Category: Guest blog

Posted on by — Leave a comment

The Benefits of Using an Independent Travel Agent

Guest blog from Independent Travel Agent Lynne Page

Why should you use a travel agent when you can book everything so easily yourself online?

I can tell you several reasons why!

An Independent Travel Agent can help you find your ideal holiday

Using an Independent Travel Agent is a valuable resource and can save you so much time, and we all know how precious our time is.

We are experts in our field, can give you personal recommendations due to being well-travelled, and can help you with unexpected situations should they arise.

When you are looking for a holiday, it can be overwhelming as there are so many choices out there, and you may not know where to start. If you like to travel but spend all day at a computer, the last thing you are going to want to do is spend hours trawling the internet trying to find the best deal. The thing I hear the most from my clients is, “ I hate looking for holidays! “

This is where I come in. I can do all the research for you and find hotels and attractions that suit your budget and taste. I can find deals from my many suppliers that are only available to people in the travel industry. I am ABTA and ATOL protected, and you can check my reviews on Google, Facebook and LinkedIn.

My service is personal and flexible

I am a home-based travel agent, and I like to be accessible and personable. I like to build a relationship with my clients. You choose how you would like to communicate with me, whether by email, phone, WhatsApp or meeting locally for a coffee and a chat.

I don’t charge a fee; I earn commission directly from our travel partners upon booking. For example, if I booked your holiday through Jet2 or EasyJet, they would pay me a commission. You would have paid exactly the same as if you had booked it yourself online, but you have me for support. And you are supporting a small business.

I look after my clients before, during and after the trip. I can check-in for you and print your boarding passes, or you can do this yourself if you prefer. I can recommend places to visit or maybe avoid. If there are any changes to your flights or itinerary, I will be able to support you with this.

Whether it’s a family holiday to Greece or a solo tour of India, I will be able to help.

How you can get started

Before contacting your travel agent, it would be a good idea to have some information ready to give them. An idea of where you would like to go, a maximum flight time, and the airports you are willing to travel from? How many nights would you like to stay, and on what board basis? Do you want to be near a beach and local amenities, or are you happy sitting by the pool with a book and a cocktail? Are you willing to pay extra for a sea view and/or a private transfer? What is the minimum star rating you want your hotel to be? The most crucial piece of information is your budget. This is key as everyone’s idea of a ‘bargain’ is different, and it needs to be realistic to avoid disappointment.

So the next time you are thinking about booking your holiday, please consider using an Independent Travel Agent.

Lynne Page - independent travel agent

Find out more:

https://www.lynnepagetravel.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/LynnePTravel

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnepagetravel

email: lynne@theholidayvillage.co.uk

Posted on by — Leave a comment

How do mortgages for the self-employed work?

I’m a whole of market Independent Financial Adviser and advise on investments, pensions, wealth planning, protection, and mortgages.

If you’re self-employed and want to increase your chances of getting a mortgage, it is worth noting there are many differences from lender to lender. 

You’ll need to fulfil the following fundamentals to facilitate a self-employed mortgage. Here are some of the things to consider.

You’ll need two years’ Full Accounts

This is usually in the format of a document SA302 – (tax year overview and tax calculations). 

These can be retrieved from HMRC or your accountant.

Many lenders will average the earnings over the two years on increasing profits; however, for decreasing profits, it is the lower one they work on. 

It’s therefore advisable that the latest year is the best year. Make your accountant aware of a pending house purchase when they’re compiling the accounts.

  • If two years’ accounts are not available, some lenders will accept one full year’s accounts and an accountant’s certificate.

However, this limits the number of lenders available and requires your accountant to provide this information.

Image shows a house to get you thinking about self-employed mortgages.

Distinguish between Sole trader vs Limited Company

As a sole trader, you are the sole owner of your business. You may employ staff to work with you, but you have complete control of the company. You keep all the profits after tax but are also personally liable should the business get into trouble. 

If you form a limited company, you are setting up a separate private organisation. You are not personally liable for the business – even if you’re the director and sole shareholder. The company is its own legal entity, so you can only lose what you put in. Rather than keeping the profits, you pay yourself through a combination of salary and dividends.

Have both your business and personal bank statements available.

  • As with employed mortgage applications, there is a requirement to have a deposit available.

10% is usually the minimum for most lenders. However, a few will accept 5%. You’ll need to provide evidence showing the source of the deposit. There is a gifted deposit process with some lenders, where you’ll need extra proof of where the funds are, with identification and written confirmation from the donor, noting that this is a non-refundable gift.

Credit checks

  • All mortgage applications will have a credit check; some leave a soft footprint, and some a hard footprint. 

Experian and Equifax are the main two credit check providers many lenders use. However, be mindful of how many applications are processed, as this could negatively affect your credit file.

To improve the credit file, regular use of small amounts on a credit card and the balance repaid in full could help the score over a longer period – ideally before a mortgage application.

Affordability calculators will vary from lender to lender

Lenders will consider whether you can afford to pay your mortgage. They’ll look at the number of dependents you have and any continuing commitments (credit card/loans etc.). 

Other forms of income could also be considered, depending on the lender, such as child benefits, maintenance payments and PIP. Also, some lenders will accept debts being cleared before purchase, and others will not.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE

Hannah Cowell DipPFS CeMAP Certs Cii (MP & ER)

IFA

Mobile 07870898474

Email hannah.cowell@2plan.com

Website Hannah Cowell (2plan.com)

2plan wealth management Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

It is entered on the Financial Services Register (www.fca.org.uk) under reference 461598.

Registered Office: 3rd Floor, Bridgewater Place, Water Lane, Leeds, LS11 5BZ.

Telephone: 0113 302 1360. Registered in England and Wales: 05998270

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Your menopause and the butterfly effect

Guest blog - Mairi Taylor - menopause rock star

We know that for a caterpillar to transform into a butterfly they have to allow themselves to turn in to the most glorious goop where their imaginal cells – I always thought they were called “the magical cells” – recreate the butterfly the caterpillar was always destined to be.

If anyone tries to hurry the process or help the delicate butterfly emerge from their cocoon too early their lives are shortened & they don’t get to live their full glorious next phase of life.

What if your menopause transition is your glorious gloopy phase?

A full breakdown of the woman you are in order to become the woman you are meant to be in this next chapter of your life? This is a true “unbecoming” as you have to allow yourself time to be the gloopy mess, a mess where everything you thought you were is allowed to disintegrate & you recreate a new glorious version of yourself.

This time can be confusing, frustrating, irritating & downright frightening as we appear to rage against the two aspects of ourselves. For many of us we hold on so tightly to “our caterpillar” that we simply don’t allow the potential magic to happen. There can be such a sense of loss for many as society doesn’t honour our “gloopy mess” phase, or the wise wild woman we can become.We haven’t been shown how to navigate this transition in between family, work & all the other 100’s of responsibilities & commitments we face as modern women, but maybe just knowing this “mess” is all part of the phase may help your butterfly emerge just a little easier.

You can’t rush it, force it or deny it because to do so would impact the quality & vibrancy of the next phase & you would be dishonouring the woman you were & the woman you are yet to know.

What if we could all enter this phase of life knowing we need to allow time & space for the breakdowns, setting strong boundaries to protect some “chrysalis time”, the reimagining, the gloopy, sticky mess & see, hear & feel it for what it is? Knowing that by allowing it to take it’s time & simply swim in the soupy mess we will emerge as a newly formed & glorious post menopause woman who can open her wings & fly with a new sense of freedom as her next chapter takes form?

Mairi Taylor

Get in touch

If you need or support navigating your menopause / midlife transition then know you don’t have to be on your own. I can offer a range of services and a support network of resources and people to help you navigate.

www.mairitaylor.com

https://www.instagram.com/mairitaylor_menopause_rockstar/

Posted on by — Leave a comment

TRY STARTING THE NEW YEAR WITH A SANKALPA!

Mid-January: The time when traditionally, many of us have made New Year Resolutions to lose weight, get fitter, stop smoking or have a ‘dry’ January!  By now, we’ve often ‘fallen off the wagon’ or decided categorically not to bother!

I don’t know about you, but personally, just the thought of the word ‘diet’ makes me want to reach for the biscuit tin! Or search for that leftover box of mince pies!

The question is, why do we feel the pressure to make a New Year’s Resolution?

Apparently, it’s all to do with the Babylonians!   In ancient times, the Babylonians would make promises to the gods in the hope that they would earn good favour in the coming year.  Thousands of years on, this worldwide tradition has continued into to 21st Century.  Incredible!

New Year resolutions may work for some people, but for me, it’s a matter of reverse psychology; as soon as I’m told not to do something, it makes me want to do it even MORE! It simply doesn’t work!

However, as a Yoga practitioner of 30 years, I prefer a much more balanced approach, which absolutely works for me.  It’s also something I use throughout the year, not just for January.

This approach involves making a Sankalpa. 

Sankalpa is a Sanskrit term in yogic philosophy that refers to a heartfelt desire, an intention to do something.  It tends to be an affirmation and comes from deep within.  It’s slightly different to a resolution because unlike a personal goal to achieve something, a Sankalpa is a short positive affirmation or declaration such as “ I am happy and healthy” rather than “ I want to find happiness and get fitter”. 

Examples of a Sankalpa may be:

“I AM healthy and strong.”

“I AM at peace within.”

“I AM enough.”

“I AM loving and kind.”

“ I AM happy and confident in all I do.”

New Year image explaining a Sankalpa.

The Sankalpa is a yogic tool we regularly use to help us focus on our innermost desires; it enables us to use personal power to bring our inner beliefs to fruition.

During Yoga Nidra, a state of deep relaxation or yogic sleep is when the Sankalpa is most resonant.  It is believed that when the mind is relaxed, the Sankalpa can be absorbed by the subconscious.

Furthermore, in Yoga, we believe that whatever your Sankalpa is in life, it is sure to come true!

Maybe you’d like to try making your Sankalpa during a Yin and Nidra class?

To find out more and how Jane can help guide you in your Yoga journey, please take a peek at www.hathayogawithjane.com.

Jane Hathaway is an award-winning, Experienced Yoga Teacher (EYT) and Yoga Alliance Professional (YAP). She specialises in Trauma Resilience Embodied Yoga (TREY), Hatha and Yin Yoga and Pranayama.

Posted on by — 1 Comment

Being in community

Guest blog - Olivia Pitt - Olivia Pitt Coaching - Being in Community

As we approach the end of another year, I paused to reflect on how much ‘being in community’ has helped me to grow emotionally and spiritually, and as a businesswoman.

But what do I mean by ‘being in community’?  For me, it’s being an active member of a group that shares similar values.  It’s being in spaces where I feel safe and have a sense of belonging.  With lots of everyday demands and in the interest of self-care, I’ve had to be selective about how I spend my time. 

Here are 5 questions I ask when choosing a community:

Do we share similar values? 

If I’m investing time being involved in a group, it’s important that it’s about being supportive and celebrating each other.  One of the things I’m most proud of when it comes to the Curvy Convo community that I created for plus-size women is how much we celebrate the achievements of our members Curvy Convo – Olivia Pitt.  My ‘Keeping the Dream Alive’ coaching groups are perfect examples of this – check them out here: Group Coaching – Olivia Pitt.  I also get that same experience in my early morning circuit classes. There’s no competition, just support and encouragement to give things a go.      

What contribution could I make?

For me, it can’t be about just taking from the community.  What could I bring to the table? What value could I add?  My church community provides me with an opportunity to serve and lead, putting my skills, experience, and personality to good use.  In networking groups, bringing joy has often been the most valuable contribution I could bring.

What could I learn?

Stepping into the role of being a businesswoman was alien to me after having been an employee for most of my working life.  There were so many things I had to learn (and unlearn!), and I’ve been blessed to find a space in a business coaching group where I can be completely myself, unembarrassed about my lack of knowledge in some areas and fighting off impostor syndrome when it rears its ugly head. 

How will it help me to grow?

I’ve been ‘doing life’ with other women of faith as a member of a mentoring group since 2014.  This is where I learned about my identity and unique design.  It helped me to understand myself a whole lot more than I ever did!  I discovered that I am gifted in encouraging others. In the past two years, I’ve intentionally spent time with other women who share my gifting.  This has helped me to confidently flow in my gifting, in complete alignment with my business as a Life Coach.

Can I really be myself?

In safe communities, I’ve allowed myself to be vulnerable and let my guard down so people can see beyond the smiles and laughter.  I’ve shown up at times when I’ve felt broken, rejected, mentally drained, a failure.  In virtual spaces, I’ve done the makeup-free, braless in PJs showing up as well – this all counts!

So, my question is, are you in community? You don’t have to navigate life on your own.  You have nothing to prove.  There’s so much to be gained by meaningfully connecting with others. As you enter a new year, maybe it’s time to consider who you could ‘do life’ with. You might be the missing piece of the puzzle that the group needs.  Go for it!

Interested in finding out more? Let’s chat: Contact – Olivia Pitt You can find me on socials Courage Cultivating Coach (@oliviapittcoaching) • Instagram photos and videos or (13) Olivia Pitt Coaching | Facebook

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Why does accountability matter?

Many of my clients enjoy checking in with me at the start of their sessions as to what they have achieved since our last session, proving that they have been accountable for their actions and if they have not looking at why this may be and if they are still important. When you are the owner of a business or in a senior position it is very challenging to be your true self. People struggle with goal setting and if you are at the top of your game who can you report into with tasks you have completed and or not. Where do you get the recognition for being accountable?

The definition of accountability

Accountability is when an individual or department takes responsibility for the consequences for their performance or actions. Accountability is essential for an organisation or society. Without it, it is difficult to get people to assume ownership of their own actions because they believe they will not have to face the consequences.

What are the main principles?

Anyone that follows the principles of accountability, transparency, participation, evaluation or feedback, are more likely to develop best practices and be more successful.

Why is this so important

Accountability eliminates the time and effort you spend on distracting activities and other unproductive behaviours. When working with people from a coaching perspective we help people be accountable for their actions, help them to value their work, when done right, accountability can really help people with their confidence as they learn to deliver when they say they will.

This week I was at the start of a coaching session and I asked my client what she would like to cover in the session. My client explained that she often gets distracted with everything going on in her business, so sometimes the important tasks can be forgotten about. She explained that she wanted to be held accountable to completing her daily jobs and felt it would be useful to report her accomplishments to me each day to feel the reward of explaining what she had achieved that day.

This client of mine is by no means alone. I speak to many people who are easily distracted, whereby one of the biggest culprits can be getting lost in social media. Social media is great for many things but it can also easily suck you in, then before you know it an hour has gone by. This not only wastes time, but it also leaves you feeling unproductive and increases the difficulty of focusing on new tasks ahead because of this disappointment.

Being accountable is really important for you and your business. If you book in an appointment with a client, how do you think that client will feel if you call them late or not at all? Do you think they will value you and your service? You are constantly building a relationship with your client. Just because they have started working with you doesn’t mean they may continue if you are always late or don’t meet deadlines, and they are much less likely to refer you. Learning to be more accountable is hard but if certain procedures are followed through and areas of importance and less important areas are highlighted this will help.

How I can help

In a coaching session we can look at what are you trying to achieve. Have you given yourself a realistic time frame to complete the task and is it providing value to you and your business? Are you committed to achieving a high standard when you complete the task or are there other things that are conflicting your ability to perform well? Coaching will help make you more accountable, deal with issues that are holding you back such as distractions and your values relating to business development.

I can help, you can book a FREE 30 minutes by visiting my website.

Posted on by — 2 Comments

What could working with a VA do for your business?

Guest blog - working with a VA

As a VA I offer admin and bookkeeping support but what does that mean for you? All my clients need different support from me because no two clients are the same and every client’s business is different therefore every client needs different support. What could working with a VA like me mean for your business and how can I explain it?

What are your strengths?

Everyone has weaknesses and strengths including me, I have a client who thrives on her To-Do List and religiously ticks things off this keeps her on track, helps her strive towards her goals and improves productivity

Another client does write a To-Do List but never really gets round to ticking things off, however, she thrives on her financial goal that we set and this keeps her on track and wants it to be up to date at all times this gives her the motivation and determination to reach her goal

Some business owners know exactly what money is coming in and also what money is going out so they have a good idea of the basic income needed to keep their business afloat. unfortunately, there are others who have absolutely no idea what money is coming into the business or how much money is going out. Some think because they’re so busy being busy that that means that they must be making a lot of money sadly this is the reason a lot of small businesses fail.

So how do I work with my clients?

I get to know my client and understand their business

I get to know what they are struggling with, what their weaknesses are and the problems they are struggling with, and we talk about how I can help resolve these.

More importantly, how can they use their time more wisely and what tasks can I do that give that client back the time to actually do the business and what they have chosen to do, most business owners are quite capable of doing their paperwork, but it is time consuming and uses up time and energy when they could actually be earning an income  

I offer accountability by working as a team, setting up a plan and goals.

I help them set up a structure that works for them encouraging habits and routine

I will tell them what I need from them in order for them to stay on track and grow and what I need in order for me to support them

I sometimes pull my “really” face just roll my eyes and say excuse me but where is ABC that I need from you?  Laughter can help loads too, running a business is tough and demanding and sometimes clients just need that support to lighten the mood as well as the load.

If you're working with a VA have you ever seen this expression?
This is my ‘really’ face!

Working together like this builds trust and good working relationships make growing the business achievable and helps your work-life balance to return.

What do I get out of it?

For me what do I achieve?  I do work I enjoy, seeing my clients happier, less stressed and having family and leisure time back brings me joy. I see their business growing and a more sustainable solid cash flow allowing them to enjoy the success of their hard work.

I know that I’m doing my role the best I can.This makes all the effort and hard work worthwhile.

What could a VA do for you? Get in touch and let’s find out!

Kirsty’s note

Ann Hunt is a fabulous VA; I should know, she manages to keep me organised and that’s no mean feat! She lives and works in Leicestershire.

You can find out more about Ann and her services by visiting her website.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Is your body image holding you back?

How many of you have suffered from body image issues? *hands go up*

I certainly have and since starting my Sparrowlegs business, it has become apparent to me how many of us women in business have struggled with the image in the mirror.  Did you know that your body image could be holding you back in your business? Body image is what we think and feel about the way that we look and not just simply what people see. So, how can it get in the way of your greatness? In the way of you showing up and being successful (and a reminder here that you get to choose what success looks like for you, it’s not one size fits all and I really didn’t intend that pun!)

Is negative body image holding you back?

So, firstly, negative body image LIMITS you. Believing you aren’t ‘beautiful’ enough (what defines beauty anyway?!) you aren’t slim enough; your skin isn’t clear enough, to be the person you want to be. We are subjected to a constant barrage of images and inferred expectations of a construed idea of what ‘beautiful’ is and sometimes we can’t see past it. These thoughts limit you; you might not choose a certain career path or say “yes” to opportunities because you believe that isn’t a choice for people who look like you. You may not progress your business because the image you have of yourself holds you back. Sometimes we think “when I’m slimmer I’ll succeed” or “when I look better, I can work on my business” – These are just limiting beliefs.

Secondly, feeling negative about the way you appear may stop you from taking risks, and from being brave. That’s not to say that I don’t have days where I look in the mirror and struggle with what I see BUT through the work that I’m doing I’ve learned how to manage those feelings better. Your body image, if negative, can keep you in your comfort zone. It can keep you from doing your lives on social media, from sharing the photos and even from turning up to meetings. We all know though, that forming true connections is a way to build our business, being relatable and vulnerable. That all starts with showing up as our true selves.

Lastly, having a negative body image makes you more likely to compare yourself with others. You can start to believe that others are more successful because they look a certain way. That’s not the case though, those that are successful (and to reiterate – success looks different for us all,) don’t limit themselves; they take the risks, and they stay on their own path without comparing. Another person’s beauty doesn’t make us less beautiful – this we MUST remember!

What can you do about it?

So, I hear you asking, what can you do to change things?

Surround yourself with the people who like and love you for who you truly are. Talk to them and you will realise that everybody has worries and insecurities. We all struggle with negative body image at times.

Support your body image by taking care of your body. That can look different for each one of you but don’t underestimate how much self-care can make you feel good about yourself. Treat yourself with kindness, and speak to yourself kindly. If you wouldn’t say it to a friend don’t say it to yourself.

Lastly, be you! People love to see the real you. Don’t let what you look like hold you back. Some people will love you and others won’t (their loss obviously!) Just remember your purpose and the right people will surround you

Now go, shine your light and follow your dreams and passions……

My links

Facebook Group:     www.facebook.com/groups/sparrowlegs

Instagram                 www.instagram.com/miss_sparrowlegs

Website                     www.sparrowlegs.com

Email                         anupa@sparrowlegs.com

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Rise & Shine

What gets you up each morning? I recently read that the latest estimates from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) show that the total number of cases of work-related stress, depression or anxiety in 2017/18 was 595,000, a prevalence rate of 1,800 per 100,000 workers. Many of them struggled to even get up in the morning.

I remember those days – where energy, calm and ease felt like they were in a foreign land. One of those episodes, many many moons ago, required setting up home with my sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephew. Life was a pretty bleak place to be. The call of the darkened room and no company, locking myself into the cocoon of a duvet were a place of safety and isolation.

But it often stopped me from doing the normal things – cleaning my teeth, having a shower, taking medication, or going to the shop – I would have quite happily stayed in that “pit” (quite literally) for months if I could.

But every single morning, two little faces would greet me at the bedroom door, encourage me to drink, get up, go again, take the medication, find some energy to walk them to school, tell me a joke, sing me a song, or make up silly stories.

I was hell to live with at times – I was struggling to live with myself, let alone other people having to face the wrath of anger that often came their way.

But still, every morning, those two faces would show up before they headed off to Primary School.

I look back with an element of shame on that time – because those that I loved the most in the world, so young and vulnerable themselves, were the ones pleading with me to go again. They shouldn’t have had to do that. But I am forever eternally grateful that they did.

In the same breath, I look back on those times with fondness – experiencing unconditional love every single waking morning. I smile at the numerous talks that we had as I walked them to school, the trial and error of doing scooter tricks, or making up names for each other. We giggled in a way that still rings in my ears, warms my heart and brings a tear to my eyes even now as I write.

The reality of life’s lesson being this……

In the worst of days, I gained some of the most beautiful and treasured memories, priceless for the rest of times, ones that I will hold onto forever.

And now, some eight years on, two of those beaming faces are grown and at University, following in my footsteps of becoming a teacher . I couldn’t be prouder, not even by the university status – although that in itself is MAGICAL.

No, I am even more proud of the human beings that they have become and continue to be.

Today’s lesson is a simple one – however hard it may feel, light and love are around every corner – from a smile from a stranger, to the breeze in the trees, to the blues of the skies. Just keep going, one small step at a time.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

5 Tips to Preventing Desk Aches & Pains

Guest blog from Chloe Clark at Astral Fitness Sports Massage about preventing desk aches and pains.

Hello and welcome to my guest blog for Kirsty France.

My name is Chloe Clark, and I am the director at Astral Fitness Sports Massage based in Hinckley. You can find out more about me at www.astralfitness.co.uk .

I specialise in using the hands-on art of Sports Massage to solve desk working related acute and chronic aches and pains in your neck, shoulders, back, and hips. I often help solve issues with other muscles too.

Image shows someone working at a desk - are they preventing desk aches and pains?

Desk Ergonomics

Is your desk set up well for you to sit in an unrestricted way? Do you have one main screen set up well, and a secondary screen or laptop that you frequently look at? It is very important that you set yourself up well for both screens and have a swivel chair so that you can move your whole body to look at each screen rather than twisting your neck. Look at the guide below;

Office ergonomics: Your how-to guide – Mayo Clinic

If you can install a standing desk for your work, it will be a game changer not only for your body, but for your brain as well. Your brain operates more efficiently with a better blood flow around the whole body, which, you guessed it, happens when standing and moving about while working.

Stretching

Have you ever had a bit of a stretch at your desk and felt immediately better? But maybe you’re not sure if you’re stretching in a good way or if it’s doing any good? If it feels good- keep doing it. Stretching is a valuable tool to utilise several times a day to prevent aches and pains setting into your body and causing a longer-term issue. If you don’t stretch at your desk and want to know what to do, visit the below article by BUPA.

Desk stretches to ease aches and pains (bupa.co.uk)

Regular Movement

Regular movement is vital to having a healthy day at your desk. This could mean getting up and moving to get a drink once an hour, or simply standing and making more of your stretching time each day. If you work alone this is easy enough, and if you’re in an office you might get some stares! Start the trend of regular stretching, your colleagues will thank you for it.

Exercise

Your body needs movement for optimum health, it is not a losing battle if you’ve got eight hours a day at a desk ahead of you. Any exercise can and will go a long way to keeping you able to work and play in a healthy and pain free manner.

If you don’t exercise regularly, start with something small, five minutes a day is enough to get started.

Try Yoga With Adriene – YouTube , she has hundreds of free videos available for complete beginners as well as the more advanced yogi.  Keep a mat close to hand and fit it in during your day if you work from home.

Go for a brisk walk at lunchtime, my favourite of all exercise, and the simplest and easiest way to get started.

Self-Care

Walking in the countryside, a spa day, swimming, indulging in a hobby, getting a massage… the list is endless when it comes to self-care, but it should be something just for you, to allow you time to reset away from your desk so that you can return to it refreshed. This is also true if you run your business from your phone or tablet and often sit on a sofa!

Thank you for taking time to read my guest blog today. If you are struggling to get any of the above to work and need a little extra help, please do get in touch with me, Chloe, for an appointment at www.astralfitness.co.uk

Thank and have a great festive season!

Chloe Clark

Astral Fitness Sports Massage