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We have a range of ideas such as chocolate, no sugar lollies, stylish notebooks and chocolate.
]]>Day 1: Have an early night. Sip on some chamomile tea, turn off electronics and catch up on your sleep. You have a big month ahead!
Day 2: Hydrate! Drinking 2 litres of water a day can help increase energy, flush out toxins, improve mental focus, sleep quality, digestion and skin complexion.
Tip: add a slice of lemon or mint to your water bottle for flavour.
Day 3: Time to check in. Sit down somewhere quiet with a piece of paper or journal. Think about the last time you felt energized and vibrant. Where were you? What were you doing? Who was with you? What has changed?
Day 4: Stretch. Take 10 minutes (or more!) and stretch the areas that have been feeling time. Or even better try a yoga routine for the whole body. This will help you feel energized and sleep better.
Day 5: Nourish yourself with nutrient dense fruit & veggies.
Tip: Start the day with a nourishing smoothie bomb. just add some fruit (e.g. frozen blueberries), liquid (e.g. coconut milk, almond milk) and blend!
Day 6: Mental declutter. Sit down and write down your December to do list and sort in order of priority.
Sort to categories: Christmas shopping, work, holiday planning, house work, Christmas lunch…
Try to cross out anything that is not important and will cause more stress than it’s worth. Let it go (or reschedule until January!), you can’t do everything.
Day 7: Positive Affirmation. Select an affirmation that you are drawn to or create your own. Write down 3 times then repeat to yourself for the month of December.
Day 8: Breathe in…breathe out. Take some time out to practice slow, deep breathing. Try and escape to a quiet room or put some relaxing music on your earphones. Lie down or sit somewhere comfortably. Place your hand on your abdomen and feel it rise up and down with each breath. Repeat 10 times.
Day 9: Read. Turn off electronics and pick up that book or magazine you have been meaning to read.
Day 10: Pamper yourself. Book in for a massage or pamper yourself at home with a face mask, undereye gel or foot soak. Sip some chamomile tea and chill.
Day 11: Mindfulness. Look around and appreciate all you have achieved and the beauty in your surroundings. List 3 things that you are grateful for.
Day 12: Get outside. Take a walk out in nature for at least 30 minutes and breathe in the fresh air, A bush trail, park or beach or just your neighbourhood. Exercising in nature will help reduce stress & anxiety, improve immunity and memory as well as boost positivity.
Day 13: Be inspired. Listen to a motivational TED talk, inspirational podcast or book.
Day 14: Virtual hug. Write a letter/card/email/text/DM/Skype an old friend. Reach out and let them know you are thinking of them during the festive season.
Day 15: Green thumb. Plant some seedlings. Some herbs for the kitchen windowsill or sunflowers for the garden. Nuture them.
Day 16: Get creative. Take some time out and colour, sew, paint, knit, make a Christmas tree ornament, create a scrap book or photo book. It helps take your mind off the stresses.
Day 17: Laugh. Laughing is a natural way to boost your immunity and release unwanted tension.
Check out this 10 minute yoga laughter session with Bianca Spears to get started! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNKyUp3PYDE
Day 18: Be kind to your inner voice. Actively stop thinking negative thoughts about yourself. You are enough and you are amazing. If you hear yourself putting yourself down, repeat something positive about yourself 3 times.
Day 19: Dance like no one is watching. Press play to your favourite songs and create your own groove! Better yet, get your friends and family involved.
Day 20: Create a healthy bedtime routine. This can be interrupted with Christmas parties and late night shopping trips but try to keep to the same routine each night. Listen to relaxing music, sip some calming tea, keep the lights dim and/or wear an eye mask if your room isn’t completely dark.
Day 21: Delegate. Sometimes all the Christmas duties can fall on one person in the family. If this is you, delegate some things on your to do list (e.g. write some Christmas cards, Christmas lunch food shopping, household chores, take the kids out on the weekend for a few hours).
]]>Gift ideas
1. Book to read in the Summer
2. Hand and body wash/lotion set for their bathroom
3. Oil Diffuser and essential oils to suit the mood
4. Pom Pom slippers to slip on after a long day
5. Kimono robe for ultimate comfort and style
6. Hydrating face mask from Lapcos
7. Luxurious candle from Al.ive Body
8. Satin eye mask and pillowcase for the best sleep
9. Heat or cool wrap to ease those body aches while watching a movie
10. Kitchen duo from Al.ive Body. Wash the dishes with these eco-friendly dishwashing liquid and bench spray
]]>1. 'You Legend' boxed sock set
3. Smelly Balls car air freshener
4. Body travel set | The Aromatherapy Co
5. Quick dry towel | Dock & Bay
6. Gourmet Salted Caramel chocolate | koko black
8. Insulated stainless steel water bottle | Driss by Porter Green
]]>Shop now for Teachers:
1. Teacher thank you candle (personalise with name)
2. Organic Rose Wine | A Glass of...
4. Hand cream Christmas Cracker | Al.ive Body
6. RECHARGE hand & body wash set | Al.ive Body
7. Lip balm bauble | Al.ive Body
]]>Eco Friendly Christmas Decorations
When it comes to decorations think natural, look outside for materials and avoid plastic. You can create some amazing eco friendly decorations that are also budget friendly.
Beautiful eco friendly Christmas decorations with lip balm | Al.ive Body -->
1. What’s it made out of?
If it’s plastic, polystyrene or easily broken glass – it’s best to put it back and go for natural, organic materials. Sticking to recyclable or compostable materials means if you don’t want to keep decorations year after year, you won’t be making a big eco foot print each Christmas.
2. How long will it last?
If your material is compostable this is a great way to use new decorations each year – things like dried orange garlands (see above), leaves, and organic materials are all great choices. If you do see something you love in durable glass, porcelain or ceramic make sure you’ll want to keep it year after year to save on waste. The big ones to avoid? Plastic and polystyrene – the less of these we can use the better!
3. Can I up-cycle my old decorations into new ones?
Often those old Christmas baubles don’t need anything more than a coat of paint or a clever approach to make the old new again! Have a look at old wine bottles, mason jars, last years wreaths and things lying round the home to see if their a DIY afternoon away from an amazing Christmas decorating idea.
4. Think LED
Use LED lighting in your Christmas lights this year to reduce your eco footprint and save your power bill! Make sure to only turn on the lights when in use and switch off at other times. Outdoor lights can be a big drain on energy so try not to keep them running all night long! Make a cut off hour and only keep them on for an hour or two each night to save power and reduce your carbon footprint.
5. Recycle
Make sure when Christmas comes to an end that you recycle your decorations made from paper, glass or some types of plastic and double check with your council to see when they’re doing their Christmas tree recycling drive!
If you’re new to journaling, here are some tips to get started:
Journals for Teens.
Journals for teens and adults.
Activity journals to promote good physical and mental health.
Blank journals for you to write all your thoughts without any prompts.
Stationary to inspire thought.
]]>Rise and shine.
Don’t hit the snooze button and waste your precious morning time. Get up earlier and enjoy the peace and quiet before the world wakes up. Try to wake at least 1 1/2 hours before you have to leave.
Squeeze some lemon.
Start your day with a glass of warm lemon water. It’s like a magic potion that hydrates, cleanses, and boosts your metabolism. Lemon water also helps your digestion and immunity.
Stretch it out.
Give your body some love and attention by doing some stretching or yoga. It will help you loosen up, increase blood flow, and release tension. Stretching or yoga will also make you more flexible, balanced, and happy.
Breathe and relax. Start journalling.
Take a moment to calm your mind and focus on your breath. It will help you clear your thoughts, reduce anxiety, and increase awareness. Breathe and relax will also help you set your goals and priorities for the day. Starting a journal in the morning can be a great way to set healthy goals and focus for the day.
Eat well.
Don’t skip breakfast or settle for junk food. Feed your body with healthy foods that give you energy and nutrients. Choose foods that are high in protein, fiber, and antioxidants, such as eggs, oatmeal, fruits, and nuts. Adding a smoothie bomb to your morning smoothie can add an energising boost!
By following these steps, you can create a healthy morning ritual that makes you feel awesome and energized. Try to do it every day and see how it changes your life for the better.
]]>Deliciously natural lollies packed with gut-loving goodies, no sugar added & no sugar alcohols.
Founded in Melbourne by Naturopath's Emma and Damien to create organic herbal teas that benefited the health of their customers.
One tree is planted with every order.
Founded on the Gold Coast these smelly balls are an eco friendly solution to providing a fresh scent to your car, office or home.
5. Snuggle up with a warm hug from a heat pillow or hot water bottle. Place on any sore areas to help ease muscle aches and pains.
6. Keep active and get your circulation going. Take a break from the computer and go for a walk, clean the house or play a game with the kids outside.
7. Use a pocket hotty to keep your hands warm. They are a great way to keep your hands warm when travelling to work or watching kids sport on the weekends! The can also be useful to warm up the skin for cancer patients needing to insert a chemotherapy port. Click here for some options: Pocket hotty - Wishing you well
8. Invest in a warm, soft knee blanket to keep warm on the couch, in bed or working on the computer. We have some beautiful blankets in stock made from recycled wool. Shopw blankets here: Woollen blankets - Wishing you well
9. Layer up! Loose layers of clothing will help you stay warm and cosy. Wear a loose fitting top and add a jumper or fleece. Up to 7-10% of body heat is lost through your head so wearing a cosy beanie can help reduce heat loss. Shop beanies here: Cable Knit- Snood & Beanie Set (pink or black) - Wishing you well
10. Enjoy a long warm bath. Soaking your body in a hot bath is a great way to warm up the body. Add some magnesium bath salts to help relax sore and aching muscle and reduce stress.
]]>
RSPCA have added some tips to help make the day run smoothly: https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-should-i-consider-before-taking-my-dog-to-the-office/
]]>Talk to me bro - #talk2mebro was developed to help reduce the number of males who die to suicide in Australia. Through early intervention, the aim is to create societal change by reducing the stigma around suicide and getting men to feel comfortable talking about what they are going through emotionally and mentally.
#talk2mebro – brothers don’t let brothers fight alone
Lifeline - a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. They exist so that no person in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone. Ph- 13 11 14
Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.
Healthy Male - Loneliness is a public health crisis, the extent of which is only just being realised. Up to 43% of Australian males are feeling lonely. Are you lonely? Take the quiz: Men's Health Week 2023 | Healthy Male
International Bereaved Mother’s Day began in Australia in 2010 thanks to Carly Marie Dudley. Since then, women around the world have welcomed and embraced the day. It speaks volumes about how important the day is and how many it affects. Today we honour parents who’ve lost children — particularly mothers who may have experienced stillbirth, S.I.D.S, miscarriages, or other types of pregnancy or infant loss.
1. Send a message of support.
This can be through a simple text or email or even a letter they can keep. Let the bereaved Mother know you are thinking of them.
2. Keep the memory alive.
Mention the child’s name and share any memories you have.
3. Donate to charity in memory of their child.
4. Send a small gift to bring comfort.
A personalised candle they can light in memory of their child, seeds for them to grown some flowers, personalised jewelry or a pamper pack.
5. Support around the house.
If you feel they are struggling with the daily routine offer your support with a meal (home cooked or meal service), cleaning or gardening.
6. Plant a tree of flower in their child’s memory.
Add a plaque or create a special place in the garden for them to visit. These forget me not seeds are a lovely gift for someone wanting to create a memorial garden.
7. Gift a memory box for them to keep photo’s or tokens in.
8. Give them a hug when you see them or listen to them talk/cry.
If you are located far away send a warm hug in the form of a heat pillow such as Herbie.
9. Invite them to attend a grief support group.
Infant loss can feel lonely and isolating as it can be difficult to talk to others who have not experienced it. Support groups can help them feel less alone. See below for support groups.
10. Remember the anniversaries.
Holidays like Mother’s Day and Christmas can be triggering but anniversaries of the infant’s death can also be. Keep a note in your calendar of the yearly anniversaries so you can remember to send them a comforting message.
Acknowledging that Mother’s Day can be difficult and that you are there for them is important. If you feel stuck with what to say here are some suggestions:
Regardless of what you say, the most important thing is to be there for the grieving mother.
Listen to her, offer your support, and let her know that you care.
The best thing you can do is simply listen.
Grief resources and support groups:
GRIEFLINE – online resource for grief support:
Community and Family Services | Grief Counselling | Counselling Helpline (griefline.org.au)
Helpline: 1300 845 745
]]>Lovely and warming and nourishing for gut health.
Prep: 10 mins
Difficulty: Easy
Cook: 35 mins
Ingredients | Method |
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Recipe adapted from BBC Goodfood magazine.
Recipe by: Sara Buenfeld
]]>When the Easter Bunny pays a visit to your house you might be lucky enough to receive a chocolate Easter bunny! Hmmm where to start? Are you a ears or feet first nibbler?
At WYW we love colour and are fascinated by how each colour can affect mood, emotion, decision making and even how we think.
We offer gifts for a range of different occasions that can be happy, sad, stressful or even thankful. Colours can help bring a positive message to a care package.
We have compiled a list of the meanings of each color and how they can affect someone, which may be helpful when choosing a gift.
BLUE - Calm, peace, tranquility, trust
YELLOW - Bright, joy, energy, sunshine, hope, happiness
PURPLE - Royal, ambition, spirituality, luxury
GREEN - Earthy, growth, nature, balance, harmony
PINK - Happiness, compassion, playful, feminine, hope
BLACK - Classic, elegance, power
WHITE - Pure, innocence, fresh, clean, simplicity
RED - Love, danger, energy, excitement
ORANGE - Excitement, confidence, encouragement, health, vitality
BROWN - Earth, honest, natural, reliable
]]>International Women's Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day lets us all come together to celebrate women's achievements or rally for women's equality.
To read more or find out how to get involved click here: - IWD: About International Women's Day (internationalwomensday.com)
Ways to bring meaning to IWD23:
- Celebrate women's achievements. Congratulate in person, email, phone, text or socials.
- Take action for positive change in advancing women. Start a discussion, research the history of IWD or create an event.
- Fundraise for women focused charities. IWD: Step forward in solidarity and donate on IWD (internationalwomensday.com)
IWD23 candles: Raising money for the charity 'Share the Dignity'.
This year we have created some IWD23 candles and will be donating to the charity Share the Dignity. A women's charity in Australia, that works to make a real difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or doing it tough. They distribute period products to women, girls, and anyone who menstruates who needs support. When someone is doing it tough, the last thing on their mind should be dealing with their period.
Celebrate the amazing women in your life and show how much you appreciate them.
We would love to share our love by donating $1 from every order made in the 1st 14 days of February to Heart Kids.
Their purpose is to make a real and lasting impact for the Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) community.
They seek to give every child, teenager, and adult in Australia with congenital or childhood acquired heart disease a fighting chance to live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life.
Their support is a commitment for life because there is no known cure. People with congenital heart disease face unique challenges for their entire life.
To find out more about Heart Kids click here
]]>
The festive season can be so magical and special but can also be stressful and overwhelming. This year let's prevent holiday stress and burnout by practicing Christmas self care.
1. Prioritise. Take 5-10 minutes to create a Christmas to do list and categorise into five groups:
- Urgent (today)
- Schedule (this week)
- Non-urgent (before Xmas)
- Delegate (ask someone else to help)
- Eliminate (remove from list)
Remember it's OK to say no!
2. Make plans. Get your December calendar out and write down all the events and activities. If any clash make a decision if you need to take off the schedule or change to another day. Be realistic with your time and avoid more than 2 events in one day.
3. Create a Christmas budget. Christmas is an expensive time of year and going over budget can be stressful especially with the rising cost of living. Decide on how much you can afford to spend (do not compare to friends and family) and create a Christmas budget. Write down the names of all the presents you need to purchase and then work out how much you can spend on each person to stay within budget.
Add a second part of your budget for Christmas parties, events and Christmas day (food, drinks). Discuss your budget for Christmas day with friends/family and work out a fair division of costs in advance.
4. Ask for help. Making Christmas special for everyone can be overwhelming so make sure to ask for help before you hit burnout. Sometimes others are just not aware of the tasks that need to be done and need a little reminder!
5. Let go of expectations. We all want the festive season to be perfect and it can be difficult to say no but self care needs to take priority. Forget what others are doing and make Christmas special to you.
- Are all your neighbours going nuts with Christmas decorations but you don't have time? Then don't. Add a simple wreath to your door and relax.
- Dislike cooking for hours on Christmas day in attempt to make the perfect feast? Then don't. Keep it simple, grab a drink and enjoy Christmas with your family.
6. Nourish your body. Now is definitely the time to make sure you take care of yourself inside and out. Keep hydrated, eat fruits and vegetables, minimise processed foods and exercise daily. Exercise can be a simple walk around the block, yoga or a gym workout. Don't forget quality sleep is important as well.
7. Practice mindfulness. Keeping a calm mind can do wonders to avoiding Christmas burnout. This can be in the form of meditation, journaling, yoga or breathing exercises.
8. Allow time to unwind. Pull the blinds down and watch a Christmas movie in the daytime, switch off your phone for an hour and read a book or take a walk in nature.
9. Practice joy. Do what makes you happy. Practicing self care is not selfish. Allow the time for some pampering, a massage, coffee with friends or a games night with family.
10. Give back. Christmas is the time for giving. Donate some of your time to charity, donate toys to a local Childrens charity and shop small to help local communities.
Christmas charities:
Foodbank -Foodbank Australia | Fighting Hunger In Australia
The Smith Family: Volunteer with us | The Smith Family
Wesley Mission: Ways to donate | Wesley Mission
Salvation Army Christmas Appeal: Donate Online | The Salvation Army Australia
]]>On any given day in Australia, more than half a million households are struggling to put food on the table.
1.3 million children in Australia lived in severely insecure households in the past year.
Over half of those families with food insecurity had someone in paid work.
The rising cost of living is the most common reason for people in Australia to be struggling to put food on the table.
These statistics are devasting and because of this we will be donating 1 meal through Foodbank for every order made before Christmas.
For more information on how foodbank helps communities click here
]]>This month brings awareness to many important causes and health issues. We are all affected by at least one of these dates below whether that's our own mental health, a friend's cancer diagnosis or baby loss. The aim of each awareness month is to open up the topic for discussion so no one should feel lonely or overwhelmed. It brings awareness to ways you can identify behaviours or symptoms that need help and ways to reach out.
Mental Health awareness month - links
How to get involved: Mental Health Month | WayAhead
Beyond Blue: Anxiety, depression and suicide prevention support - Beyond Blue
Life line: Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.
Breast Cancer Awareness month - links
Cancer Australia: Cancer Australia
Check your breasts: How to Do Your Own Breast Check - McGrath Foundation
Self breast check: Pink Hope : Self Breast Check
Pregnancy & infant loss - links
Red nose Australia: Pregnancy and Infant Awareness Month 2022 | Red Nose Australia
Sands Australia - stories: Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month | SANDS - MISCARRIAGE STILLBIRTH NEWBORN DEATH SUPPORT
Carers Week - Links
Support for carers: National Carers Week | 16 - 22 October 2022
Down Syndrome Awareness Month
National Safe Work Awareness Month
Walktober - encourages all to get active!
World Menopause Day - 18th October
Sock it to Suicide Week - 17-23rd October
World Smile Day - 1st Friday of the October
]]>Making the effort to include self care into your daily life can be difficult but is encouraged for physical and mental health. The last couple of years have been stressful with COVID, isolations and a work/life imbalance so it's time to prioritise you! Prioritising self care is not selfish but essential.
The benefits of self care can include increased energy and self awareness, mental focus, lowered stress levels, self control and the ability to care for others without draining ourselves.
Have a look at the list below and see how many self care recommendations you regularly practice.
1. Ensure you are getting adequate sleep. Typically an adult requires 7-9 hours of quality sleep a night. Turn off electronics at least an hour before bed and avoid stimulating drinks like coffee. Read a book or journal and sip on some calming tea such as chamomile or lavender. We recommend the organic range LOVE tea. For busy minds - keep a notebook next to your bed and write down your thoughts.
2. Keep hydrated - Drinking 2 litres of clean water a day can help increase energy, flush out toxins, improve mental focus, sleep quality, digestion and skin complexion. Try adding some slices of lemon or fresh mint for natural flavour.
3. Create downtime - This can be meditation, reading or just sitting outside with a cup of tea. When the mind is overstimulated our stress levels can rise and lead to burnout. Taking time out for yourself to relax is important for creating a healthy balance.
4. Exercise and stretch regularly - Making the effort to move your body daily also helps balance your mind. Regular exercise can be going to the gym, yoga, walking/running, group sports or just stretching at your desk.
5. Nourish your body with nutrient rich fruit & vegetables - As a Nutritionist I value the importance of feeding your body clean, healthy foods. Try a green smoothie for breakfast or carry a nut & seed mix for an afternoon snack.
6. Be kind to your inner voice - Speak kindly to yourself daily and avoid negative self-talk. We all make mistakes and have imperfections which is what makes us beautiful and unique. Forgive yourself for mistakes and learn from them to move forward. Choose a positive affirmation and repeat to yourself daily to help encourage a positive mindset. For example:
'My daily commitment to self care is not selfish' or
'I am free from others negative vibes'
7. Walk in nature or keep indoor plants - Exercising in nature can help to reduce stress, anxiety, improve immunity & memory and boost positivity. If you live in the city try walking to your local park. Keep plants inside to increase oxygen and negative ions in your home. Negative ions attach themselves to (and effectively remove) particles such as dust, mold spores, bacteria, and allergens.
8. Connect with others - Building positive relationships can help us deal with difficult situations and support us in achieving our goals. If you are feeling stressed or depressed reach out to someone (friend, family, colleague, helpline LifeLine, Beyond Blue).
9. Set life boundaries - Setting boundaries for yourself is essential to show others (friends, family, colleagues) how you want to be treated. It also sets limits for yourself so you know when you are likely to tip out of balance. Take some time to sit down and write down your boundaries for your work/life balance, prioritising self care and relationships. You can use an affirmation journal to help guide you through.
10. Be digitally mindful - Technology is becoming part of our daily lives and we are growing more dependent on it daily. Balance is the key and remember to have time out from iphones, computers and TV. Schedule in some digital detox time in the evenings and weekends.
Self care score:
If you practice more than 6 self care options daily - Amazing! I am sure you are feeling the benefits.
If you practice more than 3 self care options daily - well done! Try adding one more option tomorrow and see how it feels.
If you practice less than 2 self care options weekly - You may be feeling stressed and run down. Your self care is essential and granting permission to prioritize your health is valid. Choose one option on the list and start today. Even if it is for 5 minutes it is a great start. You've got this!
If you know someone that needs some encouragement to practice some more self care we have plenty of options to create your own care package. Here are some ideas for men and women:
]]>
Below is a helpful post on ways to donate money to make the most difference. This list doesn't provide all the ways to help but is a great start.
Article: Natalie Brown - 3rd January 2020
Here are some other ideas, please feel free to comment with any other useful links.
- WWF Australia https://www.wwf.org.au/get-involved/bushfire-emergency…
- http://Foodbank.org.au provides food relief and plays an important role in times of emergency and natural disasters.
- http://www.givit.org.au/disasters - donate items or funds to effected disaster areas.
- https://blazeaid.com.au/ - a volunteer-based organisation that works with families and individuals in rural Australia after natural disasters. Working alongside the rural families, their volunteers help to rebuild fences and other structures that have been damaged or destroyed.
Stay safe,
Kathy xxx
Picture: AAP Image/Morgan SetteSource:News Corp Australia