by Feeling Great | Personal Growth
How the Wholistic Wellness Wheel Can Help You In Self-Love
As humans, we’re complex beings, and at times, we may feel overwhelmed when things don’t seem to be going right. But how do we know what areas need attention? This is where the Wholistic Wellness Wheel comes in. Have you ever heard of it?
The Wholistic Wellness Wheel is a tool designed to help you understand the different aspects of your life and pinpoint where you might need more self-love. Over the years, I’ve developed my own holistic version to guide both myself and my clients through personal growth and empowerment.
What is the Wholistic Wellness Wheel?
The Wholistic Wellness Wheel is an empowering tool that provides insight into the various aspects of your life, helping you identify where change is needed. Through regular self-assessment, you can gain clarity on what needs attention and take responsibility for your well-being.
Self-love can be challenging and uncomfortable at times. However, it’s worth the effort. Embracing all aspects of yourself—the good, the bad, and even the ugly—can lead to freedom and power. It’s about taking control of your life and reclaiming your inner strength.
7 Key Areas to Focus on for Self-Love
To get started, ask yourself the following questions in each area of your life. This will help guide your self-enquiry process and show where love and attention are needed:
1. Physical – Our Instincts
- Do you feel safe and secure?
- Are you exercising enough?
- Do you have unresolved family issues or financial stress?
2. Emotional – Our Emotions
- Do you react negatively to events or others?
- Are you in touch with your emotions, both positive and negative?
- Do you struggle with anger or frustration?
3. Social – Personal Power
- Do you rely on others for your happiness?
- Do you make time for your loved ones?
- Are you standing up for yourself when needed?
4. Environmental – Compassion
- Do you feel scattered or disconnected?
- Are you blaming others for where you are in life?
- Do you nurture your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being?
5. Occupational – Truth
- Do you enjoy your job?
- Are your hobbies fulfilling?
- How do you speak to yourself?
6. Intellectual – Intuition
- Are there topics you’d like to explore?
- Do you open up to new perspectives?
- Do you often doubt your abilities?
7. Spiritual – Awareness
- Are you aware of your breath and presence?
- Do you feel connected to something greater than yourself?
- Are you constantly busy, both physically and mentally?
Start Your Self-Love Journey Today
Remember, self-love is not an overnight process—it requires patience, time, and effort. If you’re feeling stuck, don’t hesitate to seek help from professionals like therapists, nutritionists, or holistic healers.
It’s essential to understand that you have the power to create change in your life. The journey might be challenging, but you’re worth the effort. With love and respect, you are capable of thriving!
Emily Pettigrew is a Self Care and Relaxation Specialist. Her passion is to bring the CALM, STRONG, HAPPY and EMPOWERED woman she knows you are back into your world. Offering Lomi Lomi massage, Reiki healing and Handcrafted bath salts and sprays to support and nurture your body, mind and soul.
Click here to find out more, book online with me!
Read this Secret to Happiness and Self Love and Tell us what you think about it when you start filling up our own cup, bring in Happiness, Harmony and Healing to our world.
by Feeling Great | Energy/Fatigue, Mental Wellbeing
7 Major Benefits of Floating
Why Is Floating Gaining Popularity?
Floating has been around for decades, but recently, it’s getting more attention for its powerful health benefits. More people are discovering how it can reduce stress, improve sleep, and even relieve chronic pain.
Origins of Floating
The idea of floating in saltwater for therapeutic benefits isn’t new. It has been used for years, but over the past five years, it has made a strong comeback.
Back in the 1950s, neuroscientist John C. Lilly studied the effects of sensory deprivation on anxiety, addiction, and stress. Seeing impressive results, he developed a commercial float tank that made floating accessible to more people.
Floating became popular in the 1960s, but concerns over water cleanliness slowed its growth in the 1970s. Despite this, researchers continued studying its effects. Today, float centers are everywhere, including my favorite one—The Private Sea in Mornington.
So, why should you try floating? Here are seven major health benefits that might convince you.
1. Floating Lowers Stress
One of the biggest reasons people float is stress relief. Floating helps in two ways:
- The magnesium in the water lowers stress hormones like cortisol
- Sensory deprivation gives your mind a break, reducing tension
In a study, participants who floated eight times over two weeks saw a 21.6% decrease in cortisol levels. They also handled stress better without the usual spikes in cortisol.
The best part? That deep relaxation doesn’t disappear once you leave the tank—it lingers, helping you stay calm in daily life.
2. Floating Increases Magnesium Levels
Magnesium is essential for over 235 bodily functions, yet many people are deficient. A lack of magnesium can lead to:
- Muscle cramps and fatigue
- Poor sleep and anxiety
- Joint pain and headaches
Floating replenishes magnesium levels by soaking your skin in Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate). Just one float session can provide enough magnesium to support your body for days.
3. Floating Reduces Anxiety and Depression
Chronic stress triggers high cortisol and adrenaline, which can lead to anxiety and depression. Floating helps by:
- Reducing cortisol production, helping you feel calmer
- Improving sleep, which directly impacts mental health
- Promoting relaxation, so you feel lighter and more positive
In one study, people who floated 12 times reported less stress, pain, and anxiety. They also noticed improved sleep and a more optimistic outlook, with results lasting up to four months.
4. Floating Relieves Physical Pain and Inflammation
If you struggle with chronic pain, floating might be the relief you need. It helps by:
- Increasing circulation, which reduces muscle tension
- Promoting oxygen flow, which speeds up healing
- Relieving joint pain, even for conditions like fibromyalgia
Floating has been shown to reduce pain, stress, and muscle tension, helping people move more freely with less discomfort.
5. Floating Improves Sleep Quality
Struggling with insomnia? Floating can help reset your sleep cycle.
- Magnesium relaxes muscles, preparing your body for deep sleep
- One hour in a float tank is equivalent to four hours of deep rest
- Even after just one float, people report feeling more refreshed
Better sleep leads to better energy, focus, and mood—all essential for a healthy lifestyle.
6. Floating Enhances Creativity
Artists, writers, and musicians use floating to boost creativity. A study found that floating improves technical skills and enhances problem-solving abilities.
When your brain enters a deep relaxation state, creative ideas flow more easily, making floating a great tool for anyone looking to unlock their full potential.
7. Floating Deepens Meditation
Many people struggle with meditation because of distractions. Floating makes it easier by:
- Eliminating external noise
- Helping you stay fully present
- Allowing your mind to enter a theta state—the deepest level of relaxation
This deep mental clarity can last for days or even weeks, helping you stay focused and mindful in everyday life.
What to Expect on Your First Float
Float tanks are spacious, measuring around 2.5 meters long and 1.2 meters tall, so you can sit up inside. The water, heated to 35°C, is infused with 350kg of Epsom salts, making you effortlessly float.
Before or after your session, you can also enjoy an infrared sauna for an even deeper relaxation experience.
Each person’s float experience is unique—some feel meditative, others creative, and many report feeling refreshed and optimistic for days afterward.
Final Thoughts
Floating is an amazing experience that can help you feel relaxed, balanced, and pain-free. It’s now my go-to gift for loved ones near The Private Sea in Mornington.
You can also read about Sensory Overload I hope this gave you insights and you can share us your experience!
Need to get to the root cause and feel relaxed, and pain-free – come see me
References
[1] https://www.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/j…
[2] http://floatinglotus.com/wp-content/uploads/…
[3] http://psycnet.apa.org/record/2006-07100-002
[4] http://floatinglotus.com/wp-content/uploads/…
by Feeling Great | Mental Wellbeing
Is It Time to Break Free from Sabotaging Patterns?
Breaking Old Patterns – Reclaim Your Spark and Transform Your Life
Breaking Old Patterns? Have you ever noticed people who seem to radiate energy, joy, and confidence? It’s almost as if they have a natural spark that draws you in. I’ve always been fascinated by this energy and its impact on how people share their unique gifts with the world. From high school teachers to local shopkeepers, the people who exude this spark seem to have an undeniable magnetic quality.
But what about those who feel their spark has faded? This was my inspiration to help others reignite the natural vitality they were born with.
Our bodies and minds are complex, and it’s easy to get stuck in unhelpful patterns. When I work with clients, I start by examining their biochemistry and daily habits. From there, we declutter and rebuild. Once your foundation is strong, you can move forward with confidence and vitality.
How Does Your Brain Control Your Life?
Everything that happens in the brain affects the body. Today, we often hear about managing stress, anxiety, and depression. However, everything we experience, from our thoughts and feelings to our actions, follows a specific pattern in the brain—called neural maps. These patterns can either be helpful or unhelpful.
Unhelpful patterns include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Phobias
- Pain
- Smoking
- Overeating
- Poor sleep
On the other hand, helpful patterns might look like:
- Creativity
- Confidence
- Learning
- Performance at school/work
- Riding a bike
- Speaking a language
The brain is a powerful tool that, once conditioned, continues to repeat these patterns until something is done to change them.
Breaking Old Patterns: A Real-Life Example
Consider the case of Angela, who suffered from severe anxiety and agoraphobia. Her anxiety was draining all her energy and resources, leaving her unable to cope with daily life. She came to me with a list of five issues to address. I focused on the root cause—her anxiety.
By treating the anxiety first, we were able to eliminate the overwhelming feeling that consumed her day. After just a few sessions, Angela regained her energy and began asking, “What can I do to feel good?”
This story highlights how our brains create patterns, but they can also be rewired. Clinical hypnotherapy is a powerful tool in this process, allowing us to replace negative patterns with positive, life-changing ones.
Psychology vs. Clinical Hypnotherapy: What’s the Difference?
Many people ask about the difference between psychology and clinical hypnotherapy. Psychology deals with the conscious mind, focusing on understanding our reality and maintaining existing patterns. In contrast, clinical hypnotherapy works with the subconscious mind, the part of the brain that creates and breaks patterns.
While psychology can help us understand the origins of our patterns, clinical hypnotherapy goes deeper. It bypasses the conscious mind and reprograms the subconscious. This allows for faster and more effective change without reactivating old patterns.
How Clinical Hypnotherapy Works
In hypnotherapy, we don’t dwell on the problem; instead, we focus on creating new neural maps. The process begins with an investigation into the patient’s history and the identification of the most helpful changes. Then, we guide the patient into a relaxed, suggestible state—similar to daydreaming or meditation.
In this state, the brain is more open to change, and new, positive patterns begin to form. These changes can happen immediately, leading to lasting transformation.
Take Control of Your Brain, Take Control of Your Life
If your old patterns are running your brain and holding you back, it’s time to take action. Change is possible, and when your brain changes, everything changes.
Are you ready to reclaim your spark and break free from patterns that no longer serve you? Let’s begin today and unlock the possibilities for a vibrant, fulfilling life.
You can also read Making Changes – What Hat Are You Wearing? Hoping that’s given you food for thought and a few ideas to digest. If you know someone who would benefit from this, please share it.
CLICK HERE to book a session with me and let me help you achieve your healthy future.
by Feeling Great | Personal Growth
6 Lessons the Camino de Santiago Taught Me
Unforgettable 6 Lessons on Spain’s Ancient Trail
I want to share the 6 lessons this incredible journey taught me. I’ve just returned from cycling 300km of the Camino de Santiago, a bucket-list trip I had been dreaming about for over a decade. While I may not have walked it in the traditional way, completing over a third of the trail with my family—teenage boys included—over nine action-packed days was an unforgettable adventure!
I know I’ll be back to explore even more—either on foot or by bike. But for now, I want to share the 6 lessons this incredible journey taught me.
What Is the Camino de Santiago?
The Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way of St. James, is one of Spain’s most famous pilgrimage routes. Marked by yellow arrows and the iconic blue-and-yellow scallop shells, it stretches 800km from St-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Every year, over 200,000 pilgrims take on this ancient trail.
This journey is about breaking free from the daily grind, embracing simplicity, immersing yourself in stunning landscapes, and connecting with people from all corners of the world.
I will never forget cycling past ancient Spanish castles, crossing Roman bridges, weaving through medieval villages, and taking in breathtaking vineyards and mountain views. The history, vibrant wildflowers, flowing brooks, friendly locals, and homemade Spanish food made every moment unforgettable. The camaraderie among pilgrims was heartwarming, as we shared stories, laughter, and challenges.
Now, let me share 6 powerful lessons I learned along the way.
A Life-Changing Six Lesson Adventure on an Ancient Path
1. Make It Your Own
Once you step onto the trail, you are a pilgrim—regardless of how you choose to experience it.
Some walk every step and stay in hostels, while others cycle, take detours, or even complete it in sections over years. Some seek adventure, others embark on a spiritual quest, and many walk in honor of loved ones.
Your journey is yours alone. Don’t compare, and don’t feel the need to justify your choices. Honor your own path.
2. Embrace the Challenges
Difficulties are guaranteed on the Camino. But they also offer powerful lessons.
One of my biggest tests came when my youngest son’s bike got a flat tire in 30-degree heat, with no phone reception, no map, and no clear destination in sight. With minimal Spanish and a distressed teenager beside me, my choices were: panic, break down, or get resourceful.
After a moment of frustration (I’m human, after all!), we pushed forward, navigating cornfields to reconnect with the trail. Hours later, we stumbled upon familiar faces, and the crisis was resolved.
What I learned? Always carry a map, know your route, ask for help sooner rather than later, and learn some basic Spanish!
3. Integrate the Lessons
Every day brings new insights, but they’re only valuable if you apply them moving forward.
Pain and discomfort often highlight areas that need attention, whether that’s physical endurance, mental resilience, or emotional strength. Pay attention, adjust your approach, and keep learning as you go.
4. Honor Your Own Rhythm
By the middle of the first day, you’ll find your natural pace.
Go too fast, and you’ll burn out. Move too slow, and frustration sets in. Listen to your body, pace yourself, and embrace the journey.
I was surprised that as the days went on, I got stronger instead of more exhausted. Five hours into some rides, I felt better than when I started!
The Camino isn’t a race—your fitness will improve, and your endurance will build. Drink plenty of water, fuel your body, rest when needed, and take magnesium to support muscle recovery.
5. Do the Work
Excitement will get you started, but preparation will carry you through.
If you live a mostly sedentary life, ease into it. Start with shorter distances, train in advance, and build up endurance.
For cycling, put in the miles before you go. Nothing prepares you better than time in the saddle. If walking, gradually increase your distance before setting out.
6. Enjoy the Journey
The real magic of the Camino is in the unexpected moments.
Be open to new experiences, embrace spontaneity, and let go of rigid expectations. Use this time to reflect on life, re-evaluate priorities, and soak in every detail.
And, of course, join in the Camino’s famous greeting:
💛 Buen Camino! 💛
(Which translates to “good road” but also means a good journey, both physically and spiritually.)
What’s On Your Bucket List?
Is there a dream trip you’ve been thinking about for years? What’s stopping you from making it happen? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment below and tell me about your next adventure.
Ready to start planning? Take the leap—the best stories come from the journeys we finally take.
Buen Camino!
Julie XX
For more interesting and helpful information, you can read 5 Ways to Lift Your Spirits When You’re Feeling Down and share with us your experience! Contact me and Book your consultation so we can start your journey to feeling great.
by Feeling Great | Mind
How Do I Get My Spark Back?
Have you ever met someone whose energy lights up a room? That was Emma. When she walked into the café, her eyes sparkled, and her presence radiated positivity. Her zest for life was contagious. People around her couldn’t help but wonder, “How do I get my spark back?”
Emma’s Journey – From Lost to Empowered
Emma wasn’t always this vibrant. She once felt stuck, drained, and disconnected from her true self. In her marriage, she was unable to pursue her passion for alternative healing. Her husband didn’t support her dreams, blocking her at every turn.
After five years of feeling lost, she had a breakthrough. She realized she couldn’t keep living in a way that didn’t bring her happiness. When she got clear on what she truly wanted, everything changed.
The Turning Point
A wise mentor once told her, “Live in a way that makes you happy. If no one gets hurt, relationships will either grow with you or fall away.” Unfortunately, her marriage didn’t adapt. But Emma did. She took responsibility for her own happiness.
At the start of a new year, she had a moment of clarity. She was tired of saying the same things and feeling the same way. It was time to take action, even if it was difficult.
Steps to Reignite Your Spark
Many women feel like Emma once did. Over time, stress, expectations, and daily routines can dim your inner light. But the spark is still there—you just need to uncover it.
Emma’s Advice for Getting Your Spark Back
- Take one day at a time
- Surround yourself with people who inspire you
- Get clear on how you want to feel (joyful, peaceful, abundant)
- Set daily habits that empower you
- Give yourself permission to be happy
- Keep a gratitude journal
- Find solutions instead of feeling stuck
- Choose to see challenges as learning experiences
Ready to Rediscover Your Spark?
As a naturopath and wellness coach, I help women like Emma:
- Gain clarity on their true desires
- Boost their energy and vitality
- Create empowering daily rituals
- Declutter mentally, physically, and emotionally
- Recharge their body and mind
- Step into their power
If you’re ready to feel alive again, click here to start your journey.
Much love & happiness,
Julie xx
by Feeling Great | Personal Growth
Fitting In Versus Belonging: Embrace Your True Self
Have you ever felt torn between fitting in and truly belonging? The concept of “Fitting In Versus Belonging” recently caught my attention in a post by David Mead, and it perfectly captured a theme that has appeared in countless conversations I’ve had over the years.
I think of Cathy, a woman who went through a tough divorce. Afterward, she distracted herself with partying, wine, and cigarettes to numb the pain. Yet, when the divorce was final and it was time to build a new life, she decided to make some serious changes.
Fast forward to eight weeks later, Cathy was not only healthier and more energized, but she had also transformed her mind, values, and drive. But, this shift wasn’t without challenges. As Cathy embraced her new life, she realized her old friends weren’t able to accept the changes she’d made.
Fitting In: A Fake and Draining Experience
When you’re just trying to fit in, it often feels like you’re not being true to yourself. You hide parts of who you are, pretend to be something you’re not, or even keep quiet to maintain acceptance in a group. This constant act is draining and can leave you feeling disconnected.
As David Mead puts it, “Fitting in means changing parts of who we are so that we are perceived as acceptable, lovable, or popular within a group or tribe.” It’s exhausting. Instead of wasting energy on trying to fit into a group, why not focus on finding the group where you truly belong?
Belonging: The Freedom to Be Yourself
On the other hand, belonging is about being authentic. We all have a natural desire to feel connected to others who share our values. Belonging means you can be yourself without pretending or hiding. It’s not about conformity, it’s about mutual respect, understanding, and acceptance.
When we feel like we truly belong, it fills us up. Belonging nurtures trust and love, helping us feel at ease with who we are.
So, where do you feel a sense of belonging?
Navigating Life Transitions and Finding Your Path
Life transitions often make us feel like we’re in a “no man’s land.” During these times, it can be easy to feel lost, but trust the process. Keep your values in sight, embrace connections with like-minded individuals, and stay aligned with your true self.
Remember, “It’s your road, and yours alone. Others may walk with you, but no one can walk it for you.” – Rumi
You have the strength to find your way. Read this helpful blog about The Change: Turn Your New Year’s Resolutions Into Lasting Results and If you’re in a crisis this Midlife Crisis or Midlife Transition? will help you to keep moving forward!
CLICK HERE to book your session with me and let me help you find your path.
