wellness

You may have seen Princess Kate's recent video, where she speaks of nature as her sanctuary and a source of healing, which deeply resonates with me. As someone who has journeyed through cancer recovery, I understand the profound peace that the natural world can offer. During my own healing process, connecting with nature provided a sense of peace and renewal that was instrumental in my recovery. 

In her video, Kate emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with nature, especially in our increasin…

What happens when a palliative care nurse becomes the parent of a child with cancer?

In one of the most heartfelt episodes of theConfidence After Cancerpodcast, I talked to the lovely Rosy Brookes, a Nurse Specialist who shares her emotional journey of becoming a caregiver in the most personal way — when her young son was diagnosed with cancer.

This blog post explores Rosy's story: from the shock of diagnosis, through treatment and emotional burnout, to how she reclaimed her strength and now h…

I am feeling very emotional as I write this - yesterday was 17 years since my diagnosis of Inflammatory Breast Cancer.

When I look back, I remember how terribly frightened I was, at that time cancer was something that happened to other people - not me surely?

I remember thinking they must have made a mistake, and then as I looked at Paul my husband, I realised that our lives would never be the same. And then the pain of knowing I had to go home, break the news to my sons and reassure them that…

As the year draws to a close, it’s natural to find ourselves reflecting on the journey we’ve taken. The highs and lows, the lessons learned, and the moments that shaped us all deserve a thoughtful pause. So many people I am speaking to have hard a very challenging year, and are eager to put 2024 behind them. 

Reflective journaling is a powerful way to review your past year and set a clear, intentional path for the year ahead.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how reflective journaling can help …

Personal care products are a daily essential for many, including items like shampoo, lotion, makeup, and deodorant. These products seamlessly integrate into our routines, often without consideration for their ingredients. However, for cancer survivors, being aware of these components is crucial. Toxins present in personal care items can present significant health risks, interfere with hormonal equilibrium, and may lead to persistent health problems. It is vital for cancer survivors to be cauti…

When treatment ends many people expect to feel triumphant and ready to get back to their old lives as soon as possible. The problem is when the ‘old life’ is what made them sick. Stress, poor nutrition, lack of sleep, dehydration, sedentary lifestyle can all contribute to health problems.

I believe that all my life I had put everybody else first. I was a wife, mother, leader and employee amongst other roles, and always thought that meant that I had to sacrifice my own needs to be a good person. M…

We all experience moments when life feels overwhelming. Stress, anxiety, or emotional distress can creep in, leaving us feeling tense, exhausted, or just plain stuck. For women navigating life after significant experiences like cancer recovery or other major life events, finding ways to soothe and nurture yourself is not just helpful—it’s essential. With the changing of the seasons sometimes leaving us feeling out of sorts, here are some practical strategies for finding comfort, calm, and clarit…

Cancer patients and survivors have enough to deal with already. What we really don’t need is some hack telling us we need to show up. 

Much controversy here in the UK this week, after Catherine, Princess of Wales attended the Trooping of the Colour parade (no I’m not sure what that’s all about either, lots of horses, Royal family and soldiers in the rain) in London.

After months of chemotherapy, and being away from the public eye, her appearance as always was scrutinised.

Whatever you think of the …

Feeling down during the winter months is a common experience for many people and is often associated with a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). For many others it's not so much a condition, more of a feeling that life can be hard, and lacking enjoyment. 

Changing our habits and lifting ourselves up might seem appealing,  but lack of energy and motivation can make that seem difficult. 

When I work with clients who struggle to motivate themselves, I would never tell them what t…