Autumn is not an easy time of year.  Coughs and colds are flying around and the changing of the light can have a deep impact on energy and mood.  Small acts of kindness to yourself can be the difference between getting through the day with a smile on your face or crawling into bed feeling completely done in.  How can you sprinkle kindness on yourself today?  Does a dollop of self-love feel possible? 

Some of my favourite ways to feel better in my body and mind are spending time in nature, soaking in the bath and having a really nice cuppa in a huggable mug.  We need these gentle practices when our central nervous system is frayed.  As social beings we sometimes need others to co-regulate so messaging a friend and sharing how you are feeling can be good for mind, body and soul.  Can you take 5 minutes for yourself, to just sit and breathe?  If you are so stressed you don't even think 5 minutes is possible, gently ask yourself what will happen if you keep pushing through at this pace.  I've always liked this old Zen saying ''Sit in meditation for 20 minutes a day.  Unless you're too busy, then sit for an hour''.

If you need help to find simple ways to achieve small moments of peace you can download my free ''5 minutes of self-care'' guide below.  If you need more practical help to release tension from your body and mind contact me to book a relaxation session.  If you're not sure how it might help you feel free to browse my reviews for feedback from other clients. 

My cold and flu season heroes

I don't know anyone who has escaped this season's sniffles.  I had tissues and cherry fisherman friend within reach when I started writing this.  If you're struggling too these are the some of things that have helped me most this week. 

• Cherry shower cream, epsom salt and arnica soak added to a lovely warm bath.  Easing physical strain and the mental exhaustion of dealing with congestion and feeling bleurgh.
• Cooling cryogel to ease the pain of a viral/sinus headache (you know the one that makes you feel like your head might explode?).  Such relief from the cooling then warming sensation of arnica and menthol.  Amazing as a decongestant too when cupping your hands gently round your nose and inhaling (just be very careful to keep fingers away from your eyes) 
• Onion syrup - the best home remedy for sore throat and coughs (my family won't touch it of course but I swear by it).  Chop up one onion, add to a jar and cover with honey or sugar.  Stir, add the lid and leave for 3 hours or overnight.  The syrupy onion liquid can be taken straight from the spoon or added to hot water.  I also tried onion slices on the soles of the feet inside socks when sleeping and found that was miraculous for sleeping through with less irritation.
• Skin Food original - soothing rich moisturiser for a sore philtrum (the skin between the top lip and under the nose that becomes so sore from all the nose blowing and tissue dabbing) 
• Eucalyptus essential oil - the #1 plant oil for fighting infection during flu season.  Anti-inflammatory, decongestant and immune boosting you can add Eucalyptus oil to water in a diffuser or add to a carrier oil to apply to the skin.  Especially soothing rubbed into the chest, back or feet (be cautious near the face though or around pets and small children under 2).  
• Weleda cold relief spray - a homeopathic remedy containing Alium Cepa, Drosera and Gelsemium to help your body deal with symptoms such as runny/blocked nose, sore throat, cough, fever and muscle ache.  Age 12+ and always read the label.

Curling up a with a book

Do you have a pile of books on the go or has it been too long to recall when you last thumbed the pages of an actual book?  Our central library in Gloucester has relocated and is utterly fabulously for its open plan spaces, work stations and fabulous array of new books.  I may have gone a little mad with my borrowing when I usually prefer to listen to podcasts or hear books read aloud on Audible.  I am currently enjoying ''The Unexpected journey: finding strength, hope and yourself on the care giving path'' by Emma Heming Willis.  Emma is the wife of actor Bruce Willis who was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in 2022 and is now non-verbal.  It is a beautifully written road map for those who feel lost, alone or depleted as care partners.  Emma's website is a wealth of loving support for someone caring for a loved one and a key theme is giving equal weight to your own needs as a carer and seeking support before it feels too hard.  

''We do not have a cure for dementia, but we do have a curefor the isolation and loneliness that may come with a diagnosis.  That cure is your community'' - p43, Katie Brandt, FTD disorders Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital. 

More to come next week with my 5 Weleda favourites for conscious gift giving - wellbeing that supports people and planet.  In the meantime have a browse of the Christmas guide and message me if you have any questions.

Thanks for taking a moment of pause with me. 

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead. 

Much love, Nic