Happy International Women’s Day beautiful! This year’s theme is ‘Accelerate Action’ – of course it’s in relation to achieving gender equality – via the removal of barriers that women face worldwide in all spheres of our lives. Let’s face it, our lives can be incredibly challenging, and we don’t have as much control over events as we’d like, but we boldly step forward daily.
I think that we all understand that in order to do the necessary work we need to manage our wellbeing, to take control of it mind, body and spirit! That means creating pockets of time that enable us to build our inner strength, our resilience and our compassion for self and others.
With that in mind this newsletter is dedicated to encouraging you to take the wheel in relation to your health and wellbeing….as the saying goes “you can’t pour from an empty cup”. You need both physical, mental and emotional sustenance.
As regular followers will know, here at Wow Beauty & Wellbeing we’re all about helping you to become your best self as we take the journey with you; in fact the launch of Wow was fuelled by my lifelong obsession with beauty and wellbeing. Like you I’m always learning…I’m committed to it and I enjoy sharing that with you.
Here at WOW we talk a lot about ‘self-care’ which is a term that has been used widely and in some instances carelessly so that now it is often disparaged as a social media trend. The thing that I’ve learnt is that in its truest sense, ‘self-care’ literally means caring for yourself – and that entails all of the wellbeing practices that you rely on daily, however big or small.
Self-care is not an indulgence, it is absolutely necessary for all of us as we navigate our daily lives….lives that are full of responsibilities, commitments, to do’s and to don’ts, challenges etc… ultimately true self care is not one dimensional, it encompasses physical care, emotional care and spiritual care.
Understanding your own unique wellbeing needs enables you to give yourself the time and space to meet them and ultimately empowers you to maximise your limitless potential & show up as your truest self. It’s time to take the wheel, babe!
Here’s 3 books that I wouldn’t be without…
So here are a few of the elements of my ‘selfcare’ toolkit: mind, body and spirit…
Denise x
Sacred Rest by Saundra Dalton-Smith MD
I love this book because it’s a game changer, here’s why. One of the most powerful things that this book teaches is that “sleep is different from rest”. Obvious you might think… but then think about how many of us find ourselves saying that we’re tired and obsessing about needing more sleep, getting more sleep and still feeling tired.
As you read on Dr. Dalton-Smith explains the different types of rest from physical, mental, emotional, social and more….and how to know which one you need to restore your energy and thrive.
The Luminous Self by Tracee Stanley
As a fan of Tracee Stanley I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this magical book (especially having read her first book ‘Radiant Rest’) This is one of those books that becomes a life companion because you can return to it whenever you need a reminder of how to connect to your power through the embodiment of practices like yoga nidra, breathwork and more. This is a gentle, profoundly restorative and effective approach to healing.
This book combines yoga practices and rituals that aim to connect you with your inner self, which can be deeply restorative on a spiritual and emotional level.
Great TED Talks
Embrace your raw, strange magic – Casey Gerald
The way we’re taught to live has got to change, says author Casey Gerald. Too often, we hide parts of ourselves in order to fit in, win praise, be accepted. But at what cost? In this inspiring talk, Gerald shares the personal sacrifices he made to attain success in the upper echelons of American society — and shows why it’s time for us to have the courage to live in the raw, strange magic of ourselves.
How changing your story can change your life – Lori Gottlieb
Stories help you make sense of your life — but when these narratives are incomplete or misleading, they can keep you stuck instead of providing clarity. In an actionable talk, psychotherapist and advice columnist Lori Gottlieb shows how to break free from the stories you’ve been telling yourself by becoming your own editor and rewriting your narrative from a different point of view.
Fave Podcasts
Incredible Women
NET-A-PORTER presents the Incredible Women podcast, season nine. In this series, Passion & Purpose, we celebrate women whose drive, vision and dedication in their fields – from Hollywood to sport, fashion to business – truly sets them apart. Featuring Rosamund Pike, Emma Grede, Halina Reijn and more.
Wellbeing Tips
Taking action starts with these small, intentional steps. Here’s some ways to support your wellbeing so you can show up for others around you.
Prioritise Rest – Your body and mind need time to recharge. Make sleep a non-negotiable, take breaks when needed, and embrace moments of stillness to restore your energy.
Nourish Your Body and Mind – Fuel yourself with nutrient-rich foods, stay hydrated, and move your body in ways that feel good. Equally, engage in activities that stimulate your mind, whether it’s reading, journaling, or practicing mindfulness.
Support and Uplift Others – Connection and kindness matter. Offer a listening ear, encourage those around you, and surround yourself with people who inspire and uplift you. Giving support often brings just as much joy as receiving it.
Feed Your Mind with Knowledge – Learning is a lifelong journey. Whether through books, podcasts, courses, or meaningful conversations, expanding your knowledge empowers you to grow and evolve.
Small steps lead to big changes. Which of these will you focus on today?
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