Carers often forget to look after their own wellbeing as they are often too busy looking after others. If you are a carer then this event may help you to unwind & have a day away from caring.

I often help out at these events & find it very rewarding as a therapist. I'm looking forward to doing this one. I shall be there in the afternoon offering free hand massages. This is open to all & there's no charge for the event or the therapies on offer. Also, no need to book. See you there!

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5 steps to Wellbeing (or how I try to fit it in my busy life!)

Every day life seems to get busier & busier for me; especially with all my voluntary commitments. On top of that I also have a family to look after so how do I manage to look after my Wellbeing. As a therapist I realise that in order to care for others I must first of all care for myself.

I have just heard on the radio that recent research has shown that people who have a wide circle of connections are happier and more content than those who have fewer connections.

There is so much advice and information from the Government and health authorities to be fit, in body & mind, that it can be bewildering to know where to start. Well, this is how I try to fit in the advice given:-

• Be connected– connect with everyone around you. This can include family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. Spend time developing these relationships e.g. by a quick chat on the doorstep to having a long leisurely drink with a friend. Don’t forget that some strangers are just friends you haven’t made yet! I make a point of setting time aside for family/friends and try to make sure that I don’t let relationships drift. I go as far as arranging mutual times to call my adult children who live away from home. I also try to set slots aside in my diary to see friends or else things can easily drift. I make it a priority to stay in touch with my family and friends.

• Be active –This doesn’t have to be in a gym or cost any money. Just by taking a walk to the local shops/park can help your mental wellbeing without much effort. It is best to find an activity that you thoroughly enjoy and you can easily fit into your life. I try to walk whenever I can as the fresh air often helps me to clear my mind. A longish walks also makes sure that I am tired enough to have a good night’s sleep. Don’t let the wet & windy weather in the UK at the moment put you off as we’re ‘waterproof’ & there’s no such thing as bad weather - just bad clothing! So warm up & enjoy the day; below is me enjoying bird watching on a chilly day on the Norfolk coast.

• Be learning – learning any new skills can give you a sense of achievement. It can also build confidence and maybe a new set of friends or at least you will be in company of people who have similar interests. I joined a computer class run by the local Adult Education Service last year and more recently I have also joined a new photography group. Now I must get myself a SLR camera! These groups have opened up new learning areas for me and some have definitely challenged me! Any activity that involves mental activity is also good at keeping dementia at bay so keep those grey cells active.

• Be giving – The smallest random acts of kindness such as a smile, or taking note of someone’s outfit, a ‘thank you’ or a kind word can be so beneficial to your wellbeing. You may also like to think about volunteering with an organisation that you identify with. This will also help your mental wellbeing and help you build new friends and connections. I find my voluntary work with the Red Cross and other charitable organisations very rewarding and fulfilling.

• Be ‘Mindful’ – this is not mumbo jumbo or hippy dippy! It just means being more aware and appreciative of the present moment. These moments of calm away from your routine can help you to view any challenges more positively. I’m a ‘graduate’ of Mindfulness and find it a useful exercise to do before I see a client or have difficulties going to sleep – it works every time for me! Mindfulness also means being kind and compassionate to yourself and those around you. Many health authorities in the UK offer this training free so there is no excuse!

Wishing you all a happy, healthy & joyous New Year, may 2016 be a good one for you.

Kansa Vatki Foot Massage™. Kansa what?

Kansa Vatki Foot Massage™ (KVFM). Kansa what? I hear you say. KVFM combined with 'marma therapy' - Indian acupressure - is one of the most relaxing forms of massage and the most established. Now it is coming to Norwich!

Since qualifying in KVFM I have had nothing but praise for it. I have had lovely comments such as 'blissful', 'so relaxing', 'like walking on air'. This was the most recent one: 'it has left my muscles feeling soft & calm'. I received my qualification from a tutor who trained with the 'London Centre of Indian Champissage'. I was also lucky enough to have the treatment & found it be utterly relaxing.

So what is KVFM? This 'ayurvedic' form of foot massage originates from India and has a long well established history of use there. Ayurveda is the traditional medicine system of India and is the world’s oldest healing system, dating back approximately 5,000 years. By the way, 'ayurveda' is thought by many to be the forerunner of modern medicine: "ayur" means life and "veda" means knowledge.

Central to the KVFM treatment is a small bowl made up of three metals - copper, zinc and tin.

Copper may be helpful in reducing pain, inflammation and arthritis. Many people in the Western world wear copper bracelets for this reason. Zinc may be helpful in the proper functioning of the immune system. Finally, tin is believed to be helpful in digestion, relieving headaches and insomnia. This unique bowl in the hands of a experienced therapist will leave you feeling on top of the world. 

Traditionally, clarified butter or ghee is used although other oils such as coconut, sunflower, jojoba or sesame are used.

This treatment involves working on the feet and lower limbs using relaxing and smoothing massage techniques to soften and rest the muscles. Then using the special Kansa Vatki bowl, specific moves are carried out on the feet. Clients have reported that this leaves them feeling rejuvenated, refreshed, relaxed and more able to re-connect with themselves.

KVFM is suitable for all – young and old – sick or healthy. It especially benefits those who spend long hours on their feet as it may:-

• relax tired and aching feet and joints,
• improve and help joint mobility,
• help to strengthen the legs and feet,
• promote good sleep,
• help to reduce stress and anxiety

It may also help with regulating the body as it balances body, mind and spirit. Furthermore, it may promote good health and help in preventing de-generative diseases.

It is thought that the soles of the feet are directly connected to the human soul as the feet contain key energy and nerve endings relating to internal organs.

The treatment sessions are just under an hour with assessment and consultation. Give it a try – you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Further details: 07717089280

Kansa Vatki Foot Massage (KVFM)

Offering soon! I'll be doing Kansa Vatki Foot Massage (KVFM) in Norwich.

I will keep you posted about the introductory price offer but in the meantime I'll give you more information about this unique Indian Foot Massage. Must go & write it now!

Children & Bereavement

As an adult I find the subject of loss and bereavement difficult to discuss with others or on-line & even more so to put it down in words. It is one of those very personal subjects and it is hard to know how to approach it when someone has lost a person close to them. How do you acknowledge their bereavement? A card? A phone call? In person? On-line? Do you talk about the dead person; and for how long do you continue to mention them? How long should one stay in this 'grief' period? These and many other questions have cropped up whenever there has been a bereavement in my own circle. I am aware that people's responses will be as individual as they are.

If I as an adult have problems discussing bereavement then imagine what it must be like for a young child to loss a sibling, parent/s or friend. At such difficult times 'Nelson's Journey' have come to the rescue to help some children cope with their grief & thankfully has helped many young children come to terms with their loss.

I am supporting an event on Sunday 16^th August, at the Silver Room, Norwich to draw attention to this valuable charity and raise funds for it.

The following information was sent by the Organisation:-

”Nelson’s Journey is a Norfolk charity supporting children and young people, up to their 18^th birthday, who have experienced the death of a significant person in their life e.g. parent, sibling, best friend etc. Our vision is to give every bereaved child in Norfolk the support they need to move forward positively with their lives, never having to cope with their loss alone. We know offering the right help at the right time gives them the best chance of avoiding long-term mental and emotional health issues, which can lead to educational problems, drug and alcohol abuse and law-breaking. We understand too that coming to terms with their loss often means dealing with anger, bottled-up feelings and confusion as well as grief, particularly when their love one’s death was sudden, unexpected or the result of suicide. Our 1:1 sessions, therapeutic weekends, activity days and NJ Clubs offer support tailored to each child’s needs and circumstances, and our guidance gives parents and carers the tools they need to support them. Nelson’s Journey endeavours to ‘Bring back smiles to bereaved children’. During 2014 we received 598 referrals, a rise of 18% on the previous year.”

7 easy steps to avoid the 'heatwave'

As I write this the weather outside is sunny and bright – at least it is in Norwich, Norfolk! It is so tempting to get out there to enjoy the sun. However, it is always good idea to try and be careful with the amount of exposure to the sun; especially during a heatwave.

The definition of a heatwave is when the temperature exceeds 30°C during the day and 15°C at night. These temperatures could have significant effects on people’s health regardless of their age and present health condition. If these temperatures are reached on at least two consecutive days and the intervening night then it is advisable to be very sensible.

Taking the following precaution during a heatwave may be helpful:-

1.  Drink plenty of water, 2l is the recommended daily intake. Staying hydrated, especially during a heatwave, is crucial to your wellbeing.

2. Now may be the time to sort your wardrobe out and find your cool clothing. It is possible to be smart and cool at the same time by planning your wardrobe according to the temperature outside. So forget heavy wool, jersey or tight clothing such as the denim 'slim fit' trousers/leggings which seem be the fashion at the moment. Instead go for light and loose fitting clothing. If you are planning to buy new clothes this summer then look out for 'smart' clothes that are manufactured to keep you cool. I have a t-shirt made with this material & it is very comfortable to wear when I am working as a therapist.

3. Plan ahead and pace yourself. It is always best to see what the weather forecast will be if you have to be out & about during the heatwave. The weather forecasts are usually accurate these days. If you suffer from any pollen related allergies then paying attention to the pollen count would be beneficial to you. 

4. Get fresh air into your house/workplace. This may not always be easy but do what you can to create a through draft through open doors and windows where secure and safe to do so. Also, using a fan to lower the temperature would be helpful. You may like to think about switching off hot lights or electrical equipment that generate extra heat – this will also save you money!

5. Avoid physical exertion. Plan your day and delay anything that requires exertion to a cooler day or an early morning. If possible get someone to help you with heavy physical tasks.

6. Travelling - do you have to make that journey? If it is unavoidable then try to minimise going out in the heat of the day, normally between 11am - 3pm. Plan for cooler times of the day or delay your travel altogether. Also, always make sure that you have plenty of water to drink with you especially if you are caught in traffic or delayed on the railway. I always carry water in an insulated carrier & always have a frozen wrap around my water bottle. A little snack such as a banana is also a good idea.

7. The hot weather can increase the problems caused by any existing illness as well as causing heatwave related illnesses such as heat exhaustion. If you suspect that you or someone else is suffering from heat stroke then seek immediate medical help. If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours then please keep an eye on them. Heat can easily kill.

Enjoy the weather; we don't get enough sunny days for our bodies to get used to the temperature so play safe and savour the moments.

Keep calm & cool!

This is one of the simplest, effective & cheapest way to cool down during the heatwave which we are having in the UK at the moment. Today the temperature where I live was in the 20s. So turn of the air conditioning/fans and just get yourself a water bottle. 

Place the bottle in the freezer for a few minutes and as the picture shows roll it under your bare feet. Of course, you can also do this with your socks/tights on. This will cool you down and as an added bonus will also massage your feet so helping to relax the rest of your body. What could be better than that. You'll feel refreshed & it only takes a few minutes.