Can you make Friends with Fear?

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Can you make friends with fear? Is this even possible or is fear something to be avoided? Fear is present at some time in all of our lives. It is a protective mechanism, even if it’s not a very comfortable one. Fear connects with our ‘fight or flight’ response and lets us know when we are in peril.

It is a feeling we get whenever we are in a dangerous situation. We may be in an area that is deserted and dark and feels unsafe. Our gut reaction is to quickly move on. Or we may see a car veering towards us and we instantly step out of harm’s way. We touch something very hot and immediately remove our fingers. The adrenaline ‘kicks in’ and enables us to act quickly.

Fear is a primal emotion that saves us from certain danger. It helps us survive by either running away from the threat or turning around to fight it. It is a necessity in our lives.

But how can we be comfortable with it and how does it hold us back? It really depends on the situation. If it is a life or death moment, then being afraid is important. But what if it’s a fear of something that has not yet happened? Do we need to protect ourselves?

Wearing a seat belt when in a car, or using a helmet when cycling are all protective measures. They are easy to implement and we often do them automatically, just in case of an accident.

However can you make friends with fear when it is stopping you from moving on? You may want to write a book, paint a piece of art, sing in a choir or act on stage, but you fear that you will be judged. You may want to change careers or move countries but you fear you will be criticised.

Fear can paralyse you and if you allow it to, it can stop you from achieving anything. I wrote a book last year and that was the easy part. Then I had to market it, do a live launch online and speak about it constantly so it would reach an audience. Was I comfortable with all of this? Definitely not! I was terrified!

Everything about the book launch was out of my comfort zone and I could have easily remained hidden. But despite my fear, I knew that it was important for me to get my book out there, so I persisted.

So how do you get comfortable around fear? The first step is to recognise it. If it becomes out of control and overwhelming then by all means, ask for some professional help. We can’t always do it on our own. However if it’s a fear about achieving a long-held dream or trying something new, then examine it and see where this fear is coming from.

Is it reasonable or are you fearing something that may never happen? What if you sing out of tune or your piece of art doesn’t sell, who are you doing it for anyway? If it’s for yourself then congratulate You, for anything you create is an achievement. If it’s for recognition then is this your ego speaking and is it really that important?

Look at your fear and ask yourself what could really go wrong? Are your fears exaggerated and are they likely to come to fruition? Will you be criticised or judged? Well you may be, but we can never please everyone all of the time. Accept your fear as being a part of any new challenge. It will arise and that’s okay. Recognise it? “Aha here you are again. Okay I see you. Now let’s get on with things.”

If we only create to please others, we will never be truly happy for fulfilment needs to come from within. So next time you go to do something beyond your comfort zone, ask yourself what is there to fear? We all fear failure but that’s something that society teaches us and isn’t necessarily true. Failure is perceived differently by everyone.

And if you should fail, then go back and reassess what you did? Did it make you happy? If the answer is yes, then it wasn’t a failure. If it created stress then try something different. Vincent Van Gogh actually painted seven versions of his famous “Sunflowers’, five of which hang in galleries around the world today.

Say ‘Yes’ to your dreams, whatever they may be. Know that fear will probably be present, but accept it and create anyway.

Can you make friends with fear? Maybe not, but we can get comfortable with it. Know it will come up when we face a challenge or something new that we aren’t yet familiar with, and perhaps see it instead as an amicable companion.

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: Photo by Toa Heftier on Unsplash.  

Can your daily Tea boost your Health?

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Can your daily tea boost your health? Many of us enjoy a cup or two of tea a day. We drink it for enjoyment or to quench our thirst. It hydrates us and provides an alternative to water or in the cooler months, a warming ‘pick me up.’

But have you considered that your cup of tea may actually be boosting your health? The benefits differ with the type of tea you drink, but all teas have some health benefits. Traditionally tea is produced from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. This includes black, green, white and oolong teas. 

They contain polyphenols or protective plant compounds which act as antioxidants in the body. They protect the cells from damage and have been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. 

Other compounds in tea help to lower blood pressure, improve gut health, reduce anxiety and stress, help to maintain greater attention and focus and may help preserve bone density.

Herbal teas on the other hand, are produced from the herbs, flowers, spices, seeds, roots, fruit and leaves of many other plants. They have their own exclusive benefits. Most of them do not contain caffeine like traditional teas, but do have many beneficial properties.

They can boost immunity, are anti-inflammatory, aid digestion, may help with arthritis symptoms, decrease stress and anxiety and lower blood pressure. They may also improve circulation, reduce bad cholesterol in the blood and can even help with memory loss.

Some well know teas are Peppermint – to improve digestion, Liquorice root or echinacea – to treat the common cold, Green tea – high in antioxidants, Chamomile – to help with sleep and relaxation, and Lemon – a natural diuretic and also helps to soothe sore throats.

Other lesser know teas are Lemon Myrtle which supports digestion and helps with sinus and bronchial infections, Jilungin Bush tea which is very relaxing and helps you get a great night’s sleep, and Mushroom teas which can boost immunity and help with cognitive function.

A couple of the sites I buy tea from are Tea Life which sell a huge variety of organic teas and Kakadu Plum which sell some unusual native Australian teas.

Can your daily tea boost your health? I certainly believe it can. Combine your daily cup with regular exercise, relaxation and whole, fresh foods and make this winter a very healthy one for you.

I’m off to put the kettle on!

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.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/top-10-health-benefits-of-tea, https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/food-features/tea/, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-green-tea, https://www.freshnlean.com/blog/herbal-tea-benefits/ Image by Yaopey Yong on Unsplash.

Do you Listen to your Body?

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Do you listen to your body or do you ignore its’ signs? I know that I have asked this question before, but it bears repeating. A reminder came up for me recently and I thought you might benefit from hearing my story too.

I believed that I was pretty ‘in tune’ with my body and recognised when it needed some time out. However I discovered that I still had some lessons to learn. After doing some heavy lifting, I felt a strain in my hip. I ignored it and a few days later went on to do some vacuuming, with a heavy vacuum cleaner that I don’t normally use. I was sore and stiff but nothing unusual, so again I ignored my symptoms.

Instead of getting some treatment for my back, which I do on a regular basis, I carried on. I was too busy! So my body began to call out louder and I woke up one morning, unable to move. My back had ‘seized’ up. So instead of taking off a morning for some therapy, I ended up needing to take a few weeks off to recover.

Our bodies are more than just a physical being. They carry our emotions and feelings, our joy, our anguish and our stress. Every thing we do or feel, impacts on our physical and emotional body. They are not separate. Every part of our body is connected.

This really is amazing, as if we heal one aspect of our body, healing will occur in another part. If we reduce our stress, eat healthily, move our bodies and do more of what we love, our brains will release more ‘feel-good’ hormones, such as serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin. They will improve our mood, reduce our anxiety and decrease the impact that stress has on so many of our body organs.

However if we are constantly stressed or in pain, never slow down, have little joy in our lives, or hold on to past hurts and traumas, our bodies will suffer. High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and even some cancers have been linked to unresolved stress and trauma.

Do you listen to your body? Do you notice what it is telling you? Our body is always supporting us. It is an incredible vehicle for life and it is an incredible vehicle for change. I, too need constant reminders to slow down, take some time out or just rest. I know that if I don’t my body will remind me and slowly, I’m learning to listen.

We all have our own triggers, the signs that tell us to change what we are doing. Do you listen to your body or do you ignore its’ signs? It isn’t always easy, but the more you ‘tune in’ the more you get to know your own unique body and what is right for you.

And that’s a wonderful place to be in.

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.healthline.com/health/happy-hormone#food. Photo by Jeffery Erhunse on Unsplash.

The Times they are A-Changing.

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The Times they are A-Changing, was the title of a song by Bob Dylan in 1963. It spoke about a time of change in the lives and politics of people during the 1960’s. Change can be exciting but it can also be difficult and can lead to uncertainty about what the future may hold.

It is Spring in the Northern Hemisphere and Autumn here in the Southern Hemisphere, a time of change for all of us. As the emerging Spring days warm the soil, plants and animals begin to come out of their hibernation. Whereas in Autumn, a slowing down of the seasons begins, as leaves start to fall and nature prepares to rest.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, autumn is linked to the metal element. In the body, this manifests as minerals and trace elements that are essential for the maintenance of our health and life. As the leaves and fruits of the trees fall to the ground, they return nutrients and minerals to the earth for future growth. Empty trees and fields create space and allow room to breathe.

The Metal element is also associated with the Lungs and Large intestine, allowing us to grieve if we need to for what has gone before, breathe more easily as we slow down, and assimilate what we need to be able to move forwards. It is a time of change, a time of slowing down and looking within. A time of letting go so that new things can burst forth and grow.

It can also be a time of transition, as the days get shorter and we tend to hibernate more indoors. Transition is a period of change, a moving onwards, or towards another goal or purpose in life. It means you may need to stop and reassess where you are going, or completely change your focus. What better time to reassess than we have begun to slow down.

I commenced this year at a bit of a standstill. I was still seeing my lovely reflexology clients, but had no idea what I wanted to do with my creativity. I felt stuck and unmotivated and unsure of how to move forwards. I realised that this was a time of transition for me.

At first I tried to fight it and force myself to become motivated, but this only led to frustration. So I took some time out, had long walks in nature and gave myself time to breathe. Creating space opens our minds to new opportunities and allows our imaginations to flourish.

Always being busy doesn’t serve anyone. We become tired, exhausted and resentful and end up running around in circles. Nothing productive is achieved. What if instead, we stopped and allowed the changes to happen? What if we allowed this period of transition to run its course?

The times they are a-changing and if allow ourselves to welcome these changes we can move forwards more enthusiastically and creatively. Change isn’t easy but it is a part of life. It is how we grow. Mother Nature knows this. The trees do not fight to hold on to their leaves, flowers do not resist the shedding of their blossoms and animals don’t fight the need to rest.

Perhaps we can do the same. Start to slow down and give yourself space. Don’t always feel as if you need to be ‘doing’ something all the time. Rest, read, have time in nature and nourish your body and soul, just as Mother Nature intended us to.

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: ‘The Way of the Five Seasons’ by John Kirkwood. Photo by Autumn Mott Rodeheaver on Unsplash.  

Be Yourself – Everyone else is already taken.

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Be yourself – everyone else is already taken. This was a well known quote by Oscar Wilde, the famous poet and playwright. It talks about being authentically you. Pretty obvious you might say, but what does it really mean and how can you be You?

To be ourselves, is to remain true to who we really are. It sounds simple but actually isn’t so easy. How many of us conform to fit in with other’s expectations of us? How many of us change our behaviour so that we aren’t criticised or judged?

Think about it. How often do you rush around and tidy up the house when a friend says she will drop by? Although she may be a close friend, you still ditch the trackie pants and old t-shirt. Just in case.

Is she likely to comment on your old clothes, or that pile of laundry waiting to be ironed, or those dishes draining in the sink? Probably not, especially if she is a friend. Yet we still fear judgment or criticism. We can’t accept ourselves for who we are.

Why can’t we just be ourselves, especially with those who know us well? Why do we still feel uncomfortable? The same happens when we are given a compliment. Someone may admire your dress and instead of just saying ‘Thank you. I love it too,” you downplay it by saying “Oh this old thing. I’ve had it for ages.” Or someone compliments your hair or how you are looking that day. We so often, don’t accept the compliment for what it is – an appreciation of us.

Instead we play small. We diminish our appearance or our home or our achievements so that we don’t appear too much, too clever, too pretty or too organised! And what if we are! Why can’t we accept our talents and achievements whatever they may be. Marianne Williamson said in her famous poem, “We ask ourselves. Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? … “As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”

Be comfortable with yourself. We are all unique. There is no other person in the billions of people on this planet, who is the same as you. We all have talents and gifts. Accept yours. And accept yourself. I am more of an introvert. I love seeing my family and friends, but feel uncomfortable around huge crowds of people that I don’t know.

I love time to myself but also love socialising when I feel like it. I love nature and the ocean. I love the city for eating out and to see musicals and concerts, but I couldn’t live in a busy place. I love freedom and the joy of working for myself. I love writing, photography and being creative. These things bring my joy.

However I know that each of us is different. Over the years I have learned to accept who I am. It hasn’t always been easy as in the past I have tried to conform so that I could fit in. But now I am learning and I rarely do that. I try and stay true to who I am.

Be yourself – everyone else is already taken. Remember these words and start to examine your own life and if necessary, look at how you can make changes. What brings you joy? Start to include more of that into your life. Wear whatever makes you happy, not what someone else may expect of you. Live the life of your choosing, not someone else’s. If someone compliments you, accept it with joy. You don’t always have to give a compliment in return. Be loud and proud with your achievements. You never know, you may encourage someone else to do the same.

Know that you are amazing and you can change the world. And start doing it one step at a time.

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: Marianne Williamson, “A Return to Love.” Photo by Caju Gomes on Unsplash.

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

Can you find Peace this Christmas time?

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Can you find peace this Christmas time when all around you seems to be in turmoil? People are feeling stressed, financial worries are rampant and the world no longer seems to be such a safe place. How then can you find peace amongst all this chaos?

As we inch closer to Christmas, our busy lives seem to have moved up another notch. What was already a busy existence now seems to be one running on steroids. Deadlines are getting closer, work needs to be finished before the holidays, the roads are in gridlock and already busy stores are now full to capacity.

We seem to have so much on our ‘to do’ lists that it’s very easy to arrive on Christmas Day feeling burnt out and exhausted. But this doesn’t need to be the case. I believe that it is possible to put some ease into your life, to find some peace, even on the busiest of days.

Have a look at your life and make a decision on what is essential and what can really wait until January. Not everything needs to be completed now. Keep things simple. If you have presents to buy, look online or locally. Avoiding the busy shopping centres. So much can be bought in your local neighbourhood or online, so it’s delivered to your front door. Also don’t accept every single social engagement. Your family and friends won’t disappear on the first of January. You can still catch up in the New Year.

You don’t need to buy extravagant presents. Christmas has become very commercial however, its’ essence is not about gifts but about connection. Being with family and friends, the ones who mean the most to you, are all that really matters. Sharing food, laughter and love are what makes Christmas truly special.

Take time out each day to find some quiet moments. Even if it’s just sitting in the garden with a cup of tea or going for a short walk in nature, find some time to switch off and relax.

Can you find peace this Christmas time? Start by avoiding the news. Yes it’s important to be aware of what’s going on in the world, but we can check the headlines on our phones. We don’t need to be constantly reminded of war and fighting and hate, or see visual examples of this. Constant exposure only brings up fear, anxiety and worry. We don’t need that in our lives.

Don’t try and make everything perfect. As a perfectionist in the past, I used to make sure that I had the best ornaments and the biggest tree. The house needed to be decorated beautifully and the table set with matching everything. Now I don’t worry so much. I am grateful for the family that I have to celebrate Christmas with and I treasure these moments together. Yes it’s lovely to give and receive gifts, but don’t get too anxious about what to buy everyone. A small token of your love is enough.

Ultimately remember what Christmas is all about. To me, it’s about family. Sharing time with those we love, family or friends. It’s about finding peace in our lives, even with those we don’t necessarily agree with. It’s about taking time our from our busy lives, from judgment or criticism of others to finding common ground.

Though Christmas can be a lonely time for so many, it can also be a time of reflection, to think about the past year and what lessons can be learned from it.

Can you find peace this Christmas time? I truly hope so, for I believe that peace resides within all of us. We only need to look within our heart and find the love, compassion and kindness that exists there then send this out to all the world.

Wishing you all a peaceful and very Happy Christmas,

With warmest wishes,

Judy xxxx

Ps. If looking for a Christmas present, my book, “True Essence: Finding your authentic self without compromise,” is available. 

You can buy a signed copy here
Or on Amazon 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: Image by Amy from Pixabay

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.