Currently we're running through a Z-A of activities to try, in order to manage stress and anxiety and support self-care.
C is for Candles, Charades & Cloud Gazing
Three cheers to celebrate C as we carry the calendar into 2026. A collection or collage (if you will) chosen for calm and clarity in the first month. Curious?
What to appreciate: Candles
Did you know that candles have been providing us with light for over 5,000 years? The Ancient Egyptians used animal fat, rolled papyrus and beeswax for some of the earliest versions. It was spermaceti wax, a brighter burner, which made them more standard however.
They’ve always been a part of sacred ceremonies but over the years our waxy friends have been used for many purposes. Here's but a few:
Promoting better mental and physical health
To create atmosphere and ambience
Routine and ritual
Now we're in the 21st century, candles are available in every colour, shape, scent and material imaginable. Courses to create one are in abundance.
What to play: Charades
Often played over holidays like Christmas, this action and expression game requires no technology or even equipment. It’s a timeless treat for bringing families, friends and strangers together. It helps if you’re good at miming but funnier if you’re really not.
For those not familiar with the game, each person or team takes turns to act out prompts from film/TV, books, situations and experiences. The other side have to guess what on earth you’re doing. With so many variations and personalisation, the silliness is endless.
Charades can pull us out of our comfort zone and improve confidence, social skills, creativity and problem solving.
What to take part in: Cloud Gazing
Writing this, I’ve discovered I’m a closeted nephophile - a person who loves sky and clouds. There’s something almost fantastical about laying on the ground (preferably on a sunny day, with rug underneath and tree to the side) and gazing up at the blue and white patchwork.
Cloud gazing not only encourages us to spend time outdoors, but provides some much needed perspective.
The phenomena, much like cotton wool on a good day, move pretty fast in ever-changing patterns. The sense of something bigger than us. We can allow our minds to wander without distraction or focus thoughts on one thing. This can help manage energy and stimulate imagination.
What have you seen in the clouds? Interesting shapes, funny faces? My favourite was a huge duck I saw above the coastline of Antigua.
What charming words:
Cachet
The state of being respected or admired; prestige. (Not to be confused with cache!)
Clandestine
Planned or done in secret, especially as it’s not officially allowed. Naughty indeed.
Cosmopolitan
On a basic level: people, animals, plants etc from or found all over the world. I really like this more updated, specific definition though: having wide, international sophistication; worldly.
It's a great cocktail too! ;-)
Crepuscular
Relating to, resembling, occurring during or most active at twilight.
I hope the letter C captivates and comforts you in January.
Tuesday 13th January, 4:14pm
D is for Deep Work, Doodling & Dream Interpretation
The devotion to D has been delayed by a month (not because it’s December’s first letter, but due to personal reasons). Details here for you to dabble, discover and discuss... if you dare. :-)
What to explore: Deep Work
A term most associated with Cal Newport, author of Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World. Deep work refers to distraction-free focus on a demanding task. Honing this skill means we can get more done in less time. In this way, tasks have more meaning and bring a feeling of accomplishment when completed.
Some people refer to this state as 'flow'. It generally requires at least an hour at a time. Although each of us is different. You may find that 25 minute stints, followed by a little break (Pomodoro method) or the length of the average film are more useful allocations in your schedule.
Special note: breaks are absolutely vital. Finding a routine and/or set of rituals is also key. Signal to both your brain and other people that you mean business. Block out your calendar and put devices on silent (or even aeroplane mode!)
Some ideas to help get you in the 'zone':
What to experiment with: Doodling
Have you ever found yourself doodling in a meeting or while on the phone? You might not even be consciously aware of it. It could be boredom, anxiety, frustration or just something keeping your hands busy. So much more than a mindless activity, doodling is a great therapeutic tool in short(-ish) bursts - up to 30 minutes.
Like colouring, the repetitive act of creating circles and lines etc with pen and paper can easily, and utterly, absorb our attention. This takes us out of the 'fight/flight/freeze' stress response. We naturally don't care about making mistakes either.
The amazing unknown powers of a little drawing:
Why not give it a go? No judgement, no intention for artistic success - just experimenting with patterns, shapes and colours.
What to uncover: Dream Interpretation
Sigmund Freud called them “the royal road to the unconscious”, but the nightly shows put on by our brain have fascinated us for thousands of years and beyond. The Ancient Egyptians believed them to be divine messages.
I've always found decoding dreams really fun. What our brain gets up to during REM sleep can be both baffling and insightful. While processing emotional debris from our day, we can also reduce stress, boost creativity and much more. How much do you remember from a dream? Are you aware while in this state? I'd love to know.
Here are some of the benefits of dream analysis:
What delightful words:
Dauntless
Lots of definitions here but let’s go with ‘courage and bravery’.
Demystify
To ‘remove the mystery’ and clarify something. A nicer word than debunk.
Denouement
Comes from French, meaning 'unknotting'. The final part of a story (film, play, book) where the plot is woven together and resolved. It could be a final scare in horror or one last joke in comedy.
Doppelgänger
From German folklore (doppel - meaning “double,” and gänger - meaning “goer”). An apparition or double of a living person.
I hope the letter D delivers all you deserve and desire in December.
Saturday 13th December, 10:00am
E is for Enigma, Escape Rooms & Essential Oils
The letter E enters enthusiastically to enrich your existence. Whether for exploration, entertainment or expression, may its effects be enduring.
What to listen to: Enigma
I discovered this musical act during GCSE drama when my teacher used album ‘The Cross of Changes’ as a soundtrack for our Shakespeare play and I was absolutely captivated. 'Band’ doesn't really cover it, to be honest. As the name suggests, this project, born of Romanian-German Michael Cretu, is a very mysterious set up. Despite selling over 70 million records since 1990, images of them haven't been easy to come by.
They meander through genres, using hypnotising melodies and chants. Cinematic style stories are told in several languages.
I’ve turned to Enigma to express a trapped emotion, when I’m looking for creative inspiration for a writing project, or if I want to reminisce about teenage years. 'Gravity of Love' is my personal favourite for its epic-ness and 'The Dream of the Dolphin' has some blissful notes pulsing with positivity. I sincerely hope you can find a song or two that you resonate with.
What to take part in: Escape Rooms
Teams being locked in a room to solve puzzles has taken the world by storm. There’s nothing like arguing with your loved ones about who knows best or bonding with acquaintances with a fun amount of pressure to search for clues speedily and move on.
These pop-up events, café and arcade areas each have their own set of themes and narratives, appealing to most tastes. Being focused in the moment can really ease everyday worries and anxieties too. When you successfully complete the game (and even if you don’t) the feel-good vibe continues long after. Often accompanied by ‘let’s do all the others’.
What to use: Essential Oils
I’ve been an advocate of natural health remedies for many years now. Essentials Oils are a major contributor. I truly believe there’s an oil for every ailment. The plant and herb world can, and does, act like a doctors’ surgery if we’re willing to try something different and explore new possibilities when it comes to improving daily wellbeing.
The picture above deliberately doesn’t have a label, as I didn’t want to influence by brand. Some bottles will claim ‘essential oil’ when the pure ingredients percentage is really low. Other companies boast 100% therapeutic grade but it comes at a huge cost. Research is needed in the following areas: 1. which oil to purchase 2. which oil works best for an issue.
It’s good practice, if you have any underlying health conditions, to consult a healthcare professional before trying anything new. Be sure to use a carrier oil, rather than directly onto your skin, especially if you’ve got sensitivities. Do a patch test first to check for potential reactions and avoid applying to irritated areas. Definitely don’t put it in your eyes.
Regardless of where you get it – my top smells and treatment awards go to... (drum roll please)...
What extraordinary words:
Eccentric
The state of being odd, behaving in a peculiar away, different from the norm.
Elixir
A mystical alchemic substance ‘believed to be capable of prolonging life.’ Has rooting in pharmacology with the idea of curing all medical complaints.
Ethereal
The sort of word that sends a shiver down the spine (just me?). Lots of magical definitions including:
Evanescence
Means quickly fading or vanishing, an impermanence. Also the name of another great band, in my opinion!
I hope the letter E elevates and energises you in October.
Monday 13th October, 10:02am
F is for Fairgrounds, Feng Shui & Flotations
Fanfare please, it’s fabulous F. Here are some flashes of inspiration I’ve found to facilitate your flourishment.
What to visit: Fairgrounds
Pop up or travelling entertainment for all ages and interests. More common in the summer months but can appear around bonfire night too – as they're generally more fun in the dark. Childhood memories conjure up candyfloss, quirky market stalls, ghost trains, ‘funhouses’ (also beginning with F) and the like. Is it just me or are the rides more thrilling when you can actually see how it's loosely tied to the ground?
If you enjoy a parade across your senses and the warm (whatever the season), lively atmosphere, then this is for you. Bonus points if you haven't been to a fairground in over ten years.
What to discover: Feng shui
Feng (wind) shui (water) is an ancient Chinese practice which focuses on how we make adjustments to areas we live and work in to allow flow and harmony. It's about energy, balancing yin and yang, qi and the five elements of the universe: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal.
When it comes to design and layout, we often hear about feng shui-ing our homes. There are some basic principles to follow, but ultimately it's also how a room makes us feel. Chances are, if we're calmer and more centred when moving a desk into an open space, or with a bed facing the door, then it's all good.
What to experience: Flotations
Quite the opposite of fairgrounds, ‘sensory deprivation flotation therapy’ allows you to escape from any extremities of noise and light in daily life. Flotations (or floatations as both are correct) are usually found connected to, or marketed as, a spa treatment. The salt water allows a feeling of weightlessness whether you're in a tank or pool. With no idea what the time is, or why we even care, worries and concerns float away too.
If the dream-like feeling isn't quite enough, check out these rewards.
While you're lying there, in the trance-like state - you can also visualise and manifest.
What fascinating words:
Fanciful
A few definitions, including 'whimsical' more than once. Suggests fantasy and fun.
Felicity
Very much about happiness - instances of, causes, ways of being. Such a positive word.
Flabbergasted
Do you find yourself in a state of great astonishment? Then you're absolutely flabbergasted. I wonder if you can be just a bit flabbergasted though... probably not.
Futuristic
Of the future, predicted, imagined (or both.) There's a real sense of awe to the word.
I hope the letter F features focus and flow in September.
Saturday 13th September, 11:00am
G is for Genealogy, Ginger & Giraffes
G is the genie in a bottle this month, bringing glamour and grace. It was options galore and hard to choose, but here are some gems I've gladly gathered for your garden of growth. (OK, I'll stop now as I'm feeling giddy! :-) )
What to explore: Genealogy
Haven’t we all got a mysterious family member somewhere in our lineage? With the popularity of TV programme ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ and websites like Ancestry.co.uk, it can be fascinating to learn who and what make up elements of our appearance, personality, medical background etc.
I don’t know about you, but I think there’s something really exciting about discovering old photos, documents and letters that tell us stories about people connected to us by blood, but who(m) we can never meet as they are now long gone. It can be a real comfort, helping to cement our identity. Plus, it’s a great source of inspiration for us writers!
What to incorporate more of: Ginger
So it might not look like the most appetising of plants, but the benefits of ginger for health and wellbeing are very attractive.
I’ve always been aware of ginger’s spicy kick in food and drinks, its digestive aid and immunity boosting properties. However, after more reading – it seems there’s a never-ending list of reasons to hire it as our sidekick for facing numerous ailments and issues. The list below barely touches on all the things it's been known to do:
Ginger also looks very promising in the prevention and treatment of cancer.
Fresh, ground or in essential oil form – whatever works best for you helps ginger to work its best for you.
What to appreciate: Giraffes
These majestic and peaceful creatures have always been quite fascinating. You might have noticed how tall they are, and their very long necks, but it’s not just their obvious physical features that make them unique. Here are some of the most interesting and fun skills our beloved giraffes could put on a CV.
Good at stare contests
Giraffes can communicate using their excellent vision. Their friends notice when they've seen a lion from miles away due the stare they're giving it. Fellow members of the group join in.
Tough tongue
Not only do they have antiseptic saliva, but a tongue with built-in sun lotion. Yes, you read that right - UV protected.
Musical communication
A mother whistles to her young, making a flute-like sound. They also communicate using a very low frequency hum. One not audible to humans. It's like they are silently singing to each other.
Foodie
Giraffes love a mango. Spending a large proportion of the day searching for food is necessary for them. Did you know that they can eat 75 pounds of food in the space of 24 hours?
What glorious words:
Gadabout
Means ‘a person who travels from place to place enjoying themselves.’ A nice way to think of it is someone curious about different cultures and living in the moment.
Gallop
Associated with horses and running fast. “A rapid or hasty progression or pace” is the lesser known definition and supports Miranda Hart’s vision, with sudden, unexpected and excited movement.
Glossary
Our Oxford says “an alphabetical list of words relating to a specific subject, text, or dialect, with explanations; a brief dictionary.” One could call these Z-A posts a sort of slow glossary.
Gush A sudden outpouring or display of affection or enthusiasm…a lovely thing to be around.
I hope the letter G gives grounding guidance in August.
Wednesday 13th August, 10:00am