Boosting Your Immune System Naturally With Meditation

In a world bustling with constant activity and stress, finding a moment of peace and stillness can be a lifesaver for both mind and body. One powerful tool that has gained immense popularity in recent years for its potential health benefits is meditation. Beyond its mental health advantages, meditation has been shown to offer a host of benefits to the immune system, contributing to overall well-being and resilience.

  • Meditation strengthens your immune system by reducing stress and regulating cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress.
  • Regular meditation has been linked to an increased production of natural killer cells and antibodies—critical components of the immune system that defend against viruses, bacteria, and other harmful pathogens.
  • Chronic inflammation is a precursor to numerous health issues, including autoimmune disorders, heart disease, and cancer. Through the practice of meditation, individuals can experience a decrease in pro-inflammatory chemicals in the body.
  • Sleep is essential for a healthy immune system. Meditation has been found to enhance the quality and duration of sleep by calming the mind and promoting relaxation.
  • Meditation fosters a strong mind-body connection by promoting self-awareness and mindfulness. Being attuned to one’s body facilitates adopting behaviours that support a stronger immune system, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and proper hydration.
  • Negative emotions like anxiety, depression, and anger can suppress the immune system. Through mindfulness and meditation, individuals learn to manage these emotions, promoting emotional well-being and ultimately supporting a more robust immune response.
  • Research suggests that meditation might slow down the aging process at the cellular level. By reducing oxidative stress and protecting telomeres (the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes), meditation may contribute to a longer and healthier life.

Why not take a look at the weekly Meditation and Reiki for Wellbeing classes I hold and start to build your immune system.

5 Ways to Cope with Anxiety

Anxiety is something that many people suffer from at some point in their life, with around 8 million people in the UK suffering from every year. It can make you feel trapped and unsure of where to turn, and can sometimes lead to further health issues. There are a variety of different ways to help alleviate feeling of anxiousness. Below is a list of 5 things that can help people cope to with anxiety.

By incorporating these into your daily routine, you can help to alleviate feelings of anxiety, and thereby promote your overall health and mental wellbeing. 

EXERCISE REGULARLY 

Incorporating regular exercise into the daily routine can help you to reduce feelings of anxiousness. By putting your body through physical stress, you can ironically alleviate mental stress.

This includes:

  • Jogging
  • Walking
  • Badminton
  • Pilates
  • Yoga
  • Stretching

Exercise actually lowers the amount of stress hormones (e.g. cortisol) produced in your body. It can also promote the release of endorphins, helping to uplift your mood. Additionally, exercise can improve your quality of sleep which can lead to reduced anxiety levels.

Make time every day or every week to go to the gym or do an exercise class – or take simple steps like walking to the shops or taking the stairs instead of the lift.

 OPTIMISE YOUR ENVIRONMENT

Creating a peaceful home environment can also help to alleviate feelings of anxiety. Using essential oils and drinking chamomile tea can help you to feel relaxed when coming home from the everyday stresses of life. Even having a room in the home when you can put your feet up and read or watch television can become your safe place. 

Investing in a weighted blanket can also help to reduce anxiety, especially when it comes to sleeping. They can provide a range of other benefits; reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increasing the production of serotonin and melatonin through the principles of deep pressure stimulation.

HAVE A SUPPORT SYSTEM IN PLACE

Anxiety can often leave you feeling isolated from the rest of the world. However, it can really help to talk things through with someone, and get support from loved ones when you need it most.

It’s important to have a strong support system in place to help you get through the tougher times. Reaching out to family and friends, whilst maybe nerve racking at first, can be a great way to help you cope when feeling anxious.

REDUCE CAFFEINE INTAKE

Caffeine is found in tea, coffee and energy drinks. Caffeine can help you to focus throughout the day, but too much of it can cause increased anxiety.

Try reducing your caffeine intake and opt for alternatives such as decaff tea or coffee.

PRACTICE MINDFULNESS AND DEEP BREATHING  

Practicing mindfulness and deep breathing can help you to alleviate feelings of anxiety. This can help to alleviate negative and stress inducing thoughts and promote a sense of calm and relaxation.

Meditation along with deep breathing exercises can help to enhance this sense of calm, further alleviating feelings of anxiety. Deep breathing exercises help to activate what is known as the parasympathetic nervous system, slowing the heart rate down and promoting relaxation.

You can use apps such as Calm, Headspace, Stop Breathe and Think to help you relax when you are feeling anxious.

Supporting a loved one who has stopped drinking

Supporting a loved one who has stopped drinking can be an essential factor in their successful recovery. Here are some ways you can support your loved one:

Offer to help them find and attend support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, where they can meet people who are going through similar experiences and receive support from peers.

Listen to your loved one when they want to talk about their struggles or feelings. Sometimes, just having someone to listen to can be very therapeutic.

Try to avoid situations that might tempt or trigger your loved one to start drinking again, such as social events where alcohol is served.

Offer positive reinforcement by congratulating your loved one on their progress and remind them of the positive changes they have made since quitting drinking.

Be patient and understanding: Recovery is a process, and setbacks are a part of that process. Be patient and understanding with your loved one, and let them know that you support them no matter what.

Seek professional help: If you feel like you need more support or guidance on how to best support your loved one, consider seeking the help of a professional therapist or counsellor.

Remember, recovery from alcoholism is a lifelong process and your support can be a significant factor in your loved one’s success.

How to Spot the Signs of Anxiety In Children

Anxiety is a common mental health concern that affects people of all ages, including children and teenagers. However, recognising the signs of anxiety in children can be challenging, as they may manifest differently depending on the age group.

Anxiety in young children can be difficult to identify since they may not have the vocabulary to express their emotions fully. However, there are several signs that parents can look out for, including:

Excessive worry or fear about specific situations or events.

Frequent stomach aches, headaches, or other physical complaints without a medical cause.

Refusal to attend school, participate in activities, or separate from parents or guardians.

Excessive clinginess or fear of being alone.

Difficulty sleeping, nightmares or night sweats.

Extreme shyness or fear of social situations.

Perfectionism or excessive need for reassurance.

Counselling can be hugely beneficial for anxious children. Through art and play children can express themselves freely and start to build self confidence and learn coping strategies.

Contact me for more information julietbunting1@gmail.com.

Changes!!

It’s been an exciting two months of change. After I left my previous therapy space in March I remained working online which gave me time to manifest a new base. I then came across the most tranquil place at the Hideout Creative Space in the heart of Staffordshire. I was keen to find a base which was in a semi rural setting and close to where I live. That is what I manifested! The new base is a 6 minute drive from my home, in beautiful surroundings and I really couldn’t wish for anything more at this point.

I am very blessed to have been welcomed into such a beautiful safe space, a wonderful room suitable for my Counselling and Wellness sessions.

Just a taster of what will be taking place on Saturdays at the Hideout Creative Space:

????Intuitive Angelic Reiki and Crystal Healing
????Counselling
????Family Therapy
????Children’s Counselling
????Group Healing
????Clinical Supervision
????AND the very special Recognise, Release, Relax and Repeat workshops will be returning!!!

????Counselling and Wellness sessions start SATURDAY 17th JUNE and will be held WEEKLY on Saturdays ???? Pop the date in your diary.

If you feel that you are ready to invest in your health and well-being, then please contact me, I would love to hear from you!

What is Micro-Self Care?

Micro-self care refers to small and simple activities or practices that you can engage in to promote your physical, emotional and mental well-being. These activities can be easily integrated into one’s daily routine and do not require a significant amount of time or effort. Examples of micro-self care practices include taking a short walk, drinking a glass of water, taking a few deep breaths, practicing gratitude, or doing a quick stretch.

Engaging in micro-self care practices can have several benefits, including:

  1. Increased energy and productivity: Taking a short break to engage in a micro-self care activity can help to refresh and reenergise you, leading to increased focus and productivity.
  2. Improved mood and emotional well-being: Simple self-care practices like taking a few deep breaths or practicing gratitude can help to reduce stress, promote relaxation and improve overall mood and emotional well-being.
  3. Enhanced physical health: Engaging in physical micro-self care practices such as stretching or taking a short walk can help to reduce muscle tension, improve flexibility and promote overall physical health.
  4. Reduced stress and anxiety: Micro-self care practices can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels, which can have a positive impact on both physical and emotional health.

Integrating micro-self care practices into one’s daily routine can lead to improved well-being and increased resilience in the face of life’s challenges.

Counselling for Menopause

Menopause can be a challenging time for many women, as it brings about physical and emotional changes.

According to research of the 13 million people affected by menopause in the UK, 75% will experience negative symptoms. A quarter of people who experience menopause describe the symptoms – which can include hot flushes, difficulty sleeping, low mood or anxiety and problems with memory – as severe.

Counselling can be very helpful during menopause to address any concerns, manage symptoms, and promote overall well-being.

In our sessions together we will look at identifying strategies to manage a wide range of physical symptoms and improve quality of life.

Menopause can be a time of great emotional turmoil as women may experience anxiety, depression, and irritability which can also impact women in the workplace.

My Counselling and Wellbeing sessions can help women identify new ways of making emotional, physical and lifestyle changes for improved well being, self confidence and to reduce time off work.

If you are experiencing menopausal symptoms and would like support please contact me.

Affluent women need Counselling too!

When it comes to mental health, there is a common misconception that wealth automatically equates to happiness and success. However, the reality is that financial prosperity does not guarantee emotional well-being. In fact, affluent women can face unique challenges that may necessitate the need for counselling.

First and foremost, being wealthy does not shield a person from experiencing trauma or difficult life events. In fact, the pressure to maintain a certain level of lifestyle and public image can often exacerbate the emotional toll of difficult circumstances. This can include experiences such as divorce, infertility, or the loss of a loved one. Counselling can provide a safe and non-judgmental space for women to process and cope with these challenges.

Moreover, wealth can come with its own set of stressors and anxieties. For instance, affluent women may feel pressure to constantly perform and achieve, both in their personal and professional lives. This can lead to feelings of burnout, exhaustion, and even imposter syndrome. Additionally, the social isolation that can come with wealth can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and disconnect. Counselling can provide tools and techniques for managing stress and anxiety, as well as support for developing healthy relationships and connections.

Finally, it is worth noting that societal expectations around gender and wealth can add an additional layer of complexity for women. For example, there may be societal pressure to conform to certain beauty standards or to prioritise motherhood over professional ambition. My Counselling and Wellness sessions can provide a space for women to explore their own values and priorities, free from external expectations.

Benefits of Workplace Counselling

2020 may well have been the most stressful year people have ever experienced in their working lives. Research has shown that Covid has negatively affected employee’s mental health,

Workplace Counselling provides a range of benefits for both employees and employers, including:

Improved mental health
Increased job satisfaction
Improved productivity
Better employee retention rates
And enhanced communication and conflict resolution skills.

Contact me if you would like to find out more about the Counselling and Wellness services I can bring into your workplace.

#workplacewellbeing #workplacewellness #onlinecounselling #mentalwellness #workplacestress

Archangels for Healing

Archangels are often associated with different areas of healing, and each archangel is said to bring unique energy and support. Here are just four of the widely recognised archangels that are commonly associated with healing whom we can call upon. There are many more:

  1. Archangel Raphael: Raphael is known as the archangel of healing and is often depicted holding a staff with a serpent coiled around it, which is said to represent healing energy. Raphael is said to bring physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
  2. Archangel Michael: Michael is known as the archangel of protection, and his energy is said to help clear negative energy and blockages that can interfere with healing. Michael is also said to provide strength and courage during difficult times.
  3. Archangel Gabriel: Gabriel is known as the archangel of communication and is often associated with healing through words and expression. Gabriel is said to bring clarity, inspiration, and guidance in matters of health and healing.
  4. Archangel Azrael: Azrael is known as the archangel of transition and is often associated with helping those who are dying or have passed on. Azrael is said to provide comfort, peace, and support during times of grief and loss.

Connecting with your healing archangels can be a deeply personal and spiritual experience.

Contact me to book your healing session where I will guide you through a loving gentle visualisation to connect with your guides.