#WellnessWednesday – Wandering.Mother

How to report sexual harassment on London’s public transport

March 16, 2022March 16, 20221 Comment

Have you experienced an awkward moment on the train or bus that you wasn’t sure if it was actually sexual harassment or were unsure on how you could report it?

I remember one hot summer many years ago, I wore shorts on the bus and I sat upstairs on a crowded bus. The person I sat beside started to touch my leg and I felt extremely uncomfortable but wasn’t brave enough to confront the man further or make a scene on the crowded bus so I got off and left.

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How to stop back pain stopping you!

November 11, 2020March 7, 2021Leave a comment

A contribution post by Michelle McWilliam.

After carrying your baby nine months, mothers then carry said baby in their arms or a sling or are found carting a car seat about. Then, as children grow you are carrying heavier – and wrigglier – small children. Of course, that’s all part of motherhood and our body is designed to be able to undertake these activities. However, if this coincides with a combination of repetition and inadequate physical fitness, we can develop injuries that cause pain, ranging from a mild backache to serious pain.
And you can’t really be struggling to get around when you have a small human (or more) to care for and enjoy spending time with. So what do you need to consider.

Know how your back works

Knowing how our bodies work empowers us to make the correct decisions on how best to look after ourselves, whether that’s what we choose to eat, how much we exercise or the daily stretch routine we participate in.

The spine consists of a stack of bones called vertebra and sandwiched between each bone is a disc. These discs are the shock absorbers for our spines and are incredibly strong. Imagine a jam doughnut. The jam in the middle is the nucleus pulposus, the dough around the outside is the annulus pulposus. The sugary coating around the outside is the annular ligament. Together these structures produce a disc that can be squashed in all directions to allow movement of the spine. Holding all of this together are ligaments and a complex array of muscles, which support the central column on bones and discs.

The Wandering Mother - UK Family Lifestyle Blog — Knowing your body mechanics can really help to prevent back pain

What causes pain

Different issues with the spine can cause pain. Most common is the overuse of muscles. This can cause a deep, dull ache which gradually builds up during the day. This is due to muscle fatigue and is an indicator that the spine and muscles around it can no longer maintain the work you’re expecting of them. Alternatively, sudden, cramp-like pain can be caused by muscle spasms. This is where the muscles of the back feel the need to spasm as tightly as possible to stop you doing something, in an effort to reduce possible injury.

More severe back pain can be caused by damage to the discs of the spine. Image the jam doughnut between two plates. As you squish the plates together you squish the disc. If you place more pressure on one side of the disc, the central jam can push out towards the sugary coating. In cases of continued pressure this sugary coating can become damaged and the jam and dough can produce a bulge. In the worst cases the dough, or annulus pulposus, is also damaged and the jam, nucleus pulposus, can come outside of the doughnut, resulting in a herniation.

If the disc bulge pushes out at just the right angle it can place pressure on the nerve which can produce pain. This is known a nerve root compression.

The Wandering Mother | IDD Therapy: Relieving Back Pain — Make sure you look after your back whilst working

Avoiding and treating back pain

When neck or back pain starts it becomes difficult to move. Our body becomes stiff and immobile either due to muscles spasms or the pain that restricts our movement. The first stage is to try and reduce the acute nature of the pain. This maybe helped with hot or cold packs, or pain medication as prescribed or through a GP. Once pain has started to reduce, some movement will return as the muscles start to relax. Manual therapy can then be used to try to further reduce the muscle spasm, mobilise stiff joints and improve the movement of the spine.

Exercises are, of course, an important part of maintaining health for the spine. They help not only to prevent injury but also for the treatment of injuries once they have started. Tai Chi, Yoga and Pilates are all excellent forms of exercise to maintain the strength of muscles in the spine, your core control. They can also improve and / or maintain flexibility of the ligaments, muscles and joints of the spine and neck.

Posture and manual handling techniques are incredibly important for preventing injury. Lifting incorrectly, especially with an added weight such as a child, can add a large amount of pressure on the neck and spine. If this is added to poor spinal health due to poor posture and declining physical fitness, the chances of injury are increased.

Herniated discs

For disc problems to resolve, the body needs to be given the right environment to help itself. This means that the spine needs to be moving to the best of its ability, with enough strength and control to undertake the activities that are expected of it. Osteopaths, Chiropractors and Physiotherapists are all skilled and able to provide the correct treatment and advice to try to help with back and neck pain.

In cases where the body is unable to heal itself and manual therapy treatment has been unsuccessful, clinics can recommend IDD Therapy. This form of treatment is a specialised form of spinal decompression, controlled through computers to provide the exact amount of decompression to a targeted area for a sustained period of time. The targeted area means that the specific disc that is causing the issue can be targeted rather than a broad traction throughout the whole spine. The gentle nature of the treatment means that the muscle spasms can be eased to improve spinal mobility and, therefore, proves a far more suitable environment for the spine to heal.

As the pain subsides, manual therapy and gentle exercise can, of course, be re-introduced to help get patients back to full health again. Keeping your body strong and mobile is the key to enjoying a long, enjoyable and – importantly – pain free life. However, since over eighty per cent of people will experience back or neck pain at some stage in their lives, it’s reassuring to know that in most cases in can be helped quickly with the right management or treatment.

About the author: Michelle McWilliam

Michelle McWilliam is a highly experienced Osteopath and Acupuncturist and co-owns The Totalcare Clinic in Botley, just outside of Southampton.

The clinic provides Osteopathy for adults and children, Acupuncture, Sports Massage, IDD Therapy, and boasts 48 classes per week of Pilates, Yoga and Tai Chi. ‘Intervertebral Differential Dynamics’ or IDD Therapy is the fastest growing non-surgical spinal treatment for intervertebral discs with over 1,000 clinics worldwide and 34 clinics across the UK. Safe, gentle and non-invasive, IDD Therapy helps patients who need something more for their pain when manual therapy alone is insufficient to achieve lasting pain relief.

http://iddtherapy.co.uk
Facebook: IDD Therapy Europe
Twitter: @IDDTherapyDisc

NB. This is a contribution post written by guest writer, Michelle McWilliam who is an Osteopath, Acupuncturist and co-owner of The Totalcare Clinic

Can eating a vegan diet in pregnancy really be healthy?

October 21, 2020January 12, 20211 Comment

A contribution post by Louise Palmer-Masterton

There is a widely-held belief that humans are omnivorous (both meat- and plant-eating), so eating a solely vegan-based diet with no meat, fish or poultry cannot be safe in pregnancy. However, I and many others, would disagree with that statement.

I was almost 40 years old when I was pregnant with my first child. At that time, my diet mainly consisted of whole vegetables, small amounts of wholegrain, tofu, lentils and pulses, nuts and seeds. I ate as I normally would throughout both of my pregnancies. I had no morning sickness, no particular cravings, no complications or deficiencies, and was able to deliver both of my children safely at home by home birth. During both of my pregnancies, I took multivitamins and folic acid as recommended by health professionals.

I then started to wonder if my experiences were rare ones, or were there many vegan women out there experiencing the same problem-free pregnancies like I did. So I did some research and found that there were many other new mums who were also vegan during their pregnancies.

My findings:

All of the new mums I spoke to adopted a ‘wholefoods natural diet’ during their pregnancies
None of them experienced any cravings
Two out of the seven experienced severe morning sickness ate plain toast for their first trimester
Two were diagnosed with gestational diabetes (GD) in the second trimester which was successfully managed by eating a wholefoods-vegan diet
Soups and stews were frequently mentioned as the main ‘go to’ meals
Marmite, tofu, tempeh, brown rice, aduki beans, miso soup, and ginger were also popular food options

“When I had morning (all day) sickness I ate a lot of baked potatoes, as I didn’t fancy much else. Luckily potatoes have vitamins in the skin, and so I felt they were better than other bland things. I supplemented potatoes with vitamins and iron. I also remember eating dried mangoes, cucumber, and miso at some points, and drinking orange juice. When I recovered from the morning sickness, I ate a lot of everything.”
Helen, Vegan Family Guide

For mum, Holly (one of the women diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes) said nut butters were a life saver for her special diet, thanks to the high-fat/protein and low-carb content in nuts, to sustain her through her pregnancy.

For Danielle, who developed cholestasis in her second trimester, meant she could only eat foods that were low in fats explained that “the vegan diet was great for this”.

Can you get the right nutrition from eating a vegan diet?

All the vegan women I spoke to were very knowledgable about vegan nutrition in pregnancy. They were all well aware of the need to increase protein intakes by 10-20%, and did so with greater attention based on eating good, balanced meals. Not all of them ate protein/rich foods like tofu, with many of them preferring pulses, grains and organic vegetables.

It is recommended in pregnancy for all mothers to take folic acid. With vegan pregnancies, it’s also highly recommended to take vitamin B12 and vitamin D supplements as these are not found in plant-based products. Half of the women I spoke to did mention they take diet supplements, but the other half only took the recommended folic acid supplements.

Helen, who has been vegan for many years, said: “I always try to follow a balanced diet. Supplements are recommended to pregnant people of all persuasions. I took vegan vitamins and iron before, during and after my pregnancy.”

Angie, who was vegan pregnant then raised her children on vegan diets, said she “just ate sensibly – mainly fruit and veg. I’d been vegan thirteen years before I became pregnant and had never been unwell so I assumed it all was ok…” shows it is possible to be healthy and vegan during and after pregnancy.

This was reiterated by Lee, who has been through two pregnancies as a vegan; “I didn’t even think about nutrition, I just followed what my body craved and had zero nutritional issues”.

Do pregnant vegans feel well?

None of the women I spoke to reported of any nutritional issues or deficienciesa during their pregnancies, and aside from the complications mentioned by some of the women, all of the mum-to-bes said they felt healthy during their pregnancy.

Danielle stated: “I am very strong and the muscle of the household, even when pregnant if something needs lifting, I’m your girl”.

Another mum, Emma said she continued to be vegan whilst breastfeeding and had a wonderful pregnancy with no issues whatsoever.

“I wasn’t sick once, I had no cravings, I felt great the whole time, had energy, my skin was the best it’s ever been and I continued to work-out throughout the entire pregnancy. Postpartum I was told I had great colostrum, since my baby only lost 70g initially and I had a plentiful supply of milk, the health visitor actually said I had too much!”
Emma, new mum

What do health professionals think of pregnant women following vegan diets?

All of the new mums I spoke to remarked on how compassionate and empathetic their health care teams were of their vegan food choices. None of them was pressured or advised to eat animal products, including the women who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

Emma: “I didn’t tell my midwife that I was vegan because I expected a negative response which I didn’t want to deal with at that time. However, in hospital (after the birth) the team were very supportive in providing me with decent vegan food to eat.”

If you are vegan or vegetarian, don’t let the myth that you need animal products during your pregnancy put you off sticking to your plant-based diet. Eating a healthy and balanced vegan diet during your pregnancy can be good for you and your baby – and as long as there aren’t any vegan foods that are on the ‘no go’ list during your pregnancy, you won’t have to give anything up either.

This is a contribution post from guest writer, Louise Palmer-Masterton – founder of multiple award-winning restaurants Stem & Glory.

5 ideas to help you achieve a new balance for your family by Sid Madge

September 2, 2020September 10, 2020Leave a comment

Covid-19 has affected families in different ways. If we are lucky, we have been able to enjoy staying at home, reconnecting with family and indulging in some serious down time, safe in the knowledge we have still been receiving the majority of our pay. If we are unlucky, we have been anxious, struggling financially and emotionally, or worse we have lost a loved one.

However, amongst the gloomy predictions of Great Depression-like economic slumps there is hope and opportunity. Opportunity for us, individually and as a society to change and create a better tomorrow and greater balance.

The Greenwich Mummy | Family Lifestyle & Travel Blog — Family Time is now more important than ever / Photo Credit: Alexander Dummer via Unsplash

In fact, a recent YouGov survey showed that only 8% of Britons want life to return to ‘normal’ after the virus outbreak is over. 42% of participants said they value food and other essentials more since the pandemic, with 38% cooking from scratch more. 61% of people are spending less money. Two-fifths said there is a stronger sense of community in their area since the outbreak began and 39% say they are catching up with friends and family more. We are being reminded of what is truly important and meaningful in our lives. The only question is whether we will head those lessons and insights and use them to create something better or whether we will all go back to the way it was.

There is talk of a ‘new normal’ which implies that we are going to have to make some compromises in the new reality we find ourselves in. But what if, the compromise was the way we used to live. Compromising our time with those we love to make money to buy stuff we didn’t really need in the first place. Compromising time with friends and family for work commitments and never-ending deadlines. Compromising our health because we didn’t believe we had the time or inclination to cook from scratch or take care of our fitness. And yet these are the little things that have kept us sane for the last few months. The shared family meals, life lived at a slower and often, more enjoyable pace. A bit less anxiety, a bit more love.

The Greenwich Mummy | Family Travel & Lifestyle Blog — Sid Madge / Tony Blake

Let’s forget about normal or new normal and instead focus on ‘New Balance’. Here are five practical ideas to help make this ‘new balance’ a reality in your family life. Please feel free to share these tips with those around you and help them find the space they need to make them into regular habits:

Take time out, every day to get outside, ideally in nature or a local park. Walk, pay attention to what’s going on around you. Don’tcut yourself off by listening to music, audio books or podcasts. Instead, pay attention to what’s around you, notice the trees, listen to the bird song, witness the change of the seasons. Take this time, even if it’s just a few minutes, to just ‘be’. Listen. Think. Spend time in silence.
Master your mornings: Start your day from a place of positivity. Prepare the night before so that mornings can include a shared breakfast. Everyone in the family says what they want to achieve that day and takes a minute or two to share what you are already grateful for in your lives. Use that positive start to get into a positive mindset.
Take ten or twenty minutes out of each day to read an inspirational book. For example, any of the three Meee in a Minute books (life, family and work). Each one has 60 one-minute nuggets of wisdom including life hacks, advice, insights, science, short exercises, and thought experiments to ensure you start the day with positivity and confidence. Another great book is A. C. Grayling’s ‘The Meaning of Things’ which had a profound impact on my life. There are dozens of great books so pick those that resonate with you. Many are also available as audio books.
Eradicate unnecessary activity. Ask yourself does this activity add value and make you feel better or does it detract from your life. Lockdown has taught us what is really important and spending money and endless shopping doesn’t appear to have made the cut. Take some time to consider what’s really important in your life. If something doesn’t add value, eliminate it or seek to cut down that activity in your life. Focus on what matters professionally and personally. Focus on what makes you and your family happy. And make these things the priority.
Connect with people you care about – friends and family. At work seek to find ways to maintain some of the flexibility that became essential during Covid-19. Honour both the human being and the employee. Find ways to maintain a connection and to find a balance that works for all the important parts of your life. At home, talk to each other, eat together as a family and maintain the strengthened bonds facilitated by the pandemic.

Today we have an opportunity to create something better for our families and also for our communities. This could be our silver lining where we truly appreciate that what matters doesn’t have to cost money. It isn’t the nice overseas holidays, the expensive car or the bigger home. What matters are the micro moments of love, trust, gratitude for the simple things.

About the Author
Sid Madge is founder of Meee (My Education Employment Enterprise) which draws on the best creativity and thinking from the worlds of branding, psychology, neuroscience, education and sociology, to help people achieve extraordinary lives. To date, Meee has transformed the lives of over 20,000 people, from leaders of PLC’s and SME’s to parents, teachers, students, carers, the unemployed and prison inmates. Sid Madge is also author of the ‘Meee in Minute’ series of books which each offer 60 ways to change your life, work- or family-life in 60 seconds.

This is a guest post written by Sid Madge. Images of Sid Madge are credited to Tony Blake Photography respectively and must not be used without permission.

The Greenwich Mummy Blog | Family Lifestyle & Travel

‘Appy kids with Calm Kingdom: a mental wellness app for children

August 5, 2020January 14, 2021Leave a comment

Calm and Appy Kids!

Kids nowadays are so advanced when it comes to digital technology, it’s a wonder how the older generations have still not fully caught up. With their sponge-like brains, this generation’s children are consuming much more technology than any other generation before them which can be both good and bad, depending on how you look at it.

There’s also been articles and research into whether technology is linked to anxiety, depression, attention disorders and other behavioural problems. As their tiny brains get over=stimulated, it can be easy for children to then become restless and act out. This is why wellness activities such as kids and family yoga can really help to take kids away from screen-time and learn to practice mindfulness and being calm. However, not everyone might be able to access these types of classes and rely on digital sites and apps to provide them with this kind of support.

“Mindfulness is an important strength for children to acquire. While they may not always be able to articulate it, children are picking up and internalising the stresses around them.”
Adam Green, founder of CLEVERWORLD

That’s why the creators and developers at CLEVERWORLD have just launched a new interactive wellbeing app made just for kids called Calm Kingdom. The app is aimed at children aged between 2-7 years and is designed to help support children’s mental wellness and promote mindfulness. In the app, you’ll find videos on mindful breathing, calming techniques and gentle stretching and movement. They also have cool animal names like Reptile Relaxation and Sloth Stretches demonstrated by the animals (well, people dressed as the animals) too making it fun and easy for kids to remember.

According to mental health experts, keeping a reflection journal can help children to manage their emotions better and is said to be “one of the healthiest habits for a lifetime”.

The app offers even the youngest children to experience journalling through colouring and drawing in the app. This kind of colouring can help children to improve their focus, concentration and creativity skills. Children can also use their own voice to record their thoughts and feelings which is amazing.

I downloaded the app on my phone and Little Miss seemed to have had a good time exploring the app. It even has a parent portal section where you can get involved and observe your child’s journey through the app. The Calm Kingdom is not social app but for the journalling it does require a login connection via social media or email. There is a free and premium (paid) version of the app – we downloaded the free one.

The Greenwich Mummy Blog | Family & Lifestyle in London — Colouring can support children’s learning / Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

All of the children’s work ie. any voice recordings and journalling content is only accessible to the child and the parent. This should provide parents with some peace of mind that their children can safely explore the app and express themselves freely without their security or privacy being put at risk.

You can download the Calm Kingdom app for free on iOS and Android:

iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/calm-kingdom/id1383607910
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cleverkids.calmkingdom

The Greenwich Mummy Blog | Birchbox Beauty Box Review

April 2020 ‎| Birchbox Beauty Box Review

May 13, 2020August 4, 20202 Comments

It’s been so long since I last reviewed a beauty box. I still subscribe every now and then but either I have been too lazy/busy/not great enough to publish a review or I just lost interest in writing it. However since the lockdown, I have had more time to myself and able to show some love on the blog again… especially now that I have had a big influx of people passing by since quarantine, it’s nice to keep busy whilst I’m off work. I also purchased March’s Birchbox which you can read here.

Watch the video review:
(click CC for subtitles/closed captions)

April’s Birchbox Review

First of all, I have to give a huge kudos points for Birchbox’s packaging for April’s box. It’s stunning. Photos actually do not do it any justice, it’s really amazing. This May’s box packaging is also fantastic and totally unique so check that out too.

The design was created in collaboration with Anthropologie – a lifestyle-fashion brand that sells everything from clothing and jewellery to homeware, beauty and gifts. Their designs are funky, unique and fun. I’m a big fan of their homeware and gifts section, I really like their fun and colourful prints. It’s one of the reasons why I really wanted to try out this April’s box.

Can I just say… I am really excited to try all of the products in this box! Apart from This Works and Percy & Reed, I’ve not heard of the other brands before. It might just be because I’ve been away from beauty boxes for a while but it’s a nice treat for me.

So what’s inside…

*my favourite products from this box

KNDR Mood Balm
I received this lip balm in Positivity Pink which is actually a bright purple colour. Once you apply the mood lip balm, the colour changes according to your lip’s natural pH level and adjusts to your very own tone of pink. Mine came out a light, bright pink. When Little Miss put hers on more, she came out with a subtle fuchsia colour. Very pretty and fun to use. It glides on smoothly and left my lips feeling soft. It’s also very hydrating, I got a few hour’s wear out of it before needing to re-apply. This was one of my fave products.

My new fave lip balm

We love the colour-changing lip balm

KNDR mood balm in positivity pink

I really love the packaging of the mood balm – the feminine design is super cute! The outer packaging is made from card and the inside packaging is card with a plastic applicator. It seems like a good idea but if water gets onto the balm, I’m not sure it’ll last! I’m also not the neatest with lip colours and you can see from the image, I already smudged the colour onto the white bit of the packaging already! I also chipped the top of the lip balm but let’s pretend you don’t see that. 🙂

Huygens Infusion Blanche Purifying Face Wash

During summer my skin tends to produce a little more oil than normal so I usually swap out my creamy cleanser for a gel cleanser or wash. I will be trying this one out and let you know how it goes. The face wash states that cleanses effectively without stripping essential moisture from the skin and is suitable for all skin types. Containing a blend of tea-tree (anti-bacterial), aloe vera (skin repairing) and glycerine (hydrating), this purifying face wash looks like it will re-balance skin types and leaves skin cleansed and clear. It does remove makeup but I’m not sure if it’s suitable for eyes.

**update 30/07** I LOVE this face wash, it really exceeded my expectations. I thought I would still feel some kind of tightness especially as it’s very cool, almost tingly upon use due to the teat tree and witch hazel but man! This gel wash is one of the best I’ve used so far.

Brushworks Silicone Cleansing Pad
This is a Birchbox exclusive product and one of the products I was really looking forward to use. Made from ultra-hygienic, flexible silicone with tiny bristles, it’s designed to lift away impurities and makeup whilst gently exfoliate the skin. Definitely gentle enough to use every day. Again, another product great for all skin types especially dull and dehydrated skin. I’ll be using this in conjunction with my Huygens face wash but also with my Aromatherapy Associations creamy rose cleanser. This is one of my favourite items from this box too.

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
This stuff smells super-calming. The relaxing scent of lavender, chamomile and vetivert will definitely help to soothe your senses. It’s also been clinically proven to help you sleep quicker than usual and wake up feeling more refreshed. I already have a product which I use when I’m feeling restless (Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax roller ball) which is amazing and works well – I find that this pillow spray compared to mine is much milder in terms of scent strength but good enough to help soothe you to sleep. It’s the sedative aroma of vetivert that always seems to do the trick!

Percy & Reed Eau My Goodness No-Fuss Fabulousness Dry Shampoo
This dry shampoo unfortunately is not CG-friendly as it contains alcohol denat but I might give it a try near to the next time I’m doing a clarifying wash just to see how it works on my hair. I’m not usually a fan of dry shampoo but they do come in handy if you’re spending a night out or away from home ie on a city break, camping, glamping or on a trip where you aren’t able to take all your haircare with you.

So.. yay or nay?

Definitely YAY!

I am so glad that Birchbox’s April beauty box was a hit with me. I remember a time when I loved beauty boxes so much but then what happens is the products start accumulating and I also end up receiving a lot of doubles from the boxes. I love the fact that with the beauty boxes you can subscribe/unsubscribe whenever you want – there’s no contract to tie you down.. if you don’t want to be! 🙂

Want to give Birchbox a try?
You can subscribe online or find out more here: https://www.birchbox.co.uk/subscribe

p i n t h i s p o s t

NB. this post contains affiliate links

My Top 5 natural facial cleansers for all skin types

April 22, 2020January 14, 20211 Comment

Cleansing your face should be one of the first and most important step in your skincare routine. It preps the skin for the next steps in your routine and is a must for those who don’t have a routine in place. With slightly more time on our side now, kick-starting your skincare routine might be a good idea plus it allows you to have more self-care time. 🙂

Why use a facial cleanser?

Cleansing helps to remove dirt and debris sitting on the skin – this goes for men and women. Think of it like washing your hands. Most cleansers will removes face makeup effectively but not all of them will remove eye-makeup or waterproof mascara so read the labels carefully. If the cleanser doesn’t state it removes eye-makeup then it won’t be gentle enough to use on eyes or take it off effectively. Micellar water is usually your best option for eye makeup removal and they’re usually a 3-in-1 (makeup remover, cleanser, toner) which means you can use it all over the face with no need to rinse off.

Skin types can be broken down into the following categories:

Dehydrated – skin that lacks water; parched skin can feel tight, it can look dull and sallow, uneven skin tone/texture, can also become red, sensitive, congested
Combination – a combination of two or more skin types, generally combination skin is oily and dehydrated
Dry or Ageing – skin that lacks oil; rough texture, looks dry and flaky look, can be itchy, dry skin is more prone to ageing ie. visible lines and wrinkles are more prominent
Oily – skin texture may be thick and consistently shiny, may also be congested and/or acne-prone, if acne is active the skin can become red and sensitive
Sensitive – skin that suffers from redness, feels sore or irritated, affected by the environment (sun, heat, cold), may suffer from rosacea, reactive to ingredients in products, medication or diet, may also become prone to breakouts

I’ve not listed ‘normal’ skin types as even this skin type can become dehydrated so if you have normal skin, look for products that can improve dehydration and/or radiance.

The different types of facial cleansers out there:

Balm – rich texture that is nourishing and comforting
Cream – medium-rich texture that is heavier than gels or oils but lighter than balms, moisturising and hydrating
Gel – lightweight texture that usually foams, leaves skin feeling refreshed and/or slightly astringent
Oil – lightweight to medium-rich texture that glides on the skin smoothly, usually great at removing all types of makeup including waterproof eye makeup
Micellar water – very lightweight, used on the face to remove makeup usually including eyes, cleanses and tones the skin without the need to rinse off

There are other types which include foaming washes, cleansing milk, 2-in-1 cleansers, solid bars, and cleansers that emulsify to a ‘milk’ before washing off.

Everyone’s skin type is a little different and can change depending on climate, weather and even the environment. Check out how your skin looks and feels regularly and if needed, switch up your cleanser but no more than twice a year (cold and hot seasons). I live in London, UK which is usually cold but I can tell that in ‘summer’ months, my skin is a little more dewy and hydrated so I’ll switch to a lighter cream cleanser or gel/foaming wash cleanser.

My top natural skincare cleansers for your skin type

As a natural skincare junkie (and spa therapist) I’ve come across quite a few skincare cleansers. Some I love, some others love and some that are questionable. All of the cleansers I’ve listed below are labelled as suitable for all skin types but I’ve included my recommendations for which skin type I think is would get the best results from them. Ingredients like rose, aloe vera and glycerin are great for hydrating the skin – something which all skin types can benefit from.

None of these cleansers do not contain sulfates, parabens or silicones. As good practice, I’d advise you to always check the full ingredients list just in case. A cleanser might market itself as sulfate-free but could still contain parabens or silicones.

I’ve included the full list for you below too… you’re welcome! 🙂

Aromatherapy Associates Hydrating Renewing Rose Cleanser

This light but creamy cleanser smells gorgeous and feels so smooth on the skin. We use the AA brand at the spa – this natural brand that really does its job. As the cream is lightweight, it really is suitable for all skin types especially normal/dehydrated, sensitive and combination skin types. This is one of the few cleansers that can be used directly on the eyes to remove eye makeup and doesn’t sting the eyes.

Apply on with clean hands using circular motion and rinse off with water. As an extra step I like to rinse then use my wet face cloth to buff the skin so I’m getting a deeper cleanse and a little exfoliation. It’s really easy to use.

[Full ingredients: Aqua (Water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride,Glycerin, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Phenoxyethanol, Rosa Centifolia (Rose) Flower Water, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citronellol*, Geraniol*, Linalool*.]
*Natural Essential Oil Contents.

I’d highly recommend this for: dehydrated skin, dry/ageing skin, combination skin, sensitive skin

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

The Pro-Collagen range from Elemis has been their bestselling collections for over 5 years. I used Elemis during my training days and it’s a wonderful brand; it smells divine and products incorporate a lot of science to deliver on results. It’s much more science-y than Aromatherapy Associates and so they used to contain more chemical nasties however their new formulations now are more gentle and they’ve cut out a lot of those chemicals. This product doesn’t state it can be used on eyes to remove eye makeup so I wouldn’t suggest it. If you do, then do it with caution at your own risk.

It’s only rich once you put it on but that’ll change. Massage the cleansing balm into the skin using circular upward motions to work it into the skin to loosen up the makeup and dirt. Add a little water (emulsify) to get it going, this will allow the makeup to lift off the skin. Once it turns into a milk you wash it off and pat dry, leaving you with baby soft skin.

[Full Ingredients: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, PEG-8 Beeswax, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sambucus Nigra (Elderberry) Oil, Sorbitan Stearate, PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Silica, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Glycerin, Lecithin, Borago Officinalis (Starflower) Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Cera (Wax), Padina Pavonica Thallus Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Acacia Decurrens (Mimosa) Flower Cera (Wax), Rosa Multiflora (Rose) Flower Cera (Wax), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil, Tocopherol, Lavandula Hybrida (Lavandin) Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Cinnamomum Camphora (Ho Wood) Wood Oil, Mentha Arvensis (Mint) Leaf Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Menthol, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Leaf Oil, Citric Acid, Linalool, Geraniol, Eugenol, Citronellol, Limonene]

I’d highly recommend this for: dry/ageing skin, dehydrated skin, combination skin

Liz Earle’s Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

This cleanser was one of the first natural products I tried and I do love it still. The smell of the cocoa butter with the menthol aroma of eucalyptus reminds me of chocolate-minty goodness. It can be used over the eyes to remove makeup but the menthol might sting a little if you have sensitive eyes.

This rich cleanser needs to be applied similar to the Elemis cleanser, dispense 1-2 pump(s) into your hands and massage onto your face and eyelids. Make sure you massage all of the cleanser in then rinse the cloth in hot (but not boiling) water and wring out excess water. Use circular motions to remove the cleanser off.

[Full ingredients: Aqua (water), Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetyl esters, Cera alba (beeswax), Glycerin, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan stearate, Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, Humulus lupulus (hops) extract, Chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract, Propylene glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Benzoic acid, Dehydroacetic acid, Sorbitol, Limonene, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyaminopropyl biguanide, Citric acid, Sodium hydroxide.]

I’d highly recommend this for: oily/congested skin, combination skin, dehydrated skin

A’kin Cleansing Micellar Water

Micellar water is actually one of my favourite beauty bag staples. Simply because you can take it with you anywhere, use it to remove makeup or even just freshening up your skin when out and about. A’kin’s micellar water is super gentle and can be used on all skin types. It’s cooling on the skin and removes eye makeup pretty well. It has a really fresh cucumber scent (one of its main ingredients) so if you’re not a fan of cucumbers, this may not be one for you. This micellar water is totally water-based however you can find some other micellar water includes oils.

Can be used to remove eye makeup. Simply use with cotton pads and wipe over eyes, face and neck area. No need to rinse off.

[Full ingredients: Water (Aqua), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water *+, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Green Tea)*, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Water*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Juice*+, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract*, Glycerin*, Ethylhexylglycerin, Heptyl Glucoside*, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate*, Sodium Levulinate*, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid*, Linalool^.]
+Certified organic. *Botanical source. ^From essential oil.

I’d highly recommend this for: sensitive skin, dehydrated skin, combination skin

REN Rosa Centifolia Cleansing Gel

I’m not a massive fan of gel cleansers however they are slightly better for my dehydrated skin in the summer than full-on foaming wash cleansers. Gel cleansers are super lightweight but will contain some lightweight oils to keep skin moisturised and balanced. I find gel cleansers also work best on combination and oily/congested skin types but ideally could be used for all types. Dry/ageing skin types might find that gel cleansers do not provide enough moisture or hydration and will probably do better with a creamier cleanser.

Apply onto skin with wet hands or emulsify gradually with water to cleanse the skin, avoiding the eyes. Rinse off with water and pat dry.

[Full ingredients: Aqua (Water), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Coco Glucoside, Polysorbate 20, Xanthan Gum, Panthenol, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids, Potassium Sorbate, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Parfum* (Fragrance), Rosa Damascena Extract, Cymbopogon Martini Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Lactic Acid, Citronellol, Geraniol]
*100% Natural Fragrance – Parfum 100% Naturel

I’d highly recommend this for: combination skin, oily/congested skin, dehydrated skin, sensitive skin

There you go!
It’s not a comprehensive list but enough to get you looking around and get you started this Spring on your skincare journey. Do you have a favourite cleanser? Let me know in the comments section what you think of these recommendations and whether you agree. x

Happy #WellnessWednesday

NB. this post contains affiliate links

Health: 5 ways on how to relieve flat feet pain

April 3, 2019June 22, 2019Leave a comment

Like many people, I suffer from fallen arches, also known as “flat feet”. It’s not something I had noticed until my late teenage/young adult years as I’ve never really worn high heels so just assumed that the pain from wearing them was due to infrequent wear and not because I have very low arches in my feet.

When I was pregnant with Little Man I started becoming more susceptible to ankle sprains and whilst pregnant (last trimester) with Little Miss, I badly sprained my left ankle walking home one night by missing a step on to the pavement from crossing a road. I remember the crunching sound was so loud I thought I broke my whole ankle but surprisingly was still able to hobble home with a 15mins walk. It swelled that nice and became extremely painful when I got home and sat down.

I carried out the RICE method (rest, ice, compress, elevate) and eventually made an appointment to see the GP but it was too late. The GP confirmed I had torn the whole ligament and because I left it so long (3 months post sprain), it will never fully heal as I was supposed to strengthen the ankle and foot muscles as soon as the ankle was healing and had no pain. Since then I have been extremely cautious – even now, my ankle sometimes gives way and I get mini-sprains but I can carry on with normal activities.

With my low foot arch and being prone to ankle sprains what else? I also suffer from over-pronation. What’s that you ask? Over-pronation is when the feet roll/tilt inwards either due to foot alignment or fallen arches. This can cause knee and hip problems in some people. I think most people with flat feet would suffer from some degree of over-pronation. Stability shoes are recommended for us over-pronators but they usually look bulky or just plain ugly.

So how can you relieve flat feet pain?

There’s many different ways but here are five ways which I think are simple yet practical and effective…

1. Choose shoes that support your feet

The Greenwich Mummy Blog | How to relieve flat feet pain

Working as a spa therapist, I am always on my feet and on top of that, either in bare feet or super flat shoes. Standing for long periods of time can also take its toll on flat feet, resulting in flat feet pain.

Recently I started suffering from really bad feet pain and I couldn’t understand why. After coming home from work I would soak and massage my feet, rest them but they were still in pain. It then dawned on me that it could be due to standing for prolonged periods, combined with flat shoes that offer no support. So I did some research and looked for decent-looking shoes with support. I first checked out Sketchers as my sister said they’re a good brand for support shoes but I wasn’t attracted to any of the designs. They either looked really ugly but practical or just plain bulky. Their trainers looked nice but unfortunately we are not allowed trainers at the spa.

I then discovered FitFlop and saw they had a few nice designs. I’ve always wanted a pair but could never afford buying at full price but they currently have a spring offer on and found a pair I absolutely love!

The Übernit Bow Ballerinas shoe is not only cute, it’s also practical and super comfortable. The breathable knit material is comfy, soft on the skin and lightweight making it ideal for a warm spa environment. The soles are slip-resistance which helps when performing massages so no more need to do it barefoot on hard floors!

The shoes are ergonomically designed to provide maximum comfort, thanks to FitFlop’s Anatomicush technology. They give my fallen arches that extra bit of support. Since wearing these babies, my feet don’t hurt as much by the end of the day and some days they stop hurting at all so result! If you work a job that requires you to be standing, walking or just being on your feet all day definitely have a look for a shoe that has good cushioning to give you support and avoid those super flat shoes at all cost. They may look pretty but in the long run, they’ll do more harm than good.

2. Strengthen your (foot) muscles

A no-brainer here. If you experience pain in your feet, it could be due to weakened muscles. Just like any other muscle in your body, the muscles in your feet also need to be worked on and strengthened, especially considering how much we actually use it.

Like our gluteal muscles (bum muscles in layman’s terms) – they are one of the largest muscle groups in our body but are the least worked. The muscles weaken, eventually cause a posterior imbalance that leads to lower back pain and other postural issues. You can find many foot strengthening exercises online; the most popular ones are:

Toe curls “toe-towel pickup”
Heel lifts
Inner and outer edge rolls

Check out this article by Runtastic which has all the exercises above plus a couple more. Ideally aimed at runners but can be for anyone with feet pain. You can also find a couple of other exercises on Arthritis Research UK which also gives you a printable PDF option.

3. See a foot specialist (podiatrist, also known as a chiropodist)

If you’re lucky enough to be referred on the NHS then great but if you’re like me then you will need to look private. According to my local complementary therapies centre, Blackheath Complementary Health Centre who does offer chiropody/podiatry services, an initial 30mins consultation will set you back around £45 and follow-ups around £40 for 30mins. This is quite a reasonable price as I have seen some places charging a lot more by the hour.

Some footwear stores, especially running trainer stores like Asics offer free gait analysis checks in store so you can see discover the pronation of your feet; which would be either over-pronated (feet roll in), under-pronated (feet roll out) or neutral (neutral alignment). If you love going for a jog or run, or run professionally then choosing footwear best suited your pronation can improve your performance and help with stability.

**update** I had my podiatrist appointment and she told me that my feet and femur are anatomically misaligned so there is a natural deformation of the bones – that caused my over pronation and with also having flat feet, my feet are basically F’ed up. She told me I can no longer wear flip flops and I have to buy only stability trainers/shoes from brands like Skechers, Fitflop or Asics and choose the footwear that offers good arch support. That, and the constant wear of orthotic insoles that I can get from Amazon for around £10.

4. Treat your feet to some R&R

Having a good foot soak once a week is a brilliant thing to do and we really should take the effort to make time for our feet.

Feet get neglected a lot until summer when people want pedicures to show off their cute tootsies but it’s not good enough. I’ve set myself a new wellbeing task of treating my body monthly to some good ol’ pampering. Either I do it myself, or if I have a bit of cash then book in for a treatment. In winter, I treated my toes to paraffin wax pedicures which was AMAZING. If you don’t know about this treatment then google it and get ready to book yourself one asap!

Anyone can carry out a good foot soak at home, either in the bath or with a bowl of warm/hot but not boiling water and add in some bubble bath and you’re good to go. You can get fancy and add in bath salts or epsom salts which help refresh tired feet and even essential oils. Finish off the treat by drying feet thoroughly with a towel and massaging in a nourishing foot cream or oil. Put on socks to help the products penetrate a little deeper into the skin.

If you prefer something more luxury, have a look for a foot spa, you can get a decent one from Amazon for around £30-40 but check whether it can be used with bath salts or scrubs if you intend on using those.

5. Put the skyscraper heels away!

High heels can give feet pain due to the curvature of the arch in high heels design. Swelling can offer, especially around the ankles due to pressure.

Most people with flat feet will find that they can’t wear high heels or any heels over four inches because of the shortened arch muscles. As the arch is low or completely flat, it cannot extend properly to accommodate the height and curvature of high heels.

Medium, low or kitten heels are the best options for flat-feeters wanting heels. Alternatively, if you crave the height you may be able to get away with blocky platform heels as they offer additional height to the whole foot and the chunky heel provides more stability.

FitFlop sale! Up to 50% off + EXTRA 20% off almost everything with code FLASH20!

This post contains affiliate links

The Greenwich Mummy Blog | Winter Hair Care Tips

Winter hair care: tips and hacks

November 15, 2017January 14, 2021Leave a comment

It’s #WellnessWednesday!

Looking after your hair is a daily task all year round, but when the winter comes there are a few things you need to pay particular close attention to. You’re under attack outside from the weather and inside from the dry heat so, if not looked after, your hair is susceptible to damage.

Let’s take a look at some of the best winter hair care tips to make sure that doesn’t happen to you…

Protect your hair from harsh conditions

Winter brings cold air, rain and plenty of wind, all of which can wreak havoc with hair. Not only with the way your hairstyle looks, but with the condition too. With that said, it’s key to protect your locks from the elements to help keep it in the best condition possible. Whether you go for a hat, wrap or scarf, cover up when you have to be outside in nasty weather.

The Greenwich Mummy Blog - Winter Haircare Tips & Advice — Photo by freestocks.org from Pexels

Watch your water temperature

There’s no doubt that the temptation is to crank up the heat when it’s cold outside. All you want when you step into your bathroom after being outside is the comfort of a hot bath or shower and that’s fine. However, be careful with the temperature you use to wash your hair as excessive heat can cause damage. Stick to warm or even cool water and your scalp won’t dry out.

Deep condition

Moving on from watching the water temperature, let’s look at treating your hair and scalp. They really will take a battering in the winter and a little regenerative treat is really going to help them stay moist. Consider a deep conditioning treatment once a week to combat the weather conditions and the dry heat that’s caused by having your heating on so much. The final point on washing and conditioning is that it’s important not to overdo it. Stick to two to three times a week maximum.

The Greenwich Mummy | A Family Lifestyle Blog — Photo by NastyaSensei Sens from Pexels

Go easy with the styling

It’s clear that our hair has a lot to deal with in winter and you don’t want to add to the stress it’s under. Something that will make a big difference is if you can lay off heavy styling. Overusing products can cause problems, so when you can go natural do so, or try to keep their use down to a minimum. Steer clear of the harsh heat if you can too, especially intense blow drying and straightening with irons. It can actually be quite easy to style without heat and if you’d like to know how to straighten hair without heat just click here.

Keep it trim

Another temptation in winter is to let your hair grow. It’s difficult sometimes to get the motivation to keep on top of things as we all go into semi-hibernation, but getting regular trims is a good idea. Trimming the dry, brittle and split ends will really help keep your hair in good condition at this time.

Looking after your hair in the winter months doesn’t have to be that tricky. From making sure you protect your hair from harsh weather conditions to going easy with products and knowing how to straighten hair without heat, you just need to follow a plan.

I hope you’ve found these tips helpful. If so, don’t forget you can share this post with your friends and family by hitting the share button below. #sharingiscaring 🙂

A collaborative post by Joana Teixeira from AllThingsHair.com |

Featured image by freestocks.org from Pexels

Healthy hair & skin: quick fixes for busy women

October 4, 2017May 7, 20202 Comments

Happy #WellnessWednesday! With the cold weather fast approaching, here are some hair and skincare hacks to stop you looking less than perfect…

As all mothers know, time management is a must, and anything that could potentially interrupt the morning routine is a big no-no. When you’re in a hurry the last thing you need is bad hair or skin, and the time it takes to rectify those issues. Fear not though, with an action plan you can hide and fix all manner of beauty problems without losing too much time. Let’s check some out.

Tame tangled hair
You wake up, the kids are round your ankles, you need to get everyone ready but your hair looks like a bird’s nest. We’ve all been there, but don’t stress! This is where the detangling brush comes in. Just work section by section and you’ll soon be tangle free.

The Greenwich Mummy Blog | Hair and Skincare

There are so many detangling brush benefits versus the ordinary brush and comb:

Pain free – you won’t have to tug anywhere near as hard to remove the tangles
Quick – much more so than the usual options
Gentle – they’re designed to release knots in a much more efficient manner, so less damage occur
Versatile – they work on all different hair types

Hide poor condition
Sometimes you wake up and your hair looks awful to you, whether it’s greasy, dry or lifeless. You haven’t got time to bring it back to top condition so it’s time for a quick fix. Step forward the tried and trusted ponytail. This timeless style doesn’t just hide a multitude of sins; it takes no time to do and still looks great. Twist it, tie back on the side or add a few accessories if you’ve got the time, and inclination, to make it more glamorous. Also, having dry shampoo in stock is always a great and quick help.

The Greenwich Mummy Blog | Hair and Skincare — Hide poor hair condition in an updo, or a ponytail

Fight the breakout
You’re awake, you take a look in the mirror and your skin is looking pretty dry. Don’t fret about that, this doesn’t have to take ages to fix. Moisturiser is an obvious one but you can give it a boost by mixing with a face serum. This is a double-pronged attack that’ll give your face a glow and make it feel better too. Prevent this in future by investing in a quality night cream, and make sure you always remove your make-up before you go to sleep. Investing in a skin brush to slough away the superficial layer of dead skin cells can help keep skin clean and spots at bay. You can even choose from a manual one or electric one.

Clear those puffy eyes
Ever woken up and your eyes haven’t got the message? We all have. Puffy, red and looking as though you should be heading for bed, rather than ready to take on the day. Don’t worry, a combination of cold and moisture is going to do the trick. If you’ve got ice packs pop them under or over your eyes for a few minutes. This will clear the puffiness and shrink the vessels that have given you that red eye look. Alternatively, chuck a couple of spoons in the freezer whilst you get breakfast and then hold them over your eyes. If you’ve got time flick the TV on for the kids and put slices of cucumber over your lids to get some much needed moisture in. Failing that, try cold water.

When you’ve got kids, time is precious and these quick fixes are really going to help you claw back a few minutes. From the benefits of a detangling brush to the use of cold compresses on puffy eyes, there’s plenty that can be done. Before you know it, everyone (including you) will be ready to tackle the day!

A contribution post by Joana Teixeira

Tea or Coffee: which is best to support a healthy lifestyle?

September 20, 2017July 27, 2020Leave a comment

There are many ways to help lead a healthy lifestyle and most people follow the ones that work best for them. The ways to do that include working on your diet, exercise and mental state, to become healthier and happier. The UK is well-known as a nation of tea drinkers – that’s black, breakfast type teas, rather than the fruity options preferred in other countries. And, while coffee is also a popular drink across the UK with around 70 million cups enjoyed every day, tea consumption is more than double with around 165 million cups consumed on a daily basis… but which is best for supporting a healthy lifestyle?

team Tea?

Tea has many benefits, including the fact that it is chock full of beneficial antioxidants. In most cases, tea usually contains more water than coffee (unless you’re among the few who take their coffee black). In particular, black tea is linked to improved health, from as far back as five thousand years. Green tea (including matcha) are also seen as a particularly healthy option and its ingredients are linked with weight loss and also as having an anti-depressant effect. Unlike green tea, matcha is made from whole tea leaves that has been grinded into a fine powder. Matcha can also be enjoyed with dairy, non-dairy, and nut milks. In addition, all types of teas that come in the bag form, are a doddle to make, so an easy option for a hot, refreshing beverage.

team Coffee?

Coffee, meanwhile, has in the past, been blamed for increasing stress, and bouts caffeine addiction. But, is it really as bad as some people say? Apparently not. Recent research shows that coffee consumption is a beneficial ingredient of a healthy lifestyle. That’s good news for the over 80% of households who buy coffee for the home, or the 80% who enjoy a café-made coffee! Specifically, a higher intake of coffee is associated with a lower risk of death. That’s a pretty important lifestyle issue! So, while taking the time to create a cup of coffee might take longer than your average refreshing cup of tea, it’s certainly worth the extra effort and equipment that’s needed.

and the winner is… BOTH!

Drinking either tea or coffee – or both – is a healthy option that will supply you with numerous benefits. Of course, try not to drink too much of either. After all, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. A diet that’s varied and full of different ingredients and flavours is the healthiest and most enjoyable kind of diet. It helps keep the food you eat and beverages you drink interesting and means you’re always finding new tastes and cooking styles to amaze your palate and assist you in your quest for a healthier lifestyle!

A contribution post by freelance writer, Jane Sandwood

The Greenwich Mummy Blog | Meditation & Sound Healing Review

Review: Meditation & Sound Healing therapy in Greenwich

October 25, 2016January 14, 20211 Comment

I am loving my fitness journey! I can see my body changing slowly and I am loving the effects of eating healthier; it’s made a great impact on my skin, hair (even though I’m still experiencing postpartum hairloss) and energy level. Being a parent can be really stressful – actually it is VERY stressful – but some of us are just better at managing the stress than others. I used to be so chilled when it came to parenting when it was just LO but with Baby Girl now in the picture, I find that I am a lot more stressed, have zero patience, constantly anxious and feel like I can’t shut off properly because every five minutes one of them is crying (screaming) or the house needs tidying… again for the tenth time.

Being away in the morning for my fitness classes really gives me that ‘time out’ that I need to keep myself sane and I really love it. So when Kalie (@pyschicladykay) sent me an email to let me know about a meditation and sound healing taster session she was doing last week I could only say yes. Time out to meditate and heal? Why would I ever try to decline that offer? I’ve only ever touched on meditation in yoga class and through my BeCalm mindfulness app but it can be so hard to switch off and meditate properly with so much going around. I was excited to see what Kalie’s taster session was going to offer. Continue reading “Review: Meditation & Sound Healing therapy in Greenwich” →