My Essentials by Em Anderson

31/10/2025

Life of late... had a wonderful month with our 16th wedding anniversary (27 together), our trip to Melbourne and cooking for the Mil Lel show to support Ruby's school fundraiser. We worked on our veggie patch and are really enjoying this change in the weather and longer days! Em xx

17/10/2025

Hi all - I’ve been a bit lapse from social media and my regular emails due to having some time off over the school holidays. I was able to still do some private 1:1 coaching and look after my lovely regular massage clients, but we also had time away in Melbourne as a family, which was really special.

We treated Rubes (and ourselves) to the Harry Potter Exhibition and to the Annie musical for her birthday, and both were sensational. Highly recommend.

We definitely enjoyed coming home though, we loved our visit to the city, but love the quiet of the country.

I’ve been pretty booked up the last few months, but I’ll share my remaining October availability for both my coaching for women and for my massage services over the coming days. Em xx

16/09/2025

When women tell me they want to feel more confident in their bodies, they often believe confidence will arrive once they hit a certain goal - like a number on the scale or a specific dress size.

But for me, confidence doesn’t come from “getting it all right.” A part of it is questioning the rules we were taught about what makes us worthy.

And because most of us were never set up to feel confident in the first place, if our worth is tied to a number on the scale or a dress size, our self-esteem, confidence and sense of self-worth can quickly disappear if those numbers shift.

Many of us grew up in homes, schools, and societies that praised thinness, compliance, and performance.

I remember when I was around 12 years old, dancing around the loungeroom, and my Pop said: “You’d need to lose a bit of condition first” if I wanted to become a dancer. I knew what he meant - so I decided not to join a dance club.

Or maybe your body was commented on before you were even old enough to understand what those comments meant?

We all know that society has let us down by being so critical of women’s bodies. But because we weren’t taught how to build self-esteem, we carry that fragility into adulthood.

So if you’ve ever felt like you’re falling short - for not “bouncing back” after birth, for going up another dress size, or for simply wanting to enjoy food without guilt or fear of being judged by others - it isn’t your fault.

Real confidence begins when you unlearn those old rules and start building trust with yourself again.

But where and how do you start?

For me, it happened slowly. Over time, I learned to choose nourishment over punishment, presence over pressure, and care over control. I started to let go of the anxiety that used to hit me for enjoying something as simple as a delicious pizza.

And I also had to challenge the opinions of others - like my Pop’s. I can see now that he was from a generation steeped in gender bias, rigid roles, and casual disrespect toward women and girls. When I bring empathy to his perspective, I can understand why he said it - but I also get to remind myself: just because he said it, doesn’t make it true.

And just because an old thought crosses my mind now, doesn’t mean it’s true either. That’s the practice - continuously challenging the status quo, letting go of what doesn’t serve me, and choosing to write a new story for myself.

This is what I continue to work on every day - and it’s what I help my clients with, especially when they’re not sure where to start.

That’s the work we do inside my 12-month coaching program. Yes, we talk about food, movement, and stress… but also the deeper identity shifts that help you feel safe and more comfortable in your body.

Because confidence isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you practise.
And yes, it can feel uncomfortable at first - so when you’re supported through that discomfort, you can come out the other side of it with a confidence that’s real and lasting.

If this is the kind of grounded confidence you’ve been craving, I’d love to support you.

You can book a free chat with me here: www.emmaanderson.com.au

Em xx

11/09/2025

Hi all, I hope you're having a lovely week. I just wanted to share my latest blog that's now up - where I touch on a controversial topic around how many kids activities do we think is enough?

I find time and time again, when I speak to my clients, that they are burnt out, overwhelmed and despite the multiple activities costing them much needed time for themselves, they have trouble saying no to their kids.

They need to focus on their own health, hobbies and relationships too.

My clients say that their sanity, their health and much needed time for themselves feels amazing once they give themselves permission to get it back! But it's not simple or easy!

Check it out at the link below and feel free to share your experience with me,

Em xx

Discover how saying yes to every kids’ activity impacts your health - and how to set boundaries, reduce stress, and reclaim time with less guilt.

04/09/2025

Hi all, this week is Women’s Health Week, and one of the themes is Take the Lead - a message I feel strongly about.

Your voice and your health are worth listening to.

If you’ve ever felt dismissed, told you’re “just stressed,” “just hormonal,” or brushed off as overreacting, please know this: your concerns are valid. Your body deserves to be taken seriously. And you don’t have to settle for being ignored.

If you can, change providers. Research, ask questions, and find someone who will actually hear you - even if it means looking beyond your local area. And if the behaviour is unprofessional, report it. Enough is enough.

I know how disheartening it feels to walk out of an appointment unheard. It’s one of the reasons I do the work I do.

I help women who are exhausted, stuck in cycles of cravings, food guilt, stress, or overwhelm. Many arrive having been told their tests look “normal,” yet they still don’t feel well. Some use food as a way to cope, only to be left with shame or self-blame.

My role is to break that cycle with a kind, practical, non-judgemental approach. I help women rebuild their foundations, rediscover food without guilt, and find stress-reducing practices that fit into real life.

This isn’t about strict plans or chasing perfection. It’s about learning to trust yourself again, creating calmer rhythms in your body, and building habits that actually last.
If you’re tired of being dismissed or stuck in cycles that don’t serve you, you don’t have to do this alone.

Book a free chat with me today - let’s say yes to you, starting now.

Em xx

01/09/2025

Welcome to Women’s Health Week (1–5 September) - Australia’s largest annual celebration dedicated to the health and wellbeing of women, girls, and gender-diverse people.

This year’s theme “Say Yes to You” is a powerful reminder to reclaim your wellbeing, affirm your right to care, and make yourself a priority.

Because when women are supported, everyone benefits.

Let’s lean into the week together with small but meaningful steps designed to honour your body, voice, heart, and mind.

Today’s theme is Take the Lead, and it’s all about advocating for yourself and speaking up when it comes to your health.

Have you ever walked out of a health appointment thinking your concerns weren’t really taken seriously? Maybe you were told it was “just stress” or “just hormones.”

That kind of dismissal can make you doubt yourself and even stop you from seeking help again.

But you know your body best.

True advocacy starts with clarity. That’s why I encourage the women I work with to tune into the patterns they notice - whether it’s energy dips, digestive changes, mood shifts, cravings, or the way stress shows up in their body.

When you can connect the dots, you walk into appointments with language and evidence. Instead of “I just don’t feel right,” you can say, “Here’s what I’ve noticed, here’s when it happens, and this is the support I need.”

That confidence changes everything. It helps you get the answers, tests, or referrals you deserve - and it reminds you that your voice matters in every conversation about your health.

If you’re ready for a different approach - one that’s non-judgemental, caring, and focused on helping you feel supported while you take the lead in your health - I’d love to explore what’s possible for you.

Head to www.emmaanderson.com.au to learn more or book your free chat with me.

Let’s say yes to you - starting today.

Em xx

28/08/2025

Hello, how's your week going? I'm loving this rain (but not the lack of sunshine). There's just something about the sun that puts a smile on my face and a spring in my step. I'm looking forward to longer days too - are you too?

I just wanted to pop on here as we approach the end of the month, and the end of Winter (hooray), to encourage you to take some time to reflect on your month, and on what it means for you, personally, to nourish yourself.

Have you found that mainstream wellness loves to talk about nourishment - but only in terms of food?

Eat the “right” thing.
Cut out the “wrong” thing.
Stick to the plan - even if you’re tired, stressed, or emotionally wiped out.

But real nourishment is so much more than a set of food rules.
It’s how you feed your body - yes - but also how you care for your emotional health, your nervous system, your body, your family and friendships, your spirituality and more...

For example, for you it may be:

◾Sleep that brings you energy the next day - so you’re not snapping at the kids around dinner-time or pouring another coffee just to stay upright.

◾Movement that feels like freedom, not punishment - not counting reps or minutes, just reconnecting with your body in a way that feels good.

◾Connection with people who genuinely listen and care about you - not drained by one-sided conversations or “catch-ups” you quietly dread.

◾Food that fills your belly and your spirit - not something you eat while standing over the sink, feeling guilty, or rushing on to the next thing.

◾Stillness - even if it’s just 3 minutes in the car before walking back inside - where you can be with yourself, without needing to earn the pause.

Nourishment isn’t measured in macros or steps.

And yet, so many women I work with feel deeply undernourished -in invisible ways. They eat well, move often, do all the “healthy” things...

But they’re still tired.
Still snappy.
Still wondering why they don’t feel better.

Not because they’re failing.

But because wellness was never meant to be just about food.

So today, I want to gently offer you this question to reflect on: Where are you undernourished right now?

Is it sleep?
Rest?
Laughter?
Connection?
A moment to breathe that isn’t tied to productivity?

You don’t need to overhaul your life. You don’t need a perfect routine. You just need a place to start - and support that honours your reality.

That’s exactly why I created my 12-month Nutrition, Mindset & Stress Reduction coaching program.

It’s not about a rigid system or a quick fix.
It’s not about ticking boxes or chasing perfection.

It’s about…
- Building a peaceful relationship with food
- Restoring energy without guilt
- Supporting your nervous system
- Making room for pleasure, joy and rest
- Holding space for stress, identity shifts, and emotional wellbeing
- Creating sustainable change through nourishment that actually fits your life

If you’re craving a different kind of nourishment - the kind that lasts because it’s real and doable - you’re invited to learn more below:

https://www.emmaanderson.com.au/14WeekProgram

Em x

BA.H.Sci. (Nutrition & Psychology) Anti-dieting Certified Mind Body Eating Coach Remedial Massage Therapist www.emmaanderson.com.au

18/08/2025

Hello, I hope you've had a lovely weekend. I just wanted to share with you all that I've just created a BRAND NEW 14 Week 1:1 Individual Coaching Package for those who are interested in working with me one on one. Hooray!

I've had some requests for this as some people don't feel comfortable working in a group space, others want more time with me, and others don't require the full 12-months coaching or the program, so I'm hoping this can help to meet this need. (I'll share more about my group coaching offer later this week for those interested).

You can read about my 1:1 offer on my newly updated website (sneak peek cropped photo in post). And if you have any questions, please feel free to message me.

Go to www.emmaanderson.com.au or click on the link in my bio, as that will also take you to my website.

Thank you, Em xx

20/07/2025

Hi all, I hope you're going well, and if you've had the kids home for school holidays, I hope you're all feeling organised for them to head back this week. For those of you who've had a busy holiday time, juggling work and kids at home, or had the whole time with them, it might be time to book a massage 😉

Rubes and I enjoyed some quality time together cooking, building homes and furnishing them in Minecraft (although I personally love going mining), lots of singing - we really got back into Hamilton with the 10 year Disney recording celebration, and had some little trips out and about. I feel like I've neeeearly settled back into a groove with my coaching program and university studies and have found a balance of my time for both productivity and rest!

My remaining appointment times for July reflect this, so please see below for remaining 1hr Remedial, Deep Tissue, Pregnancy and Relaxation treatments. Any questions please let me know,

Em xx

July:
Mon and Tues - off
Wed 23rd - 1.45pm
Thurs 24th - booked out
Friday 25th - booked out

Mon and Tues - off
Wed 30th - 11.30am and 1.45pm
Thurs 31st - 11.30am and 3.30pm

08/07/2025

Hi everyone - I’ve been quiet here on socials of late - but I’ve been full steam ahead working in my massage business, updating my Nutrition, Mindset, Stress Reduction Program so it flows for the 12 months (instead of 14 weeks) and creating my Food Freedom Masterclass Series for you.

In between this Ruby has started at a new school, and I’ve started back at university, so my social media presence has taken a back seat (for now).

And now it’s school holidays!

So, I’m just touching base here to say hello to you all, to let you know I’m still here - just not as active as I was a few months ago.

I’ll share some recipes and some encouragement for you over the coming week.

And how are you all going? I’d love to know. Take care,

Em xx

01/07/2025

Hi all, please see my updated hours for July below. I have extra spots this week due to cancellations with client sickness. I hope you all keep warm and well in this weather. New clients welcome. Em xx

Wed 2nd - booked out
Thurs 3rd - booked out
Fri 4th - 12.30pm

School holiday hours:
Mon - off
Tues 8th - 11.45am
Wed 9th - booked out
Thurs 10th - 11.45am
Fri 11th - booked out

Mon 14th - off
Tues 15th - 10am and 11.45am
Wed 16th - 10am and 11.45am
Thurs 17th - 10am and 11.45am
Fri 18th - booked out

Mon 21st - off
Tues 22nd - 11.45am, 1.45pm and 3.30pm
Wed 23rd - 1.45pm and 3.30pm
Thurs 24th - 11.45am and 1.45pm
Friday 25th - 11.45am

Mon 28th - off
Tues 29th - 11.45am
Wed 30th - 10am, 11.45am and 3.30pm
Thurs 31st - 10am, 11.45am and 3.30pm

18/06/2025

Hi all, just checking in - how have you all been going? I have been a bit more quiet than usual here on socials due to my household all being crook with cold and flu symptoms, but thankfully we're all back to work and school now!

Please see below my remaining June appointment times, I'll post my July appointment hours over the coming days now I have more time!

New clients welcome.

Please message me to book a 1hr appointment for either Remedial, Deep Tissue, Relaxation, Pregnancy or Aromatherapy Massages.

I'm also still accepting waitlist applicants for my Nutrition, Mindset, Stress Reduction program that will launch soon - the family sickness has delayed me completing some masterclass trainings I'd like to share with you first, so that you can get an idea of how I work and how my coaching program will work, to see if I'm the right fit for you and your goals.

I've been spending some more time recording the masterclass trainings for you this morning and am excited to launch it here first for you all next week!

Em xx

Remaining June Hours:
Tues 17th to Fri 20th - booked out
Tues 24th - 1.30pm
Wed 25th - booked out
Thurs 26th - 11.30am, 1.30pm
Fri 27th - 10am