A Minimalist Lifestyle. Making Self-care a Priority. Calm at Christmas.

How have you been this week? Did you give any thought on what you could perhaps do to live a more minimalist lifestyle throughout November?

I have lots of ideas to share with you and will share one idea a day to our Instagram stories during November. If you would like to join me, please can I ask you to:

• FOLLOW our page so that you see our stories each day.

• AND if you decide to commit to the 30 day challenge, why not inspire others too by sharing some photos of your efforts to your own stories.

• USE the hashtag #livemorevember AND tag NORTHSTAR WELLBEING. We will share too!

I really look forward to you joining me.

It has been a full week delivering Wellbeing Programs across the country. I am really passionate about this work and empowering people to practice more regular self-care. Each of us MUST make self-care a priority in our lives!

I wonder what self-care means to you?

When I asked some of my groups this question this week, it was great to hear about what others are doing to look after themselves. But I was also met with some blank faces too. Some individuals told me that there was little or no self-care in their lives. These are the people that I mostly want to empower. The good news is - we can all start where we are at and take the first step.

So whether you are practicing regular self-care or perhaps it is something new for you, here are some simple ideas what you could include or even begin with this week:

• 5 minutes of focused breathing each day;

• Drink more water;

• Move your body - walk/run/dance....;

• Write down 5 things you are grateful for each day;

• Soak in the bath with bubbles and aromatherapy;

• Laugh - either alone and even better with a friend!

And if you love to laugh, you must try a Laughter Yoga class! If you are part of a group, why not get in touch and I can come to you. Laughter is a powerful form of self-care and the great thing about Laughter Yoga is that we can simulate Laughter through clapping, movement and eye-contact. No comedy or jokes are needed! Just pure connection and childlike playfulness.

And talking of self-care, here is a little something for you for the month of December. Why don't you join me or treat someone you love who you know would benefit from some kindness and self-care?

Calm at Christmas with Nuala at Northstar

Join Nuala for 24 days of wellness this Christmas.
Choose and enjoy a moment of peace, calm and joy each day during the festive countdown with:
a unique Herbal Tea, a daily Journal Reflection and a 5 minute Guided Meditation.

All for £24 (plus postage). Book your Calm at Christmas Experience now.

On receipt of your order, you will be sent your Pukka Days of Joy Advent Calendar before 1 December and will be added to a Private Whatsapp Group to receive the daily reflection and meditation.

Wishing you a good week ahead. Enjoy the Halloween Festivities and lots of self-care through the week - make YOU a priority.

Be well.

Nuala x

Waterside Women's Centre - International Women's Day 2021

Hi Everyone,

It is hard to believe that it is almost a year since we closed our centre in Eglinton on the arrival of the first Covid-19 lockdown. Whilst much has changed in a year it has been a pleasure to continue to serve you - albeit online! The light of North Star continues to shine on from the virtual world and we have much to be grateful for.

Whilst it was a difficult decision, permanently closing our premises at the end of June 2020 was absolutely the right thing to do. Restrictions in close-contact services continues and we do our best to serve you in the best and safest way possible.

I was humbled and honoured recently when Waterside Women’s Centre (WWC) nominated me as one of their “Phenomenal Women” as part of their celebrations for International Women’s Day. I have been working with this leading Women’s Centre now for 5 years delivering Wellbeing Programs to new mums and women groups.

Have a watch and listen as I tell the lovely Emma, a Board member of WWC, what I have been up to and a wee bit about me. I hope that you enjoy it.

My warmest regards to you all

Nuala x

Connect & Relax Program

Hi Everyone,

I hope this message finds you well and that you are doing the best that you can to handle these days and weeks. Here is a lovely piece of good news for you from my Connect & Relax Program with the Western Health and Social Care Trust.

Over 130 Adults with Learning Disabilities together with their Carers and Support Workers have joined this wellbeing program since December.

Have a listen and there might just be a little wellbeing tip that resonates with you.

Warm regards

Nuala