We often hear that if we feel physically well, we’ll feel emotionally better. But did you know it also works the other way around? Research shows that feeling happy, fulfilled, and socially connected doesn’t just improve mood — it can actually improve your immune system, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and even support a longer life. It’s called the happiness–health loop. When you take care of your mental and emotional wellbeing, your body responds. And the best part? It doesn’t take a complete lifestyle overhaul. Simple practices make a big difference: - Laughing with a friend - Spending time in nature - Practising gratitude or kindness - Moving your body in a way that feels joyful - think dancing, hiking, playing - Doing something that gives you a sense of purpose These aren’t luxuries — they’re strategies for resilience. This week, ask yourself: What’s one small thing you can do that makes you feel lighter, more joyful, or more connected? Share it below — and if you’ve ever noticed a boost in your physical health after prioritising your happiness, we’d love to hear about it. Let’s build resilience from the inside out.

According to recent research out of Oregon State University, embracing a playful mindset, what they've called “lemonading” (i.e., turning sour moments into playful ones), can significantly enhance resilience, especially during stressful periods, like the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's what the science shows: - Play boosts creativity and optimism. Engaging in light hearted, playful activities helps shift perspectives and opens doors to creative solutions - It builds adaptive coping skills. Being playful allows us to reframe challenges as opportunities for growth rather than sources of threat - It reinforces social connection. Playfulness often happens in groups and laughter or shared fun strengthens our social resilience This week, try to approach a challenging moment with a playful mindset. It could be: - Turning a daily chore into a silly dance break - Making a game out of a difficult conversation - Checking in with a friend and sharing a “silliness swap” - one of you tells a joke, the other responds with a funny story Let’s remind each other that resilience isn’t just about strength - it’s about flexibility, creativity, and finding unexpected joy along the way.

Resilience isn’t built when everything is going smoothly, it’s forged in those raw, uncertain moments when the rug gets pulled from beneath our feet. This week, I want to share my latest YouTube video, where I open up about the 18-month journey that led to my Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis. It wasn’t just one moment that changed everything, but a long string of confusing symptoms, unanswered questions, and a growing sense that something just wasn’t right. It took strength to keep asking, to keep moving, and eventually, to face a diagnosis that would change my life forever. But here’s the thing: resilience isn’t about pretending everything is fine, it's about acknowledging the hard… and deciding to keep going anyway. This week, ask yourself: - Where in your life are you facing the unknown? - How are you choosing to show up for yourself, even when it’s hard? I’d love for you to watch the video, and if it resonates, share your thoughts below. Or drop a moment when you chose resilience in the face of uncertainty. I promise, more often than not, we are stronger than we think!

Did you know your brain is like a muscle, capable of growing stronger through challenge? Thanks to neuroplasticity, each time you overcome stress or practice a new coping strategy, your brain builds new pathways that make you more resilient next time. So, what does this looks like in real life: - Reframing negative thoughts strengthens “growth-thinking” circuits. - Mindfulness and breathing habits help build better stress-regulation networks. - Small, consistent actions (e.g. journaling, gratitude) reinforce inner resilience over time. This week, take a mental “resilience challenge”. Choose one small habit (like deep breathing, journaling a thought, or a positive affirmation) and do it daily. Tell me in the comments what your resilience habit is going to be and we'll come back next week to see how you went.

Let’s talk about something many of us face, but few of us talk about enough... burnout! Burnout isn’t just feeling tired. It can show up as emotional numbness, lack of motivation, brain fog, or even dreading things you used to enjoy. And here’s the truth: you can love your work, your family, or your fitness routine, and still burn out from it. But here’s the good news, burnout isn’t permanent. You can bounce back. And often, it starts with small, intentional shifts rather than a total overhaul. Here are a few ways to begin rebuilding after burnout: 1. Rest without guilt: Real recovery isn’t earned through productivity, it’s a need, not a reward. Give yourself permission to rest fully. 2. Reassess what’s draining you: Is it your schedule? Your boundaries? An expectation you’ve outgrown? Getting honest about the source helps you shift it. 3. Reconnect with joy: Try something that feels light. No outcomes, no goals, just something that sparks a little joy. 4. Start small: You don’t have to leap back in to doing it all. Sometimes the smallest steps, like a walk, a good meal, a call with a friend, are enough to start building momentum. 👉 Now it's your turn... What’s one small step you’re taking this week to recharge or recover? And if you’ve come through burnout before, what helped you find your way back? Let’s open up the conversation. You never know who needs to hear your story today.