The surprising power of mirth on immunity

Laughter is the best medicine, so why are we so serious all the time? Some ideas, here, to help us look at things slightly differently

I looked out of my office window, down onto the garden I've been waiting so long to have, and allowed a feeling of joy to creep in.
It was one of those mornings where everything felt wrong and out of synch, so the garden, with its overgrowth and dots of attempted flowers, was a welcome reminder to surrender and let the build-up slowly leave my body.

I went outside with a fresh cup of coffee and sat on the salvaged bench, soaking up the cool air and letting the constant movement of trains in the background fall outside my focus.
When I came back inside, I was ready for my new day to start. I felt calm, grateful and ready. No attachments to the previously felt heaviness. Just ready to make this day count!

Funnily enough, the next conversation I had that day was with someone who reported noticing rising levels of stress and the feeling of not being able to catch her breath. I could hear it in her voice. There was no calm there, just shallow breathing and a sense of fidget that was so deep, I could tell she's been carrying this around for a long time.

I took a deep breath, and then another, and slowly she started mimicking my rhythm until we were able to get down to the real cause of her stress and anxiety. There was something there about a family member, something about health, and there was a lot about the sense of not having a choice. I imagine you can already feel the overwhelm just by reading these words...

We talked about the idea of breaking down the day by introducing 'pockets of joy'. These are little things you either allow in randomly (my garden from earlier, for example) or those you carve out for yourself in advance (coffee with a friend, for example).

The idea is that we have to break down the day so we can come out of the zombie zone we're in when we allow habits, patterns and routines to take over, and now we live our days on autopilot, not really noticing the highs, but settling comfortably to the lows.

The thing is, we have to break the habits so that our nervous system gets a chance to regulate, to come out of the constant stress and high alert, and when we do this enough, healing can start flowing back in. The best ways of regulating our nervous system are by bringing in these pockets of joy, laughter, happiness, and, as you will see later from the interview I had this week in Healing Conversations, pleasure too, sexual, but any other type would do, too.

Too often, we focus on everything that goes wrong in our lives: the stress, the health, the money, the relationships, the weather, etc, but this is your immediate invitation to find moments to pause and do things differently.

When you laugh, you release hormones that lift your whole system, allowing for the tightness of all your other systems to relax and get back on to the main job at hand - healing you. This is what we spoke about a few weeks back when we mentioned homeostasis - that's when your body finds its balance to get everything back into flow and out of struggle.

Ideas for your pockets of joy:
1. Spend time with people you love (and keep away from those bringing you stress, as much as you can)
2. Go out into nature. No phones, no music, no distractions. Just you.
3. Watch a funny movie, see a stand-up comedy, ask Siri to tell you a joke
4. Coffee with friends
5. Go for a walk, this time with your favourite music
6. Jump up and down or shake your body
7. Stand in front of the mirror and pull faces at yourself
8. Let go. Literally tell yourself you're just gonna park this thought here and walk away.
9. Pause. Find gratitude in the space. Repeat.

Will you try?

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This week in Healing Conversations...

This week in Healing Conversations, I chatted with Carla Wainwright about sacred metabolism and feminine powers!

Carla Wainwright’s journey takes us from her early days as a wildlife biologist, deeply rooted in the world of science, to her own profound turning point brought on by personal challenges and trauma. These experiences led her to embrace the healing arts, including homoeopathy, yoga, somatic healing, and a deep connection with the divine feminine. In this episode, Carla introduces us to her concept of “sacred metabolism”, weaving together biochemical science with the esoteric, and explains why it’s essential to nurture both body and spirit.

Together, we explore practical steps for reconnecting with energy, the importance of reclaiming feminine power, and how pleasure and presence can have a radical impact on our well-being. Whether you’re seeking to create healthier daily habits or longing to reconnect with your own inner wisdom, this conversation is filled with permission, compassion, and actionable insight. So settle in as we invite you to step back from life’s daily grind and rediscover the vibrant, creative energy that’s accessible to all of us.

More about Carla:
Carla Wainwright is a Holistic Wellness Coach, Midlife Alchemist, and Sexual Awakening Facilitator who helps women 40+ reclaim their vitality, confidence, and inner fire. Her work blends metabolic and hormonal health with nervous system regulation, embodiment practices, and sacred sexuality - inviting women to feel great in their bodies and reconnect to the wisdom within.

With a background in biology, homoeopathy, and over two decades of experience in the healing arts, Carla guides her clients through deeply transformational journeys to restore balance, pleasure, and energy. She believes that midlife isn’t a decline - it’s a powerful initiation into wholeness. Carla works 1:1, in groups, and through retreats, helping women rewire their relationship with their bodies and thrive in every aspect of life.

Social Links:
1) https://www.carlawainwright.com/
2) https://www.instagram.com/carlawainwright/

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You may also be interested in...

One of the most favourite shows my family likes to watch on repeat is this one - Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and this clip is both brilliant and totally in line with what we're talking about today!

The Lunar Eclipse of September 7th

If you're reading this on September 7th, then you're just in time to enjoy the Lunar eclipse that is coming this evening.

A lunar eclipse is spiritually important because it symbolises a powerful moment of release, transformation, and renewal, where hidden shadows are illuminated, offering us the chance to let go of old patterns, honour endings, and step into greater clarity and alignment with our true path

Some activities of release you may wish to engage with (taken with gratitude from ChatGPT)
Eclipses are traditionally seen as times of clearing, endings, and transformation.

1. Release Writing Ritual
Write down fears, habits, or thought patterns you’re ready to let go of. Burn the paper safely, symbolising release.
2. Moon Bath Meditation
Sit under the eclipse light (or near a window if visible) and visualise the red glow burning away what no longer serves you.
3. Cleansing Space
Smudge your home with sage, palo santo, or incense. Open windows to release stagnant energy.
4. Crystal Charging (with intention)
Place grounding stones (obsidian, hematite, black tourmaline) outside or by a window to absorb the eclipse energy and hold it for you.

Happy Transforming y'all!

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Dottie's Corner

I loved how rainy it was this past week. I love running out into the garden and then seeing my very own footprint all over the floor. I am not sure my HUUMANS were on the same page as me, though...

anyway...

I recently heard this quote, which you might resonate with, too:

Trauma makes you tolerate people who treat you poorly, because you're afraid of losing them

Healing makes you realise that you should be afraid of losing yourself by trying to please everyone

Source: @robdialjr on Instagram

Client's best quotes

People are always curious about the kind of stuff I work with my clients on, and so each week I bring a quote that helps share the healing wins people have after we work together.
If you'd like to know what we could do together to help you on your physical, mental, emotional or spiritual journey, then get in touch, here: https://calendly.com/einav-4/coaching-discovery-call

I work extensively with people to help transform their lives from fears, limitations and compromises, to harmony, alignment and joy, or in other words - helping people find natural healing to mind, body and soul.

To chat about your own situation and how my methods can help, please book a chat using the link: https://calendly.com/einav-4/coaching-discovery-call

einav x