You're a Natural Beauty: December 2025

Each month Adele Trathan and Sara Whatley look at seven elements of living the life of a natural beauty, helping you to enrich the mind, body and soul in balance and holistic harmony 

YOGA

Corpse Pose, Savasana 

As we reach the end of our calendar year it feels appropriate to turn to Corpse Pose, Savasana. This pose is usually practiced at the end of a yoga session to deeply relax both the body and mind. It can be difficult to simply lay still and quiet at first, but with practice the body becomes still and the mind is able to access the peace and awareness inside. 

Lie on the floor on your back with your legs comfortably wide, palms facing up and arms resting by your sides, eyes closed. Allow the neck to be long with a tuck of the chin. Lift your buttocks slightly then lay the spine down so your sacrum is flat on the floor. Push your heels away then let your feet flop to the sides. Melt your shoulders to the floor and soften your jaw, tongue, and forehead. Let your eyes sink to the back of your head. 

Now turn to your breathing. Notice the breath coming in and out of your body and allow it to fill your body from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. Allow your body to soften with every out breath and find true rest by letting go. 

ESSENTIAL OIL

Cinnamon 

The scent of cinnamon is sweet and spicy and for many, the smell evokes positive and happy memories of the festive season and relaxed cosy days. Cinnamon oil is derived from the bark or leaves of the Cinnamomum verum tree and Cinnamomum cassia tree which both contain elements of cinnamaldehyde and eugenol. 

Cinnamon oil is prized for its delicious fragrance and is also linked to several health benefits. However, cinnamon oil is also very strong and doesn’t mix with water, it can cause skin irritation unless very diluted with a carrier oil – so use sparingly and avoid completely if you have a cinnamon allergy. 

Mood Enhancer: The spicy scent is reminiscent of warmth andcomfort, making it ideal for at-home aromatherapy. Use cinnamon oil in room diffusers to create a tranquil atmosphere and promote a sense of calm and relaxation.

Antibacterial properties: Research suggests that cinnamon oil combats hard-to-treat bacterial organisms with compounds that have an antimicrobial effect. 

Disinfects: Cinnamon bark oil’s antibacterial properties make it an effective and non-chemical additive that can be used to preserve products and increase their shelf life. Cinnamon oilis sometimes used as a preservative in cosmetics and toiletries. 

Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying to the skin. 

DID YOU KNOW?

Sing, Sing, Sing... 

Singing is a joyful way of improving your mood, but it also has some great health benefits. Research has revealed singing has a myriad of psychological and biological effects, especially when in a group such as a choir. Studies have shown that just five minutes of singing can decrease blood pressure and heart rate, improve lung function while releasing happy hormones and activating the reward pathways in the brain. 

When singing as part of a choir or group, it can help provide social support and reduce loneliness by creating a sense of community. Singing can help improve mental health and reduce signs of depression – as feel-good neurochemicals such as endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin are released. Why not sing some carols this Christmas and feel the joy? 

THERAPY CORNER

Psychodynamic Therapy 

Psychodynamic Therapy allows you to see the relationship between your current behaviours and emotions and how they have been shaped by your past, your childhood and your unconscious mind. 

Typically, a psychodynamic treatment plan will be long term – months or even years – so the relationship with your therapist is vital. Finding the right fit for you will allow you to talk openly about your childhood, relationship to your parents, your current issues and anything else that arises. Spending this time together will enable you to get to the root of the problem and work through the knots you find there. 

After psychodynamic therapy people can feel that everything in their lives improves, from their relationships and friendships to their work and general sense of fulfilment. There is no question it is an investment, both financially and emotionally, but it can come with life changing benefits. 

This type of therapy can help with many issues including:• Addiction• Anxiety• Depression• Relationships• Eating Disorders 

IT’S A GUT FEELING

Christmas Gut Health 

It’s easy to over-indulge at Christmas – so much delicious food, drink and celebrations to enjoy! Added to that a change in schedule which means many of us are more sedentary and we have a perfect storm - our poor guts and digestive system being put under pressure. 

If you are keen to avoid the bloat or heartburn that can result from this, then start by listening to your body. Know your normal – when it comes to your bowel movements and when you feel your best and try to pay attention to your ‘full’ signals, although this can be a challenge at this time of year! 

Staying active can help to keep everything moving, so why not try an invigorating walk or engage the whole family in a kitchen dance party or physical game? 

Keeping up your intake of fruit, vegetables and fibre rich foods will all help your guts to stay settled, and drinking plenty of water, especially if you are drinking alcohol will ensure full hydration, making sure you look your best too. 

And lastly, include lots of yogurt, kefir and fermented foods in your diet for a happy belly this Christmas! 

CRYSTAL POWER

Hematite 

Hematite is an iron oxide crystal and has a metallic like lustre with colours that range from black and grey to silver, along with more reddish-brown varieties. The Iron Rose, as it was sometimes historically known, is dense and harder than your average crystal and throughout history has been regarded as a protective stone of grounding and healing. 

Practical Uses: 

Healing Properties: With a high iron content Hematite has long been connected to the blood and is considered to be good for amping up the circulation. It is believed to help with any kind of health issue connected to blood flow and also promotes good absorption of nutrients. 

Emotional Properties: Hematite is believed to be a strength giver – promoting courage, willpower, and confidence – giving your self-esteem a hearty boost. If you often find yourself at the mercy of other people’s bad vibes, then Hematite can protect against becoming a sponge for negative energy. 

Spiritual Properties: A strong rooting stone, Hematite is connected to the root chakra and the solar plexus chakra. Our base chakras are where our confidence, self-belief and feelings of security sit. Hematite is also celebrated for its yin-yang balancing out. 

SUPERFOOD

Brazil Nuts 

Brazil nuts provide numerous health benefits due to their high concentration of selenium, healthy fats, and other vitamins and minerals. They can help to support thyroid function, boost the immune system, and promote heart and brain health through their antioxidant properties. Consuming one to three nuts a day can provide the necessary selenium to meet daily requirements, but excessive intake can lead to selenium toxicity – so moderation is key. 

Health and nutritional benefits include: 

● Brazil nuts are extremely rich in selenium, a mineral essential for regulating thyroid hormones that control metabolism, selenium also helps strengthen the immune system. 

● They contain monounsaturated fats and antioxidants that can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and improve overall cardiovascular health. 

● Brazil nuts are rich in antioxidants like vitamin E and phenols which help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation. 

● They are also a good source of protein, fibre, magnesium, zinc, and calcium, which are important for overall health, bone strength and muscle function.