My First Blog Post

Wellbeing article on the 7 types of rest. Physical rest ,mental rest, sensory rest, creative rest, emotional rest, social and spiritual rest. Rest as an aspect of self care and wellbeing. TED talk.

How to rejuvenate a soy candle with a wooden wick. I think we have all had a favourite soy candle, smells fantastic but the wick has burned way and we cant burn the last bit. When your favourite candle sits sadly in the tin what can you do to bring the life back to it? Soy is fab that it melts really easily and if it is in a tin you can very easily bring it back to life. Step 1 Warm a little water in a pan and pop in your candle. Do not let the water into the candle. You only need to partly melt the wax so you can stir as it melts. Step 2 Melt slowly, stirring as it melts until you get the consistency or thick icing sugar. Do not fully melt as you will then have to wait ages until your wick will stand up and you will be losing fragrance. At this stage you can add essential oils or fragrance. Leave to cool a little. Step 3. As the wax hardens pop in a wick. Wooden wicks give a fantastic poppy burn. Any thin bits of wood could work. Priming with olive oil can help the burn. I used half a vegan magnum stick ! Step 4. Leave to fully set making sure that the new wick is not too long. Enjoy ! Thank you to Sarah Louise Jackson for this helpful tip "If it's a glass container, you shouldn't re use like this. Burning the last cm of a candle can make the glass too hot and shatter. Best to melt the leftovers completely and pour them into molds and use as wax melts."

Winter Hygge I managed a lovely wintery walk this morning but as the weather stays cold and the ice is becoming a bit too slippery it feels like time to focus on the home rather than the great outdoors. Hygge is all about Peaceful, Quiet And Cozy Surroundings. Hygge, pronounced (Hue-gah) is a Danish word originally derived from an Old Norwegian word meaning well-being and protection from the outside elements. Denmark has notoriously cold, long winters. The concept of hygge has been used by Danish people to help mentally combat the brutally dark, relentless winter season and fill their homes with comfort and love. Hygge is a word that is so important to Danish people; it’s often used to describe what their culture is all about. Hygge is not necessarily something specific that you can buy, because it’s more of a feeling than a possession. Hygge really is the epitome of Danish living, and in the last few years the concept of hygge has become a bit of a buzz word. Hygge can widely be described as a feeling of coziness, comfort, familiarity, friendship, laughter and seasonal homemade food and drinks. Although it’s possible to achieve hygge any time of the year (an outdoor BBQ with friends or with family is a perfectly good example of summertime hygge). Hygge is generally associated with the colder months because if it’s ability to uplift spirits during dark, long winter months. Hygge is perfect for the cold winter months because it’s all about peaceful, cozy surroundings that fill you with the feeling of contentment. Here are a few, simple ways you can bring hygge into your home this season. Host family and friends over zoom - Be sure not to stress over these gatherings, hygge evenings are relaxed, friendly and homey. Warm lighting - in order to achieve a great sense of hygge, be sure to light some candles, have a fire or set up some fairy lights. Warm lightning is essential for a hygge atmosphere. Cozy linens, blankets and textures - get out all of those soft, fluffy blankets and have them available on the couch or chairs and by the windows, so that you can easily cuddle up with your favorite book and relax. Home cooking and baking - cooking some traditional meals and treats will help bring hygge into your home. Comfort foods like, stews, savory flatbreads, home made biscuits, cinnamon apple pie will waft soul-warming scents throughout the air, making your home feel cozy and cared for. If you can't fragrance your home with home baking, relax, scented candles or an aromatherapy diffuser will certainly do the trick. Cinnamon, pine or frankinsence create a warm,cozy atmosphere Hygge is easy and comforting. Most people are already doing at least some of these simple hygge hacks without even knowing it. Now that you know the term for that warm and fuzzy feeling, you will be able to up your winter hygge game even further.

Why do we focus on self-care? In a world of uncertainty and demands on your time and energy, feeling stressed and overwhelmed to some extent is inevitable. Stress can lead to various mental and physical health problems, along with depleting your energy and taking away from your quality of life. Fortunately, you can diminish the negative effects of emotional strain by taking good care of yourself. Self care is a necessary tool in managing your response to stress. Read on to discover the connection and how you can begin taking charge of your own emotional well-being. Self Care and Stress Self care is one of your best weapons in dealing with the fallout of stress. It replenishes your emotional energy reserves. Caring for yourself adds to your resilience. It helps you get back up when you’re feeling depleted and exhausted. When you prioritize your care, you’ll have the stamina to handle future stressors and be ready to take on the everyday obstacles you’re bound to encounter. Chronic stress has real implications for your physical health, as well. That’s why self care activities are so important for your well-being. Self Care for Mental Health Remember that self care involves intentionally prioritizing yourself. That means you need to make a concerted effort to ensure you’re attending to your needs on a regular basis and that you’re prepared to take time to care for yourself when you’re feeling overwhelmed. This type of timeout takes you away from the stress for a moment and allows you to regather your strength. Take some action to soothe the body and the mind. Focusing on yourself lets you forge new paths and set new goals. It boosts your self-esteem and provides momentum for making positive choices in various aspects of your life. Such respites are beneficial and necessary for your mental health. Strategies to Reduce Stress There are steps you can take when you find yourself feeling snowed under by life’s demands. The key is listening to your body and paying attention to your emotions in order to recognize when you need a break. Intentionally taking time to relax, renew and unwind can get you back on track. There are lots of things you can do to reduce that stress. Saying no to demands on your time and energy is a good place to start. This helps to reduce the overwhelm you’re feeling and gives you more free time to pursue your own interests. Engaging in soothing activities like yoga, meditation, journaling or reading can give you a quick refresh to help you get through the rest of your day. Just stepping outside into the fresh air can even do the trick. Learning to manage your stress is one of the best ways you can improve your physical and mental health. Be good to yourself and take a moment to engage in self care when you’re feeling overwhelmed. You won’t regret it.