Do you ever come back from a walk outside and just feel… better? Not just a bit less stressed, but genuinely clearer, calmer, more like yourself? For the longest time I put that down to the fresh air and a bit of exercise. But it turns out there is a whole lot more going on beneath the surface, and positive psychology has some really fascinating things to say about it. I have just published a new blog post exploring why nature is one of the most powerful tools we have for human flourishing. We look at the PERMAH model, the six pillars of a flourishing life, and how nature supports every single one of them, including our physical health. We also go into the science of what nature actually does to the brain, why awe is such an underrated emotion, and what the biophilia hypothesis tells us about why so many of us feel most ourselves when we are outside. If you have ever felt that pull towards green spaces and wondered whether it was just you being a bit dreamy, I promise you it is not. It is your nervous system knowing exactly what it needs. The link is https://annabarwick.com/why-nature-is-one-of-the-most-powerful-tools-for-human-flourishing/ and I would love to know what you think. Do you have a favourite place in nature that restores you? Tell me in the comments! #PositivePsychology #PERMAH #WellbeingCoach #NatureHeals #WalkAndTalk #WomenInBusiness #Flourishing #MindsetCoach #NatureWellbeing #PositiveLiving

This year's theme is #GiveToGain and honestly, as a positive psychology coach, it's the first IWD theme that's made me stop and think properly. Because here's what the research tells us, and what I've felt in my own bones: when we give generously to other women, something shifts in us too. We don't lose anything. We feel more connected, more purposeful, more like ourselves. After my own burnout, it was women who gave freely to me that helped me piece myself back together. Their time. Their honesty. Their belief in me when I had very little in myself. I'll never forget that. So today I just want to say thank you to every woman who has ever given something of herself to lift another. You probably don't realise how much it mattered. And if you're reading this, maybe today is the day to pass that on. A message to someone you've been meaning to reach out to. A kind word to someone who looks like they need it. It doesn't have to be big to be meaningful. That's #GiveToGain in real life. Happy IWD ❤️ Who's a woman you're thinking of today? Tell me in the comments. #IWD2026 #InternationalWomensDay #GiveToGain #PositivePsychology #WomenSupportingWomen #WellbeingCoach #WomenInBusiness

What’s one small habit that really supports your wellbeing when you actually do it? It can be something simple like: ✨ getting outside for 10 minutes ✨ drinking more water ✨ going to bed a bit earlier ✨ journalling ✨ stretching ✨ saying no to one thing Pop yours in the comments starting with: “A small habit that helps me is…” “And what gets in the way most often?”

As we get this group going, I’d love to hear from you. When you think about positive living, what does that mean for you at the moment? It could be something small like better sleep, calmer mornings, more confidence, less overthinking, healthier boundaries, or simply having more energy. Share one sentence in the comments:‘Positive living for me right now is…’”