Seasonal change can have a real impact on how we feel and function. It is more noticeable when the clocks are going back and daylight is disappearing earlier.

During this time, many people notice a dip in energy, motivation or mood. They can start to withdraw into themselves and can find it harder to get going, stay focused, and stay socially connected.

Although this is a situation that happens every year, many still find the transition difficult to cope with.

So, instead of pushing through or trying to ignore it, this is an opportunity to create a Hygge routine, a gentle, grounding approach that brings comfort, calm and steadiness to your everyday life.

You may well have heard of the concept of Hygge already. It comes from Danish culture, but you don’t need to live the Scandinavian lifestyle to practise it.

Hygge is simply about creating an environment and rhythm that supports your emotional well-being.

This is about feeling safe, nourished, rested and connected, not about creating a picture-perfect cosy aesthetic.

Have you heard about the benefits of mindfulness, but you aren’t quite sure what it’s all about?

Many people confuse mindfulness with meditation; sitting in a state of quiet, blocking out intrusive thoughts that pop into their minds. This is not mindfulness!

Mindfulness is the opposite. Mindfulness is about observing fully everything that is around you in the present moment. Your thoughts, your feelings, your environment, everything.

Mindfulness allows you to be fully aware and present in the moment, which is the only place we ever fully live.

Therefore, developing an active mindfulness practice is essential for your holistic well-being. It helps with your physical, mental and emotional well-being and helps you to live with less stress and anxiety, more clarity and happiness.

Taking a mindful walk daily is one of the best ways to introduce yourself to mindfulness.

To do a mindful walk, choose a quiet place without distractions. Focus your attention on the sensation of your feet touching the ground, the movement of your legs, and the rhythm of your breath.

As you walk, notice the sounds around you, the smells in the air, and the feeling of the air on your skin.

When your mind wanders, which it will do when you first begin, gently bring your awareness back to the present moment without judging or berating yourself.

Keep your pace steady and relaxed; this allows you to fully experience each step and each moment as it comes.

Over the last few years, there has been a lot of information flooding social media about holistic retreats. At any one time, there seems to be a retreat being run. The popularity of holistic retreats has exploded, and with very good reason…they work!

You may have heard about them, be intrigued by them, or even feel you would benefit from going, but are you fully aware of what they are and the benefits they can offer you?

If you are unsure, curious or interested and would like to discover some more information before you book somewhere, then you have come to the right place.

A holistic retreat is a focused experience designed to promote overall well-being by addressing the mind, body, and spirit.

It typically combines various practices such as meditation, yoga, nutritional guidance, and personal development workshops to foster healing, balance, and self-awareness.

These retreats aim to create a supportive environment where you can disconnect from daily stress, reflect on your life goals, and cultivate healthy habits that contribute to lasting positive change.

The holistic approach recognises the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, and physical health as essential for achieving true wellness.

Life these days is stressful. In truth, throughout time, people have had different levels of stress to cope with. Today, though, in the fast-paced, often chaotic world we live in, there can be many triggers causing stress in our lives.

Although we can all be affected by stress at some time or another, we have more ways of understanding the causes and coping with stress when it arises.

Understanding stress is essential for us all, as it significantly impacts both our mental and physical well-being.

When faced with stress, the body enters a state of heightened alertness, triggering the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.

These changes prepare the body for a "fight or flight" response, which can be beneficial in short bursts but may lead to negative consequences when stress is prolonged.

Chronic stress can cause a range of health issues, including headaches, digestive problems, and cardiovascular diseases.

Additionally, it can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fend off illness. Recognising and managing stress is vital for maintaining overall health and ensuring a balanced life.