Counselling & Holistic Therapy

25/02/2026

After receiving a beautiful bouquet of flowers from Bonnie Blooms Florist, I found the perfect place to display them in my home. A place where I could see and enjoy them throughout the day. Each time I passed the bouquet, I stopped to admire, smell and appreciate how they made me feel.
It made me wonder about the benefit a simple bunch of flowers can have on your mental health.
So I reached out to Ellie McCabe, the owner & florist of Bonnie Blooms and asked more about the flowers and their individual benefits.

The benefits of being surrounded by flowers has an enormous impact upon our mental health. During a study conducted at Rutgers University, professors found that the power of receiving or gifting flowers was far more advanced than previously believed.
Across all age groups, there was a long-term effect that the recipient demonstrated through the immediate impact of happiness by receiving the flowers.
There was further evidence of happiness by simply being surrounded by the flowers, participants within the study demonstrated signs of being less stressed, anxious and agitated. It was also reported that by gifting flowers from one individual to another, it increased their connection and bond.
Throughout history flowers have always played a vital role in our health and wellbeing - from the Romans using roses for skin care and the Egyptians using blue lotus for relaxation purposes. But how do flowers play a role in helping someone mentally?

Lavender – an extremely powerful flower that can be used in many ways. This purple flower can be used either fresh or dried and has been proven to help with insomnia, anxiety and racing thoughts. It is known to help calm the nervous system and regulate mood and emotion. Placing a few stems in a warm bath before bed or leaving a small bundle on your pillow throughout the day will help you get a more content and calmer night sleep.

Jasmine – commonly associated with oils and teas but their scent alone is powerful enough to help boost your mental health. Their sweet smell is known to act upon the nervous system and promote relaxation and improvement on mood. The flower blooms beautifully in direct sunlight on a windowsill or in a light and airy environment. Perfect to be placed in a kitchen to help you start your day on a positive note.

Sunflowers – a beautiful reflection of happiness within a flower. The cheery flower symbolises warmth, hope and resilience. It has been noted that simply being in the presence of sunflowers can increase focus and mental clarity. They release neurotransmitters like serotine which can help boost overall happiness. The flower is known to thrive in various environments with the head of the flower moving to find the sun and natural light. The flower is seen to be so powerful that it has been used by many charities and is the symbol for hidden disabilities to signify individuals may need additional support.

Chamomile – a flower that is normally associated with tea and body creams. It is seen to be one of the most fragile of flowers however is deemed to be the most comforting. Often mistaken for a daisy, there are two variations of this flower; Roman chamomile and German chamomile. Roman Chamomile is often used within essential oils and body lotions whereas German Chamomile is used as an ingredient within many herbal teas. Along with helping sleep quality, the flower is also known to help you fall asleep quicker. The scent of the flower has a very mild sedative that can help calm the nervous system and help you feel more relaxed overall. Can also be helpful if you are experiencing signs of burnout, the flower helps the body rest and recharge.

Elinor McCabe
Bonnie Blooms
bonniebloomsflorist@gmail.com
07803 077 249
Website to follow

17/02/2026

https://kellycombe.co.uk/what-is-counselling/

Counselling or ‘therapy’ as it is commonly known, falls under the umbrella term ‘talking therapies’ and allows people to discuss their problems and any difficult feelings they encounter in a safe, confidential environment. The term can mean different things to different people, but in genera...

13/02/2026

Good afternoon👋

I’m excited to share some amazing news and a sponsorship opportunity with any local businesses.

My daughter and her cheerleading team, Cheer Evolution – Team Rage, have proudly won a bid to compete at the All Star World Championships this April in Florida! 🇺🇸🌎 This is an incredible achievement and a huge opportunity for these talented young athletes.

To make sure the team has the very best training, can travel safely around Florida, and present themselves as the professional, winning team they truly are, we’re inviting local businesses to partner with us through sponsorship.

We’re offering sponsorship packages ranging from £100 – £1000, giving you a fantastic opportunity to:

✨ Support dedicated young athletes
✨ Gain positive local visibility for your business
✨ Be part of their journey to an international stage

If you’d like to support Team Rage, or would like more information on the sponsorship packages available, please just give me a shout.

Thank you so much for your support — it really does make a difference ❤️

Kelly
(Proud Cheer Mum)

12/02/2026

Why Use An Aromatherapy Necklace!

An aromatherapy necklace (also called a diffuser necklace) lets you enjoy the benefits of essential oils throughout the day—subtly and stylishly. Here’s why people love using one:

1️⃣ Portable Stress Relief

Add a few drops of calming oils like lavender or chamomile to the pendant. As you move, your body warmth gently diffuses the scent, helping reduce stress and anxiety anytime—at work, during travel, or in social settings.

2️⃣ Mood & Energy Boost

Need focus or a lift? Oils like peppermint, citrus, or eucalyptus can promote alertness and mental clarity. The necklace keeps the aroma close enough for subtle, continuous support.

3️⃣ Natural Alternative to Synthetic Fragrance

Instead of wearing perfume made with synthetic chemicals, you can choose pure essential oils and change scents based on your needs or mood.

4️⃣ Convenient & Hands-Free

Unlike diffusers that stay in one room, a necklace moves with you. No plugs, batteries, or sprays required.

5️⃣ Stylish Wellness Accessory

Available in stainless steel lockets, lava stone beads, minimalist pendants, and even crystal styles, aromatherapy necklaces combine fashion with function.

🌸 How It Works

Add 1–3 drops of essential oil to the felt pad or lava stone.

Close the locket (if applicable).

Wear as usual and enjoy subtle diffusion for several hours.

💡 Who Might Benefit Most?

Busy professionals who want calm during the day

Students needing focus

Travelers dealing with stress

Anyone sensitive to strong room diffusers

I woke up this morning feeling tired and my breathing was heavy, so today I've chosen to have Eucalyptus in my neckless, to help with my breathing & to keep me focused throughout my busy day.

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05/02/2026

Just joining in the AI fun.

04/02/2026

04/02/2026

In today’s fast-paced working world, burnout is no longer the exception — it’s becoming the norm. That’s why investing in your team’s wellbeing isn’t a “nice to have”, it’s a business essential.

Offering your staff a Self-Care for Professionals course gives them practical tools to manage stress, protect their mental health, and stay resilient under pressure — without guilt or overwhelm.

Through guided reflection, simple techniques, and real-life strategies, employees learn how to:
✨ Prevent burnout before it starts
✨ Improve focus, energy, and emotional balance
✨ Build healthier boundaries at work and at home
✨ Feel more supported, valued, and motivated

When people feel well, they work well. Teams become more engaged, absenteeism drops, and workplace culture thrives.

If you’re ready to support your staff in a meaningful way, a self-care course with Kelly Combe Counselling & Holistic Therapy could be a powerful step toward a healthier, happier workforce.

Because looking after your people is one of the smartest investments you can make. 💼

03/02/2026

The Importance of Self-Care: Why You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in deadlines, responsibilities, and the endless to-do lists that dominate our lives. Amidst this whirlwind, one essential practice often falls by the wayside: self-care. While it might sound indulgent or even unnecessary, self-care is not a luxury—it’s a vital component of a healthy, balanced life.

What Is Self-Care?

Self-care is the conscious act of prioritising your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It’s more than bubble baths and spa days (though those can be a part of it). Self-care includes anything that helps you recharge, reduce stress, and maintain resilience, from eating nutritious meals and exercising to setting boundaries and engaging in hobbies that bring joy.

Why Self-Care Matters

1. Boosts Mental Health
Neglecting your own needs can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression. Regular self-care practices give your mind a chance to rest, process, and reset. Even small acts, like journaling for ten minutes a day or taking a short walk outside, can improve mood and mental clarity. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BX993L8P/?tag=kcombe77-21
2. Enhances Physical Health
Our bodies mirror our mental state. Stress can manifest as fatigue, headaches, or weakened immunity. Prioritising sleep, nutrition, and movement not only improves physical health but also strengthens your ability to cope with stress. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CP8XRZMR/?tag=kcombe77-21
3. Improves Productivity
It might seem counterintuitive, but taking breaks and caring for yourself can actually make you more productive. A well-rested, focused mind can tackle tasks more efficiently than one running on fumes.
4. Strengthens Relationships
When you care for yourself, you’re better able to care for others. Self-care helps prevent resentment, increases patience, and fosters healthier connections with friends, family, and colleagues.
5. Builds Resilience
Life inevitably comes with challenges. Regular self-care equips you with the tools to handle adversity more effectively, from emotional regulation to problem-solving skills.
Practical Self-Care Strategies
• Physical: Exercise regularly, eat balanced meals, stay hydrated, and prioritise quality sleep.
• Emotional: Journal, meditate, practice mindfulness, or speak to a therapist.
• Social: Spend time with supportive friends and family, and don’t be afraid to say no when you need space.
• Creative: Engage in hobbies, explore new skills, or spend time in nature.
• Digital: Set boundaries with technology, take breaks from social media, and curate your digital environment.

Overcoming Guilt Around Self-Care

Many people hesitate to practice self-care because they feel guilty for “taking time for themselves.” Remember: self-care is not selfish. Just as airplanes instruct passengers to put on their own oxygen mask before helping others, you can only truly support those around you when you are healthy and balanced.

Final Thoughts

Self-care is an ongoing practice, not a one-time fix. It requires attention, intention, and sometimes creativity. By prioritising your well-being, you don’t just improve your own life—you create a ripple effect that touches your work, relationships, and the world around you.

So, start small. Take a deep breath, schedule that walk, or enjoy that cup of tea without guilt. Your mind, body, and soul will thank you—and you’ll be better equipped to face life’s challenges with resilience and grace.

Remember: You can’t pour from an empty cup, so fill yours first.

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02/02/2026

28/01/2026

Why Use a Self-Care Journal?

A self-care journal isn’t about writing pages every day — it’s about creating a space to pause and check in with yourself.

Putting thoughts on paper can help reduce stress, increase emotional awareness, and quiet mental overload. It encourages self-compassion, helps you notice patterns, and highlights what you truly need — emotionally and practically.

Even a few words can make a difference. Self-care doesn’t have to be big or time-consuming; small, consistent check-ins can support long-term wellbeing.

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Sometimes, the most powerful form of self-care is simply listening to yourself 💛

— Kelly Combe Counselling & Holistic Therapy

https://kellycombe.co.uk/the-benefits-of-using-a-self-care-journal/

FOCUS ON YOUR SELFCARE WITH MINDFUL WELLNESS PLANNING The Clever Fox SelfÑare Journal is a threemonth guided mental health journal that helps you prioritize your wellbeing and your daily Rethink routines This selfcare notebook is filled with prompts openended questions that make it easy for you t.....

28/01/2026

Self-Care for Professionals: Supporting Sustainable Wellbeing at Work

Kelly Combe Counselling & Holistic Therapy

I recently had the pleasure of delivering a Self-Care for Professionals training session to a room of 25 attendees as part of the BNI Kickstart 2026 workshop. It was an energising and reflective session, bringing together professionals from a range of industries who were all keen to start the year with intention, focus, and wellbeing in mind.

The session focused on what self-care really means in a professional context. We explored the difference between self-care and self-soothing, the importance of small, sustainable habits, emotional awareness, and how regular check-ins can help prevent stress and burnout before they escalate. The room was highly engaged, with open discussion, shared experiences, and moments of real reflection.

What stood out most was how relatable the content was across different roles and sectors. Whether working in leadership, frontline services, or self-employed roles, the challenges around stress, emotional labour, and maintaining balance are universal. Providing people with practical tools they can realistically use in their day-to-day lives helps make wellbeing feel achievable rather than overwhelming.

This type of training can bring real value to organisations by supporting staff to:

Better manage stress and emotional pressure

Improve self-awareness and resilience

Reduce burnout and absenteeism

Feel supported, valued, and more engaged at work

Investing in staff wellbeing isn’t just about individual benefit — it contributes to healthier teams, stronger communication, and a more sustainable workplace culture.

Delivering this session as part of the BNI Kickstart event was a reminder of how powerful it can be when businesses prioritise wellbeing alongside growth and performance. It’s something that can positively impact both individuals and organisations alike.

If you’d like to explore how Self-Care for Professionals training could support your team or organisation, I’d be happy to have a conversation.

Testimonial from an attendee:

David Burgess
S-Move Removals

22nd January, 2026

Just been to SSEC Kickstart at Liberton Golf Club, where Kelly gave an hour-long presentation on "Self-care for Professionals". And Kelly was excellent. She had everybody participating in an entertaining performance. And her insight and the way that she engaged with the audience was very impressive. And a topic that was very appropriate and required for stressful business leaders.

www.kellycombe.co.uk

26/01/2026

Why Employee Wellbeing Is Not Optional—It’s Essential

An organisation can only be as healthy as its people.

When employers actively care for their staff’s wellbeing—mentally, emotionally, and physically—it does more than boost morale. It builds trust, loyalty, and long-term performance. Employees who feel supported are more engaged, more innovative, and more likely to stay.

Wellbeing isn’t just about perks or wellness days. It’s about:

Creating safe, respectful work environments

Encouraging healthy work-life balance

Recognising effort and preventing burnout

Listening—and acting—when employees speak up

When people feel valued as humans, not just resources, productivity follows naturally.

Taking care of employee wellbeing isn’t a “nice to have.”
It’s a leadership responsibility—and a business advantage.

Because when employees thrive, organisations do too.

Investing in employee wellbeing is not just a ‘nice-to-have’ initiative, it’s a strategic decision that benefits both employees and the organisation. A well-structured wellbeing programme can improve productivity, reduce absenteeism, and create a healthier, happier workplace.  Here’s why ...