Wellbeing Wednesday #18
Bitesized options for brightening up your hump day
Inspire
"Be content with what you have. Rejoice in how things are. When you realise there is nothing lacking the whole world belongs to you."
- Lao Tzu
Hi, I’m Holly - coach, mindfulness facilitator and writer of the Zestful Zen Wellbeing Wednesday newsletter. 💖 I hope you’ll find these resource round-ups a helpful self-care support and an opportunity to pause as we hit “hump day” each week. 🐪
Disclosure: To support my solopreneurship dreams, posts may contain affiliate links, where I get a commission at no cost to you. I only share items I genuinely believe you’ll enjoy.
Look
I spent the latter half of my childhood growing up not far from the rugged Northern Irish coastline. Walking along it is one of the things I most look forward to on trips home. Depending on the weather, the sea can be calming or invigorating: gentle ripples that leave me feeling zen, or crashing waves that energise and excite me. Wherever I live or travel to, I’m always drawn to water. In Brussels or London, which I currently split my time between, I find flowing streams or peaceful ponds nearby to visit. Perhaps you have a favourite blue space that draws you in too?
Listen
How Water Heals, a contemplative episode from The Science of Happiness features three wise voices: indigenous scholar Dr Yuria Celidwen, social psychologist Dr Mathew White, and non-profit communicator Taraneh Arhamsadr. They discuss the relationships between natural environments, physical health, and psychological health. The episode also includes a water practice to incorporate in your daily routine.
Watch
If you’re feeling a bit stressed about everything you need to get done before Christmas, pause for two minutes and lighten the load with some laughter at these adorable baby goats frolicking: A GIGGLE with the GOATS Jingle Bells Holiday Performance. They’re so joyful and carefree, even when they mess up. A great lesson for us not to take things too seriously.
Read
If you’re stocking up on holiday reading, thinking ahead to your choices for 2025, or looking for some last-minute gifts for the readers among your family and friends, check out ’s 2025 Book Club Picks for the first half of next year. There’s a nice selection of novels and non-fiction to choose from. Add them to your Christmas wish list - there’s still time for a letter to Santa, right?!
Ask
You might have seen my Note last week explaining that my mum was sick and I was taking a writing break while focusing on her, my family, and my self-care. It was an exhausting time and we sadly lost mum at the weekend. But I’m grateful she passed peacefully surrounded by family and love.
We’re grieving now and I’m continuing my writing break. But I had this post already drafted so decided to publish it. Of course, there was no personal essay on Saturday for me to lift self-reflection/journal prompts from. So instead, I’ll simply ask:
What matters most to you?
How can you make it a priority in your life?
Do
Give yourself the gift of silence. Noise can seem inescapable during the holidays, whether it’s Christmas jingles, kids playing games, or family chatting incessantly. Switch off your tech and go on a solo walk in the park. Soak in a bubble bath with some scented candles glowing around you. Or set aside some “me time”, curled up in bed with a book. The world will still be there in all its noisy glory when you emerge.
✨✨✨✨✨
Wishing you all a wonderful Wellbeing Wednesday! 💖
For more self-care resources, dip into the Wellbeing Wednesday back catalogue, or check out my essays on self-care.
P.S. I’d love your feedback on this post: What would make it better? 🌸
Ways to connect or work with me 💬
DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer coaching sessions and mindfulness courses.
If you enjoyed this post, it would mean the world to me if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨
I’m so sorry to hear about your mum. Hoping you and your family have quiet healing time over the next little while.