centuries of proof behind it, farm-to-face beauty is here to stay, and we’re excited to embrace it!

Amy Jones is a freelance writer.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy For Perfectionism by NOSA CBT

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Kateryna Hliznitsova, Unsplash)

Struggling with perfectionism? Learn how CBT for perfectionism helps challenge self-criticism, set realistic goals, and break free from the pressure to be perfect.

If you ever feel paralyzed by the thought of making mistakes or constantly push yourself to impossible standards, you might benefit from CBT for Perfectionism. At NOSA CBT, we understand how perfectionism can lead to burnout, procrastination, and nonstop anxiety. In this blog, we will explore what perfectionism really is, why it develops, and how Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) provides practical ways to break out of the perfectionist trap.

What Is Perfectionism?

Perfectionism is not just about wanting to do things well. It usually means aiming for flawless results and feeling that anything less than perfection is a failure. Many perfectionists believe their worth depends on never making mistakes. This can cause chronic stress and harsh self-criticism whenever the outcome is not 100 percent perfect.

Sometimes, perfectionistic habits come from fear of judgment or failure in front of others. This fear creates a cycle: always striving, never satisfied, and relying on achievement for self-esteem. Ironically, trying to be flawless can keep you from getting started on projects, since the fear of messing up becomes more overwhelming than the desire to make progress.

How Perfectionism Develops

Perfectionism can grow from many sources: family expectations, social pressures, or ways of coping you learned over time. You might have grown up in a home where you were praised only when you excelled, making you feel like mistakes were unacceptable. Or maybe you live in a culture where success is linked to being the best, reinforcing the idea that any slip-up equals total failure.

Often, perfectionists tie their self-worth directly to their accomplishments. Rather than seeing an outcome as separate from who they are, they treat any disappointment as a personal shortcoming. Once these ideas take hold, they shape your approach to work, relationships, and even leisure activities. Recognizing why perfectionism developed does not mean it vanishes overnight, but it can help you spot triggers that feed that anxiety about not being “good enough.”

(image: Brett Jordan: Unsplash)

How CBT for Perfectionism Works

CBT for Perfectionism focuses on finding and challenging the thoughts and beliefs that drive unhealthy perfectionism. Instead of telling you how to get perfect results, CBT helps you understand why imperfection feels so scary in the first place. Then, you can test whether those fears are truly accurate and replace them with more realistic, kinder ways of thinking.

  1. Mapping Unhelpful Thoughts
    Early on, you might keep track of moments when you feel overwhelmed or anxious about not doing something “well enough.” This reveals the core thoughts fueling your stress, such as “If I don’t get every detail right, I’m a failure.”
  2. Challenging Distorted Beliefs
    Next, CBT teaches you to question these beliefs. Is it realistic to think one mistake ruins everything? Are you really worthless if you miss a tiny detail? Finding evidence that contradicts these absolutes can weaken their hold.
  3. Encouraging Realistic Standards
    CBT does not say you have to lower your standards across the board. Instead, it prompts you to set challenging but achievable goals. This shift allows you to celebrate progress rather than obsessing over small flaws.
  4. Self-Compassion
    One of the most important parts of CBT is learning to be gentle with yourself when things do not go perfectly. Instead of harsh self-criticism, you practice talking to yourself in a supportive, encouraging way. This approach boosts resilience and motivation, even when you stumble.

By repeating these steps and noticing changes in your thoughts and behaviors, you can develop a healthier mindset that balances striving for excellence with recognizing that mistakes are a normal part of growth.

Key CBT Techniques for Perfectionism

Several CBT techniques help reduce the pressure to be perfect:

  1. Thought Records
    • Write down situations that trigger perfectionistic stress, along with the thoughts and emotions they spark. Then, look for evidence that challenges these extreme conclusions. Over time, seeing flaws in your perfectionistic thinking can loosen its grip.
  2. Behavioural Experiments
    • Sometimes, you might intentionally aim for “good enough” rather than perfect results. Whether it’s a work project or a household task, see how it feels to let go of total precision. Often, you’ll realize minor imperfections rarely lead to disaster.
  3. Graded Exposure
    • Gradually face your fear of imperfection. For example, leave a small mistake in a draft and show it to a friend or colleague, just to prove to yourself that a minor error doesn’t lead to rejection or failure.
  4. Self-Compassion Exercises
    • Through affirmations or mindfulness, you learn to accept that everyone slips up sometimes. Treat mistakes as opportunities to learn, not signs of personal failure.

When practiced consistently, these strategies help you maintain high standards without feeling constantly overwhelmed by the need to be flawless.

Dealing with Setbacks and Ongoing Habits

Real change rarely happens in a straight line, especially if you’ve spent years developing perfectionistic habits. It’s normal to have setbacks when deadlines loom or when life throws unexpected challenges your way. If you catch yourself slipping back into rigid thinking, it doesn’t mean CBT “failed.” It just means it’s time to revisit the strategies and tools that helped you before.

Setbacks can even be helpful. Each time perfectionistic thoughts resurface, you have another opportunity to apply the CBT methods you’ve learned. Over time, these relapses often become less intense and less frequent because you have a more flexible framework for coping.

Who Can Benefit from this Therapy?

Anyone who struggles with all-or-nothing thinking can find CBT useful. High achievers sometimes get stuck in endless cycles of tweaking or revising because they feel nothing is ever “perfect.” Students may push themselves to the limit, convinced that a single slip in grades defines their future. Even in personal settings, the need to appear flawless can drain your energy and enjoyment of everyday life.

It’s also important to remember perfectionism isn’t limited to a certain personality type. You might feel confident in some areas yet be extremely hard on yourself in others. CBT meets you where you are. It offers practical tools for tackling unhelpful beliefs and separating your self-worth from your achievements.

Rounding Up 

Ultimately, CBT for Perfectionism aims to loosen the grip of harsh self-standards and critical inner voices that overshadow day-to-day satisfaction. Striving for excellence can be motivating, but perfectionism can turn into a never-ending burden that undermines your confidence and well-being.

By challenging black-and-white thinking, trying out more balanced behaviours, and learning self-compassion, you can find a healthier mindset that values progress over flawlessness. If you’ve noticed perfectionistic habits affecting your life, consider exploring CBT techniques or reaching out for professional support to build a more flexible and resilient approach to reaching your goals.

National UK Inquiry Reveals 19% Increase In Suicide for People Living With Bipolar- With Bipolar UK

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Michelle Henderson: Unsplash)

Trigger warning: discusses suicide

The National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health (NCISH) released its Annual Report for 2025 last week, revealing that over the past decade, nearly 20% more individuals with bipolar disorder are dying by suicide due to shortcomings in the UK’s mental health system.

According to national charity Bipolar UK, the report provides stark evidence that specialist care is lacking, Lithium (an important mood stabiliser medication) is under-prescribed and suicide prevention measures are falling short.

The report highlights that from 2012 to 2022, there were 1,491 suicides by patients with bipolar, with an alarming 19% increase from 2019 to 2022. Despite Lithium being a clinically proven suicide prevention treatment for people with bipolar, only 39% of those who died were prescribed it and just 12% were receiving psychological therapy​.

This data echoes the findings and lived experience of Professor Tania Gergel, Head of Research at Bipolar UK, in her recent article in The Lancet Psychiatry where she said: “Globally, 15-20% of people with bipolar disorder die by suicide, with 30-60% making at least one attempt. These rates are not decreasing despite an overall decline in global suicide rates.”

According to the Nuffield Trust, there is set to be a £4.8 billion unfunded shortfall in the NHS England revenue budget for 2024/25, raising the prospect that without further funding, service cuts may be inevitable.

With bipolar increasing an individual’s risk of suicide by 20 times that of the general population, Bipolar UK is urging the government to commit to addressing health waiting lists and to invest money in creating a dedicated care pathway for bipolar to reduce suicide rates.

Simon Kitchen, CEO of Bipolar UK, said: “This report is devastating but not surprising. We’ve been shouting from the rooftops that people with bipolar aren’t getting the care they need and now the data lays it bare.

“Bipolar carries one of the highest suicide risks of any mental illness, yet specialist services are practically non-existent, and Lithium – the gold-standard treatment for suicide prevention – is underused. The time for excuses is over. We need real action, and we need it now.”

The charity has heard from its community of people living with the condition, who are concerned that they are unable to access psychiatrists, have little to no continuity of care and are not being monitored adequately when at high risk. There is also a lack of bipolar specialists in the UK, leading to people not receiving a correct diagnosis or waiting too long to receive one – all of which add to the risk of suicide.

Professor Gergel said: “Neither bipolar disorder nor suicide in people with bipolar disorder are research priorities, resulting in major knowledge gaps in both. This can and must change. The shocking statistics might well underestimate the prevalence of suicide in people with bipolar disorder, given the probability of death by suicide before treatment or accurate diagnosis.”

Adding to that, Simon Kitchen said: “Suicide prevention in bipolar requires a shift in both research priorities and clinical practice. We know lithium saves lives, but it is still under-prescribed. We know specialist care works, but most services are generic and fail to meet the specific needs of people with bipolar. Bipolar suicide is not inevitable, but without urgent action, people will continue to die.”

(image of Prof Gergel, Bipolar UK)

The NCISH report also revealed broader systemic failures contributing to preventable deaths. Alarmingly, patients with bipolar were more likely to:

  • Die within three months of being discharged from inpatient care, highlighting dangerous gaps in post-discharge support​.
  • Miss vital clinical appointments, often due to social isolation or side effects from medication, with 15% identified as non-adherent before their deaths​.
  • Experience extreme distress without access to psychological therapies, with only 12% receiving talking therapies​.

With more than a million people living with bipolar in the UK, the figures from this latest inquiry represent lives lost and has led Bipolar UK to call for urgent action, including implementing:

  1. Specialist bipolar services in every NHS region to ensure timely diagnosis, access to evidence-based treatments and care tailored to the complexities of the condition.
  2. Increased lithium prescribing, in line with NICE guidelines, ensuring every person with bipolar who could benefit from it is given the opportunity.
  3. Enhanced suicide prevention measures, including better follow-up after hospital discharge and targeted support for those who miss appointments or struggle with medication adherence.

Simon Kitchen concluded: “We need all UK health authorities and departments of health across the nation to act now because lives depend on it. The evidence is undeniable, the solutions are clear, and the cost of inaction is catastrophic. Specialist care, Lithium, and targeted suicide prevention measures can and will save lives.

“Bipolar suicide is a national emergency, and the upcoming 10-Year Plan is the critical opportunity to turn the tide. Bipolar-specific services are not optional; they are a lifeline.

“The government and NHS must act now, before more lives are lost to preventable tragedy. It is time to get it right.”

(image: Simon Kitchen, CEO, Bipolar UK)

For more information about suicidal thinking and bipolar, visit: Bipolar and suicide prevention

About Bipolar UK   

Bipolar UK is the only national charity dedicated to supporting people affected by bipolar. Bipolar UK provides a range of services, including information and advice, a network of support groups, an eCommunity, workplace training and telephone and email peer support. Bipolar UK also works in partnership with research organisations and campaigns for change to tackle critical issues. For more information, visit www.bipolaruk.org 

Arabella And The Worry Cloud Article On Parents News UK.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 2 Comments

(image: E Segall/Shelley The Artist)

I am delighted to say that our children’s picture book ‘Arabella and the Worry Cloud‘ about a little girl with anxiety and how she manages her worries, is featured on Parents News UK website! Not only is it Children’s Mental Health Week but it is also Time to Talk day, where we share our stories about mental health.

Here’s a snippet of their thoughts:

‘Supporting children with anxiety, London-based author Eleanor Segall has drawn from her own childhood experiences to write Arabella and the Worry Cloud, a heartfelt picture book supporting children aged 5–8 who struggle with anxiety. Eleanor, who has lived with bipolar disorder since her diagnosis at age 16, aims to help young readers understand and manage their worries through relatable storytelling.

Arabella and the Worry Cloud introduces readers to Arabella, a seven-year-old girl who faces daily worries, from small tasks like putting on her socks to bigger fears about her cat or schoolwork. Her constant companion, the Worry Cloud, symbolises her anxious thoughts, teaching children that worries, like clouds, come and go.

Eleanor shares coping tools within the story, inspired by techniques that helped her manage her own anxiety. Through Arabella’s journey, children learn that even when caught in life’s “rainstorms,” the clouds will eventually clear.’

(image: E Segall/Shelley The Artist)

You can read the full article here. Thanks to all at Parents News UK!

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week with Place2Be: Know Yourself, Grow Yourself.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 3 Comments

(image: Place2Be)

Did you know 1 in 5 children face mental health challenges? Let’s make a difference together this #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek by taking part and donating to Place2be if you can.

The theme of this year’s week is ‘Know Yourself, Grow Yourself’, which is about encouraging children and young people across the UK to embrace self-awareness and explore what it means for them.

This year Place2be is partnering with Here4You, supported by the Walt Disney company and the Inside Out 2 characters to explore the theme.

I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression as a 15 year old, and had anxiety from a young age. I was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 16 and in a CAMHS unit in hospital in 2004. We know these days that more children are struggling, which is why awareness weeks like this are so important.

Through my kids book, Arabella and the Worry Cloud, I try to help children with their own anxiety to help them process their feelings with a trusted adult.

Check out: https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/ for more information and how you and your family/school can get involved with Childrens Mental Health Awareness Week.

Approach Dry January “With Caution” Says Experts.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Charity Beth Long, Roman Kraft)

With Dry January almost coming to an end, the charity initiative which encourages people to abstain from alcohol for the whole month, should be approached with caution, says an expert.

Dry January was started by Alcohol Change UK in 2014 and challenges Britons to give up alcohol for the month of January. The concept has proven popular and has expanded across the globe, including huge adoption in the US.

But according to addiction specialist, Nicholas Conn of Help4Addiction, the giving up of alcohol for an entire month can lead to further problems down the line.

“Some of the heavier drinkers may be on the cusp of needing professional help,” he says. “Similarly you may find that some people start to overdrink in February to make up for lost time.”

“It is almost similar to the adverts that discourage smoking on cigarette packets – they can have an opposite effect.”

The average Briton consumes 14 units of alcohol per week (for women, it is around half of this) and for heavier drinks, it can be multiples of this amount.

“In fact,” he continues, “Dry January is more harmful to some individuals who consume alcohol every day or are more reliant on it. The process of alcohol detox or cold turkey can give people withdrawal and they may not have the resources to cope with it. Such side effects include headaches, irritability and changes in their sleep patterns.”

“In a professional setting or under the supervision of trained staff, someone who consumes too much alcohol might be given exercises or medication to help with withdrawal. But trying Dry January without a real plan in place can lead to complications of relapsing and being in a worse position than when they started.”

Advice For People Doing Dry January

“Dry January is a very positive initiative. Alcohol has some very negative impacts to the brain, liver and general health, let alone a huge cost to the NHS and society in general due to misbehaviour fuelled by alcohol.”

“Start by setting realistic goals. Perhaps this means limiting the number of days that you drink or the amount that you drink too.”

“Understand why you drink. Do you drink for social purposes or is it habitual? If you consume alcohol to function in the day, to help you get out of bed in the morning or you need it to socialise, you might need to seek professional help from the likes of the NHS or AA.”

“Try alternatives. There are several alcoholic alternatives today such as beers, mocktails and gins. You can also consider moving away from the activities that make you drink such as going to a pub or watching football and taking up a new hobby in January.”

“Dry January starts with you acknowledging that you want something to change and taking lifestyle actions to make these changes.” Conn adds.

“Abstaining from alcohol for one month could be a quick fix, but making a longer term plan is more likely to help you and maintain a healthy balance and lifestyle.”

Transforming Bedrooms Into Anxiety-Reducing Spaces For Kids by Amy Jones

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 2 Comments

(image: Kenny Eliason: Unsplash)

There is nothing more heartbreaking than to see your child suffering. What’s more, when their mind is playing tricks on them, and they’re experiencing spells of anxiety, it can leave you feeling helpless as the parent/carer. While you may be doing all the right things such as taking them to therapy and encouraging them to talk about their feelings, sometimes their environment can play a huge role in their emotions. Children spend a lot of their time in their bedrooms, especially when they’re feeling anxious about the outside world. Transforming their bedroom into an anxiety-reducing space could be the key to allowing them an environment to disconnect from ruminating thoughts completely.

Be sure to listen to what your children want for their bedrooms before taking the design into your own hands. If they believe a Minecraft bedroom will make them feel happy and give them a sense of security in their space, listen! Otherwise, consider the following tips for designing your bedroom into an anxiety-reducing space. 

Colour schemes 

Starting with the room’s backdrop, consider painting your child’s room a colour that inflicts a sense of calmness and serenity. There are a number of colours that are proven to create this mood, for example, cool colours such as blue, green and lavender grey are known to create a relaxing feel. Also, pastel shades of favourites such as pink and green are perfect for creating a sense of tranquillity. 

Connections to nature 

Nature has shown to have immense benefits for reducing anxiety, from going for walks to playing in the park, if your child is struggling to face the great outdoors, consider bringing it to them. For example, add touches of greenery in the space. There can be faux versions of vines winding round their bed, or perhaps give them real plants to take care of and give them a greater sense of purpose. If your child has been begging for an animal, why not start small and get them a fish? It has been proven that watching fish swim back and forth can relax the mind and ease muscle tension.

Blue LED lighting 

Lighting can be a hard element of the bedroom to influence. If your child’s bedroom is currently brightly lit with fluorescent light this may not be helping their state of mind. Blue light therapy has been raved for its ability to influence mood and the body’s biological clock. Dimming their bedroom lighting with blue lighting may support their night of rest. Several sensory light appliances can create this experience, in addition to adding texture to the projection that mimics ocean waves. 

Create “safe spots”

Sometimes, your child just wants to be alone, and that’s okay. Creating a safe space away from the world can be simple with the addition of a children’s teepee, or if your child has a bunk bed with underspace, make this area more private with curtains. Fill this space with comfy seating, pillows, and games for your child to play. It can be tempting to buy them an Xbox or PlayStation to enjoy in their bedroom, but this can worsen your child’s anxiety and keep their mind active when it’s time for rest. Keep technology away from their bedroom, and keep it comforting and quiet. 

Keep schooling separate 

Another mistake parents make with their child’s bedroom is adding a desk for them to complete school work. When your child is suffering from anxiety, school can often inflict feelings of discomfort or remind them of unpleasant experiences. Allow your child to do their school work downstairs where you can support them and be there for them. Allocated places for different activities can help them feel a sense of security. Reserve the bedroom for sleep. Having a small table and chair for your child to do artwork can act as a place to explore their creativity. 

Encourage rest & relaxation

Encouraging relaxation is essential when transforming your child’s bedroom into an anxiety-reducing space. This involves creating an atmosphere that promotes comfort and signals to your child that their room is a sanctuary for winding down and recharging. Start by investing in high-quality, soft bedding and cosy blankets that make your bed an inviting haven. Add plush pillows or weighted blankets, which are known to provide a sense of security and calmness.

(image: Pexels: Vika Glitter)

An anxiety-reducing space

Transforming your child’s bedroom into an anxiety-reducing space can have a profound impact on their emotional wellbeing. By focusing on calming colours, natural elements, thoughtful lighting, and creating safe and comforting zones, you’re helping to create a sanctuary where they can decompress and feel at ease. Remember, every child is unique, so it’s important to involve them in the process and tailor the space to their individual needs and preferences.

Small changes in their environment can make a big difference in their ability to manage anxiety and feel secure. While this is just one piece of the puzzle, pairing it with emotional support, therapy, and open communication can empower your child to navigate their emotions with greater resilience. A cosy, peaceful bedroom can become their haven—a place to relax, recharge, and truly feel at home.

Author Bio

Amy Jones is a freelance writer and enjoys writing a range of topics, from mental wellness to home renovation and loves researching the latest news and updates. Having worked with a number of different businesses, including Petite Lumeire, Amy is now a freelance writer looking to specialise in children’s mental and physical wellness.

Things You May Not Know Can Impact Your Mental And Physical Wellness.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Patrick Perkins, Unsplash)

So many aspects of life can impact your mental and physical health and overall wellbeing. In this blog, we will be focusing on relationship stress, seasonal changes and our homes and how they can impact our wellness.

Your Relationship

Your relationship is one of the things that can impact your health the most. Of course it has the ability to impact your mental health, though we’re also talking about the physical side of things. This is especially apparent if your relationship is full of stress and causing you to struggle mentally. Stress from relationships can trigger skin conditions such as acne and break outs. It can be a reaction that your body is having, to tell you that it needs to slow down and heal.

Relationship troubles can lead to arguments and isolation and cause emotional difficulties. If you’re worried that your relationship is not good for your health, try talking to your partner calmly and in a safe environment. If this is not possible, reach out to a therapist or support network too.

The Season

Time of the year has a huge effect on our mental health, the season changes everything. In the fall (autumn) and the winter it’s far more common for people to be ill with depression due to the weather, than it is in the summer months. People also become more physically unwell too. This could be for a number of reasons, but it’s partially because people’s immune systems are weaker when it’s colder outside. 

So, if you notice that you are getting poorly, that your joints are hurting, that you’re generally feeling unwell, it could be because of the colder weather and season.

Your Home

Your home doesn’t mean to harm you, but sometimes a build up of dust or toxic material, a leaking roof or something else can really cause you problems you can’t avoid. You can try cleaning, making repairs, and even throwing out old furniture and replacing it with new pieces. Oak dining chairs and tables are in fashion right now, so why not consider it?

At the end of the day, there are so many different things that can impact your health and you have to be ready for all of them. It’s important that you remain vigilant, and if something seems to be causing you any issues with your health, you have to work on it asap and reach out for support from your doctor.

This article was written by a freelance writer.

New Year, Rome Holiday and Health by Eleanor

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 2 Comments

(image: QuoteFancy)

Hi everyone!

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year 2025!

January can be a challenging month for us all, post the festivities and time off work. I just thought I would write a little update here.

This year, I am looking for a new role in Digital Communications for charities/ lifestyle brands, Journalism or Writing. I have also written the sequel to Arabella and the Worry Cloud– which is very exciting. I loved writing it and hope to work on it further this year :). The story came to me in Summer 2024 and I have been refining it. This month, my story (and my Dads) is also featured in ‘The Inherited Mind’, an amazing book by journalist James Longman about his search to understand whether mental illness is inherited – which is out now with Hyperion Books!

I had some time off over Christmas break and my husband Rob and I spent a wonderful holiday in Rome. It was really wonderful to explore the city (Robs first time there), eat lots of delicious food and just have time together! We tend to go away in the Winter due to Robs annual leave and have lots of lovely memories to sustain us through the new year (we went to the Colosseum and Roman Forum, Stadio Olimpico and Jewish Museum). We visited lots of restaurants and an amazing gelato shop (Marlene’s) and went shopping. We spent New Years Eve eating a yum dinner with wine and it was a very special week.

My health is a work in progress. I am working with the NHS Oviva programme to lose weight at the moment- which I hope will boost my fertility and general health- both mental and physical (and hopefully improve my PCOS). I will give more updates on that when I have experienced more of the programme- but I am working alongside a dietitian and medical professionals.

Mentally, it has not been an easy time and there has been a lot going on outside of all of this, but I am trying to take it day by day, hour by hour and create new opportunities for myself to thrive. There’s times where we all don’t feel good enough and have imposter syndrome. I do believe miracles happen when we choose joy and choose to co-create. The right opportunities will come- career wise, financially and health wise. I have been feeling more anxious at times but every day is different and I am trying to reset and look after myself, and those around me.

Here’s to a a happy and healthy 2025 with lots of amazing things manifesting!

How was your break?

Love,

Eleanor

Mind Charity And The Works Reveal The Crafts That Will Aid Your Mental Health This Winter.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 2 Comments

(image: Andrey Novik, Unsplash)

With the nights drawing in, The Works have teamed up with the mental health charity, Mind, to raise awareness of the mental health benefits of crafting.  

The winter can be especially difficult for many, with darker, colder days and prolonged periods of rain affecting energy, mood, anxiety and stress levels. Some people may experience Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is a type of depression experienced during different seasons or times of year.

Stephen Buckley, Head of Information at Mind said, 

“We know that crafting can be a powerful way to support mental health and wellbeing. Creative activities like card-making or knitting require focus, which may help us disconnect from daily pressures and find a welcome distraction. Learning a new skill can also bring a sense of accomplishment, which can be especially rewarding as the nights draw in. The repetitive motions of these crafts can feel meditative and calming, making them a helpful tool for managing stress, depression, and anxiety. Different things will work for different people and the main thing is finding a craft you enjoy and which fits into your life.”

Mind and The Works have produced a blog post with some ideas for easing stress and anxiety, boosting concentration, focus and memory.

Lynne Tooms, Chief Commercial Officer at The Works said, “Channelling your emotions into creativity can have a huge impact on us as adults, with various craft types having a big impact on our mood and sense of achievement, as well as providing us with skills and hobbies that can turn into passions to enjoy all year round.”

Crafts suggested include painting, scrapbooking and crocheting, with the full list found below.

https://www.theworks.co.uk/theworks-blog/craft/winter-wellbeing-crafts.html

Top 10 crafts ideas to support wellbeing:

  1. Colouring
  2. Crocheting
  3. Knitting
  4. Painting
  5. Ceramics
  6. Sketching
  7. Scrapbooking
  8. Journalling
  9. Cross Stitch
  10. Flower Pressing

This post was written by a freelance writer on behalf of Mind and The Works.