How can this New Year be a different one?

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How can this New Year be a different one? Do you really want it to change?

Happy New Year to you all. I hope you have a wonderful, healthy and happy year ahead. As the calendar turns over and a new year begins, have you ever thought about how you can make this one different?

Many of us start with a resolution or a new word to embody the year ahead, but is this just a habit that we get into, one that carries no real purpose? Or is it a decision that we make consciously? I gave up making resolutions many years ago as by the time February came around, I had promptly forgotten what I was going to do.

Instead I have been choosing a word each year, to describe how I want the year to unfold, be it one of Freedom, Finding Balance or one of Creativity, to name a few. This year however, I have done neither. They both feel a bit forced to me.

Instead I am thinking about how I want the year to unfold, how I want it to be different from previous years. I want to retain the love of family and friends, the joy of adventure, the closeness to those I love, having laughter and great health. These I have wanted in previous years too. But this year I also want to live a life of my choosing, a life where every day is filled with joy and gratitude.

Now obviously I don’t live in Fairyland and ‘stuff’ happens. Stress, illness, arguments, sadness are all a part of life, as are joy, laughter and love. But what I really want is to make this year, a year of difference, where I consciously choose how I want to live each day. I love my Reflexology clients and my business is an important part of my week, but there is also so much more to my life.

Creativity and Freedom light up my soul and I plan to include more of them into every day. I’m not quite sure how this will play out, but I’m going to have fun exploring. I plan to do more painting, photography and writing. I am also going to do more meditations for Insight Timer (a free app that has thousands of meditations on it) and maybe a course or two.

I also plan to have days just to be in nature, or read a book, days of freedom without any agenda, days of no obligations.

How can this New Year be a different one? What are ‘You’ going to do? Now there is nothing wrong with continuing on as before, with more of the same. However if we never change the way we do things, if we never strive for something else or something new, we never grow.

So how is your year going to be different? Maybe like me, you will include more time for yourself? Maybe you will try some new creative venture? Maybe you will travel more or write or draw or learn a new language? Maybe you will take up yoga or meditation?

There is no right or wrong. Just do what lights you up and brings you joy and a sense of fulfillment. If you want to make a New Year’s resolution or choose a word then please do so. What is right for one person is not necessarily right for another.

But whatever you choose to do and however you want this new year to pan out, make sure it brings you happiness and a sense of purpose.

Wishing you all a wonderful twelve months ahead.

With warmest wishes,

Judy xxx

PS PS. If you would like to start the New Year by living a life of your choosing, my book, ‘True Essence: Finding your authentic self without compromise” is still available. Signed copies can be ordered here or through Amazon here.

If you would like to listen to my meditation on Insight Timer, you can do so here https://insighttimer.com/judynewbery/guided-meditations/breathe-in-the-breath-of-life

Disclaimer: Please note that all information in this article is the opinion of the author and obtained through her research and knowledge and the above references. It is not meant to replace medical advice and a medical opinion should always be obtained for any health condition.

References: Phot by Debra Manny Mosley on Unsplash

Did you know that you have a ‘wonder’ Hormone?

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Did you know that you have a ‘wonder’ hormone? It’s called Serotonin and I call it a wonder hormone because it has so many amazing and wonderful functions.

Serotonin is a chemical messenger that is produced by nerve cells in the brain and the intestines. It is a neurotransmitter that sends messages between cells. It is known as the happy hormone because it affects our mood and emotions.

As well as affecting our central nervous system, it influences our appetite and digestion. It also helps regulate our sleep-wake cycles, affects bone metabolism, cardiovascular and eye health, blood clotting, wound healing, memory, sexual desire and neurological disorders. Serotonin plays a vital role in most major organ systems, including the cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems.

Ninety percent of serotonin is produced in our gut and recent research shows that it is connected to the production of the gut microbiome. A decrease in the gut microbiome has also been linked to the incidence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Our gut microbiome consists of the millions of bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses, that in a healthy person, coexist peacefully. Our gut microbiome is involved in our overall health, in particular, our immune system.

As Serotonin regulates our mood, it’s often called our body’s natural “feel good” chemical. When serotonin is at normal levels, we feel more focused, emotionally stable, happier and calmer. So if Serotonin is indeed this wonder hormone, what can we do to increase it naturally?

Spending time outdoors with exposure to sunlight has shown to be beneficial for serotonin levels. Regular exercise also boosts production of Serotonin leading to a better mood and overall well being. A healthy balanced diet and regular sleep as well as meditation and Reflexology, have also been shown to help.

Did you know that you have a ‘wonder’ hormone? You certainly do. That’s why it’s so important to lead a healthy lifestyle. Diet, exercise, meditation and measures to reduce stress, such as Reflexology and massage, all affect our Serotonin level. So why not make some changes now and incorporate some healthy habits into your lifestyle. Your ‘wonder’ hormone will thank you for it.

With warmest wishes,

Judy xxx

Disclaimer: Please note that all information in this article is the opinion of the author and obtained through her research and knowledge and the above references. It is not meant to replace medical advice and a medical opinion should always be obtained for any health condition.

References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5074899/; https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-05756-0#:~:text=Research%20shows%20that%20more%20than,can%20produce%20norepinephrine47%2C48. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232248#boosting-serotonin; https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22572-serotonin# Photo by Hudson Hintze on Unsplash. 

Do You Find it Difficult to Let Go?

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Do you find it difficult to let go? To let go of what no longer serves you? Letting go means to release something and it can come in many forms.

It may be releasing an object or personal item that we no longer need, or it may be an emotion that we have held on to for too long. It may also be releasing a person or the obligations that we have placed on them.

Letting go isn’t always easy. It’s rarely straightforward and can feel very painful. But sometimes letting go, is the only way we can move forward. It may be the only way that we can heal.

We may have someone hurt us in a relationship or friendship. We may feel anger and deep sorrow and find it hard to forgive. Letting go doesn’t mean that you forget what has happened to you, but rather that you recognise how you are feeling, give thanks for the joy that was once there and forgive so that you can move on. Forgiveness is not just accepting what has happened, but it means showing compassion towards yourself so that you can release any lingering anger or hurt.

We may find it hard to let go of behaviours that we know aren’t good for us, yet we persist in pursuing them. Are we the people pleaser, the one who is always there for everyone else and puts themselves last? Do we let others always take priority and say ‘Yes’ to everyone even though we are feeling tired or depleted? Establishing healthy boundaries isn’t always easy as we may fear the repercussions, but it’s the only way we can truly honour and love ourselves.

Do you find it difficult to let go or do you hold on for dear life? I know that I often do. My son may be moving overseas next year and I have found this very difficult to come to terms with. But I know that he has his own life to live and his own decisions to make. I may not agree with his choices but they are his choices, not mine, and I have to let go.

Letting go can bring up fear. If we let go, we may lose control. We open ourselves up to vulnerability and possibly criticism or judgement. Letting go opens us up to the unknown. But if we always hold on too tightly, we may never know what is possible. Maybe a new opportunity will come up or we release someone or something that needs to be released and needs to grow, without our involvement. Maybe we will allow ourselves to heal.

Ironically as I was writing this newsletter my website crashed. That’s why this newsletter is late. It was incredibly frustrating but I had to let go. I had to trust that the website host would sort it out for me. I had no control. Not a comfortable feeling, but one I am becoming more familiar with, and that’s okay.

When I see clients in my clinic for a Facial Reflexology treatment, I always look at the area of their body that is most out of balance. These areas also hold emotions and very often our emotions form the basis of a disease, condition or ailment. Holding on to anger, grief, fear or worry never benefits us in the long term.

There is no judgement here for we all hold emotions within ourselves for a variety of reason. Maybe we have been deeply hurt or we have suffered some trauma or grief. We bury that emotion deep within so that we feel safe and can carry on. But all emotions need to be dealt with, as over time they will arise again in some form or another. They may come up in an entirely different situation or illness, just to remind us that we still have issues to deal with. It’s okay to say that we aren’t coping or that we need help, and we should never be ashamed of asking for support.

Do you find it difficult to let go? I know that I certainly do. But as I lean in to the possibilities and the relief that letting go brings, I open myself up to growth and healing. Letting go allows all of us to do the same and empowers us to lead happier and healthier lives.

With warmest wishes,

Judy xxx

Disclaimer: Please note that all information in this article is the opinion of the author and obtained through her research and knowledge and the above references. It is not meant to replace medical advice and a medical opinion should always be obtained for any health condition.

References: Image by Darby Browning from Pixabay

How is your Winter Self-Care going?

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How is your winter self-care going? Does it even exist and why do you need it? Self-care is an ongoing behaviour. It is something that we need to do each day on an ongoing basis. It needs to become a part of who we are and how we value ourselves.

But it isn’t always easy. So many other tasks and obligations get in the way. Work, family, illness, others needs all seem to impose themselves on our time. However it’s a practice that we need to work at so that our own needs are met first. Easily said but not always easily done.

Winter is a time when self-care really needs to come to the fore. We tend to spend more time indoors, eat more ‘comforting’ foods and may do less exercise. It’s far too cold out there. Viruses are always around, but seem to be more prevalent at this time of year. It’s also easier to become ill in winter when we are often in warm, indoor environments with other people. Viruses tend to spread more quickly.

As nature tends to slow down in winter, perhaps we could follow her lead. Maybe we need to slow down a little too and give ourselves some more self-care. If we keep on working at the pace that we have always done and ignore the signs are bodies are giving us, it’s easy to fall ill. Winter is a perfect time to re-evaluate what is working for us and what isn’t.

Yes it’s cold outside but it’s easy to put on some extra layers and take a brisk walk in your neighbourhood. Include more warming foods in your diet such as soups, herbal teas and hearty casseroles with lots of green, leafy vegetables. Rest when you feel tired and if you start to develop a cold or sore throat, then rest some more. Supplements such as Vitamins C and D, Quercetin and Armaforce may also help. Diffusing essential oils such as lemon, peppermint, eucalyptus, thyme, tea tree, frankincense and lavender may also be beneficial.

Find ways to reduce stress by trying methods that work for you. Gentle exercise, yoga, meditation and regular reflexology all help to lower those stress levels that decrease your immunity. Be creative and do something you love. Painting, dancing, singing, photography, knitting or any other creative pursuit is an important part of self-care.

Don’t beat yourself up on the days when nothing seems to go right. We have them all. My son recently returned from overseas with Covid. Luckily he wasn’t very ill but I had to rearrange my whole week, isolate him and attend to his needs and reschedule client appointments. I started to feel a bit stressed.

I quickly realised that my needs still had to be met and I made sure that I had lots of rest time so that I would stay healthy and not become ill myself. It isn’t always an easy balance, but it’s so important to implement.

So how is your winter self-care going? Are you just ploughing through as normal, or are you giving yourself some extra nurturing? Self-care is a right, something that we all deserve and need to give ourselves. When we learn to true value ourselves we do not question its necessity.

Take some time to nourish yourself in all areas of your life. Food, exercise, self-love and self-care practices are all vital. If you do this, you will get through the remaining days of winter feeling replenished and excited, to welcome in the warmer days of Spring.

With warmest wishes,

Judy xxx

PS. A facial chart to help boost your immune system. Click here

Disclaimer: Please note that all information in this article is the opinion of the author and obtained through her research and knowledge and the above references. It is not meant to replace medical advice and a medical opinion should always be obtained for any health condition.

References: The Fragrant Pharmacy by Valerie Ann Worwood. The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils by Julia Lawless. Photo by David Lezanco on Unsplash. 

Your Body is Always giving you Signs. Do you Listen?

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Your body is always giving you signs. Do you listen? Our bodies are really amazing. They are always supporting us and letting us know if something needs attention or isn’t quite right. The problem is, we usually ignore the signs.

How many of us have a cold or sore throat and ignore the symptoms. ‘It’s just a sniffle’, we tell ourselves. ‘It will go away.’ We push through hoping for the best, until that cold or sore throat goes on to our chest and we start to cough and feel a lot worse. Now we have a more serious condition to deal with. If we had listened to our body and rested when we needed to, we would probably have avoided a longer lasting illness.

Most doctors compartmentalise our symptoms. We have a problem with our digestive system, or our lungs or maybe our heart. They rarely look at the body as a whole. Yet no single part of our body functions independently. Every single action within our body impacts on another part. Our body is giving us signs that usually indicate that there is something else going on. Maybe we just aren’t paying attention to them.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the physical is tied in with the emotional. Each meridian or energy pathway is connected to an emotion. In Facial Reflexology, I look at the meridian most out of balance in the body, for this is where the original disease process began, and then begin to explore the underlying emotions.

Our lungs are where we hold grief and indicate how easily we ‘breathe’ through life. With their partner meridian, the large intestine, they also represent control. Whether we feel we have to control everything in our life or feel we have no control, or are controlled by others. Are we always striving for perfectionism?

Our Stomach and Spleen meridians hold stress and our immune response. Medical research has shown that 80-90% of all illness and disease is related to stress. So if you are always getting colds and flus, perhaps you need to address the stress in your life. How is it impacting you? Our Kidneys and Bladder are said to hold fear. Are we always fearful of what may or may not happen? Can we let go of that fear? Why do we not feel safe?

The signs our bodies give us are not there to judge us or assign blame. We hold on to emotions and behaviours from our childhoods and life experiences. There is nothing wrong with that. It’s how we navigate life to get through and survive. However it’s important to remember that we do have choices and if a particular sign becomes more persistent, perhaps it’s time that we paid attention to it.

Your body is always giving you signs. Do you listen? Perhaps next time a health issue presents, do some journalling and explore what may lie behind it. Are you not giving yourself the time and space you need in your life? Is your life centred wholly around work? Are you including some fun and play? Are you trying to control the actions of your family members? You may not agree with their life choices but if they are adults, it’s really their own choice.

If you have a dispute with someone, instead of being confrontational, can you gently express how their actions make you feel? Bottling up our emotions only suppresses them for a period of time. They will eventually surface and very often they do, as a disease process.

So listen to the signs your body is giving you. It is always there to support you and show you that something may need attention. Discuss your fears and emotions and get help if you need to. There is no shame in it.

We are all amazing human beings with all our gifts, talents and imperfections. Our bodies are part of that amazingness and wonder and they have a unique way of showing us if they need just a little bit more loving. Don’t ignore their gentle hints.

With warmest wishes,

Judy xxx

Disclaimer: Please note that all information in this article is the opinion of the author and obtained through her research and knowledge and the above references. It is not meant to replace medical advice and a medical opinion should always be obtained for any health condition.

References: Facial Reflexology by Lone Sorensen.

https://nasdonline.org/1445/d001245/stress-management-for-the-health-of it.html#:~:text=You%20can%20become%20negatively%20influenced,and%20disease%20is%20stress%2Drelated.

How do you deal with Tension? Do you Fight it or Flee?

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How do you deal with Tension? Do you fight it or flee and avoid it at all costs? Tension is a part of our lives. We can’t avoid it, no matter how much we might want to. Tension can occur between partners, work colleagues, friends and clients. You may disagree on a decision or an article in the news or on a financial matter. It may be a minor thing that can trigger us, or something more significant, but how we react makes all the difference.

Tension involves emotional or mental stress and can never be undermined. We all experience it in separate ways and we all react to it differently. I’m not talking about severe stress or tension from a life changing event or illness, for that is different. I certainly don’t want to trivialise that. I’m talking about the day-to-day tensions that we all experience.

Growing up, my Father was an organised, methodical man who loved a quiet, untroubled life but had a quick temper. In a household of women, life was far from being methodical and quiet and when he raised his voice, I tended to hide. I hated confrontation and grew up avoiding it when possible. I became quite adept at changing the subject or leaving the room!

However as I grew older and wiser, I realised that tension could be a good thing. I realised that I didn’t need to overreact every time there was a disagreement and that it wasn’t always “about me.” Something was triggering me and if I stepped back a little bit and looked at what it was, it became an opportunity for growth. Often it was about fears that the other person had raised or it was about feelings of self worth that I had taken personally.

Sometimes it was about genuine concerns such as financial worries, but I realised there was no point in being angry or laying blame on another person or situation. Looking calmly at these things meant that they could be discussed rationally and a solution found. Anger only led to accusations and being disempowered. Discussion led to finding answers with all parties feeling validated.

How do you deal with tension? We can all recognise it. That feeling of anxiety and uncertainty or of feeling the victim or the underdog. We may question our self worth, our own need to be recognised or feel that we don’t have any control. We try and protect ourselves and resort to anger. We try and justify our opinions and raise our voice so that we make sure that we are heard, or we change the subject and avoid the situation altogether. Our muscles tense up and we may start breathing more rapidly. We may feel a knot of tightness in our stomach and we start to feel stressed. Tension feels uncomfortable.

Tension is very strongly linked to our emotions. Memories from childhood may cause an overreaction as an adult. Certain behaviours from our parents can influence our reactions later in life. I know that my father’s temper, affected my own response to stress for many years. Tension leads to our ‘fight or flight’ response. We retaliate to protect ourselves or flee the situation. I realised that this was my response to any difficult situation. I would flee. It felt easier to avoid it than face it and possibly be hurt.

However once I realised what I was doing, whenever a tense situation arose, I sat back and examined my thoughts and feelings, without reacting first. I could see why I was being triggered and discuss this openly. It instantly diffused the situation and a more satisfactory outcome was achieved.

Often it’s our ego that doesn’t like being ‘attacked’. We may feel that we are personally being criticised when in fact, the advice given may actually be helpful. When we create something, be it a piece of art, photograph or even a special dinner, our ego resists judgment. If someone apparently criticises our writing or painting or some other creation, we take it personally. However if we actually sat with the advice given, our piece of art may become stronger.

We may feel anxiety when we come across something new or unfamiliar. We may hold ourselves back and avoid the situation because it requires change, or feels too scary or difficult. We may flee because it all feels too hard. If however we face our worries, sit with the stress and ask ourselves how we can move forwards, the tension will dissipate and we can grow.

How do you deal with tension? Do you see it as your enemy or can you make friends with it. We usually don’t welcome it into our lives but it’s something we can’t avoid if we want to have a meaningful existence. I now no longer change the subject or leave the room, or at least I recognise when I am tempted to. I look at what is triggering me. Is it a genuine fear or is it an affront to my ego? Knowing the difference means changing your response.

Tension is a part of our lives. It may bring up uncomfortable feelings or may just feel like a minor nuisance but it needs to be addressed and not avoided. We may feel tempted to run away, but even living on a deserted island, doesn’t stop you from encountering daily stressors. You still have to deal with the forces of nature and finding your food.

Recognise tension when it happens and make sure you support yourself. Feeling stressed all the time hinders your health so take measures to reduce that stress. If someone or something upsets you, take some time out. Give yourself time to breath and think. Go for a walk in nature, try some deep breathing or meditation, or end the conversation and say you will get back to the person. This gives you time to reflect on what has been said or on your own involvement in the conversation.

Try not to react straight away. Sit with your feelings. The more awareness you have around why you are feeling the way you do, will give you some guidance moving forwards.

How do you deal with Tension? Hopefully in a way that benefits your growth and releases any stress you may be feeling. I would love to know.

With warmest wishes,

Judy xxx

References: Photo by Darius Bashar on Unsplash.

Disclaimer: Please note that all information in this article is the opinion of the author and obtained through her research and knowledge and the above references. It is not meant to replace medical advice and a medical opinion should always be obtained for any health condition.

What’s in your Toolbox this Winter?

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What’s in your Toolbox this Winter? As we enter the middle of winter in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s important to look at how we are supporting ourselves throughout these colder months. What tools do you have? What strategies do you use to stay well and healthy? Each winter it is easy to succumb to more viruses and colds and over the past few years, the dreaded Covid, as we socialise and spend more time indoors.

I believe that each one of us should have a toolbox and every toolbox should contain Self Care. What’s in your toolbox this winter? Putting yourself as number one is a priority. It’s so easy to overlook ourselves, especially when others are ill or seem to need us more. “They need me now, I’m too busy for ‘me’ time, I’ll just finish this one more thing, I’ll rest later.” We all have a myriad of excuses. However if we ignore our own needs for rest, our bodies will tell us in no uncertain terms and we may become ill.

Time to oneself, stillness, time in nature, all boost our energy reserves. Our attitude to life also makes a difference, so staying positive and not expecting to get sick is important. Just because so many are ill at this time of year, doesn’t mean you have to be as well. There are many natural therapies that can help prevent the onset of illness. If you do succumb, they can help shorten the duration and severity. 

One of these is the use of essential oils. Essential oils are aromatic liquid substances extracted from certain species of flowers, grasses, fruits, leaves, roots and trees. They are powerfully antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and a natural antibiotic. They need to be used diluted and with care, but they are a wonderful ally in the war against bugs, particularly in winter. Some of the most effective are lemon, peppermint, eucalyptus, thyme, tea tree, frankincense and lavender. You can diffuse them, use them in steam inhalations, through massage or in a bath.

Regular treatments such as Reflexology will help boost your immune system and clear toxins through lymphatic drainage. There are numerous nerve points you can work on your face on a daily basis and you can find charts here to help the immune system and clear a sore throat.

Supplements may also help and the best ones as recommended by my naturopath, are Vitamins C and D, Quercetin, Zinc and an Immune Defence or Armaforce or something similar. A healthy diet with lots of leafy greens and vegetables will also contain some of these substances. If you are unwell however, sometimes an increased dose of a supplement may be warranted.

Although it’s tempting to eat ‘comfort’ foods, especially if we are stuck inside, remember that your body won’t thank you in the long term. Processed and junk foods increase inflammation and this only depletes our immune system. So when you reach for that extra glass of wine or that double chocolate Tim Tam, remember your body won’t like it. Instead eat healthy ‘comfort’ foods like warming soups, casseroles, healing cups of herbal teas, fruit and vegetables.

Regular exercise is also needed to not only improve our circulation and overall health, but to benefit our mental health. It may be hard to leave the comfort of a warm, heated house, but stepping out regularly in nature boosts our whole immune system and reduces stress. It increases the flow of blood and lymph, hence increases the circulation of antibodies and immune cells. Exercise also decreases inflammation by reducing inflammatory markers in the body and helps lift our mood.

What’s in your Toolbox this winter? It may be an assortment of strategies you use to stay healthy or you may have a particular favourite. Just remember to put Self care at the top of your list, not just for the sake of others, but mainly for your own health.

Warmest wishes,

Judy xxx

References: The Fragrant Pharmacy by Valerie Ann Worwood. The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils by Julia Lawless. https://www.health.com/fitness/does-exercise-boost-immunity

Disclaimer: Please note that all information in this article is the opinion of the author and obtained through her research and knowledge and the above references. It is not meant to replace medical advice and a medical opinion should always be obtained for any health condition.

What would You do if you were Justin Bieber?

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What would You do if you were Justin Bieber?

You may have recently seen in the news that Justin Bieber, a Canadian pop singer, has been diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome. So what is Ramsay Hunt syndrome and how common is it?

Ramsay Hunt syndrome is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you have recovered from chickenpox, the virus continues to stay dormant in your body, usually without any consequences. If our immune system is compromised due to stress or long term illness or if we are over 60 (when there is an increased risk), this inactive virus may be activated and result in shingles.

Shingles produce a painful rash with blisters that may be very itchy and often extremely painful, usually on one side of the body or face. They tend to dry up within two weeks and usually clear within four weeks. Antivirals are only effective within the first 72 hours and vaccines are available.

Ramsay Hunt syndrome occurs when shingles affect the facial nerve, near your ears. It can lead to facial paralysis, difficulty closing your eye, dizziness, tinnitus and loss of hearing in the affected ear. Early treatment with antivirals and steroids, can prevent complications and long term facial muscle weakness and deafness.

This can sound quite scary and it is, but remember it is a rare condition. If the nerve isn’t greatly damaged, recovery occurs within a few weeks. If damage is more severe, recovery may take months or be less effective. Early treatment is therefore, essential.

What would you do if you were Justin Bieber? As well as medication, apparently he is doing facial exercise to strengthen the muscles in in face. Reflexology can also help. The endocrine and nervous systems are stimulated, along with the lymphatic system to clear the virus and reinnervate the nerves. It has been shown to be really effective, along with acupuncture, especially in the treatment of pain.

Facial reflexology will also specifically work the facial nerve. It stimulates all muscles on the face as it works against the muscles to lift them. It uses a combination of Chinese energy meridians, acupressure points and Vietnamese nerve points to address any areas of numbness or paralysis.

The picture below shows a lady who had facial paralysis and was treated with Facial reflexology for many months. The results are amazing.

Although this lady had facial paralysis as a result of surgery and not Ramsay Hunt syndrome, facial reflexology could assist all those with facial paralysis, no matter the cause.

So what would you do if you were Justin Bieber? I would certainly consult my general practitioner and get expert advice and necessary medications, but I wouldn’t hesitate to try complementary therapies to speed up my recovery. I just hope someone tells Justin about facial reflexology!

Warmest wishes,

Judy xxx

References: https://www.knowshingles.com.au, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ramsay-hunt-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20351783, https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2022/06/11/ramsay-hunt-syndrome-justin-bieber/, https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/ramsay-hunt-syndrome. Photo from Lone Sorensen – International Institue of Reflexology.

Disclaimer: Please note that all information in this article is the opinion of the author and obtained through her research and knowledge and the above references. It is not meant to replace medical advice and a medical opinion should always be obtained for any health condition.

Do you practise Extreme Self Care? If not, why?

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Do you practise Extreme Self Care? If not, why and what actually is it?

The words, ‘self care’ have been bandied about in newspapers and on social media. They are the new buzz words. Take care of yourself, put yourself first, be more gentle with yourself, eat more healthily, exercise more, do more meditation.

I’m not undermining the importance of these actions. Any form of self care is beneficial. However it needs to be more than the occasional outing for a massage or reflexology treatment. It needs to be more than the ‘walk around the block’ or the odd smoothie.

Self care needs to be a concerted effort to put yourself first. All the time. This is where extreme self care comes in. It means loving yourself enough so that the actions you take and the decisions you make on a daily basis reflect this self love.

It means having strong boundaries and only saying ‘Yes’ to what you really want and need. It means listening to your body and what he/she is telling you. It means not trying to push through when all your body wants is rest.

You may think it is selfish to put yourself first all the time. This is what we were taught as children. We need to give to others first, put other’s needs before our own. We need to give, give and give until you have no more to give, then give some more. We give out of obligation and we give out of guilt. We give because we feel it is expected of us.

How many of us end up burnt out, exhausted, defeated and resentful? We are perpetuating a myth. Trying to live up to an impossible image of perfection. This was my story too. So much of my self worth was based on my achievements, helping others, being the ‘good girl’, aiming for perfectionism. As author, Cheryl Richardson says, “So many of us, especially women, have taken on this ‘noble’ role. What we don’t realise, until it’s too late, is the high price for being ‘generous.”

Ending up exhausted and always fatigued, made me realise that my life had to change. Extreme self care was warranted.

Do you practise Extreme Self Care or is this your story too? If so, how can you start implementing more extreme measures? How can you start putting yourself first? By learning to love and accept yourself. All of you. Your perfections and imperfections. We all have them and it’s time to accept ourselves as we are. No more comparing ourselves with others. We are all different. We all have gifts and talents that are unique to us. Embrace them.

Accept where you are at. We all start this journey at different points. Sometimes it is easy to make changes and sometimes it is really hard, but make a start. It may feel uncomfortable putting yourself first. You may fear the judgement and criticism of others. You may feel guilty. But do it anyway. It will get easier.

Know too, that the more you do for yourself, the more energy you will have to give to others. The more you start to care for yourself, the greater your ability to make choices from a place of love and compassion. The more you demonstrate extreme self care, the more you will inspire others to do the same.

So start small so that it feels doable. Start with some simple self care. Drink more water, every day. Go to bed earlier. Start adding more vegetables to your meals. Look after your health, so go for those overdue dental check ups or eye checks. See your GP when needed. Don’t put your health in the “do later” basket.

Start asking for help. It may not be done the way you would do it, but that’s okay. You don’t have to do it all! If you are invited out socially or asked to help out, don’t say ‘Yes’ straight away. Say you will get back to them. Then think about it and decide whether it is something you really want to do or have the energy for.

Begin saying Yes to more fun, more creativity, more ‘me’ time, on a daily basis. Book in your regular reflexology or self care practices. Set limits on your availability. The more you respect your time, the more you allow others to do the same. Spend time in nature, even if it’s just sitting in the sun every day or going for a walk.

Do more of what lights you up. Give more to yourself. Do things that fill your soul. As you start to finally listen to your own needs you will begin to feel more fulfilled and happier in your life. You will then be able to give to others from a space of true giving. No guilt. No obligation. Just a place of appreciation and connection with those around you.

Do you practise Extreme Self Care? If not, perhaps it’s time to start. It’s never too late.

With warmest wishes,

Judy xxx

References: The Art of Extreme Self-Care By Cheryl Richardson, Photo by Jackson David on Unsplash

Disclaimer: Please note that all information in this article is the opinion of the author and obtained through her research and knowledge and the above references. It is not meant to replace medical advice and a medical opinion should always be obtained for any health condition.

Can you find Peace in a Crazy World?

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Can you find Peace in a crazy world when so much seems to be out of our control? How can you switch off from the constant stress that seems to surround us on an everyday basis?

It isn’t easy, but it is possible and there are things you can do today to remove you from that ‘fight or flight’ response.

Firstly, acknowledge when you are feeling stressed or impatient or anxious. If we stop and recognise our feelings, we can do something to address them.

There is no shame here. The last few years have brought up so many anxieties and fears that we never knew we were capable of feeling. Current world events only add to this stress. It’s okay to be angry or feel scared. We are in unfamiliar territory and that’s uncomfortable and often frightening.

So we react in different ways, depending on our past experiences, beliefs and values. We may lash out at others in anger or impatience, we may retreat from the world in fear or we may experience physical symptoms that affect our health.

Acknowledge that this is okay. Don’t criticise or condemn yourself. It may not feel pleasant, but we are just reacting to our circumstances and so many of these circumstances are out of our control. Try and give yourself space in your day. Space where you are not always meeting the needs of others. Space where you can just be and sit or have a nap if you need to. Nurturing ourselves is so important.

Try some meditation. It has huge proven benefits to still the mind. This doesn’t mean that you have to sit still and chant. It can be as simple as sitting outside with the sun on your face, while you tune in to the sounds around you. Being present in the moment is deeply healing.

Go for a walk or dance around the house. Move your body. This encourages those ‘feel good’ hormones to flood your system and leaves you feeling more relaxed and energised. Scream out loud if you need to or sing at the top of your voice. You may feel more comfortable doing this at home, but do it whenever you can, as it helps to release pent up emotions.

Spend time with those who make you laugh. Laughter also releases those ‘feel good’ hormones, such as Dopamine and Serotonin. If you need time alone, then do that. Sit in stillness at home, binge on Netflix or read a book. We all need some down time. Don’t feel guilty!

Definitely, don’t watch the news. It’s meant to be dramatic and alarming, to catch our attention. Your nervous system doesn’t need that. By all means stay informed, but a quick look on the internet will fill you in on all you need to know.

Eat healthily. This may sound strange, but junk food has a negative effect on our brain and hence, affects our mood. It is highly addictive, so the more you eat, the more you want. It gives us temporary pleasure so our brain encourages us to repeat that ‘fix’. It is also inflammatory and can damage our neurones or nerve cells.

Engage in supportive treatments such as Reflexology. It addresses any underlying emotion or trauma and is deeply healing and powerfully relaxing. Try yoga or tai chi. Both are very grounding and stress-reducing practices.

Can you find peace in this crazy world? I really believe you can, but it does take some effort. You need to be willing to change and be accepting of how you are feeling, without judgement. I try and do this on a regular occurrence. I don’t always get it right but I know I have the tools to become more grounded when I need to.

Try and give it a go. Recognise your emotions and don’t judge yourself. Accept that life is weird and uncomfortable now. Then sit in stillness, laugh out loud, dance and sing as if no one is watching and find peace in your life and hopefully, peace in your Heart.

With warmest wishes,

Judy xxx

This facial reflexology chart may be helpful to reduce fear and anxiety. You can download it here. https://solevitality.com.au/fear-and-anxiety/

References: https://www.rmit.edu.au/news/all-news/2016/sep/five-ways-junk-food-changes-your-brain, Photo by Javardh on Unsplash 

Disclaimer: Please note that all information in this article is the opinion of the author and obtained through her research and knowledge and the above references. It is not meant to replace medical advice and a medical opinion should always be obtained for any health condition.