MIND – Boost your happiness and ways to overcome problems, looking at psychology, philosophy, confidence, anxiety, stress, therapy and more

Quinn, Angie (18 July 2022). "EastEnders' James Farrar's real age and heartbreaking reason he quit modelling". MyLondon. You can listen to her podcast ' Wellfulness' on Spotify, Apple and Google Podcast, Deezer and other top podcast providers. Ali is Wellness Director at the UK's best-selling and biggest emotional wellbeing magazine, Psychologies, where she has received a growing public following. Reading about other people’s experiences, be it fictional or real life, can provide a reflective mirror for seeing ourselves within manipulative relationships. Or a tonic of realisation once we’ve freed ourselves from their toxic grip that the behaviour was not normal, and that we weren’t in the wrong, no matter how many times we were told that the confrontations, upsets and arguments were our fault. ‘Reading about other people’s experiences, be it fictional or real life, can provide a reflective mirror for seeing ourselves within manipulative relationships.’ The venue and setting were idilic. So thoughtfully presented and well maintained. All the little touches one needs to feel at home while away. It very much gave the weekend a sense of being in the loving care of a family. Having a house not a hotel gave us time and space to socialise and find solitudeas needed, really adding to the experience of care and compassion. But if you’re so busy you think you don’t have time to reap the benefits of a good book, don’t worry – a study at the University of Sussex found that reading for just 6 minutes has the power to reduce stress levels by a huge 68%. (1)

Books for those looking to find solace in creativity

Ali also runsa successfulyoga, mindfulness and fitness retreat and brunch company with her husband James Farrar, which launched in 2018. Their exclusive retreats bringtogether her wealth of knowledge from western scienceand eastern wisdom to create a unique offering of yoga and mindfulnessalongsidefitness coaching with James, combining nourishing food, movement and connection to create a safe, peaceful, nurturing and life changing experience. Waterfall, Sarah (30 March 2021). "EastEnders star James Farrar: 'Working with Letitia Dean is incredible' ". What's on TV. Future plc . Retrieved 20 May 2021. As the wellness industry booms and the #selfcareohyeah audience tunes in to their physical, mental and spiritual health, it's not illogical to hypothesise that the recent rise in the popularity of astrology is linked to our increased obsession with all things wellness. And there is evidence to support this theory: according to Google trends, online interest in the UK in both ‘wellness' and ‘horoscopes' has doubled since 2010. And it seems at the beginning of each year we have a tendency to consult our online horoscopes for the year ahead, at the same time as googling ‘wellness' more than any other time. As we look deeper inside and try to improve and ultimately understand ourselves, our zodiac signs provide a template to comprehend who we are and what we need on a deeper and more meaningful level. Free time - journal/nap/walk/bath/self yoga practice/read - OR Optional ‘RITUAL’ Make your own essential oil self care gifts The hunky actor joined EastEnders in 2021, he also played the role of Liam Gilmor in Hollyoaks from 2012 to 2013.

This was a very different experience form other workshops and retreats as it truly felt as though it was constructed around the people. It was well structured and really focused on restoration of the whole person with a deeper context of wellbeing, self care and health. With really manageable take homes and home guides from recipes to workouts, meaning the retreat extends home with you in genuinely manageable ways and not unrealistic expectations. You felt warmth love and care from the first second you arrived to the moment you left. It's hard to put in to words how caring the space felt."Amy Wilson, author of Lightning Falls shares: ‘My home has not always been a place of safety. Sometimes home is only truly found when we can make our own; sometimes even then it can be assailed. When my childhood home was frightening, I found a place of safety in books. They gave me family, and laughter and hope – they gave me a home, while I waited to build my own. I am grateful beyond all words that I have the home I dreamed of now, but sometimes, though the dangers are long past, I am still frightened – I still need to find home in books. In Katya Balen's novel 'October, October', the whole notion of home is explored, and liberated. October’s voice found a home in me, and gave me a home, when I was feeling vulnerable in mine. That’s why books are critical, for the children we are and the children we were. That’s why they’re magic.’ Harp, Justin (18 July 2022). "Inside Soap Awards announces nominations and new category for 2022 event". Digital Spy. ( Hearst Communications). Archived from the original on 18 July 2022 . Retrieved 19 July 2022.