Sunflower Thinking, Bournemouth (2025)

19/11/2025

It’s Wednesday Wellness Wish time!

Today’s wish is for Stillness🙏🏽

Take some time today (away from the screen) and create a quiet space to enjoy some journaling, a quick meditation or even a mindful breath before the next task.

Giving yourself the space for stillness can help reset the day and support a peaceful afternoon. ☀️

We’d love to hear your wishes in the comments, too. 👇🏽

Until next Wednesday, take a small step for your well-being this week.

17/11/2025

🌿 Wellbeing in December: Mark Your Calendars! 🌿

As we head towards December, it’s important to take a moment for our mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. Here are some key dates to keep in mind:

💛 Grief Awareness Week (2–8 Dec)
This week reminds us to acknowledge loss, support those who are grieving and look after our own emotional health. Small acts of kindness and listening can make a huge difference.

📵 Tech Timeout Tuesday (2 Dec)
Take a break from screens and digital distractions. Even a short pause from tech can help reduce stress, improve sleep and reconnect you with the present moment.

♿ International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 Dec)
A day to celebrate inclusion, accessibility and the contributions of people with disabilities. Let’s foster a more inclusive and supportive community for all.

Would you like any training around the above topics? Email hello@sunflowerthinking.com for more information.

Let’s normalise the mental health conversation together, get in touch - I hope to work with you soon.

Creating hope through safe and positive training.

16/11/2025

✨ Self-Care Week - w/c 17th November✨

Tomorrow marks the start of Self-Care Week, a week all about pressing pause, tuning in and taking care of you - in the big ways, the small ways and all the quiet moments in between

Self-care doesn’t have to be grand or time-consuming. Sometimes it’s the simplest, most intentional actions that make the biggest difference:

🌿 Big things • Setting boundaries without guilt • Booking that appointment you’ve been putting off • Making space for rest, not just productivity • Saying “no” so you can say “yes” to what truly matters

🌱 Little things • Taking three slow, intentional breaths • Drinking a glass of water before checking your phone • Stepping outside for two minutes of fresh air • Stretching your shoulders and unclenching your jaw • Choosing a moment of stillness

This week, allow yourself permission to care for your body, your mind and your energy - one small act at a time.
What’s one thing, big or small, that you’ll do for yourself this week?

I love this picture that the brilliant took of the always lovely and me, pausing, being in nature and simply breathing it all in 💛

13/11/2025

It’s World Kindness Day 💛

Today is a reminder of one of the simplest yet most powerful forces we all possess - kindness.

Whether it’s a smile, a helping hand or a few thoughtful words, kindness not only brightens someone’s day, it changes our biology too.

What happens in our bodies when we’re kind (or receive kindness):
🧠 Our brain releases “feel-good” chemicals - dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin - boosting mood and creating what scientists call a “helper’s high.”
❤️Stress levels drop. Acts of kindness lower cortisol (the stress hormone), helping reduce blood pressure and promote heart health.
🤝 We feel more connected. Oxytocin, the “love hormone,” fosters trust, connection, and belonging - reminding us that we’re part of something bigger.
🌿 Our immune system strengthens. Positive emotions from giving or receiving kindness can improve immune function and overall well-being.

Every small act counts - a compliment, a check-in text, holding the door or simply listening.

Kindness ripples outward, touching lives in ways we may never see.

Today (and every day), choose kindness - it’s good for everyone

12/11/2025

It’s Wednesday Wellness Wish time!

Today’s wish is for Strength. Today I wish to feel strong. Maybe take a walk, spend 15 minutes simply stretching or tackle one small challenge.

Today, be strong enough to pause, acknowledge your feelings and give yourself grace. That little bit of quiet resilience is often the most powerful move you can make. What small act of self-care will be your strength-builder today?

Until next Wednesday, take a small step for your well-being this week.

12/11/2025

🌟 Celebrating the First Ever MHFAider Day – 12th November 2025! 🌟

Today marks the very first MHFAider® Day - a celebration of everyone who has chosen to make a difference by supporting others and championing better mental health for all. 💛

I became a Mental Health First Aider 16/17 years ago and a MHFA Instructor in 2021 with the ever inspiring Mental Health First Aid England
�Since then, I’ve had the privilege of training 709 people to become MHFAiders, each one bringing their own story, motivation and courage to the table. And to each and every one of the 709 people I have trained - THANK YOU! You are all such a special part of the Sunflower Thinking story and I continue to learn from you all, each and every session.

People become Mental Health First Aiders for so many different reasons.�✨ Some want to better support others.�✨ Some are driven by a desire to learn more about mental health.�✨ Some want to give back.�✨ And many want to make sense of their own experiences.

What never ceases to amaze me is the bravery it takes to reach in where others might avoid, to ask the questions others don’t know how to, to challenge stigma and to change the narrative around mental health.

That courage, compassion and willingness to step forward is what truly inspires me.

Every person who chooses to learn, to listen and to support others helps move us closer to a culture where mental health is understood, respected and prioritised.

The more we learn, the better people will be supported and that knowledge really can be lifesaving.

If you’ve ever thought about becoming part of this incredible community, join me on one of my upcoming MHFAider courses:�📅 8 & 9 December 2025�📅 24 February & 3 March 2026

You too can make a difference - one conversation at a time. 💛

If you are an MHFAider or have been supported by an MHFAider today is the day to celebrate and give a shout out to the bravery of others - please tag someone in the comments that has made a difference to you! 👇
�

11/11/2025

Remembrance Day

Today, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we pause to remember.

We remember the bravery, the sacrifice and the unimaginable courage of those who served and continue to serve - to protect the freedoms we so often take for granted. We remember the lives lost, the families changed forever and the quiet heroes who carried on with strength and love.

Remembrance isn’t just about the past - it’s about gratitude in the present and hope for the future. May we continue to honour their legacy through kindness, unity and peace.

“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”

10/11/2025

🌻 Kindness is the baseline - how we leave people feeling matters most.

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how often our titles and our actions don’t quite align, especially in roles built around wellbeing and support. I have been particularly saddened to hear how people very dear to me have been treated by people who should be doing better, I myself have felt the enormous weight of being mistreated by others claiming to care under the badge of wellbeing or mental health.

It’s one thing to talk about kindness, empathy and wellbeing.
It’s another to live them, consistently, quietly and without the expectation of recognition.

Kindness isn’t a skill reserved for certain roles. It’s the foundation of being human.
But for those of us who step forward to champion mental health and wellbeing, that responsibility deepens. People notice how we show up, how we speak to others, how we listen, how we hold space.

We won’t always get it right. We’re human. But authenticity, humility and self-awareness matter far more than polished words or perfect days.

Because when our actions don’t match our titles, we don’t just dilute our message - we risk eroding the trust that allows others to feel safe, seen and supported.

Let’s remember: leadership in wellbeing isn’t a badge.

It’s a daily practice - one grounded in kindness, every single time. 💛

05/11/2025

It’s Wednesday Wellness Wish time!

Today I wish for nourishment 💛

What will you do to feel nourished today? Maybe prepare a home-cooked meal or drink more water, simple changes can make a big difference.

With the weather now in full autumn mode, I always feel nourished with some home-cooked soup! So I will be making sure my lunch break is calm with a nice bowl of hot soup…yum!

We’d love to hear what you will be doing to feel nourished today in the comments, too!

Until next Wednesday, take a small step for your well-being this week.

04/11/2025

🌟 The First Ever is Coming – 12th November! 🌟

A day to celebrate every person who has been courageous enough to step forward and every person compassionate enough to reach out to others. 💚

Whether you’ve listened, supported, guided or simply been there, you’ve made a difference. This day is for you.

Let’s come together to recognise the incredible impact of Mental Health First Aiders everywhere, the quiet champions who create safer, kinder spaces for us all.

👉 How will you mark the day?

Share your stories, shout out an MHFAider who’s made a difference, or take a moment to reflect on the power of support.

03/11/2025

November is an important month for men’s health and wellbeing, marked by two key awareness moments : Movember and International Men’s Day.

💈 Movember began in Australia in 2003 and has grown into a global movement where men grow moustaches to spark conversations and raise awareness around men’s health, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and su***de prevention. It’s helped raise millions worldwide to improve early detection, treatment and support.

🌍 International Men’s Day (IMD), celebrated on 19 November, expands the conversation to celebrate the positive value men bring to families, communities and society. The 2025 theme, “Celebrating Men and Boys,” focuses on wellbeing, empathy and breaking down stereotypes around masculinity.

Both Movember and International Mens Day remind us that men’s health is about more than physical fitness, it’s about talking, connecting and supporting one another.

To honour these important themes, at Sunflower Thinking this month’s Session of the Month is our Men’s Focus Session, hosted by the brilliant throughout November.
These one-hour sessions explore key themes, including:
* Mental ill health and emotional wellbeing
* Neurodivergent conditions
* Maintaining physical and mental health
With a strong focus on talking openly, building healthy coping mechanisms and finding the right support, this is a valuable space to connect, learn and reflect.

👉 It’s not too late to book your place!
 Join the conversation and be part of a supportive community - Book your group session by emailing hello@sunflowerthinking.com

31/10/2025

🌻 October Round-Up with Sunflower Thinking 🌻

As October comes to an end, I’ve been taking a moment to pause and reflect on what has been another full and inspiring month here at Sunflower Thinking. It’s been a month of connection, awareness and meaningful action in the world of mental health and wellbeing.

Highlights from October
* Delivered over 20 training sessions and to over 400 individuals across a wide range of sectors, continuing to empower individuals and teams to support positive mental health in their workplaces and communities.
* Celebrated key awareness events including World Mental Health Day, OCD Awareness Week and World Menopause Day, both fantastic opportunities to open up conversations and challenge stigma.
* Launched new social media initiatives to share more practical tips, wellbeing reflections and applaud brilliant people doing brilliant things within the mental health space.

💬 Reflection
A standout theme for me this month has been progress - not just in the big, visible achievements, but in the small, everyday actions that build momentum over time. It’s been a good reminder to pause and appreciate both.

📅 Looking Ahead to November
I’m looking forward to:
* Delivering more tailored wellbeing sessions for teams preparing for the end-of-year rush. Two specific projects that I am putting finishing touches to this week.
* Continuing to grow our community of learners and advocates for mental health.
* And socially I have lots of plans with brilliant friends - lots to look forward to that brings true balance to my world. Oh and another 10k run challenge 💛

🙏 A huge thank you to everyone who has been part of October’s journey. Every workshop, conversation and shared story continues to reinforce why this work matters so deeply.

Here’s to carrying the warmth and connection of October into November 💛

Let’s normalise the mental health conversation together, get in touch - I hope to work with you soon.

Creating hope through safe and positive training.

Sunflower Thinking

19/11/2025

17/11/2025

16/11/2025

13/11/2025

12/11/2025

12/11/2025

11/11/2025

10/11/2025

05/11/2025

04/11/2025

03/11/2025

31/10/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share