And there is the quest. Since I was diagnosed with UC and DC in 2008 I have been on a mission to work those daily practices in to my life. By doing this I am really trying to keep my nervous system calm. Due to trauma I have lived in stress response for years.

I’ve been through periods of consistency with these practices then losing some good practice. And what I’ve learnt is that this works. Building a life that is centred around these practices is the only way to achieve optimal health.

My daily practices currently :

• Walk in nature (ideally in sunshine)

• Meditate (to include breathing) - my hack is to do this while still in bed, while I reach for my phone before the day starts

• Water

• Nutrition - a diet based on my allergies, difficiencies and needs depending on my UC status. Glucose balancing

• Supplements - diagnosing what my body is missing and giving it all the goodness it needs to function

• Great sleep - chamomile tea, reading before bed, early bedtime and clear routine

• Journalling - getting my busy ADHD mind out of the brain and on to the page, a lot less overwhelming

If you feel a long way from these right now, I’ve been there. I never thought I could be this person. It’s taken a lot of surrender, a lot of habit building and most importantly unlearning beliefs I had that told me I wasn’t worthy of this attention, this rest and these gentle and kind practices were a waste of my time. It’s taken work, counselling and coaching. It’s worth it ALL.

This is all under pinned by a clear purpose and vision for my life in the now and my future, for which all of this is for. To live the very best life possible.

Start small - 1 small habit at a time.