First Aid for Feelings

First Aid for Feelings We support you to develop the essential skills for self-care and good health. Contact us to request an information pack and/or ask any questions you might have.

Whether you’re curious about any of the services we provide, or are ready to take the first step towards improving your health physically, mentally and socially – we are here to give you the information you are looking for. You can also book a free 20-minute discovery call with Thor, to talk about what’s going on for you. This informal discussion allows you to get a better sense of how we can help

you with your health. You can have up to three of these calls, completely free of charge so you can decide if our services are right for you.

What does it mean to have health and emotional literacy? How does it feel to be able to read your feelings and respond w...
30/04/2026

What does it mean to have health and emotional literacy? How does it feel to be able to read your feelings and respond well to them? What becomes possible?

In this Live event on Insight Timer Thor will share how to strengthen your health and emotional literacy.

The 30 minute session starts with a talk and Q&A and concludes with a guided meditation. Includes tips for when you’re struggling.

Thursday with Thor helps you use meditation to navigate your feelings.

👉 Click link to set reminder to join and learn how to feel better

https://insig.ht/x5ToT7TQn2b



IMAGE DESCRIPTION:

Image shows a photo of Thor wearing glasses and orange v-neck jumper.

A text box reads: How to read and respond to feelings well | Thursday with Thor. How strengthening your health and emotional literacy helps you feel better. 30 April at 5.30 BST Join In.

Underneath is the logo of Insight Timer with a meditation bell. In the right hand corner is the icon for First Aid for Feelings in white which is a three-quarters-closed circle with a cross inside.

We always have a recommendation here in the Helpful newsletter from a reader, and this time it’s Annie who wants to reco...
30/04/2026

We always have a recommendation here in the Helpful newsletter from a reader, and this time it’s Annie who wants to recommend a book about gratitude, saying:

❝This is deeply a moving collection of a 100 powerful stories gathered by the author Rev Richard Carter, who’s an associate Vicar, during his two decades of community ministry.

I highly recommend this book as one to dip into as the sections are short and easy to read, showing us daily blessings, and giving hope and joy.
I found it to be an invitation to rediscover joy, even when I am having the hardest of times.❞

You can find the book here: https://lnkd.in/eBe79_Q4

👉 Do you have any recommendations? It can be any kind of activity 🎶, music, books, movies, people, places, or things—anything that helps you feel better and you have in your First Aid Kit for Feelings. Write to us at thora@isithelpful.com

AND

Would you like to get the Helpful newsletter straight to your inbox?

The Helpful newsletter is sent you every few weeks.

In addition to the You recommend section from readers like you, the newsletter has got blogs or videos on topics like pain, fatigue, stress and anxiety, news on latest research as well as events and activities.

👉 Sign up for the newsletter on the First Aid for Feelings website



IMAGE DESCRIPTION
A graphic shows the book cover of “100 Reasons for Living: The Diary of a Grateful Heart” by Richard Carter centred against a softly blurred, warm-toned background. A text box reads: Five stars Recommended BY YOU. In the right hand corner is the icon for First Aid for Feelings in white which which is a three-quarters closed circle with a cross in the middle.

Stress can be helpful so how do you recognise when stress is helpful?How do you channel the power of it?In this Live eve...
23/04/2026

Stress can be helpful so how do you recognise when stress is helpful?

How do you channel the power of it?

In this Live event on Insight Timer Thor will share how to spot opportunities for helpful stress and how to channel it.

The 30 minute session starts with a talk and Q&A and concludes with a guided meditation.

Thursday with Thor helps you use meditation to navigate your feelings.

👉 Click link to set reminder to join and learn how to feel better

https://insig.ht/NGgsl5n9b2b



IMAGE DESCRIPTION:

Image shows a photo of Thor wearing glasses and orange v-neck jumper.

A text box reads: Thunder and Stillness: Meeting Stress with Mindfulness | Thursday with Thor. Further text: 23 April at 5.30 BST Join In. Underneath is the logo of Insight Timer with a meditation bell. In the right hand corner is the icon for First Aid for Feelings in white which is a three-quarters-closed circle with a cross inside.

Often in my work what I’m essentially supporting people with is the experience of being human.In consultations the focus...
23/04/2026

Often in my work what I’m essentially supporting people with is the experience of being human.

In consultations the focus is the experience of dis-ease and issues with physical, mental and emotional/social health.

In this poem Naima Penniman shares an insight into being human that feels both powerful and profound.

I hope you find it as nourishing as I’ve found it.

If you’d like to see Naima perform this poem do visit her website where you can see videos of her performing this and other poems.

👉 To watch and experience click this link:
https://www.naimainfinity.com/home/videos

*Being Human by Naima Penniman*

I wonder if the sun debates dawn
some mornings
not wanting to rise
out of bed
from under the down-feather horizon

if the sky grows tired
of being everywhere at once
adapting to the mood
swings of the weather

if clouds drift off
trying to hold themselves together
make deals with gravity
to loiter a little longer

I wonder if rain is scared
of falling
if it has trouble
letting go

if snow flakes get sick
of being perfect all the time
each one
trying to be one-of-a-kind

I wonder if stars wish
upon themselves before they die
if they need to teach their young
how to shine

I wonder if shadows long
to just-for-once feel the sun
if they get lost in the shuffle
not knowing where they’re from

I wonder if sunrise
and sunset
respect each other
even though they’ve never met

if volcanoes get stressed
if storms have regrets
if compost believes in life
after death

I wonder if breath ever thinks of su***de
if the wind just wants to sit
still sometimes
and watch the world pass by

if smoke was born
knowing how to rise
if rainbows get shy back stage
not sure if their colors match right

I wonder if lightning sets an alarm clock
to know when to crack
if rivers ever stop
and think of turning back

if streams meet the wrong sea
and their whole lives run off-track
I wonder if the snow
wants to be black

if the soil thinks she’s too dark
if butterflies want to cover up their marks
if rocks are self-conscious of their weight
if mountains are insecure of their strength

I wonder if waves get discouraged
crawling up the sand
only to be pulled back again
to where they began

if land feels stepped upon
if sand feels insignificant
if trees need to question their lovers
to know where they stand

if branches waver at the crossroads
unsure of which way to grow
if the leaves understand they’re replaceable
and still dance when the wind blows

I wonder
where the moon goes
when she is in hiding
I want to find her there

and watch the ocean
spin from a distance
listen to her
stir in her sleep

effort give way to existence



IMAGE DESCRIPTION

A square image for shows Naima Penniman indoors against a wooden wall and plants, with one hand raised in the foreground.

Text reads: “Being Human - Poetry Performance by Naima Penniman.”

An orange footer banner shows the cover of the First Aid for Feelings Manual and the icon for First Aid for Feelings, a three-quarters closed circle with a cross in the middle as well as the url for the First Aid for Feelings website.

April is Stress Awareness Month so in this Live event on Insight Timer we focus on stress and talk about how there are d...
16/04/2026

April is Stress Awareness Month so in this Live event on Insight Timer we focus on stress and talk about how there are different types of stress.

The focus will be on recognising each type and how to respond to the different types.

The 30 minute session starts with a talk and Q&A and concludes with a guided meditation. Includes tips for when you’re struggling.

Thursday with Thor helps you use meditation to navigate your feelings.

👉 Click link to set reminder to join and learn how to feel better

https://insig.ht/ib5c3pFI01b



IMAGE DESCRIPTION:

Image shows a photo of Thor wearing glasses and orange v-neck jumper. A text box reads: Feelings: What is stress, different types and responses | Thursday with Thor. How meditation can help you understand and respond to stress better. Further text: 16 April at 5.30 BST Join In. Underneath is the logo of Insight Timer with a meditation bell. In the right hand corner is the icon for First Aid for Feelings in white which is a three-quarters-closed circle with a cross inside.

Curious about what I do 🤫Here’s how Maris describes it:I reached out to Thor for help during my recovery from emotional ...
16/04/2026

Curious about what I do 🤫

Here’s how Maris describes it:

I reached out to Thor for help during my recovery from emotional burnout. At that time, my emotions often left me feeling stuck and slowed down in my work. I was amazed at how well Thor could guide me through my emotional landscape and help me find the right path forward. Our sessions helped me process my emotions, strengthen my internal boundaries, and improve my overall well-being. Thor truly has a gift for this kind of work.

--Maris Prindulis, StoryClicks owner, marketer, designer

Thank you Māris Prindulis for sharing your experience.

Are you:

🟠 Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)

Do you have:

🟠 Other Neurodivergent conditions like Autism, AuDHD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia etc.

Are you suffering from:

🟠 Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder (PTSD or C-PTSD)

🟠 Adverse Childhood Experiences (A.C.E.)

🟠 ME/CFS

🟠 Fibromyalgia

🟠 Burnout

🟠 Unexplained Medical Symptoms (MUS)

Each person’s journey is unique to them so experiences and tools will vary depending on what’s most helpful to each and every one.

Want to explore how I may be able to help you feel better?

To ensure that what I do will match what you need, you’ll get up to three free twenty minute discovery calls.

👉 Email us at enquiries@isithelpful.com and find out more or visit website: firstaidforfeelings.com

IMAGE DESCRIPTION

A graphic with a profile photo of Maris in the top right hand corner and showing five stars on an orange background. A text box reads: “Thor truly has a gift for this kind of work”. Maris Prindulis, StoryClicks owner, marketer, designer. “I reached out to Thor for help during my recovery from emotional burnout. At that time, my emotions often left me feeling stuck and slowed down in my work. I was amazed at how well Thor could guide me through my emotional landscape and help me find the right path forward. Our sessions helped me process my emotions, strengthen my internal boundaries, and improve my overall well-being.”. The icon for First Aid for Feelings in white which is a three-quarters closed circle with a cross in the middle and the url for the First Aid for Feelings website is in the bottom right hand corner

Animals can be great teachers, healers and allies.With countries like the US and Canada celebrating National Pet Day on ...
09/04/2026

Animals can be great teachers, healers and allies.

With countries like the US and Canada celebrating National Pet Day on April 11th the focus of this Live event is to share how the animals in our lives support us with our feelings.

The 30 minute session on Insight Timer starts with a talk and Q&A and concludes with a guided meditation.

Thursday with Thor helps you use meditation to navigate your feelings.

This focus is a request from The Helpful Community

👉 Click link to set reminder to join and learn how to feel better

https://insig.ht/0gfxvZI3r1b



IMAGE DESCRIPTION:

Image shows a photo of Thor wearing glasses and orange v-neck jumper.

A text box reads: THURSDAY WITH THOR: Feelings: How pets can help you feel better | Thursday with Thor. How animals can support meditation practice and help us feel better.

Further text: 9 April at 5.30 BST Join In

Underneath is the logo of Insight Timer with a meditation bell. In the right hand corner is the icon for First Aid for Feelings in white which is a three-quarters-closed circle with a cross inside.

People living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long COVID often suffer from severe B...
09/04/2026

People living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long COVID often suffer from severe Brainfog.

This is an umbrella terms used to describe experience extreme fatigue, mental “crashes” after exertion, and problems with focus, memory or even just stringing words together into a coherent sentence.

New research using ultra‑high‑field brain imaging has revealed how these symptoms may be linked to changes in the way different parts of the brain communicate.

In this study, researchers used advanced fMRI scans while volunteers completed a mental task designed to create fatigue.

Healthy participants showed stronger connections between key brain regions after the task, suggesting normal adjustment to mental effort.

However, people with ME/CFS and long COVID showed disrupted or reduced communication between brain areas linked to motivation, memory, and balance.

These disrupted brain signals were also linked to symptom severity and how long individuals had been ill.

The findings suggest that weaker coordination between these brain networks could help explain the cognitive fatigue and slowed thinking common in both illnesses.

This finding may become a possible biological markers for diagnosis and treatment research. If that turns out to be the case that would be revolutionary for those suffering from these debilitating conditions.

Key takeaways:

🟠 Both ME/CFS and Long COVID involve disrupted communication between key brain networks.

🟠 Healthy people’s brains adapt normally to mental effort, while patient groups show reduced or abnormal responses.

🟠 Changes were seen in regions that control memory, motivation, and movement coordination.

🟠 The degree of brain disruption matched symptom levels and illness duration.

🟠 These findings may help identify biological markers for fatigue‑related brain dysfunction.

😢 Do you struggle with Brainfog? Don’t dismiss your symptoms or try to minimise them. As much as you’re able to be gentle with yourself and reach out for support.

👉 Click the link to read the original research article

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12967-026-07708-y



IMAGE DESCRIPTION

A person sits at a workstation viewing brain scan images on a computer monitor in a medical setting. Text reads “Reasons for Brainfog in ME/CFS and Long COVID Revealed,” with a research icon in the top right and a website banner along the bottom for First Aid for Feelings

There is a Poetry Awareness focus in March (UNESCO) and April (USA and Canada) so today we’ll talk about and share poetr...
02/04/2026

There is a Poetry Awareness focus in March (UNESCO) and April (USA and Canada) so today we’ll talk about and share poetry.

We’ll explore how poetry can help and heal feelings.

This focus is a request from The Helpful Community.

The 30 minute session on Insight Timer starts with a talk and Q&A and concludes with a guided meditation. Thursday with Thor helps you use meditation to navigate your feelings.

👉 Click link to set reminder to join and learn how to feel better

https://insig.ht/GU5qPC8dg1b



IMAGE DESCRIPTION:

Image shows a photo of Thor wearing glasses and orange v-neck jumper.

A text box reads: Feelings: How Poetry can Help and Heal | Thursday with Thor. How meditation can connect with the power of poetry

Further text: 2 April at 5.30 BST Join In

Underneath is the logo of Insight Timer with a meditation bell. In the right hand corner is the icon for First Aid for Feelings in white which is a three-quarters-closed circle with a cross inside.

Did you know you can learn your First Aid for Feelings on Insight Timer in ten 15 minute modules?Corine says:❝This is on...
02/04/2026

Did you know you can learn your First Aid for Feelings on Insight Timer in ten 15 minute modules?

Corine says:

❝This is one of the best courses uhave experienced. It is a unique blend of the spiritual and physical body using a healthy scoop of common sense to ensure the ingredients combine smoothly.

I will use this course again and again and cant recommend it highly enough as an effective way forward. It is life changing . Thank you so much Thor ### ❞

Corine is one of more than 3500 students have now done the course and it’s consistently rated 4.7+ out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Insight Timer app is an easy to use app dedicated to using meditation and mindfulness based content to support health and well-being.

👉 Click link to download the Insight Timer app and check out some of the free recordings, live events and more to start learning how to help yourself feel better.

https://insig.ht/4bShMack0Ob?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=live_stream_share



IMAGE DESCRIPTION This is a yellow graphic design. A text box reads: Meditation course testimonial Underneath is the logo of Insight Timer with a meditation bell. Below is a white text box with five yellow stars and the name Lynda Oswald in Dundee. Along the bottom is an invitation to follow Thor A Rain on Insight Timer

Healthy unconditional love begins with awareness. In this live event, Thor will explore what Agape love is and what it i...
12/03/2026

Healthy unconditional love begins with awareness. In this live event, Thor will explore what Agape love is and what it isn’t.

Learn to practice selfless compassion and listen more deeply to the signals that guide you toward true connection.

The 30 minute session on Insight Timer starts with a talk and Q&A and concludes with a guided meditation.

Thursday with Thor helps you use meditation to navigate your feelings.

👉 Click link to set reminder to join and learn how to feel better

https://insig.ht/DVRHPLc3S0b



IMAGE DESCRIPTION:

Image shows a photo of Thor wearing glasses and orange v-neck jumper.

A text box reads: Feelings: Exploring Agape or unconditional love | Thursday with Thor. How meditation supports cultivating true unconditional love. Further text: 12 March at 5.30 GMT Join In

Underneath is the logo of Insight Timer with a meditation bell. In the right hand corner is the icon for First Aid for Feelings in white which is a three-quarters-closed circle with a cross inside.

We always have a recommendation in the Helpful newsletter from a reader, but this time it’s me who wants to make a recom...
12/03/2026

We always have a recommendation in the Helpful newsletter from a reader, but this time it’s me who wants to make a recommendation.

With war, conflict and suffering happening in what feels like an ever escalating way, this can be a particularly difficult time for those of us who are neurodiverse in terms of sensitivity for example Highly Sensitive Person or HSP.

If you or someone you know is more deeply affected by what’s going on you may find the documentary Sensitive will help you make sense of your experience.

Sensitive is a one-hour documentary by Dr. Elaine Aron whose work I often recommend. It’s about people who are HSP.

So many of the people I support didn’t know that they were HSP and how this was a key contributing factor to the pain, fatigue, stress, and/or anxiety they were struggling with.

This insight and knowledge then becomes integral to feeling better and full recovery where possible.

One in five people is HSP, and this statistic doesn’t just apply to all humans; it applies to other species too!

👉 Click the link to find out more about the ‘Sensitive' documentary

https://sensitivethemovie.com

Would you like to get the Helpful newsletter straight to your inbox?

The Helpful newsletter is sent you every few weeks.

In addition to the You recommend section from readers like you, the newsletter has got blogs or videos on topics like pain, fatigue, stress and anxiety, news on latest research as well as events and activities.

👉 Sign up for the newsletter on the First Aid for Feelings website



IMAGE DESCRIPTION

A photo showing Alanis Morrisette sitting in a living room. Text in photo reads: A GROUNDBREAKING DOCUMENTARY SENSITIVE THE UNTOLD STORY From The Bestselling Author DR. ELAINE ARON (The Highly Sensitive Person) feat. 7-time Grammy Winner ALANIS MORISSETTE. A text box reads: Five stars Recommended BY YOU. In the right hand corner is the icon for First Aid for Feelings in white which which is a three-quarters closed circle with a cross in the middle.

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Future Business Centre, Kings Hedges Road
Cambridge
CB42HY

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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