Currently we're running through a Z-A of activities to try, in order to manage stress and anxiety and support self-care.
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
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