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Hello Sunshine! How we have missed thee! ☀️

We’ve had so much rain that I was beginning to get trench foot walking to work along the forest path. Many times I arrived with soggy feet. But seeing the sunshine and blue sky makes me forget all that. I bask with my head tilted up to the sky, feeling the warmth of that golden globe. I do love the sunshine it gives me my dose of Vitamin D, lifts my mood and fills me with energy. Everything feels lighter.

Spring is a time when people emerge from hibernation, finally peeling off their heavy winter coats and blinking into the sunshine. The new season brings a sense of renewal – cleaning, reviving and letting in fresh air.

The wildlife in my garden is doing much the same. I have a pair of blue tits flying in and out of the bird box on the fig tree. I’m hoping they decide to build their nest there. It’s fascinating watching this little bit of “garden TV” from the kitchen window.

With the better weather comes a surge of people exercising in the forest. Although the sun may be shining, don’t be fooled – Epping Forest is still very wet. I can vouch for that! On a walk/run on Saturday, the slippery muddy puddles were actually deep troughs of muddy water. Soggy feet again!

It’s wonderful to be out and about again, and I’m looking forward to playing tennis outdoors. As we start moving more after winter, many of us feel stiff and achy after our seasonal hibernation. Remember to stretch before launching headfirst into spring cleaning mode. This is when injuries often happen – for example, straining your shoulder carrying the ladder to wash the windows.

The sunshine is a great lure to get us tackling jobs around the house. And admittedly, it does feel great once you’ve had a good clear-out and everything feels fresh and new.

Talking of something new, I’m currently developing a rehab programme called 360 Turnaround.

This is a six-week bespoke programme tailored to the individual. It combines:

  • Osteopathy
  • Targeted exercises
  • Mindset support

One of my patients is currently trialling the programme. She has severe osteoarthritis in her hip and we have been working together weekly. We are now in week five, and she has reported that her balance has improved, she’s able to garden again, and her sleep has improved as she’s no longer in discomfort when turning over at night.

So far, she feels the last few weeks have been very worthwhile.

Programme Details

The fee for the six-week bespoke rehab programme is £435, payable upfront. While this might seem like a lot initially, it actually works out cheaper than my standard session rate.

I understand that committing upfront can feel like a big step, which is why I’m offering a free 15-minute consultation to see whether the programme would be suitable for you.

Think of it as an investment in your health – a short-term expense for long-term gain.

Hello!

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a good festive period, enjoying time with family and friends.  

I am looking forward to the new year. I have a bundle of ideas I want to develop this year.  Many generated from achievements from the previous year.  Reading through the diary/calendar of 2025 what stood out was the presence of success, achievements, friendship, and family.  

What constitutes as family? It doesn’t always have to be bloodline. 

Tina Italian became my surrogate mother, and I her adopted daughter.  Tina teaches me Italian, I help her with technical, or practical things to make her life easier.  Perfect symbiosis.

Helping friends when they are in need, either visiting them to give practical hands-on help or guidance/instruction over the phone when unable to physically see them.  Regularly checking in with those who have been unwell or had a horrible year.  

Several success stories with patients that have felt hopeless about their health; within three months working together, their lives significantly improved to the extent they were able to resume their normal daily activities.  

Offering a safe space for individuals that are struggling with their mental health, work or home anxiety.  Giving structure, instruction, or accountability enabled them to take reign of their lives, take back the control.  It was so good to see patients go through the transition of being overwhelmed to being empowered.

One of my most amazing achievement in 2025 was finishing the SuperHalfs series! The series consisted of five half marathons (13.1 miles) all to be completed in 36 months. The races were predominantly in Europe, started in Valencia 2022; then Lisbon, Prague, Cardiff in 2024; final race Copenhagen in September this year.  I’m not the fastest runner of the pack, my average time is 2hr 40mins.  A long time on your feet! The tallest tortoise in Chingford did good! I am super proud of myself.  

Received a supersize super medal for my efforts. I wore the heavy, dinner plate size, super medal for 14 days consecutively.  I had to reinforce the ribbon as it came undone. I wore the medal to work, to my home visits, when I played tennis, walking in the forest, gardening and even running. 

Going forward into 2026, the emphasis this year is well-being, empowering others to help themselves. Introducing a new exercise group Mindful Walking – walking in nature, with meditation and mindfulness. Reviving the Barn Hoppett Hurriers ladies only running group.  It is a great time to be running, despite the coldness, the frozen forest is spectacular.  

I have projects connected with empowering individuals to help themselves.  All will be revealed in the near future.   

Wishing you all a happy, healthy 2026

Kind Regards

Daniela