Your winter wellbeing community

Your winter wellbeing community is here

Wellbeing – both mental and physical – is at the forefront of everyone’s minds right now, so what better time to move, nourish and breathe together this season with the Island’s leading wellness team at Balance + Glo.

Here they share their self-care tips for the season:

Stay connected – More than ever it feels like a time to come together. Co-founder Jenny encourages you to check-in with your friends; it could be as simple as meeting for a cuppa or moving together (virtually (via their Online Studio) or in-person (check-out their monthly wellness events)). Prioritise nutrients – With the colder weather, our bodies will naturally be craving warm and comforting food. Co-founder Evelyn, recommends using up seasonal vegetables to create batches of soup, perfect for nourishing midweek lunches. Add plenty of garlic, ginger, onion and carrots to give your immune system a boost! Explore breath work – Yoga Teacher Olivia suggests trying some breathwork practices. The breath is our most transformational tool to help shift stagnant energy, calm the nervous system and lower cortisol levels.

Who are the Balance + Glo team?

The Balance + Glo team features the Island’s best yoga, pilates, and fitness teachers, plus a leading nutritionist and GP; offering a 360-degree approach to your wellbeing.

What they offer:

From luxury retreats, unique wellness events, and an Online Studio, Balance + Glo has been designed to support every stage of your wellbeing journey. The Online Studio provides access to over 500 wellness classes across yoga, pilates, fitness, strength, nutrition, self-care, plus dedicated pre- and postnatal programmes. There are weekly LIVE virtual classes, their Sunday Collective Virtual Retreats and monthly challenges to get involved with!

How to get involved:

FREE 30-DAY Trial when you join the Balance + Glo Online Studio - a whole month of self-care for FREE! You’ll get access to the on demand library, weekly live virtual classes, discounts, recipes and an awesome community. Retreat with Balance + Glo on the Island this Spring and experience the very best of island life - from SUP yoga adventures, wild sea dips, daily yoga and fitness, and food from top Island chefs, there is no doubt that you will leave feeling rejuvenated and inspired.

Join at balanceandglo.com Follow us @balanceandglo

The joys of pet ownership

By Sharon and David Groves PETS WITH HART

Whether you have – or are considering – bringing a cat, dog, guinea pig, or budgie into your home and life, the companionship a pet can bring is like no other. They do nothing but give, releasing feel-good endorphins with every cuddle. Animals love routine too, and the daily cycle of feeding, cleaning, exercise, and training is great for bringing some structure into your life. Dogs, of course, need daily exercise, which brings its own benefits for body and mind: if your dog enjoys playing with others this can be a great way to meet like-minded people, and new puppy classes are a fantastic source of friendship and fun too. For the more adventurous and active, you might even try some dog agility classes; others are simply content to quietly explore every corner of our gorgeous Island with a faithful companion by our side. Often bought as a ‘first pet’ for children, smaller animals – guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters and gerbils – are equally rewarding for adults. Children derive enormous benefit from the caring responsibilities, and the pleasure and sense of calm they bring is insurmountable. Whatever you decide, the benefits of a pet – be it small or large, hairy or scaly, fast or slow – are immeasurable: a friend for life.

Sharon and David Groves offer advice on all aspects of pet ownership. Drop into Pets with Hart at 17 Holyrood Street, Newport for a friendly chat, or visit heartoftheisland.co.uk

Soothing skincare

Dermatologist-recommended range by CeraVe, now available at Gibbs & Gurnell

Many common skin conditions – such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and dry skin – have one thing in common: a compromised skin barrier. Developed with dermatologists, the CeraVe range offers a complete line of skincare products containing three essential ceramides to help restore the skin’s natural protective barrier. This winter, whether you need products for your sensitive, oily, acne-prone, combination or normal skin, have specific skin concerns like eczema or psoriasis, or just want a hydrating serum or anti-ageing cream, CeraVe can help.

Quench dry, dehydrated and irritation-prone skin with the lightweight milky CeraVe Moisturising Lotion.

A reparative hand cream for extremely dry, rough and cracked hands, for long-lasting hydration.

Gibbs & Gurnell, 34 Union Street, Ryde gibbsandgurnell.co.uk | 01983 562570