We all have days where are good intentions to eat healthy falls to the way side. It could be the hectic season of Christmas, fitting life in and around Uni visits, ferrying your children to extra club/ after school activities, having deadlines imposed by work schedules, or just hormone cycles (or maybe a combination of the above!)

What ever the reason(s), it happens to everyone, you are not alone, and you are certainly not a failure. We all have to just pick ourselves up, and get our head around the cravings, fatigue and plan to get back on it.

But, what if we plan for the failures... what if we say... these obstacles are going to happen, what if we are one step ahead of the game and make our freezer fail proof!

It certainly makes life easier to prepare for the busy / yuk days. Think making extra portions when you cook. Think having an afternoon a week or month to freeze down family favourites, think about making easy kits and menu cards you can pull on when your brain craves health and your body craves the sofa.

I add a caveat, plan to make healthy versions of what you will crave on those days... not what you want to eat today. If you know you want curry and chips on a hormone day,... then prep a healthy curry that you can pull out the freezer, and pop a note with it to remind you to make some healthy jacket wedges to have along side. Think about what future you will want to do.... and make it easy for you. You will still have days where it does not go to plan, but hopefully they will be easier on your body.

The video below is an FB live I recorded with lots of tips and ideas to help you. 

Imagine you have a budget, you have £100 to spend each day, and when it is gone, it is gone, you have to wait until the next day to have some more.

That sounds pretty cool, but out of the budget comes every single expense you have for the day... food, water... communication.... is that enough.

Then lets flip that thought, and apply it to our time... every thing you do for the day comes out of your daily allowance, and when it is gone, you have nothing left until the next day.... assuming you sleep sufficiently and eat properly.

When you think of your time as a finite amount, you become aware about having enough energy to last the day. Do I have enough energy to make my meals, do the daily chores, work, look after the people I need to support, and have enough left over to look after my own needs.

It is really important when we budget our time that we think about how we are going to fit ourselves into our own time budget.

Here is the FB live that I share my thoughts about spending your time.  It is good to give your time... just make sure you give some to yourself too, otherwise you do not have enough energy to heal, and you start overspending your reserves (like dipping into your overdraft) and long term, that is not sustainable. 

Fibromyalgia is a health condition that is characterised by fatigue, aches, pains and other health issues with no  known medical cure. There may be issues with sleep, and cognition and other symptoms.

Whilst medically there is no known cure, there is a lot you can do to support your health holistically.

There is often stored emotional pain, poor diet (due to complete exhaustion and physical discomfort) amongst other issues to resolve.

When working with Fibromyalgia clients, I use my Biofeedback equipment to help identify what is going on for them, what to work on as a priority, and what herbs, supplements and remedies are needed. We also explore the emotions that come up on the system, and what they mean for the client.

In addition, we work on diet. For this I may suggest a HTMA test (they are available from my self for my clients) to explore the underlying nutritional needs and heavy metals that may be present.

The one thing that can be worked on easily yourself is diet. Now easily does not mean it will be easy, we all have affinities for particular food cravings, or have days where we would rather grab a treat than cook a proper meal, where we are fuelling on coffee and unwinding on wine. But, if you can just stop the wheel, break the programme and start afresh, you start the healing and regeneration cycle, and you put the the breaks on a part of the self destruction.

​In the video below, I share a little on how easy it is to make a few changes to your diet, with a little will power, you can start the healing.

Are you a person who loves to give and nurture others. Perhaps you bend over backwards to please, or drop everything when someone asks for help.

Perhaps you feel generally exhausted or struggle to have enough energy to do what you want to do.

Maybe you also had experience in early life where you were not nurtured, or had a parent who was not in a position to nurture you due to mental or physical health issues.

I see so many of my clients with struggles like these, exhaustion, depletion, over caring and worn out.

This little video has some top tips just for you, please watch it now, if you put it off until later, someone else will ask for your time, and the moment will be lost.

Take care of yourself, you can not help others if you do not help yourself first, lets fill your cup.

Drop me a comment if this resonates with you or someone you care about.

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Whether you live in a town, city or rurally, you will be surrounded by healing plants. I feel it is really important to have a good relationship with nature, and knowing the plants that are around us, is a true essence of that connection.

Over the years of studying natural law, pants, remedies, nutrients and more, I have discovered that learning one thing, one plant, one remedy, or one system at a time, makes the thing we are learning more anchored in our memory. Learning one thing helps it to become a part of our essence. Learning lots of one things soon adds up over time!

With this in mind, I am sharing one plant at the end of each Forest Therapy and Nature Immersion session, around a log circle, or together in my sheltered outdoor kitchen, however the needs of the herbal preparation dictates.

When we are still, calm and centred, we will absorb the information much more readily. Having just completed 2 hours of forest therapy, we are already at one with nature, and so discovering how we can use a plant in our life becomes quite simple and relaxing.

At my September Forest Therapy session we explored the healing benefits of Hawthorn, discovering the healing properties through the seasons, and focusing, of course, of the healing power of the leaves and berries in the Autumn.

As a result of this session, I was asked if I would be running more workshops on herbs and foraging. Of course the answer was a yes, because I love sharing my safe, nurturing, outdoor space with wonderful people who want to learn more about nature and how it can help them.

Feedback comment includes  "Wonderful experience, completely connected to nature..." "total peace and tranquillity" and "time slows, heartrate slows, and the speed of thoughts calm"

Whilst I will be announcing my outdoor workshop plans early next year, you can still grab a place on my Final Forest Therapy session of 2025. Thursday 23rd October we will be enjoying some more *different) nature invitations, followed by another great forgeable medicinal plant.

I do hope you can join me. You can book here.

What is heat rash?
Heat rash, also known as prickly heat and miliaria, is a skin rash that occurs when sweat is trapped in the skin. It is common in hot and humid climates. Symptoms can range from small blisters to deep, inflamed lumps, and some forms of heat rash are very itchy. Heat rash is not dangerous, but it can make parts of your skin feel prickly or sting due to overheating.
 
Natural Remedies
1. Cool Compress
Apply a clean, damp, cool washcloth to the affected area for 5–10 minutes.
 
Repeat several times a day to reduce inflammation and itching.
 
2. Oatmeal Bath
Add 1 cup of colloidal oatmeal to a lukewarm bath.
 
Soak for 15–20 minutes. Oatmeal soothes itching and reduces redness.
 
3. Aloe Vera
Use fresh aloe vera gel or 100% pure bottled gel.
 
Apply directly to the rash to reduce heat, soothe irritation, and prevent infection.
 
4. Coconut Oil
Acts as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent.
 
Apply a thin layer after cleansing and drying the skin.
 
 
5. Nettle Tea
Bath with nettle tea to help soothe the skin. Repeat several times a day.
You can also make a cup of nettle tea to drink, nettle tea supports the body with allergies
 
6. Homeopathic Urtica Urens
Urtica Urens is made from Nettle, this is a great remedy for nettle rash and also heat rash. Use a 6c potency up to 3 times a day.

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Exams can bring out both the best and worst in us. While a little pressure can help with focus, too much stress can lead to anxiety, sleepless nights, and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea and more. If you're looking for a gentle, natural way to support your body and mind during exam season, homeopathy may be worth exploring.

Homeopathy is based on the principle of "like cures like" and uses highly diluted substances to stimulate the body’s natural healing response. It's especially useful for emotional and mental imbalances — perfect for exam-related tension.

Here are five commonly recommended homeopathic remedies for exam stress:

1. Argentum Nitricum – For Anticipatory Anxiety (The What If's)
This remedy is ideal for the student who gets overwhelmed in the lead-up to exams. If your mind races with “what if” thoughts, you feel panicky, shaky, or have digestive issues like diarrhea before a test — Argentum Nitricum may help. It's especially good for those who are impulsive or have a tendency to imagine the worst-case scenario.

Best for: Nervous anticipation, performance anxiety, and digestive upset due to stress. May crave sweets and crisps (sugar and salt tastes)

2. Gelsemium – For Dread and Mental Blankness (Feeling Droopy and Dull)
If you freeze when the exam paper lands in front of you or feel completely unprepared despite having studied, Gelsemium could be your go-to. It helps with mental dullness, fatigue, trembling, and the kind of fear that leaves you feeling paralyzed.

Best for: Stage fright, mental fog, and physical weakness before or during exams.

3. Kali Phosphoricum – For Mental Fatigue (A Tonic for the nerves)
Perfect for those burning the midnight oil. Kali Phos supports the nervous system and helps when you're exhausted from overwork, emotionally drained, or experiencing concentration issues. It’s like a little nerve tonic in homeopathic form.

Best for: Burnout, brain fog, low energy, and lack of motivation from too much studying.

4. Lycopodium – For Fear of Failure (Does not like a podium)
If you're confident at home but crumble under pressure in the exam room, Lycopodium might help. It’s suited for people who set high standards but fear not living up to them. Symptoms often include bloating, gas, and a desire to control situations.

Best for: Perfectionists with self-doubt and digestive stress under pressure.

5. Aconite – For Sudden Panic Attacks (For fear or fright take aconite)
When exam stress hits like a wave — suddenly and intensely — Aconite can be calming. It’s great for acute anxiety, restlessness, and fear that seems to come out of nowhere.

Best for: Sudden, intense fear or panic attacks just before or during an exam.

Important Note:
Homeopathy is highly individualised. While these remedies are commonly used for exam stress, the best match depends on your specific symptoms and emotional state. For deeper or ongoing anxiety, consider consulting a qualified homeopath, do get in touch if you would like support. Always seek professional help when needed, and remember, if you need a GP, do get in touch, this article does not replace medical advice.
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REMEMBER
Exams are just one chapter in your journey — they don’t define your worth. Supporting your mental and emotional well-being with homeopathy can help you feel more balanced, calm, and confident when you need it most.

✨✨You’ve got this! ✨✨

Financial stress is currently a media constant in the UK, concerns about pensions, fuel prices, inflation, tax, the list goes on, and it affects individuals across many demographics. The pressures of managing expenses, debts, and financial uncertainties can lead to significant mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. Incorporating meditation into your daily routine can serve as a valuable tool to navigate and alleviate financial stress.​
 
Understanding Financial Stress
 
Financial stress arises when an individual perceives their financial resources as insufficient to meet their obligations or desired lifestyle. This stress can manifest through constant worry about bills, debt accumulation, or the inability to save for future goals. Such stress can lead to anxiety, insomnia, poor concentration, and low moods. ​
 
The Role of Meditation in Managing Financial Stress
 
Meditation is a practice that fosters mindfulness—the ability to remain present and fully engage with the current moment without judgment. Regular meditation has been shown to reduce stress levels by promoting relaxation and enhancing emotional regulation. Scientific studies have shown that Mindfulness meditation can lead to positive changes in the brain and biology, improving both mental and physical health. ​
 
Benefits of Meditation for Financial Stress
 

• Enhanced Emotional Awareness: Meditation encourages individuals to observe their thoughts and emotions without immediate reaction. This heightened awareness can help in recognising and addressing negative financial behaviours or impulsive spending habits. ​

 

• Improved Decision-Making: By cultivating a calm and focused mind, meditation can aid in making more rational and less emotionally-driven financial decisions. This clarity can be particularly beneficial when creating budgets, negotiating expenses, or planning for long-term financial goals. ​It can also help with decision making when faced with impulse financial opportunities.

 

• Reduction in Anxiety and Depression: Regular meditation practice has been linked to decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression, common companions of financial stress. By mitigating these symptoms, individuals may find themselves better equipped to tackle financial challenges proactively. ​

 

• Increased Resilience: Meditation builds resilience by helping individuals develop a balanced perspective on financial setbacks, viewing them as temporary and manageable rather than insurmountable obstacles. ​This may help individuals to attract more creative and positive opportunities to the situations they are presented with.

 
Practical Steps to Incorporate Meditation
 
Start Small: Begin with short, daily sessions of 5-10 minutes. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the duration.​
 
Use Guided Resources: Consider using online resources and classes to help you focus, or getting in touch with a meditation teacher to help you tailor your practice to your financial stress. ​
 
Consistency is Key: Aim to meditate at the same time each day to establish a routine, whether it is in the morning to set a positive tone for the day or in the evening to unwind.​
 
Create a Conducive Environment: Find a quiet, comfortable space where you can meditate without interruptions. This environment can enhance your ability to focus and relax.​

To Summarise 
While meditation may not directly alter your financial situation, it equips you with the mental tools to manage financial stress more effectively. By fostering mindfulness, enhancing emotional regulation, and promoting a balanced perspective, meditation can be a valuable component of a holistic approach to financial well-being. As with any practice, patience and consistency are essential to experience its full benefits.​
If you would like to enjoy some free meditation support and discover how easy it is to create a meditation space and practice for your needs, sign up to the Gift of Meditation at https://www.dawnwaterhouse.co.uk/free-meditation-mini-course.html