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Connected: The 12 Ways of Wellbeing for a Holistically Healthy Life
Connected:
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October 10th, 2021 is not only World Mental Health Day, the international day for education, awareness, and advocacy about mental health, but will also see the release of a brand new wellness book by debut author, Gemma Margerison.
“For as long as I can remember it has been my dream to publish a book and I am so excited that it is finally going to happen. I have been working on this project since early 2020 and it kept me going through the struggles of setting up my own business during a pandemic,” she says.
Connected: The 12 Ways of Wellbeing for a Holistically Healthy
Life is the first full publication by the Lancashire-born writer, speaker, coach, and researcher, who introduces us to her unique model of wellness, The Four Spheres of Connection.
“I believe we need to have a connection to ourselves, others, the world, and our purpose in order to live a well-round life. We explore each of these four sections through three sub-chapters; breaking them down into 12 bitesize and easy-tounderstand chunks,” says Gemma.
The book, which is an entry-level introduction into the world of health and wellbeing, features information, advice, and guidance from the author alongside 45 other UK-based contributors. Each one has also been able to include their business contact details and social media handles.
“I wanted Connected to be a cross between a self-help book and a wellbeing directory. That way, readers who prefer to make changes or improvements by themselves are given the tools to do so, but those who require further support know who they can contact.
“I have been blown away by the amount of value that has been added by the inputs from the contributors, and I think that after everything we have been through over the last 18 months, it is a really important time to get these messages out,” says Gemma.
In addition to this, the book will further contribute to supporting mental health in Lancashire through being an ‘in aid of’ product for Lancashire Mind. This means that £2 from the sale of every copy of Connected will be donated to the charity to help fund their work in the community.
The inspiration for the book came from Gemma’s own journey. Having been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in 2015, she understands the importance of having access to the right information and assistance.
“There are so many things in the book that I wish I had known a long time ago. I believe that if I had understood the range of support out there, I would not have waited so long to seek help, which, in turn, would have speeded my recovery,” says Gemma.
“There has been a huge shift in attitudes towards wellbeing since the Covid-19 pandemic hit and we are finally starting to understand just how important it is. I hope this book will enable people from all walks of life to engage with the topic in a helpful and impactful way.”
Robyn Harris, Director of
Equenergy who features in Chapter 12 of Connected says, “I believe that much of our healing comes through connection. Trauma cuts us off from ourselves and our inner wisdom and guidance; from others; and even from the society in which we live and the natural world around us. From this perspective, connection and
For Jackie Robinson, Director and Founder of The Balance Approach, and contributor in Chapter 7, it was the collaboration element that drew her to the project. “I am passionate about collaboration, communication, and the idea that our health and wellbeing is holistically connected emotionally, physically and mentally. When we are treated as a whole, we can create happier healthier lives. The Balance Approach aim is to share tools and skills to enable us all to work together as a community,” she says.
A community is made up of individuals. “You are unique, and lifestyle should be personalised to elevate your health. We need facts, not guesswork,” says Success
and Health Coach Julia Riewald,
who features in Chapter 3. “The microbiome influences thinking, feeling, doing, and your genes. Thus, gut health and Nutrigenetics are core elements for wellness and with Connected you see how these approaches combine with all other holistic therapy choices”
Finally, we meet Matt Gibbs,
Managing Director of Walx Preston,
in Chapter 11. He summarises the book by saying, “True wellbeing comes from applying yourself in many areas of your life. This includes regular walking, eating well, educating yourself, looking after your finances, but also talking kindly to yourself and others. A key part of the whole process is being connected to others. Gemma has done a fantastic job of bringing people together to help others achieve a holistically health life.”
You can meet Gemma and some of the contributors at the book launch and wellbeing fair being held on
Sunday October 10th from 1-4pm in the Garden Room at Ribby Hall
Village. The event is free to attend, and each guest will receive a goody bag of information.
The book is available for pre-order prior to launch by contacting Gemma Margerison on:
gemmalouisecoaching@gmail.com
