Arcana Living has just launched Curiosity Club, a letterbox-sized subscription designed for children aged 7-12. The monthly creative activities provide a time each month for families to connect with nature together with minimal effort. It makes a thoughtful screen-and-plastic-free gift that will last for three months or longer.
I absolutely loved this and so did my children. It gives hours of fun and it is clever. It gets the children outside and educates while also being fun. The embroidered vibrant collectible patches are also a gorgeous keepsake. Love this. A great gift for children and parents alike.
Creator of Arcana, Ria Mishaal says: “I know as a mum, that finding the time and energy to create meaningful, screen-free activities is a challenge. Curiosity Club is a beautiful, tactile monthly pack of nature-inspired activities delivered to your door doors. All parents need to do is get everyone outside!”
Each edition focuses on what’s happening in Britain during the current season. From £18.50 per month (first month half price) at arcanaliving.com/products/curiosity-club.
Nurturing curiosity, creativity & confidence in the company of nature.
Curiosity Club is for parents who long for their children to grow up with a deep connection to nature, insatiable curiosity, and the confidence to explore the world around them.
Each month, this beautifully illustrated subscription, designed for kids aged 7-12 years with enchanting guides, engaging workbooks, and vibrant collectible patches and pins featuring different species.
Founder of Arcana Living and Curiosity Club Ria, is a mother of two (ages 5 and 9), a science communicator, and an illustrator. She says: “I want my children to grow up with curiosity, creativity, passion and excitement about nature, to cherish their belongings, and to value the world around them, but I struggled to create ways to support this development with all the demands of daily life and to find resources that didn’t add to the throwaway culture.
“Curiosity Club is my answer to this struggle. It’s the resource I wish I could find: a simple, stunning and sustainable way to connect with my children, nurture their love for the natural world, and help them grow into confident, creative individuals.”
Each month features a DISCOVERY GUIDE with at least 10 different activities, including some of these:
Nature education
Guided nature observation
Mini experiments
Outdoor exploration
Crafts with recycled materials
Recipes inspired by nature
How to draw
Reading and comprehension
Sticker activities
Quizzes
A glossary each month of new words and concepts
Plus every quarter each child will receive their very own FIELD JOURNAL, a beautiful space for them to work through three months of the guided activities outlined in the Discovery Guides. With dedicated sections for nature observations, mindfulness pages and experimental projects.
Curiosity Club members also receive an exclusive 30% off Arcana’s full range of Wildlore Patches and Biodiversity Badges.
Limited Time Offer: First month half price for 3 month subscription.
An absolute note perfect novel based on Maria Callas’s love affair with Aristotle Onassis. A fictionalised story of the ultimate Diva of Opera. I was obsessed with this book and did not want to put it down. I have always been a fan of Maria Callas, and Daisy Goodwin is a writer at the top of her game.
In the glittering and ruthlessly competitive world of opera, Maria Callas is known simply as la divina: the divine one. With her glorious voice, instinctive flair for the dramatic and striking beauty, she’s the toast of the grandest opera houses in the world. Yet her fame has been hard won: raised in Nazi-occupied Greece by a mother who mercilessly exploited her, Maria learned early in life how to protect herself.
When she meets the fabulously rich shipping magnate, Aristotle Onassis, her isolation melts away. For the first time in her life, she believes she’s found a man who sees the woman rather than the legendary soprano. Desperately in love, Onassis introduces her to a life of unbelievable luxury, mixing with celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
And then, suddenly, it’s over. The international press announce that Onassis will marry the most famous woman in the world, former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, leaving Maria to pick up the pieces.
Diva is sexy, glamourous and an absolute must-read. Available here.
HRT Husband Replacement Therapy Kathy Lette
Kathy Lette is known for her wit and this book is no different. It takes serious issues and even tragic moments, and tells them with humour and aplomb. Endlessly entertaining, and both heartwarming and funny, HRT Husband Replacement Therapy is a great antidote to reality. Escape between the pages.
An outrageously funny, heartbreaking read – when Ruby finds out she has cancer on the brink of her 50th birthday, she decides to start living instead of complying…
Ruby has always been the generous mediator among her friends, family and colleagues, which is why they’ve all turned up to celebrate her 50th birthday.
But after too many glasses of champers, Ruby takes her moment in the spotlight to reveal what she really thinks of every one of them. She accuses her husband of having an affair and lambasts her mother for a lifetime of playing her three daughters against each other – it’s blisteringly brutal.
As the stunned gathering gawks at Ruby, the birthday girl reveals that she has terminal cancer, and has cashed in her life savings to take her two estranged sisters cruising into the sunset for a dose of HRT – Husband Replacement Therapy. But is Ruby being courageous or ruthlessly selfish?
Another belter from Kathy Lette. This time four women reunite for the first time in decades as they enter midlife. The world has decided they are no longer relevant and so they take their revenge. It’s a fantastic, escapist comedy. Throughly enjoyable with many laugh out loud moments.
WHEN THE ODDS ARE AGAINST YOU, IT’S TIME TO GET EVEN.
Matilda, Jo, Penny and Cressy are all women at the top of their game; so imagine their surprise when they start to be personally overlooked and professionally pushed aside by less-qualified men.
Only they’re not going down without a fight.
Society might think the women have passed their amuse-by dates but the Revenge Club have other plans.
After all, why go to bed angry when you could stay up and plot diabolical retribution? Let the games begin…
I needed a moment after finishing this book. Damn, it’s a masterpiece. The story about a former child actor who quit at the top of her game because of the actions of the director she worked with for years. It’s a forensic take on Hollywood and the metoo movement. Ella Berman knows her characters inside out. The relationships between them is tender and realistic. You won’t be able to put this book down.
Grace Turner was one movie away from Hollywood’s A-List. So no one understood why, at the height of her career and on the eve of her first Golden Globe nomination, she disappeared.
Now, one year later, Grace is back in Los Angeles and ready to reclaim her life on her own terms.
When Grace is asked to present a lifetime achievement award to director Able Yorke – the man who controlled her every move for eight years – she knows there’s only one way she’ll be free of the secret that’s already taken so much from her.
The Comeback is a moving and provocative story of justice – a true page-turner about a young woman finding the strength and power of her voice, from the author of Reese’s Book Club pick Before We Were Innocent.
CONTRIBUTORS INCLUDE: Fearne Cotton, Matt Haig, Katie Piper, Melanie B, Holly Willoughby, June Sarpong, Izzy Judd, Beverley Knight, Dermot O’Leary, The Duchess of York, Jo Malone CBE, Paul Weller, Alex Scott MBE, Dr Julie Smith, Emma Bunton and Melissa Hemsley
I absolutely adore this book. Kindness is the most important thing. This book is full of quotes and wisdom, as well as things to do and advice. It is perfect for adults and children and is beautifully illustrated. Buy in bulk to hand out this Christmas.
Unlock the incredible power of kindness with this small book with a huge heart.
Packed with inspirational quotes, tips, actions and pearls of wisdom from famous personalities, experts and inspirational leaders alike, each page of this beautiful book will help you be kinder to yourself, to other people, and to the planet. Be Kind celebrates kindness in all its forms and demonstratesthat kindness can truly change the world.Kindness is your superpower, and this book will teach you how to use it well.
Rosie Nixon lives in Surrey and is an author, coach and broadcaster. A former magazine editor in chief, she is the founder of Rosie’s Reinvention Retreats, a series of carefully curated ‘retreats in a day’ to support midlife women. She is a mother of two and the author of three previous novels, The Stylist (2016) and sequel, AmberGreen takes Manhattan (2017), and Just Between Friends (2020). Be Kind is her first non-fiction book.
The Perfect Christmas book from the Queen of Christmas. Best read with a hot chocolate for extra festive feels. It has family drama, a love story and it’s set in a Cotswolds village. Bliss.
Will this Christmas finally bring comfort and joy?
A PAINFUL SECRET
Imogen loves her job as an events organiser, and her colleagues are in awe of her. But Imogen isn’t the person she pretends to be, and she’s hiding painful truths about her past. But as long as she can keep on top of her work, Imogen can put everything else to one side.
AN ACT OF KINDNESS
And then Imogen makes a catastrophic mistake at work, and finally realises it’s time to reset. When her favourite client, Dorothy, invites her to spend Christmas with her and her family, in her cottage in the Cotswolds, it sounds like the perfect way for Imogen to take stock.
FINDING HAPPINESS AT CHRISTMAS
Imogen soon settles into idyllic cottage life, especially with the prospect of a new romance on the horizon … but when long-buried secrets and unwanted faces from the past resurface, Imogen’s new peace is threatened. Will Imogen end up alone this Christmas, or can she find it in her heart to forgive and move on?
This is a sumptuous page turner. The lives of two women are told expertly. It’s a glamorous love story which is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. Perfect for fans of The Crown.
A royal princess. A dress lost for decades. A love story waiting to be uncovered… London, 1988: Meredith has landed her dream job at London’s most prestigious fashion house, creating beautiful gowns adorned with intricate beads and embroidery. But now Meredith is about to create a dress like no other for the most famous woman in the world: Diana, Princess of Wales. As Meredith pours her heart into this career-defining dress, she works under the handsome and exacting William in the workroom.
William, and this commission, could end up changing her life in more ways than one… New York, 1997: The red carpet has been rolled out on Park Avenue for the auction of Princess Diana’s dresses for charity. Of the eighty items listed for sale, only seventy-nine will sell.
Because dress Number 19 is missing… England, 2018: Jayne has met all the neighbours in her new building bar one: Mrs Chalis on the first floor. When she finally meets Meredith Chalis in the hallway, she is taken aback by how upset she seems and offers her help. Entering her home, Jayne immediately knows something is very wrong. The house is in complete disarray and there is no sign of Meredith’s husband.
But then Jayne sees the most beautiful evening dress thrown over a chair and reads the note laid beside it.
Jayne realises that Meredith has an incredible story to tell… and only she can help uncover it…
Perfect for fans of Strictly and historical fiction. We’re a sucker for a wartime story, and this is a page turner.
You’re invited to a show to remember at the prestigious Buckingham Hotel . . .
In London 1942 the war is far from over for soldier Raymond de Guise. His wife Nancy is overjoyed to be reunited with her husband, and to introduce him to their son. But their safety is threatened once more as Raymond returns to the ballroom at the Buckingham Hotel, ordered to discover the dark secrets held by the glittering high society. On the dancefloor Raymond uncovers a dangerous relationship that could change the course of the war, and also threaten his marriage to Nancy. Can he protect his King and his family before it is too late?
A DANCE FOR THE KING is a pageturning and epic wartime story filled with drama, mystery, dance and romance.
As one of the five senses, vision is pivotal to a happy and comfortable life. But eye-opening new 2024 data, part of a new report tracking the UK’s eye nutrition knowledge and habits – SEEING SENSE: The Nation’s Eye Health Knowledge And The Impact Of Diet1 and commissioned by MacuShield,[2] – has raised concerns around the nation’s eye health dietetics. The same MacuShield report also brings to light how much importance Brits place on their eyesight and their perceived negative impacts of poor eye health.
The report data found that a high 93% of Brits1 believe that a problem with sight can affect other areas of wellbeing. Nearly three quarters (73%) say sight problems lead to headaches, 67% report stress or anxiety, 54% say mood or mental wellbeing issues and 40% say increased risk of falls.[3]
Optometrist Francesca Marchetti and co-author of the new MacuShield report says: “The nation clearly knows the dreadful impact of poor eyesight. In fact, the MacuShield report data has revealed how 28% of Brits admit that vision is their most ‘important area of health’ and 84% believe that their vision deteriorating would impact their everyday lives.”[4]
Clinical Nutritionist and co-author of the new MacuShield report, Suzie Sawyer explains: “There has been a slight improvement in some areas of the nation’s knowledge; when MacuShield shared the same data in 2023, 12% of respondents said they didn’t believe it was possible to help support eye health.”[9]
But more needs to be done.
Public Health Nutritionist and one of the MacuShield report co-authors, Dr Emma Derbyshire notes: “We need to ensure that our diets contain the correct nutrients from a young age. Leaving it too late can have a big negative impact on eye health. The latest data from MacuShield has already found that 70% of respondents admit that they’ve noticed their eyes deteriorating with age[10] and a high 91% of Brits would be more likely to look after their eye health if they thought they were losing their vision, rather than putting practices in place all the time to keep their eyes healthy.”[11]
“Dietary advice is extremely valuable, but it can only work if people are able to follow it,” adds Dr Emma Derbyshire, noting further, “Only a third (33%) of adults aged 19 to 64 are achieving their 5-A-Day of fruit and vegetables, according to the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS[12]), meaning two thirds of the nation could be short of nutrients including essential vitamins and minerals for eye health. But bridging gaps with the appropriate targeted eye supplements maybe worth considering alongside a healthy diet with at least 5 fruit and vegetables a day as well as following a healthy lifestyle.”
Knowing our eyes
The macula is part of the retina right at the back of the eye. “It is only about 5 mm across, but it is responsible for our central vision, most of our colour vision and the fine detail of what we see,” adds Francesca Marchetti. The macula has a very high concentration of photoreceptor cells – the cells that detect light.
Francesca Marchetti explains: “The macula is the most sensitive part of the retina and gives us sharp central vision essential for activities like reading and driving. The pit or depression within the macula, called the fovea, provides the greatest visual acuity.”
The Macular Pigment
Francesca Marchetti notes further: “Most people don’t know that the macula has a pigment – the macular pigment – which looks like a yellow spot at the back of the eye. This macular pigment is composed of three macular carotenoids – lutein, meso-zeaxanthin and zeaxanthin. The highest concentrations of macular pigment and hence of the three macular carotenoids are found in the fovea.”
Nutrition Know How
Speaking of the three macular carotenoids – lutein, meso-zeaxanthinand zeaxanthin – Public Health Nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire says: “When it comes to knowing a little about lutein, meso-zeaxanthinand zeaxanthin, our knowledge of these macular carotenoids is sparce. In the latest MacuShield eye tracker data detailed in the new report: SEEING SENSE: The Nation’s Eye Health Knowledge And The Impact Of Diet – only 19% of people know what lutein is.[13]
“But the foods that pack in the highest amounts of these nutrients aren’t being eaten regularly by us Brits. Just 46% of people eat nutrient-dense green vegetables such as kale weekly, 13% eat it daily and 10% never do.”
Suzie Sawyer adds: “The macular carotenoids are found in vegetables and fruit, in particular dark green vegetables and orange and yellow fruit and vegetables. Meso-zeaxanthin is found in some fish and seafood, such as trout and shrimp.”
All the products in the MacuShield range2 contain LMZ3 – a nutrient blend of the three macular carotenoids: lutein (10 milligrams (mg), meso-zeaxanthin (10 mg) zeaxanthin (2mg).
Omega 3 DHAis another beneficial nutrient for vision. We need 250 mg daily for beneficial effect for maintaining vision. Oily fish such as sardines and mackerel provide this nutrient but just 40% of Brits eat oily fish twice a month and 18% just a few times a year![14]
Other vitamins and minerals also play a key role in eye health by helping to protect the eye tissues from oxidative damage linked to blue light (such as sun and digital screen) exposure. These nutrients include vitamin C, E, B2 and the minerals zinc and copper.[15]
Zinc is involved in retinal function[16] as it helps contribute to the maintenance of normal vision, while vitamin B2 supports eye health and is important to help maintain opacity and clarity of the lens which contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.[17] Foods such as berries, citrus fruits, vegetable oils, sweet potatoes, liver, kidneys, red meat and dairy products offer these nutrients.
“It is worrying that around 20% of people haven’t heard of vitamin C[18] and 33% don’t know what zinc is,”[19] notes Dr Emma Derbyshire.
Bridging Gaps
In the UK, too many of us are not getting the key nutrients we need that help support our eye health nutrition needs. In fact, two thirds of the nation could be short of nutrients including essential vitamins and minerals for their eye health because of failing to consume 5-A-Day of fruit and vegetables. That’s according to data from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS[20]; aged 19 to 64).
Bridging gaps with the appropriate targeted eye supplements such as those in the MacuShield range[21] maybe worth considering alongside a healthy diet with at least 5 fruit and vegetables a day as well as following a healthy lifestyle.
New MacuShield Original+ Omega 3™ contains a blend of all three macular carotenoids – lutein, meso-zeaxanthin, and zeaxanthin. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans, the same supplement also includes vitamin B2 and a daily dose of 250mg of DHA – which each help to maintain normal vision with just one capsule daily.[22]
Dr Emma Derbyshire notes further: “The UK’s NHS recommends that everyone eats one portion of oily fish (140g) a week[23] but, the government’s NDNS data has found that among 11 to 18-year-olds, oily fish intake is 21g weekly and in adults is only 56g weekly,[24] so many of us are not only short of vital nutrients like vitamin B2 and Zinc according to the government’s nutrition survey (NDNS), but also omega 3.”
Francesca Marchetti says: “For those people struggling to get their five fruit and vegetables into their daily diets, there’s another way to help top up the eye nutrient levels and bridge dietary gaps – and that’s taking a targeted eye health supplement, together with a healthy lifestyle makes good eye health sense to me.
“Let’s take action now to help support our vision down the line as we age.”
Supporting a Healthy Gut Microbiome with Flaxseeds: Key Benefits and Insights from Award Winning Nutritionist, Rob Hobson.
Flaxseeds are rich in vital nutrients
Flaxseeds are rich in vital nutrients, including lignans, omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. While the term “superfood” is often over-used, milled flaxseed genuinely deserves this title and should be a daily addition to your diet to enhance its nutrient density. These tiny seeds offer a wide range of health benefits, particularly in promoting gut health. A healthy gut is crucial for digestion, immune function, and overall well-being, and by choosing milled flaxseed, you maximise the potential benefits.
The Nutritional Power of Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are one of the best plant sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid that we need to obtain from our diet. ALA has anti-inflammatory properties and ALA is known to lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol which is great for heart health1
Flaxseeds are also high in dietary fibre, making up about 40% of the seed. Of this fibre, 25% is soluble, which helps lower blood sugar levels and absorb cholesterol, both of which are important for preventing heart disease2. A study found that consuming flaxseed mucilage, which is the gel-like substance that forms when flaxseeds are mixed with water, can reduce levels of insulin and improve blood glucose control3. This can help to promote better metabolic health such as reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and other risk factors for heart disease like high cholesterol and blood pressure. The remaining 75% of the fibre in flaxseeds is insoluble, which helps add bulk to stool and prevent constipation4.
Flaxseeds are also rich in several other key nutrients, including protein, vitamin E, and magnesium. Flaxseed protein is a high-quality plant-based protein that contains all the essential amino acids, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet for muscle repair and overall health.
Flaxseeds and The Gut Microbiome
One of the key benefits of flaxseeds is helping to maintain a healthy gut microbiome. The gut is home to trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms that play a crucial role in digestion and overall health. A diet rich in healthy and plant-based foods is linked with the presence and abundance of certain gut microbes that are also associated with a lower risk of developing conditions such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease5.
Soluble fibre in milled flaxseed also supports a healthy gut acting as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria in your digestive system, which can be converted into short-chain fatty acids that help nourish the cells lining the colon, promoting a healthy gut barrier and reducing inflammation6,7. A study published in American Journal of Physiology – Endocrinology and Metabolism found that the fibres in flaxseed help increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut, specifically Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia8.
Flaxseeds are also known for helping prevent constipation, a common digestive issue that can negatively affect gut health. In a study where participants ate 10 grams of flaxseed twice a day for 12 weeks, their constipation symptoms, especially stool consistency, improved significantly9.
Flaxseeds have also been shown to reduce intestinal permeability, often referred to as “leaky gut,” where harmful substances pass from the gut into the bloodstream. This phenomenon is associated with inflammation and gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS. A study found that consuming 40 grams of brown or golden flaxseeds daily for 12 weeks significantly reduced intestinal permeability in overweight women10. Research shows that ground flaxseed is particularly beneficial for people with IBS because it is easier to digest and better absorbed by the body. Regular consumption can help relieve constipation, reduce bloating, and improve overall gut health, which is often compromised in people with IBS11.
Conclusion
Flaxseeds are a versatile and nutritious addition to your diet, offering numerous health benefits, particularly for supporting a healthy gut microbiome. Milled flaxseed is an easy and effective way to boost your nutrient intake. Simply add 2 tablespoons of Linwoods Organic cold Milled Flaxseed to smoothies, sprinkle it over porridge, yoghurt, or salads, and mix it into homemade muffins, breads, and pancakes. This is a simple yet powerful approach to enhancing your digestive health everyday.
References
Pan, A., Chen, M., Chowdhury, R., Wu, J. H., Sun, Q., Camargo, C. A., … & Hu, F. B. (2012). α-Linolenic acid and risk of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 96(6), 1262-1273. https://doi:10.3945/ajcn.112.044040
Soliman G. A. (2019). Dietary Fiber, Atherosclerosis, and Cardiovascular Disease. Nutrients, 11(5), 1155. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11051155
Nowak, W., & Jeziorek, M. (2023). The Role of Flaxseed in Improving Human Health. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 11(3), 395. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11030395
Anderson, J. W., Baird, P., Davis, R. H., Jr, Ferreri, S., Knudtson, M., Koraym, A., Waters, V., & Williams, C. L. (2009). Health benefits of dietary fiber. Nutrition reviews, 67(4), 188–205. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-4887.2009.00189.x
Asnicar, F., Berry, S. E., Valdes, A. M., Nguyen, L. H., Piccinno, G., Drew, D. A., Leeming, E., Gibson, R., Le Roy, C., Khatib, H. A., Francis, L., Mazidi, M., Mompeo, O., Valles-Colomer, M., Tett, A., Beghini, F., Dubois, L., Bazzani, D., Thomas, A. M., Mirzayi, C., … Segata, N. (2021). Microbiome connections with host metabolism and habitual diet from 1,098 deeply phenotyped individuals. Nature medicine, 27(2), 321–332. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-020-01183-8
Ding, H. H., Cui, S. W., Goff, H. D., & Gong, J. (2015). Short-chain fatty acid profiles from flaxseed dietary fibres after in vitro fermentation of pig colonic digesta: Structure–function relationship. Bioactive Carbohydrates and Dietary Fibre, 6(2), 62-68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcdf.2015.09.006
Martin-Gallausiaux, C., Marinelli, L., Blottière, H. M., Larraufie, P., & Lapaque, N. (2021). SCFA: mechanisms and functional importance in the gut. The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 80(1), 37–49. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0029665120006916
Arora T., Rudenko O., Egerod K.L., Husted A.S., Kovatcheva-Datchary P., Akrami R., Kristensen M., Schwartz T.W., Bäckhed F. Microbial fermentation of flaxseed fibers modulates the transcriptome of GPR41-expressing enteroendocrine cells and protects mice against diet-induced obesity. Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metabol. 2019;316:E453–E463. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.00391.2018
Soltanian, N., & Janghorbani, M. (2018). A randomized trial of the effects of flaxseed to manage constipation, weight, glycemia, and lipids in constipated patients with type 2 diabetes. Nutrition & metabolism, 15, 36. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12986-018-0273-z
Sant’Ana, C. T., Amorim, A. D., Gava, A. P., Aguilar, C. M., Silva, N. G., Machado, L. D., Viana, M. L., Oliveira, D. D. S., Silva, P. I., Costa, N. M. B., & Costa, A. G. V. (2022). Brown and golden flaxseed reduce intestinal permeability and endotoxemia, and improve the lipid profile in perimenopausal overweight women. International journal of food sciences and nutrition, 73(6), 829–840. https://doi.org/10.1080/09637486.2022.2052820 – 11
Tarpila S, Tarpila A, Grohn P et al. (2004) Efficacy of ground flaxseed on constipation in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Curr Topics Nutraceutical Res 2, 119–125. 12
Men typically take 11 weeks to recover from a break up.
Women take longer, 15 weeks on average.
Almost 1-in-10 subscribed to dating apps the very day of the breakup.
Breaking up is so hard to do. For some, a relationship’s end means days (or even weeks) of isolation, reflection, and tears. Others dive straight back into their social circles, relying on friends, family, or even alcohol to ease the pain. But not everyone fits into these categories.
There’s a different group: those who seem to carry no emotional baggage, effortlessly moving on and reentering the dating scene almost immediately, as if the breakup had never happened
DatingNews.com carried out a survey of 3,000 people to uncover how long it really takes people to get over a breakup and whether the healing process varies by gender. Who can pick themselves up and put themselves back together in the shortest period of time, and who mourns and grieves for the relationship that could have been for the longest? The results make for a fascinating read.
Firstly, let’s take the average by gender. Nationally, men take, on average, 11 weeks to recover from a breakup. This seems like a reasonable time frame, as they may rely on their social circles to stay active and distracted, which helps them move forward.
Women, on the other hand, took an average of 15 weeks, or almost four months. This could be because women often process emotions deeply and take more time to reflect on the relationship. They may revisit memories and experiences more thoughtfully, seeking closure in different ways as they navigate their healing process.
DatingNews also wanted to find out some other aspects about breakup recovery and asked those who took part in the survey a range of other questions. These included:
Which activities helped you the most to move on after a breakup?
The top answer was spending time with friends and family, said nearly half of the survey respondents (49%). After all, family members are the ones who know you the best and can be very supportive.
The second most frequent answer was focusing on work or hobbies (26%), which can be a fantastic distraction that stops you brooding too much on what happened; followed by working out (12%), which boosts endorphins; seeking therapy or counseling (4%) and finally traveling or taking a break (2%).
Some people went to extremes to get over a breakup, however, with 8% throwing themselves into a rebound or revenge relationship; nearly a quarter (23%) getting a drastic image makeover, such as a new haircut or tattoo. For those looking to accelerate the process of getting over someone, 50% said that deleting all traces of their ex (e.g. photos, social media, even furniture) helped make it quicker, while 32% voted for hooking up with someone new straightaway. A further eight percent subscribed to dating apps the very day of the breakup.
All that said, almost one-third said they regretted how quickly they’d moved on from a breakup, perhaps realizing down the line that they hadn’t given themselves enough time to heal.
“It’s clear from the survey results that men and women experience breakups differently, both in emotional intensity and the time it takes to heal,” said Amber Brooks, Chief Editor of DatingNews. “While men might lean on distractions and social activities to recover, women often take a deeper, more introspective approach. Both methods have their merits, but the important takeaway is to allow yourself the time and space you need to heal properly, regardless of how long it takes.”
A bath is the ultimate in self care and having the right products is essential. These products are all brilliant. All hail the ‘everything bath’ – the ultimate in self-care, me-time! Based on traditional Chinese Medicine, Elemental Herbology have everything you need for your everything pamper – from diffusers that will turn your bathtime into a spa, to bath & body oils, to luxury haircare, to decadent body care and beyond!
Zest Sugar Body Polish, £40, www.elementalherbology.com. Awaken your year-round summer glow with this zesty sugar polish, enriched with a nourishing blend of superfood plant oils to maintain skin health and reveal brighter, smoother skin.
Neroli & Bergamot Shampoo, £25, www.elementalherbology.com. Found in select spas, salons and hotels around the world, this uplifting shampoo is sulfate and chemical-free. It nourishes and restores the hair while calming the mind, bringing hotel luxury to your home.
Muscle Melt Body Balm, £29, www.elementalherbology.com. Instantly soothe tired and aching muscles with this warming muscle balm. This luxurious balm-to-oil formulation uses natural anti-inflammatories to help reduce tension and speed-up muscle recovery.
Leading menopause brand, Issviva and nutrition experts, PhenomX Health have collaborated to empower women from peri to post-menopause to take control when it comes to some the most common menopause symptoms – sleep and stress. Many women report sleep disruption and increased stress levels to the extent that they struggle to live their best lives, stepping back from career aspirations, and finding relationships more difficult.
By combining cutting-edge science with a holistic approach, Issviva and PhenomX have co-created a 90-day SLEEP + STRESS RESET programme that delivers the tools, personalised insights and support to transform your sleep. Designed by a team of leading scientists, functional medicine dietitians and medical experts from PhenomX, The SLEEP + STRESS RESET programme has been spearheaded by Dr Colleen Fogarty Draper, PhD, RD Nutrition Scientist and Dr Jennifer
Lovejoy, PhD Translational and Behavioural Sciences, specialist in personalised nutrition, behavioural sciences and lifestyle wellness.
The SLEEP + STRESS RESET programme is made up of three phases:
Understand, Evolve and Thrive.
Phase one: Understand
Transformation begins with understanding where you’re starting from. In the first two weeks of your journey, the programme enables a dive deep and see what’s going on – biologically and emotionally. A clever combination of state-of-the-art saliva testing and a guided self-evaluation shows you – and the programme facilitator – how you’re doing at the beginning of the programme so you can benchmark your start point.
State-of-the art cortisol testing analyses your stress hormones.
Guided self-assessment questionnaire for sleep and stress helps you understand your starting point.
Personalised insights: The SLEEP + STRESS RESET programme contains a series of saliva tests, which you take at various points during the programme to measure your cortisol levels. Cortisol is a key stress hormone and if elevated, can indicate chronic stress. Cortisol levels follow a daily pattern and saliva testing helps assess whether cortisol patterns are disrupted and if so, when. This provides personal insights which allow you to determine exactly when you need to prioritise stress management.
Phase 2: Evolve
The next phase is ‘active transformation’. For 90 days, you’ll learn more about lifestyle and nutrition changes that can help with sleep and stress and try them for yourself. You’ll also receive a premium daily supplement to support sleep.
For 90 days, you will take a specialised nutritional supplement, Issviva ZZZZ’s, which have been designed to enhance relaxation and promote restful sleep. Issviva ZZZZ’s, contain Vitamins B5, B6, ashwagandha and chamomile extracts.
More than that, you’ll also track symptoms, learn more about yourself and your habits, and benefit from personalised insights, education, support and empowering tools tailored for improved sleep and stress management.
It’s a guided process, devised by medical and functional nutrition experts and includes:
– Issviva ZZZZ’s supplements – to help you relax and drift off into a restful sleep.
– Expert nutrition and lifestyle advice based on your phenotype.
– Tutorials and webinars to guide you with meditation and stress reduction.
– Tracking app to help you understand how the changes you make affect your symptoms.
– Monthly care packages with treats and motivation to keep you on track.
Phase 3: Thrive
After 90 days of transformation, learning and exploration, it’s time to test again and see how far you’ve come. As well as revisiting your initial baseline evaluation, the programme facilitators set you up for continuing long term success with expert advice for making lifestyle changes stick.
Highlights ofThe SLEEP + STRESS RESET programme:
Daily premium supplements to improve sleep quality and quantity.
Personalised insights in stress and sleep.
Educational content on menopause, stress management, sleep optimisation
and nutrition through webinars and blogs.
Practical tools like meditation to reduce stress and enhance sleep quality.
App-based self-monitoring of symptoms and visualisation of patterns.
Access to exclusive app content.
Support via WhatsApp and email
Access to a Facebook community group
The SLEEP + STRESS RESET 90 day programme costs £150.00 and can be purchased
Background: The Issviva brand was created specifically to support women going through the menopause by providing a ‘safe space’ where you can join a like-minded community, access educational blogs and advice from experts and find tailored, scientifically-backed products and solutions, especially formulated to help relieve perimenopausal, menopausal and post-menopausal symptoms. Issviva’s purpose is to create a better modern menopause, enabling every woman to take control and be ready for this new life phase.
Sunscreen is one of the best ways to protect your skin, and daily wear will help to minimise cumulative sun damage and accelerated signs of ageing.
As part of Face the Future’s 366 Days of SPF campaign, survey results found that only 22% of the UK apply SPF daily, and only 8% reapply their SPF in a day.
What is party season make-up/how is it different to everyday wear?
Party makeup tends to be more dramatic and glamorous than your everyday routine. Think shimmery glitters, bold red lips, and smoky eyes in deep browns and rich jewel tones. For skin, party season makeup looks usually feature a fuller coverage foundation and more defined cheekbones with a healthy dose of highlighter. Tis the season to sparkle, after all!
What trends for party season make-up do you think will be in this year?
Red lips are a timeless Christmas staple, so I’m sure they’ll be in high demand this year. They’re festive, flattering, and universally stylish. No matter your skin tone or type, there’s a perfect red lipstick out there for you! When it comes to eye makeup, I expect to see plenty of glittery and metallic eyeshadows this holiday season. For skin, a flawless and glowing complexion will be the perfect base for any makeup look.
What is the best SPF for glowy party season skin? For a ‘lit from within’ glow, opt for moisturising SPF formulas that have added illuminating pigments, like Hello Sunday The Illuminating One Glow Primer SPF50. This gorgeous glow booster gives your skin an ethereal glow that looks beautiful both on its own or under your makeup. If you want a rosy, healthy glow, Sand & Sky Tinted Glow Primer SPF30 is perfect. It’s infused with red seaweed to strengthen your skin’s protective barrier, and a Hyaluronic Complex for optimal hydration.
How can you stop your SPF pilling under your make-up? How long should you wait before doing your skin?
To prevent piling, it’s important to prep your skin properly first to ensure you have a clean base. Start with a thorough cleanse using a gentle cleanser, before following with your favourite moisturiser – water-based formulas are less likely to pill, so opt for these over oil-based formulas. Next, add your water-based SPF on top.
It’s important to allow time between layering your skincare products to ensure proper absorption of the formulas – a few to ten minutes is usually plenty of time. This can also help to prevent pilling as you’re not overloading your skin.
Are there any application techniques / advise for how to apply your products for long-wear?
One of my favourite techniques that you can use to keep your base products in place all day and night is ‘baking’; this is a makeup technique that’s been around for years! In makeup setting terms, baking involves setting your concealer and foundation with a generous amount of translucent powder and allowing it to “bake” (set) on your skin for several minutes before brushing it away with a fluffy brush. This method can help to control oil, reduce shine, and create a smooth, long-lasting base for your makeup. It’s best applied using a dampened beauty blender to gently press the powder into place. If you worry that your powder will look too cakey on your skin, you can spritz it with a makeup setting spray for a flawless finish an extra hold.
For party eyes, make sure to use waterproof formulas when it comes to mascara and eyeliner.
For lips, liquid lipsticks are a great choice! You can also use the baking technique on your lips. Simply apply two layers of your favourite lipstick, blotting in between each layer, then apply your translucent powder over the top and allow it to set for a couple of minutes before gently dusting it away. This technique can feel drying on your lips, so prep them well beforehand to ensure comfort and no signs of flaking.
How/can you re-apply SPF throughout the day without redoing make-up?
To re-apply your SPF throughout the day without disrupting your makeup, it’s best to look for a spray-on formula. Hello Sunday The Retouch One – Face Mist SPF30 is ultra-fine and invisible, so it’s perfect for topping up your protection throughout the day. Another great product us Ultrasun UV Face & Scalp Mist SPF 50 – it’s transparent and water resistant and gives high broad-spectrum protection from UVA, UVB, Infrared A and Blue Light. It also won’t leave a sticky feeling on your skin, so you’ll feel perfectly comfortable all day.
Which SPFs are best under makeup for matte finish?
