Norfolk


<p>We couldn&#8217;t let Mental Health Awareness Week pass without calling on a brilliant local expert for her top tips. Helping women discover their inner (and outer) sparkle, Chrissi Rix of <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/womans-wellbeing-chrissi-rix-norwich/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woman&#8217;s Wellbeing</a> has a unique approach combining hypnosis and counselling therapy with optional image consultancy. So, if your self-love and confidence could do with a top up, read on.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seek-out-small-pleasures"><strong>Seek out small pleasures</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/05/woman-holding-icecream.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-51086" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/05/woman-holding-icecream.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/05/woman-holding-icecream-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/05/woman-holding-icecream-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>While grand gestures are cherished, finding pleasure in the simple moments amplifies happiness. Whether it&#8217;s a stranger&#8217;s street-side smile or a child&#8217;s heartwarming remark, these spontaneous instances are treasures. Actively seek such pleasures by gravitating towards them. Life&#8217;s richness unfolds through the senses &#8211; inhale the scent of a new book, appreciate a well-styled outfit, revel in the sound of coffee beans grinding, relish the feel of the sun on your shoulders, and savour the taste of ice cream on a warm day.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-try-something-new"><strong>Try something new</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/woman-bright-pink-jumper.jpg" alt="woman in bright pink jumper sitting by the sea" class="wp-image-46276" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/woman-bright-pink-jumper.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/woman-bright-pink-jumper-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/woman-bright-pink-jumper-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/woman-bright-pink-jumper-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Discover the thrill of novelty! Try diving into experiences solely for fun. Studies have found that novel activities trigger the release of dopamine, the &#8216;feel-good&#8217; neurotransmitter. So, whether it&#8217;s sampling new food, exploring uncharted places, or spending time with new people &#8211; you&#8217;ll be surprised at what sparks that delightful feeling-good sensation. It&#8217;s fun to step outside your comfort zone, and if you&#8217;re worried about doing this, start off with the little things; maybe go into a coffee shop you&#8217;ve never been into before or wear a colour you&#8217;ve always wanted to try. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-move-more"><strong>Move</strong> more</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/05/woman-lace-up-trainers.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-51114" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/05/woman-lace-up-trainers.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/05/woman-lace-up-trainers-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/05/woman-lace-up-trainers-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Whether it&#8217;s yoga, desk stretches, or strolling through your neighbourhood, every movement contributes to wellbeing. So, lace up those trainers, embrace the great outdoors, and let the endorphins flow &#8211; it&#8217;s your ticket to a healthier, happier you! Movement isn&#8217;t just about physical fitness;&nbsp;gym workouts release endorphins, as do other forms of exercise. Low-impact activities such as walking and yoga release the body&#8217;s euphoria-inducing molecules, too! Even a regular half-hour dog walk boosts heart and lung fitness. Another bonus is that you can turn them into social activities with friends and family!&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-happy-eating"><strong>Happy eating</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/01/Woman-making-salad.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-51087" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/01/Woman-making-salad.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/01/Woman-making-salad-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/01/Woman-making-salad-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Life is full of colours, and our food should be no different. Now the weather is perking up, a good ol&#8217; plate of salad feels like such a treat &#8211; inside and out. We&#8217;re all on different food journeys. Happy eating kicks off by cooking up meals with fresh, colourful and healthy ingredients that match how you want to feel. It&#8217;s tempting to go for what&#8217;s easy, but try making food that suits you. Treat yourself well &#8211; simple as that!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-outside"><strong>Get outside</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/01/women-walking.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-51088" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/01/women-walking.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/01/women-walking-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/01/women-walking-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Living in beautiful Norfolk means our backyard is a masterpiece. Our county is a canvas of joy, from seaside strolls to forest adventures. Sunshine during walks showcases our scenic locale and triggers serotonin production, the body&#8217;s natural mood stabiliser. So, indulge in the beauty around you, soak up the sunlight, and let Norfolk&#8217;s charm be the remedy for feeling good, balanced, and blissfully present in the moment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-be-mindful"><strong>Be mindful</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/09/Breathe.jpg" alt="And breathe neon sign" class="wp-image-44058" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/09/Breathe.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/09/Breathe-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/09/Breathe-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/09/Breathe-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>In the whirlwind of daily life, it&#8217;s crucial to hit pause. Amidst the chaos, take 5 minutes to sit, breathe, and reconnect. Mindfulness isn&#8217;t just for people who do yoga; it&#8217;s your ticket to mental, emotional, and physical awareness. By immersing in the present, you escape the frenzy of the past and future. It might feel strange initially, but the payoff is the ability to focus and not be overwhelmed. So, step out of your automatic mode, savour those precious moments, and reacquaint yourself with the serenity that mindful living brings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-connected"><strong>Get connected</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/friend-laughing-hair-moustache.jpg" alt="Friends laughing over hair moustaches" class="wp-image-46279" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/friend-laughing-hair-moustache.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/friend-laughing-hair-moustache-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/friend-laughing-hair-moustache-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/friend-laughing-hair-moustache-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We&#8217;re not solitary creatures; our emotional fabric thrives on bonding with others. Embrace the art of connection &#8211; be it with friends, family, or the friendly shop assistant in your local supermarket. Share your thoughts, laugh, and occasionally, bare your soul. Social interactions are the glue that fortifies our mental resilience. In our digital age, it works to prioritise genuine conversations over screen time. Arrange a coffee date, or send a heartfelt message. Connection isn&#8217;t just a luxury; it&#8217;s a lifeline to navigate the unpredictable seas of existence, ensuring we stay afloat and anchored in collective strength.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wardrobe-stocktake"><strong>Wardrobe stocktake</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/01/Wardrobe-tidy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-51115" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/01/Wardrobe-tidy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/01/Wardrobe-tidy-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/01/Wardrobe-tidy-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Ready to put away the woollies and unearth your summer wardrobe? Take the opportunity to have a purge and turn it into a creative exercise. List your must-haves, envision your dream wardrobe, and rank your clothes. Try them on; if they don&#8217;t make the cut, gift them to charity. Clear space, clear your mind. A wardrobe stocktake not only streamlines your fashion choices but also fuels future shopping inspirations. Make room for the new, and let your wardrobe become a reflection of your evolving sophisticated style.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-press-reset-on-stress"><strong>Press reset on stress</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/woman-breathing-stress-meditate-ben-white-unsplash-1000x667-1.jpg" alt="Woman with eyes closed and hands together" class="wp-image-46280" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/woman-breathing-stress-meditate-ben-white-unsplash-1000x667-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/woman-breathing-stress-meditate-ben-white-unsplash-1000x667-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/woman-breathing-stress-meditate-ben-white-unsplash-1000x667-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/woman-breathing-stress-meditate-ben-white-unsplash-1000x667-1-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Stress is inevitable, but fortunately, so is the reset button &#8211; it&#8217;s called the relaxation response. Since our club-carrying days, we all possess the fight-or-flight instinct, a primal survival mechanism. It kicks in, making our hearts race and muscles tense when modern-day predicaments strike &#8211; running late, queue jumpers, or the wrong online food shop substitute! In these moments, stress takes centre stage. However, taking deep breaths, closing your eyes, and clearing your mind can restore tranquillity amid the chaos. So, when the world overwhelms you, seize a moment, reclaim your calm, and press the reset button for your inner cavewoman.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-well"><strong>Sleep well</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/Sleeping-woman.jpg" alt="Woman sleeping in bed with dark blue bedlinen" class="wp-image-46274" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/Sleeping-woman.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/Sleeping-woman-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/Sleeping-woman-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/Sleeping-woman-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Sleep, a precious commodity, deserves attention. Different techniques work for different people. For me, exercise and reducing my stress (see above) help me maintain a regular routine for sleeping. Switching off electronic devices an hour before bedtime is crucial, and there&#8217;s a reason for that. Screens emit sleep-disrupting blue light, hindering melatonin production. Your inner cavewoman brain needs the dimming light to signal sleep (and melatonin production). So, make a date with a good book, embrace the darkness, and let your mind drift into a peaceful slumber. Sweet dreams await!</p>



<p><strong>Need an extra boost? Chrissi Rix of <a href="https://womanswellbeing.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woman&#8217;s Wellbeing</a> helps women&nbsp;feel their absolute best through in-person or online sessions. Her accredited toolkit combines hypnosis and counselling therapy with optional image consultancy. Find out more in our <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/womans-wellbeing-chrissi-rix-norwich/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Little Black Book</a>.</strong></p>


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