Eager For Life

Yesterday I attended a wonderful workshop ran by two fantastic psychologists from The Thompson Institute at .australia.

Being a trauma informed coach I wanted to add to my knowledge of how I can best serve my clients, my local community and my holistic health community.

We talked a little bit about neuro-science and touched on the window of tolerance. This is one of my favourite things to talk about because so much of what I teach with breathing, Havening and cold water immersion can increase your window of tolerance and make you more resilient to what life throws at you.

As one of my clients, you get all my skills. I don’t teach breathwork. I teach skills for life.

My last in person public 4 week breathing education course starts next Wednesday. I keep the groups small for individual attention.

If you’d like more information, please drop me a line.

P.S-They have some more courses coming up. They’re free and so worth it. Look them up.

From asthma to intimacy.
Some of the things that can benefit from learning how to breathe properly (and most people are not breathing functionally!)

My next and LAST in person public 4 week breathing education course starts on 28th August.

That’s right. This will be the last one I do!

I’m still available to work with online, 121 and for private group bookings.

Don’t miss the course because when you change your breathing, you change your life.

Message me for further details or to book in.

Always prioritise self care, nature, sunshine, quiet time. The rest can wait. If you don’t do this, you can’t show up for anyone else.

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞.

My next 4 week breathing education course starts on 28th August.

Location: Warana
Time: 10:30am. First week is up to 2 hours. The rest of the weeks are up to 1.5 hours

Theory and practical tools and exercises to set you up for life.

This will be a game changer if you have asthma, anxiety, panic attacks, allergies, blood pressure concerns, snore, sleep apnea, stress, dysfunctional day to day breathing and more!

Reach out for further details and to book in.

Note: This will be my last in person (public) course for the remainder of 2024!

𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐮 𝐉𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐞

Just shared in my FB group: “The Health Conscious Community.”

Jump in for all my top tips and secrets!

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲, 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧.

When I got back from the UK in March and was really sick, I started craving turmeric lattes! I played around with recipes, formulated my own and started to make several of them a day!!

I didn’t know why (my brain fog was also quite bad)-I just went with it, until I was chatting to a nutritionist friend who said, “Turmeric supplements would be really good for you right now to bring down the inflammation in your body.”

Bingo!!

It suddenly all made sense.

And now I’m drinking far less of it as I have recovered from my virus.

I still like to drink it out at cafes at the moment with it being winter, and especially right now when it is wet and cold. However I only order at cafes when they have bonsoy or other decent milk not filled with gums and emulsifiers that are gut disruptors. And I’m a tea girl at heart being Welsh!!

Listen to your body. It always knows!

P.S-Next 4 breathing education course starts on 28th August. When we tune into our body and listen to our breath-everything changes.

My next 4 week breathing education course starts on 28th August.

Location: Warana
Time: 10:30am. First week is up to 2 hours. The rest of the weeks are up to 1.5 hours

Theory and practical tools and exercises to set you up for life.

This will be a game changer if you have asthma, anxiety, panic attacks, allergies, blood pressure concerns, snore, sleep apnea, stress, dysfunctional day to day breathing and more!

Reach out for further details and to book in.

Do you have asthma, allergies, anxiety, panic attacks, sleep apnea, snore, blood pressure issues, gum problems, low or no energy or are exhausted?

It could all be connected to your breathing!

I’ve just released a new offer to work with me on your breathing in my FB health group “The Health Conscious Community”

Plus a current offer that expires today!

Join the group to get all the special offers and my top health secrets!

TLC Recovery Sunshine Coast is one of my favourite places on the coast. A lot of fun today with some ladies from the Sunshine Coast Holistic Health Group (feel free to join us on FB if you’re a local.)

I’ve found cold showers super tough since coming back from the UK and getting a nasty virus which set me back for months so was thrilled to slide ‘easily’ into the 12°C plunge pool today-at least you can then get in the hot next to it!! I did 3 rounds in each one of 4 minutes each and finished in the cold. So many health benefits and I always feel amazing after. Plus a great place to practice mindfulness and the power of the mind.

On top of this we used the normatec compression legs and had an IR sauna.

Such good recovery. If I lived closer I would definitely get a membership and be there a lot more. Check them out. Great facilities and friendly, supportive staff.

P.S-Amazing for athletes too. Met someone there today competing in weightlifting on the weekend.

Some highlights from my weekend in Stanthorpe.

The place is driven by alcohol-from the wineries to the breweries, distillery and liquor castle. For someone who doesn’t drink there was plenty of other things to do such as the cheese and chocolate shop as well as the Christmas shop!

And my happy place-out in nature.

We visited Girraween National Park and walked to the base of the Pyramid to have a look at it-that climb looks scary! Perhaps we may go back and do it one day.

Whenever I go away (in the car) I take a lot of my own food. It means I can continue to eat well. We often make our own dinners because they are usually better than eating out also! I noticed a lack of organic food in the area despite it being such a large apple (and other fruit) growing area. We are so blessed on the sunny coast with the produce we have.

I’m a huge believer in mini breaks to support our health and wellbeing so already planning the next one.

I’ve just posted my go to chia seed pudding recipe on my FB group: The Health Conscious Community. This is my go to group where I share all my secrets!! Come and join.

Every single person I saw running past me on the boardwalk was running with their mouth open. Close your mouth when you exercise (unless you’re in those higher zones.)

When you nasal breathe during workouts you will get more oxygen around your body and recover quicker.

P.S-The mouth is used for eating, drinking, talking and kissing!

Fermented garlic honey.

Chop up a heap of garlic (I use Australian organic honey, not the bleached stuff from China.)
Add to jar and top with honey (raw and organic). I always use .honey
Leave to ferment.
The first few days you may need to ‘burp’ the jar to let the ’gas’ off and it may run down the sides a little so put it on a plate.

Will be ready in a few days but the longer you leave it the more it ferments and the juices flow into the honey.

Eat a tsp of honey and garlic per day or as required (if unwell). Would also work well as a salad dressing.

It lasts years however I guarantee it won’t last that long as it’s so yum!

This year I also made one with ginger and lemon and another one with cinnamon, ginger and cayenne pepper.

I made this for lunch today and it’s soooo good. My only complaint is there wasn’t enough 😂-so next time I will double the amount.

Thanks for such a simple recipe A Greener Pantry

🍃Carrot & Coriander soup
Recipe has been requested… here tis!

40g butter
350g carrots, diced
100g celery, diced
2tsp ground coriander
1tsp ground cumin
700-900ml veg stock
Salt & pepper
1 Tbsp finely chopped coriander leaves

Melt the butter.
Sauté the carrots & celery in it over a gentle heat for a minute or two, stirring to coat them all with butter.
Add the coriander & cumin, turn the heat up a little & fry for another 3-4 minutes, stirring fairly vigorously.
Pour in the stock, bring to the boil & simmer, covered for 30 minutes.
Leave to cool a little.
Liquidise the soup, I use a stick blender, & return to a clean pan.
Season to taste & reheat gently.
Add the chopped coriander leaves & serve hot with a dollop of sour cream & some extra coriander leaves on top…… or not if you’re not a fan.
Sourdough makes a lovely addition to this meal. 😋

On Friday night my husband and I were talking about plans for the next morning and my husband suggested that I go for a short run. I had resistance at first because a) I don’t run much anymore and b) I am very unfit following my Emirates/post UK virus. My husband is my biggest cheerleader so said to take it slow and easy and do it!

It was only 2.5km however the first half is practically all uphill/on an incline and it’s 90% on trails too. I wanted to give up however determined is my middle name so I kept going. I had also hoped to do the entire run nose breathing because it gets more oxygen around the body and it’s more efficient plus you recover quicker. Those plans were scrapped after a couple stopped me and asked for directions!!-hence my giggle in the last photo 😂-After I let them know where to go I got back into nose breathing for the rest of the run.

I was slow. My legs, lungs and head wanted me to stop however I didn’t. I was 3 minutes slower than my best time. Perhaps I shouldn’t have timed it however I wanted a new baseline.

I’m frustrated to be honest. Before I went to the UK I was super fit and healthy and now it’s like starting all over again. I’m mostly there with my recovery. I no longer need to nap, I don’t have brain fog and my body aches have gone. My pocket rocket energy is also back! However there is still some food I can’t taste-cheese being one of them. I also can taste something one day and not the next. I know I’ll get there. My lessons so far are:

1. I still need to learn patience! Always an ongoing lesson for me and the universe even delivered the most patient husband in the world to support me with this!!

2. Find someone (at least one person) who can be your cheerleader. Sadly some of the people I trained with before I went to the UK quickly forgot about me when I got back. These are not your people.

3. It’s ok to start again. You may even come back healthier, stronger and fitter.

4. I recovered from adrenal age chronic fatigue as well as fibromyalgia in 2012. I can recover from this. I know my body better than anyone.

5. Listen to your body. If always gives you clues.

6. Be kind to yourself. Be kind to others. As the saying goes-everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about

P.S-Before anyone asks: I wouldn’t change anything I’ve done or any decisions I’ve made over the last few years 😉-health is my top value and it’s always been up to me to take care of it. I’ve never put it in the hands of others.

𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐡𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫.

A video was recently brought to my attention of a well known breathwork facilitator on the Sunshine Coast (who also goes all around Australia and the world) that was hyperventilating right next to a pool just before they got in-by themself!

Please, please do not do this.

Never hyperventilate near or in water.

People have died from shallow water blackouts.

Quick science: When you hyperventilate you blow off your carbon dioxide which is your signal to breathe so your body doesn’t get this message.

This person was messaged by several of my colleagues asking to take the video down and provide an explanation. Sadly they chose to ignore this and then restricted comments on their socials.

I’m also really sad that this person is a trainer. We don’t need these kinds of trainers (cowboys) in the industry. We’ve talked about this as breathing and ice bath coaches and educators and want to share this message. Thank you and for your ongoing support and education as well as who always works in integrity and raised awareness of this issue also.

Remember-safety first.
Don’t hyperventilate near or in water.
Don’t hyperventilate before you go into water or cold immersion. Always do relaxed breathing first.
Always have someone with you if you are new to cold water immersion.

Sunday walks in the rain.

Move your body. It’s good for your mental, emotional, spiritual and physical health. Don’t let the rain put you off.

I’m not going to lie. I often don’t want to get up early when the alarm goes off, especially in winter. I set two alarms which personal development people tell you not to do (don’t listen to them-just do you.) I get up on the second alarms on a count down in my head!

I tell myself numerous stories lying in bed. I re-arrange my week and decide the workout can wait until tomorrow or I’ll do this and that. You name it. The excuses all come up. I’m human. I don’t jump out of bed every morning shouting wahoo let’s go!!!

However I never, ever regret a workout. I never regret a sunrise. I never regret a mountain climb.

When you’re lying in bed, wondering whether to get up or not, future forecast to how you will feel after. How you will feel after the workout or how you will feel if you stay in bed.

It’s always worth it.

P.S-Listen to your body also. My mind knows the difference between me making excuses and me genuinely being tired and needing to rest. Once you tune into your body, you know.

Are you in the Gympie region? So happy to announce that my elderberry syrup is now available to buy in A Greener Pantry, Gympie. Pop in to see them for all your Pantry needs.

🍃Organic Elderberry Syrup has arrived!!
And it is delicious! I also have it on good authority that it goes well with gin!😂

I’m doing organic elderberry syrup drop offs up and down the coast on a weekly basis now. Interstate postage is $15.

Here are some of my latest reviews from very happy customers.

Message me to place your order. I can’t wait to support you and your families health.

I’m a huge believer in mini breaks and was a big advocate for this when I worked in corporate. Here’s why:

1. Stress Relief.
2. Increases productivity (according to a 2011 study published in cognition journal).
3. Recharge your battery, throw out your routine and read that book you’ve never found the time to.
4. Reconnect with ourselves and our loved ones
5. Reclaim some fun in your life

If you don’t currently have a good work-life balance see where you can schedule in more mini breaks.

Photos from our mini getaway in Northern NSW.

Be the light today-you never know how much somebody may need this. Be kind. Be gentle: and enjoy the winter solstice.

Nervous system regulation isn’t just about learning how to breathe through your nose (although it helps a lot!)

I ask my clients where their happy place is. Where makes them feel calm? Can they spend more time there. For me it’s baking in the kitchen. Often if I am feeling overwhelmed my husband suggests I make something 😀

Last week I did an experiment and it worked really well so am now sharing with you:

Take one whole pumpkin (ideally one that just popped out of your compost 😆)

Place in oven until soft. I had it on 150°C for an hour and then 170°C for another 30 minutes. Just keep an eye on it.

Cool and slice. Scoop out pumpkin flesh and keep the seeds to throw in the compost for more pumpkins (hopefully-don’t know if cooking will have damaged them.)

Add onions and garlic to pan with oil and cook until soft. Add cooked pumpkin. Cook for a bit. Add one can coconut milk and some stock/broth (maybe two cups?) plus tablespoon or two of Thai red curry paste.

Cook. Blend. Eat.
There will plenty left for the freezer.

𝐈 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠.

I was a shy child, bullied a lot (for being so tiny with frizzy hair) with little confidence. I remember nearly throwing up in church because I was so nervous to do the readings. Eventually I couldn’t do it anymore.

Years down the track I turned down an interview for a great job with the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) because they wanted me to do a presentation at the interview!

And then during my 20 year+ corporate career doctors would fall asleep during my presentations, scroll on their phones (in later years) and clearly indicate they had better things to do than listen to me (or my colleagues-it wasn’t personal but it did nothing for my confidence.)

𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝.

Now I absolutely love presenting and sharing my knowledge. Give me a stage or a room and I’m in my element.

It totally lights me up and I look back now and can’t remember that shy woman with no confidence.

So I’m reaching out.

𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗽𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲. 𝗠𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗵𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲!), 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲, 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.

𝗜’𝗺 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰.

If this resonates with you and you know any festivals, conferences, corporate events, retreats or similar please reach out to chat.

*rates apply.

What are you grateful for today?