Currently we're running through a Z-A of activities to try, in order to manage stress and anxiety and support self-care.
A is for Aloe Vera, Anchoring & Aurora Borealis
Ahoy! All aboard an adventure through the letter A. As we arrive at the twenty sixth and final stop on our journey from Z, I’ve assembled some assets which I hope will amplify, awaken or astound you in abundance.
What to use: Aloe Vera
One of nature’s most important doctors (in my mind), Aloe Vera has been soothing us for over 4,000 years. The Ancient Egyptians used it in the baths of royalty and referred to it as the ‘plant of immortality.’ While we’re probably not making the same claims, I think the majority of aloe fans would agree with Boots’ label of ‘super-soother’.
In its many forms (including gel, ointment, drinks and supplements), this is a plant that’s practically anti everything (bacterial, viral, septic, oxidant). No wonder the pharmaceutical and food industries hold it in great esteem.
I’m sure you’re familiar with how it treats skin issues such as irritation and minor burns. But did you know it reduces mouth and dental nasties such as plaque and ulcers? The second one I can personally vouch for – having experimented with a toothpaste in the last year. One of the key ingredients is aloe. I can’t remember the last time I had a crippling canker sore (and I’ve had some real humdingers from childhood). What a win!
This gem has also been known to:
So whether you use it as a lotion or ingest it – it’s definitely your friend. Research is still being carried out, but there’s some evidence to suggest aloe vera can help with acne and hair repair too. So watch this space. As always, apply with caution. With any skincare product, there are still risks.
What to try: Anchoring
Anchoring is a simple but powerful mindfulness technique for helping us to feel grounded and stable in uncertain situations or circumstances. Effectively, we can anchor ourselves to the present moment to reduce stress or fear. We can also bring forth a memory or feeling we want to use in a challenging moment/space. The most common one I use with clients is ‘imagine you’re strolling along a beautiful sandy beach.’
Ships use anchors to remain in safe position in a turbulent sea. In the same way, we can connect to ideas and objects that bring us a sense of calm no matter what. Emotional anchors support the nervous system. We can feel shifts in our mood and events around us without feeling overwhelmed by any of it. They don’t stop us feeling it – they change the way we hold it.
It can be something as basic as focusing on our breath, but here are some other examples, using the senses:
Anchors should be personal. Why not link to a ritual such as making a cup of tea, putting shoes on before a walk or journaling. Gestures can be very positive too. Have you ever touched your finger and thumb together while closing your eyes and thinking of a time when you felt confident? Try it now.
You can have as many anchors as you want for different situations. Be sure to change them over time, as you change.
What to see: Aurora Borealis
All about the pretty coloured lights and names that sound absolutely exquisite, the Aurora Borealis (Northern) and Australis (Southern hemisphere) are very real but magical. Everyone wants to see them and there’s extreme competition for the best photo. Interestingly though, sometimes the lights put on a better performance for the camera than they do the naked eye.
Oxygen and nitrogen in our atmosphere give off different colours when they are heated so we get a spectacular show. Waves and patterns dance and pulsate across the sky. Mostly visible near the Arctic Circle, these babies have been known to appear way beyond their limits if there’s higher solar activity.
If, like me, you haven’t yet had the privilege and want to find them for yourself, here’s some tips:
Let’s not forget the most recently talked about member of the aurora family, STEVE. (Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement). A hybrid which is visible from lower latitudes and closer to the equator than the auroras.
What almighty words:
Acquiesce
Some fancy definitions equal to the word itself but this is the one I like best – “submit or comply silently or without protest; agree; consent.”
Alchemy
The power to change or create things in mysterious or magical ways.
Anomaly
Lots of possible options for this word. Let’s go with the most ‘sci-fi’ one. “An odd, peculiar, or strange condition, situation, quality, etc.”
Archipelago
A group of small islands or an area of sea where you find them.
I hope the letter A assists you in amazing achievements in April.
Monday 13th April, 2:02pm
B is for Before Sunrise, Bingo & Butterflies
Here to brighten up the last few days of winter, behold beautiful B. Browse this batch to help you bloom.
What to watch: Before Sunrise
The first one in a trilogy by Richard Linklater, Before Sunrise is an ode to the transitory nature of human beings and the picturesque Vienna landscape.
Two captivating characters learn about each other as they explore the city as a physical place, and their blossoming relationship. Both open up many questions about life and death. I enjoyed the pace, the realism and the ambience of a 90s film too.
Warning – this will probably make you want to watch the two other films, if you haven’t already.
What to play: Bingo
It’s 41 - time for fun? There's a simple but lively essence to Bingo: matching numbers pulled at random with others on cards in grids. Shouting out when you've got a line or full house (often to a groan from the rest of the room if you're in a hall.) The rush of adrenaline when there's only one square left to mark.
Other benefits include: Although mostly known for being an older person's game, anyone can play and it's not just about winning money (if this element becomes a problem/addictive, please seek support.) Crossing out items in a box has become a party game. I.e. watching a predictable TV show - how many cliches are there? Fun and laughter in full flow.
Bingo helps with memory issues, social connection and establishing routine (as it's often the same time each day or week.) Online play has also opened up a platform for emotional support which combats loneliness. Web users can connect in forums and make new friends.
What to appreciate: Butterflies
Butterflies are the epitome of transformation – how something can start looking plain or even ugly, go through numerous and necessary changes and be reborn. For these fascinating creatures, it’s a four stage process.
With over 18,500 named species, the colours and patterns are extensive and mind boggling. Here are some fun facts about the more uplifting breed of Lepidoptera.
What brilliant words:
Ballyhoo
Extravagant publicity or fuss.
Bathos
(in Arts and Literature, Ancient Greek word) Often used for comedic effect – a sudden change from fancy, important or elegant to silly, trivial or even vulgar.
Bijou
French word meaning small and elegant. Also half the name of one of my favourite jewellery shops…sadly not in the UK anymore.
Bumph
Technically the word means useless and unimportant materials, like unasked for post. I think it can apply to anything admin-related though. A fab word for something that lacks meaning.
I hope the letter B is a beacon of balance and bliss for you in March.
Friday 13th March, 3:35pm
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