In solidarity with those who have lost their homes—and some, tragically, their lives—I’ve decided to shift the tone of this month’s newsletter. Instead of my usual deep dive into the latest toxins lurking in our homes, I want to speak to something fundamental: the importance of our home as a sanctuary for mental and physical health.

We often take for granted the simple fact of having a roof over our heads, yet the feeling of safety our home provides is essential for our wellbeing. When we don’t feel secure in our own space, our nervous systems can’t fully relax, leaving us stuck in a stress cycle—a “fight or flight” state that wreaks havoc on our health and can lead to serious illness.

My path to this work has always felt deeply personal, rooted in my own early experiences of how spaces affect us. Growing up in a tumultuous household, my bedroom was my refuge, the one place where I felt safe and had a little control. While chaos and shouting reigned downstairs, I found comfort in rearranging my room for the umpteenth time, hanging up my Athena posters of A-ha and Keanu Reeves in slightly new configurations. That ritual gave me a sense of calm and security, however fleeting. I believe wholeheartedly in the transformative power of spaces to shift our moods, soothe our nerves, and even optimise our health. Creating havens of wellbeing has become my lifelong passion.

So, with Thanksgiving on the horizon, perhaps it’s time to reflect on what our homes provide—a place of warmth and security when so many around the world go without this basic need. Let this be the month to fall back in love with your home and make those healthy changes you’ve been meaning to embrace all year.

I also want to thank the incredible community here in Spain, who have rallied to raise funds for those left with nothing after the floods. If you’d like to contribute, my Instagram still has the link to the World Kitchen Fundraiser.

My upcoming guests include:

• Katie Brumley, Organise to Thrive

• Jemima Hartshorn , Mums For Lungs

• Claire and James Davis, The Midlife Mentors

• Sam Bowles, Pure Maintenance UK – Mould Remediation

Be WELL