Can you believe we’re already halfway through the year?
It feels as though we were only just putting away the Christmas decorations and wondering what 2026 might bring, and now we’re enjoying long summer evenings, and the lavender is in full bloom, which is lovely on many levels. Lavender looks amazing, and the scent is so good for helping to calm the mind, particularly at night when sleep might be a little bit more elusive. Lavender is also generally good around the house, particularly in your drawers and wardrobes. Sometimes it’s those little things that can help us feel a bit better. A walk in the sunshine, time in the garden, or even something as simple as the scent of lavender drifting through an open window can make a surprising difference to how we’re feeling.
Which brings me to an important question: how’s your wellbeing?
Has the recent spell of sunshine given you a boost? Has the rain helped your garden spring back into life? Are you making the most of the lighter evenings and getting out and about, or are you retreating indoors until autumn returns?
Personally, I’m something of a vampire. The moment summer arrives in full force, I can usually be found darting from one patch of shade to another, doing my best not to crumble into dust in direct sunlight. If you spot me out and about during a heatwave, rest assured I’m probably carrying enough water to supply a small village and keeping a close eye on the nearest shady tree!
While trying to avoid spontaneous combustion, I’ve also been busy delivering a range of wellbeing workshops in workplaces and communities across Wales. Following my turn at the Mental Health & Wellbeing Show last month, I’ve been fortunate enough to spend time with some fantastic groups exploring topics that affect so many of us.
One area that’s generated a huge amount of interest has been menopause awareness. I’ve been delivering workshops for people experiencing menopause, but also sessions specifically for men, helping them better understand menopause and support colleagues, partners, friends and family members who may be navigating this significant life stage. The feedback has been incredibly positive, with many participants saying they felt much more confident about having conversations that they might previously have avoided.
I’ve also been delivering Understanding and Managing Grief workshops. These sessions have proved particularly valuable, providing people with a safe space to explore the grief process, share experiences if they wish, and consider aspects of loss that they may never have thought about before. Grief touches all of us at some point in our lives, yet it often remains something we struggle to discuss openly, so creating those opportunities for honest, supportive conversations can make a real difference.
As we move into the second half of the year, perhaps now is a good time to check in with yourself. How are you feeling? What have you been doing to support your wellbeing? Is there something you’ve been putting off that might help you feel healthier, happier, or more connected?
And if you’d like to bring wellbeing into your workplace, we’d love to help. The Ajuda Foundation offers a wide range of wellbeing workshops and training courses, including:
• Menopause Awareness (for those experiencing menopause and those people around them in support)
• Understanding and Managing Grief
• Creative Writing for Wellbeing
• Mental Health Awareness
• Eating Well for Wellbeing
• Suicide Prevention
• Understanding and Managing Loneliness
• Wellbeing Champions
• Mental Health First Aid (Adults)
• Mental Health First Aid (Young People)
Whether you’re looking for a short awareness session or more in-depth training, we’d be delighted to discuss how we can support your team. Get in touch via email: foundation@ajuda.org.uk
Take care of yourselves, enjoy the summer in whatever way suits you best, and if you’re a fellow vampire, don’t forget your sun cream!