Tag: new year

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

Shana Tova- A Happy and Sweet Jewish New Year from Be Ur Own Light.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 2 Comments

(image: Freepik)

Wishing all our Jewish readers around the world a happy, healthy and sweet new year- Shana Tova U’Metuka (which starts on Wednesday night)_ Rosh Hashana- Jewish New Year is a time of reflection on the year that has been and we reflect on how to be better people and do more good deeds.

This year has been particularly difficult for many of us due to the political climate at home and abroad and we hope for peace, prosperity and goodness in the days ahead.

Wishing you and your family Shana Tova,

Eleanor and family

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How You Can Achieve A Healthier Lifestyle This New Year.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Brooke Lark: Unsplash)

It’s about the time of year when everyone decides that they’re going to live a healthier lifestyle. If you’re not sure how you can achieve this goal, don’t worry. There are plenty of changes, some of which are easier to manage than others, that will help you improve your health. You can also do this all year round, not just on New Year’s Eve or for a few weeks in January.

  1. Eat Better

Have you ever heard the saying “you are what you eat”? People often think about it in the vein of weight loss, but that’s the first misconception people have about eating healthily. 

Eating better doesn’t just mean trying to lose weight. Sometimes, weight loss is a part of your lifestyle goals, but not necessarily. In fact, changing your diet just to lose weight can lead to an unhealthy and unsustainable lifestyle. You might lose the weight quickly, but your health could suffer and you’re less likely to maintain the results. 

Instead, focus on a well balanced and nutritious diet. Eat the calories you need and make wise food choices. You don’t need to be too restricted, just controlled. 

  1. Drink Plenty 

No, this isn’t a suggestion to drink more alcohol. While alcohol in moderation isn’t a problem, too much alcohol can be terrible for your health. 

Rather, you should think about how much water you drink. The recommended amount is between 6 and 8 glasses of liquid. It doesn’t have to be water. Tea, coffee, and soft drinks do count. 

However, it’s better to drink mainly water and non-sugar drinks. Soft drinks with a lot of sugar contain loads of calories and have very little nutrition, which isn’t a great combo. 

  1. Cut Out Bad Habits

Speaking of cutting things down, you should definitely think about cutting out bad habits like smoking or substance abuse. 

Smoking causes a huge amount of damage to your body and wallet. While you can go cold turkey and completely cut smoking out, some people find this difficult. NRTs, or nicotine replacement therapies, are a good way to wean yourself off.

If you’re trying to stop a very heavy smoking habit, this is especially helpful. Find treatments that work for you, whether that’s extra strong pouches or another kind of medication. 

  1. Exercise

It’s no secret that good fitness is good for your physical and mental health. 

The key to getting fit is to build yourself up. Don’t try to run a marathon right away. Set small, achievable goals and stick to them. The key is exercising regularly, not becoming an instant athlete. 

  1. Mental Health 

A big part of a healthy lifestyle is your mental health. This will keep you happy and healthy. 

This is easier said than done, especially when you’re balancing your mental health with physical health problems. We have enough to deal with in our lives without adding chronic pain or fatigue into the mix. 

Keep an eye on your mental state and well-being. If you do feel overwhelmed, talk to someone. Whether it’s a friend or a medical professional, talking things out can help you process problems and manage them better. 

Heres to a healthy and happy 2024!

This article was written by a freelance writer.

Shana Tova: Happy New Jewish Year To All Our Readers!

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 2 Comments

As long summer days wind slowly into the peacefulness and darker evenings of Autumn, us Jews around the world celebrate Rosh Hashanah, Jewish New Year. Although, it is not so much a celebration with fireworks and partying, but a time to come together for introspection of the year that has been and looking to the new year ahead. We gather with family, pray, give charity and eat lots of apple and honey (and honey flavoured treats) for a sweet year. They say that on Rosh Hashanah, your fate for the year ahead is written, but you have time to change that.

It has been a fulfilling year- with many twists and turns, ups and downs. This year, two sweet nephews were born and my best friend had a baby too- which were joyous. We celebrated birthdays, engagements and weddings. We travelled to Cyprus on holiday (which was wonderful) and went on a steam train for Robs birthday. We went to the theatre numerous times and the cinema too! We met new people, made new friends and had new experiences too.

We lost relatives and people we loved this year. This year was a year of growth but also of endings, as well as beginnings.

The blog has been busy this year and it is amazing to still be blogging after 7 years!

I know that Jewish festivals can be a hard time for people’s mental health and are a time for reflection. Please reach out for support if you need it from loved ones or helplines like the Samaritans 116 123.

This year, I pray for health, happiness and goodness in all areas of life.

With love and light,

Shana Tova U’Metuka (good and sweet year)

Eleanor

Moving Forward Into 2023. Happy New Year!

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 4 Comments

(image: girlwithdreams)

Tonight I was sat with Rob and our friends at their home, enjoying a dinner together. We ate good food and just loved being together. We then watched the beautiful fireworks on TV as Big Ben (the clock) tolled in midnight.

And as I watched the colours take off and swirl in the night sky over London, wishing our friends happy new year and looking at Rob, I thought about the year that has been.

At the end of 2021, I created a vision board for this year and what I wanted to manifest. Amazingly, a lot of it has and I am hugely grateful for so much that this year has brought (some parts though weren’t so good, and thats absolutely ok.. we are human and life isn’t always perfect).

There are some dreams that I hope will come true for 2023. Good health and happiness of course for us, family, friends and everyone at the top of the list.

2022 was a year of many ups and some downs. For now, I would like to keep my resolutions and hopes to myself until I feel ready to share them but want to wish you all a happy, healthy new year. May it bring only blessings and may all our hopes and wishes manifest for the good.

Thank you for reading and supporting this blog in 2022 and always! In March, it will be 7 years since I started blogging!

Heres to 2023!

Love,

Eleanor x

Mental Health New Years Resolutions by my Twitter Followers (and I). by Eleanor

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment
(image: Unsplash)

Its 2022 and some of us are making New Years Resolutions so I thought it would be a good idea to do ones focused on mental health and wellbeing. I asked some of my lovely Twitter followers what their resolutions were to include in a blog, so here they are. Thanks to all who contributed! I would love to know yours too!

Mine are get enough sleep, eat more healthily, lose weight and self care.

We can add:

Conversations Create Change LLC– My intentions are to nurture my inner child through healthy eating and fun activities.

Rabbi E. Poupko– Produce more video content for my YouTube channel!

Polly– Mine are to reduce my alcohol consumption, swim at least once a week, and learn to say No!

Erin Hallett– Saying no more often without an apology and continuing with daily yoga .

Ncediwe Solwandle– Try to take time out for myself from time to time, invest in boosting my confidence and self-esteem.

Guy Barton– I don’t do New Years resolutions but I aim to believe in myself more.

Stuart Rimmer MBE– Spend time in nature , heading for the mountains and living with more simplicity to counter the worlds complexity.

Robert Ashton– 1- Exercise, 2- sleep, 3- the outdoors, 4 – SAD lamp 5- 15 mins silent reflection at the start of the day.

What are your new years mental health resolutions?

(image Unsplash)


Love,

Eleanor

Reflecting on a New Year 2022: Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful by Eleanor

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 2 Comments
(image: Neon Filter)

When I was a child, growing up in Hertfordshire, my biggest dream (other than being a wife and mummy one day, because yes even then I dreamt of that) was to be an actress in the West End. I could think of nothing more exciting than standing on a stage, performing and I wanted to go to drama school from age 11. I went in the end at age 23 to do my masters degree at Royal Central in London, after doing a 3 year degree featuring Drama at Goldsmiths. I was so excited to have achieved a dream of mine, even though for many reasons I decided not to act professionally.

However, sometimes, long held dreams, things that are part of the core of our being, of our inner identity, can be a little harder to achieve. Sometimes, we find ourselves on the less travelled path, we feel different from our friends and family because our lives, for whatever reason, are different. We have to consider our health in a unique way. We have to try and surrender our fears to the universe and hope that everything will work out OK.

When I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 16, I was still a child and I didn’t know what it would feel like to be an adult, needing a cocktail of medication daily in order to have stable brain chemistry. And how this medication might affect my body and mind- and considering children in the future as a woman with bipolar and all that brings- discussions with psychiatrists, difficult decisions to be made, do I carry my own baby, what will make things safer for me?

As I look ahead to 2022, I know that our dreams are there to be fulfilled. I know that I must trust and have faith that whatever happens, whatever 2022 brings to us, I will always have hope and I know my husband will too.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2022 – may all our dreams manifest for the good.

Eleanor x

5 Self Help Books to Set Your Intentions in 2022.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 2 Comments

(image: Cottonbro at Pexels)

As a new year approaches, many of us will attempt to reflect on the past and plan for the future. However, if the past two years have taught us anything, it’s that all the planning in the world can’t always stand up to what gets thrown our way.

That’s why setting broad intentions — rather than specific goals, which can make us feel trapped — at the start of the year (or indeed any time of year!) can be so useful: these intentions make us more resilient to life’s unpredictable hurdles, helping us stay focused on the present. 

If this is a new way of thinking, don’t worry; you don’t have to go it alone! Whether it’s talking to friends or listening to audiobooks and podcasts, there are plenty of places to seek out intention-based inspiration. In this post, you’ll find five self-help books to help you set your intentions as we transition into 2022.

(image: Artem Podrez at Pexels)

1. No Such Thing as Normal by Bryony Gordon

If you’re tired of the overly commercialized “wellness” and “self-care” industries, No Such Thing as Normal will feel like a breath of fresh air. Bryony Gordon, founder of Mental Health Mates, offers practical advice on subjects ranging from daily anxiety to therapy and boundary-setting, with the aim of reassuring readers that they’re not so alone in their mental health struggles. If one of your intentions for the new year is to take charge of your mental health, Gordon’s book will give you a solid foundation upon which to build your confidence and feel more empowered. 

2. Sensitive is the New Strong: The Power of Empaths in an Increasingly Harsh World by Anita Moorjani

Empaths experience overwhelming feelings that come with strongly sensing, and sometimes even absorbing, other people’s emotions. But in Sensitive is the New Strong, inspirational author Anita Moorjani argues that empathy can be harnessed as a powerful tool to help build stronger connections and live as your most authentic self. She includes personal anecdotes, meditation guidance, and self-care mantras to create an inspiring handbook for anyone looking to embrace their sensitivity and express their emotions more freely. Dive into this book to tap into your inner empath in 2022!

3. The Lightmaker’s Manifesto: How to Work for Change without Losing Your Joy by Karen Walrond

Praised by Brené Brown for breaking activism down into small and intentional steps, The Lightmaker’s Manifesto is a hands-on guide for anyone who wants to enact meaningful change in the world. And who better to trust for advice than leadership coach, lawyer, and activist Karen Walrond? In this book, she lists practical journaling and mindfulness exercises that you can implement into your everyday life, plus advice from fellow activists and thought leaders to help you become a true “lightmaker”. The result will inspire you to find causes close to your heart and lead a life of not just integrity and advocacy, but genuine joy. 

4. Stretch: Unlock the Power of Less and Achieve More Than You Ever Imagined by Scott Sonenshein

It’s also common to set professional goals in the new year — perhaps you’re gunning for a promotion, or maybe you want to get started on an ambitious new project. Whatever the aim, it’s important to have the right attitude to achieve it. In his groundbreaking self-help book Stretch, Scott Sonenshein debunks common myths around how to succeed in business and life. He explains that instead of striving for more and more assets, we should appreciate and stretch the resources we already have. If one of your intentions is to shift towards more of a growth mindset, then this is the book for you.

5. Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski

Ready to put an end to constant cycles of stress and burnout in 2022? Sisters Emily and Amelia Nagoski have co-written Burnout to address the particularly severe ways that burnout affects women. The book covers scientific causes of stress, as well as holistic approaches and lifestyle changes to combat its effect on our everyday lives. Entering the new year with this wealth of knowledge will help you minimize the burden of societal expectations and leave you feeling empowered to tackle whatever the world throws your way — especially as a woman, but honestly as anyone determined to avoid future burnout.

Reading self-help books is, of course, only the beginning. But hopefully these books have given you a good starting point to go into the new year with strong, meaningful intentions! Good luck.

This article was written by a freelance writer.

Life Changing Habits to Bring into the New Year: Guest blog By Vanessa Hill

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: http://gandlblog.com/17-inspirational-new-years-quotes-for-2020/)

The start of 2020 is a special time. Not only are we lucky enough to be able to start a new year, but we also have the privilege of beginning a new decade. We have the opportunity to define the next ten years of our lives, which means we should probably be starting it off on the right foot by developing good habits. Here are three life-changing habits that you can start doing right now to ensure you have a great decade.

Eat Healthy Foods 

The first habit you need to bring into the new year with you is making your health a priority, and one of the easiest ways to do this is by maintaining a healthy diet. Your diet plays a huge role in how you feel mentally and physically. It’s where your body sources it’s energy from, so when you put good things in your body you feel good. Now, this doesn’t mean you have to completely give up your favourite guilty pleasures. Try thinking of things you can incorporate into your diet rather than thinking of things you want to get rid of. Commit to eating more leafy greens rather than swearing off chocolate. Choose to eat whole grain rather than avoiding carbs.

If you’re not entirely sure where to start, you can always sign up for healthy eating program that shows you exactly how to transform your eating habits. Even if losing weight isn’t your goal, you’ll find that making healthier choices with your nutrition will leave you feeling better, and give you the energy to take on the year.

Please note to speak to a doctor before you start any new eating program and take care if you are struggling with your mental health alongside. 

Develop a consistent sleep routine

Sleep is an underrated body function that too many of us take for granted. Our bodies use this time to repair damages, replenish our energy, and restore us to a functioning state. Lack of sleep negatively affects every part of your body. If you’re tired of struggling with brain fog, lack of energy, and irritability, then developing a good sleeping pattern is the place to start.

Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day– even on the weekends. This may be a bit tricky if you’re younger and you find yourself spending your weekend nights out on the town, if you travel a lot, or if you have young children. But once you come up with a schedule that works, try to stick to this as closely as you can. You’ll find that your days are more bearable and you might even get deeper sleep at night. Don’t be afraid to consult a sleep specialist if you’re having trouble getting a good night’s rest. They’ll be able to help you get the best sleep possible, which will turn into you living the best year possible. 

Practice Gratitude

While people are eager to think of the things they want to change at the beginning of the year, it’s important to show your appreciation for the things that you do have and for where you are right now. You can show gratitude on a macro-scale, where you’re thankful for your friends and family, for your amazing job, or the events that you’re lucky enough to experience. On a micro-scale, you can be thankful that you had enough money for coffee today, for example.

Either way, taking the time to notice and appreciate the things that are going well around you will give you a positive outlook on life, and it will remind you of all the reasons you have to smile. You have so much to be thankful for, you should regularly remind yourself of that.

About the Author

Vanessa is a content writer who’s passionate about spreading knowledge and joy to the world. When she’s not writing, she enjoys exploring the streets in a foreign country where she can immerse herself in different cultures.

2020: New Year Round Up by Eleanor

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 8 Comments

 

(image: Prevention.com)

New year posts are always hard to write aren’t they? We start the year in a midst of optimism about goals and achievements and working towards our dream/s. But it can so easily get derailed as life gets overwhelming or busy. However, this post is to say ‘do not give up!’ (to me and to you).

2019 was an amazing, busy, emotional, whirlwind of a year for me. I started the year engaged and half way through wedding planning. In March, my step grandpa sadly passed away at the age of 96. Then, my father in law has stage 3 brain cancer and earlier this year was hospitalised for pneumonia (due to chemotherapy weakening the immune system), which then rapidly became sepsis (poisoning) which can be life threatening. We didn’t know if he would make the wedding and at one point we didn’t know if he would make it through the night.  There was a lot of praying, a lot of fear, a lot of emotion. That was April.

Thankfully, he survived and recovered over months at home. But he is still unwell- we are just lucky he is still here and he made our wedding too.

In May, I started a new job in PR and Communications and met the best colleagues ever. I also spent the year writing my book ‘Bring me to Light’ with Trigger editors Stephanie and Katie. I submitted the manuscript 2 weeks before our wedding.

In late June, I was bridesmaid for my best friends wedding and it was wonderful.

In July, I married my best friend in front of loved ones (including father in law), we moved in together and we went on honeymoon to Sicily, Italy in August to a beautiful place and made good memories. In September, Rob’s cousin got married and that was a lovely family wedding.

In October, I left my new job for personal reasons- although I loved it. The stress of the year, the changes of life had got to my mental health. I am currently working freelance as a writer but applying for jobs too.

Sometime in October/ November, I started EMDR trauma therapy with a wonderful therapist and I hope it continues to help me.

In November, my book was published and sent out to the world and I did some press for it, although I experienced heightened anxiety with it coming out which affected me for a while. Good friends got married too at this time.

In December, I went to Limmud Festival (a conference) with my Dad for our first talk about it and managed to speak, despite my anxiety.

Now, its 2020.

I have some goals for this year. Mainly to be happy, healthy and confident and to give to other people.

This year I would like:

–To publish my children’s stories

-To seek out amazing opportunities to promote my book

-To work as a writer and in social media. I would also love the opportunity to work in schools again part time to develop my skills in early years. For me to be financially independent is something I would love again.

-Manage my panic attacks through therapeutic techniques.

-To raise more mental health awareness

-To be more healthy and look after my body

-To be kind and give to others more.

 

Here’s to a new year of health, happiness and prosperity. How was your 2019/ new year?

Eleanor x