https://lottiepovallphotography.com KNIT HAPPENS I’m finding wedding planning overwhelming and consuming. What advice can you share to improve my well-being? After a long day at work, it’s common to find ourselves glued to the couch with a phone in hand, sometimes for hours. While it might seem like doomscrolling helps keep you informed, research shows that it often leads to psychological distress, lower mental well-being, and decreased work engagement. The good news is that there are many ways to break this habit, and one effective approach is replacing phone time with a hobby. Mindfulness involves focusing on the present moment and experiencing your thoughts and feelings without judgment. It’s not about clearing your mind, but about being fully engaged in an activity without distractions. Creative hobbies like knitting or colouring can help you lose track of time and feel immersed, acting as a ‘flow activity.’ They can aid emotional regulation, soothe the nervous system, and reduce tension. Mindful hobbies offer a sense of control and provide tangible results, such as a finished craft project. Achievement is a key ingredient in psychological well-being, and it helps alleviate distress. Just 10 minutes of mindful colouring three times a week can lower stress, anxiety and negative moods while reducing cortisol levels and promoting relaxation. To build positive habits, set a small, achievable goal. For example, dedicate 10 to 20 minutes after work to a hobby before reaching for your phone. Setting boundaries around phone use, such as creating a ‘no phone zone,’ can also help reduce temptation. If your mind wanders, gently refocus on your activity. Breaking the doomscrolling habit doesn’t mean you have to quit social media entirely. But swapping scrolling for mindful hobbies can help you set meaningful boundaries and build healthier habits. Dr Emma Palmer-Cooper | Dr Emma Palmer-Cooper Psychologist | https://emmapalmercooper.co.uk https://unsplash.com/@jakobowens1 TASTEFULLY WED We want to ensure our guests feel welcome and happy during our wedding. What can you suggest? Long journeys and waiting around can leave guests feeling peckish. To keep everyone satisfied, consider offering pre-wedding nibbles and drinks upon arrival or during transport to the venue. Think mini cocktails, juices for the kids, or even a self-serve soft drink and snack station to ensure no one’s hungry. Mix things up to spark interesting conversations! You might dread seating plans, but when done right, they can be a great way to get guests mingling. Why not ‘friend-match’ guests based on their personalities and interests? Or, if you’re feeling bold, you could opt for a free-for-all seating arrangement – except for the top table, of course! Keep energy levels high with fun activities throughout the day. Work with your photographer to plan the photo session so it doesn’t disrupt the flow of the event. Instead of traditional posed photos, consider a reportage-style approach to capture candid moments and real emotions. Ensure to give your photographer a ‘must-capture’ list. While getting those perfect shots, keep guests entertained with photo booths, guest books, or even a live music set. Tim Robinson | Twist Events | www.twist.events https://unsplash.com/@esteejanssens PEARLS OF WISDOM I’m looking for a gorgeous piece of jewellery to give my mother as a gift on the morning of my wedding. Are there any pieces you would recommend? Pearls are often associated with purity, love, and wisdom, making them a meaningful and symbolic gift. For mum, on your big day, we think it’s a perfect choice. It will show the love you have for them and signify the years you’ve been by their side learning from them. At F. Hinds we stock some beautiful pearl jewellery. The 9ct white gold enfolded freshwater cultured pearl pendant and chain is a popular choice. At the centre is an 8mm freshwater pearl enfolded by the curves of 9ct white gold, strung from a matching 18inch /45.5cm chain. This is timeless and can be worn on your wedding day and for years to come. Natasha House | F Hinds Ltd & Chapelle www.fhinds.co.uk ASK THE EXPERTS 65
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