Spinfish Wellbeing

09/05/2026

We are so blessed to live on an island with amazing nature, forest walks and beautiful beaches. Did you know that walking on the beach is also really good for lowering stress levels for a number of reasons? So hoping you can get out there and enjoy it!

1. Sensory calming from nature (“blue space”)
Being near the sea—often called a “blue space”—has been linked to reduced stress and improved mood. The sound of waves, the horizon, and the natural light all help calm activity in the amygdala, which is heavily involved in stress responses. Your brain interprets these cues as safe and predictable, which helps downshift the stress response.

2. Barefoot contact with sand
Walking barefoot on sand provides rich sensory input to your feet, which can enhance interoception and grounding. The uneven surface also encourages slower, more mindful movement, which can naturally regulate breathing and posture—both linked to calming the nervous system.

3. Gentle physical effort
Walking on sand takes more effort than a flat surface, which increases circulation and helps reduce levels of cortisol. Like other forms of movement, it helps your body “complete” the fight-or-flight response, signaling that it’s okay to relax afterward.

4. Rhythmic, repetitive motion
The steady rhythm of walking—especially paired with waves—can have a meditative effect. This repetition helps regulate your breathing and can gently stimulate the Vagus Nerve, supporting a calmer, more balanced state.

So it’s not just a “nice idea”—a beach walk combines movement, sensory input, and a calming environment in a way that naturally helps your body unwind...how perfect...🙏🙂

07/05/2026

07/05/2026

What a lovely review - did you know that hypnotherapy can be used for Onychophagia (nail biting)? ..

'I sought help from Steph to stop my nail biting habit which I have had for most of my life and have been unable to stop permanently by myself. She was so friendly, understanding and instantly put me at ease. She worked with me to identify what was causing the nail biting habit as well as resolving the habit itself.
Steph has been fantastic – so compassionate, caring, encouraging and supportive. She explains everything so clearly. She has worked with me and has given me the tools to ensure that the nail biting doesn’t start again.
Steph has made such a profound positive difference to me for which I am truly grateful. I feel so much better in myself - much lighter and clearer. I feel confident that I have finally conquered the habit. I feel so lucky to have found Steph and can’t recommend her highly enough.'

05/05/2026

🌟 Hold up! Brand‑new event for June here! 👇

✨ Create Your Own Mini Sacred Space ✨ Step into an afternoon of calm, creativity, and soulful restoration as we approach the Summer Solstice🌞

🧘‍♀️ Saturday 13 June 2026
🏡 Tiny Homes IW | 1–5pm
💫 £50 per person

🌿 Your extended workshop experience includes: Create your own mini sacred space • A mini workshop exploring crystals + essential oils and their meanings • Beautiful crystals and angel crystals gifted to you • Blend-your-own essential oil cleansing spray • A soothing guided intention meditation • Delicious refreshments
Spaces are limited.

✨ Give yourself the gift of peace and creativity. ✨

01/05/2026

What a lovely review on a beautiful Friday. What a privilege to be part of someone's journey....🙂🙏

30/04/2026

Tip number 4 for reducing stress:
Gentle movement (like walking or stretching)
Moving your body—especially in a slow, non-intense way—helps regulate stress by lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increasing endorphins, your body’s natural mood boosters. Rhythmic movement like walking also supports something called bilateral stimulation, which can help the brain process and settle stress signals.

At the same time, movement helps “complete” the stress cycle. When your body gears up for action through the fight-or-flight response but doesn’t physically release that energy, it can leave you feeling tense or wired. Even a few minutes of stretching or walking tells your nervous system that the “threat” has passed—helping your body return to a calmer state.

In short:
These small actions work because they send powerful “safety signals” to your brain and body—shifting you out of stress mode and back into a calmer, more balanced state.

23/04/2026

Tip 3 for reducing stress:
Step outside for a few minutes and let your mind pause with your surroundings.

Getting outside—even briefly—can lower stress through multiple pathways. Natural environments are linked to reduced activity in the brain’s stress centers and can calm the amygdala. Light exposure also helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which supports mood and energy balance. Even a short break shifts your attention, giving your nervous system a chance to reset.

In short:
These small actions work because they send powerful “safety signals” to your brain and body—shifting you out of stress mode and back into a calmer, more balanced state.

Small moments, big difference 🌿

23/04/2026

Studies repeatedly demonstrate that engaging in craft and mindfulness reduces cortisol (the body’s main stress hormone) reduces anxiety, enhances brain function, slows cognitive decline and reduces depression. Cake is also included 🍰 ….. 😊

Bolwerk, A., Mack-Andrick, J., Lang, F. R., Dörfler, A., & Maihöfner, C. (2014). How art changes your brain: Differential effects of visual art production and cognitive art evaluation on functional brain connectivity. PLoS One, 9(7), e101035. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0101035

Fancourt, D., & Steptoe, A. (2020). The art of life and death: 14-year follow-up analyses of associations between arts engagement and mortality in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. The BMJ, 367, l6377. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l6377

Kaimal, G., Ray, K., & Muniz, J. (2016). Reduction of cortisol levels and participants’ responses following art making. Art Therapy, 33(2), 74-80. https://doi.org/10.1080/07421656.2016.1166832

Join us for our May workshop, limited spaces available 🥰

17/04/2026

Reducing Stress Tip 2;

Do a quick body check: unclench your jaw, relax your shoulders, soften your hands.

Why do a Body check (releasing jaw, shoulders, hands)? -
Stress often shows up as unconscious muscle tension. When you deliberately relax those areas, you interrupt the feedback loop between body and brain. Your brain is constantly reading signals from your body (a process called interoception). When your muscles soften, your brain updates its “status” from “threat” to “safe,” which helps reduce the stress hormone cortisol.

Small moments, big difference 🌈 .

08/04/2026

“Stop wearing your shoulders like earrings!” was something my osteopath used to say to me. Most of the time, I didn’t even realise I was doing it—until it was pointed out. And the moment I let my shoulders drop, I could feel the tension release almost instantly.

It made me think about how we carry stress in our lives, especially with April being Stress Awareness Month...

So often, we don’t even notice it building up. We hold our breath without realising. We clench, tighten, push through… and it becomes our normal. Until someone—or something—reminds us to pause, soften, and let go.

And when we finally do, there’s that quiet moment of relief. A reminder that we don’t have to carry everything all the time.

If you need a sign today, this is it: unclench your jaw, drop your shoulders, take a breath.
You’re allowed to let it go. 💛

Today's tip for letting go:

Take 3 slow, deep breaths—long inhale, even longer exhale

Slow, deep breathing (especially longer exhales) - this taps into your parasympathetic nervous system—often called the “rest and digest” system. When you take slow breaths and extend the exhale, you stimulate the Vagus Nerve, which helps lower heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and signal to your brain that you’re safe. This directly counteracts the fight-or-flight response.

Small moments, big difference.

(Credit to Michael Heck for the image)