HEAL TH NOTES

Happiness

describes a lovely state of mind that we all want, but sometimes feel is out of reach. Feeling happy is both about experiencing an ongoing state of contentment with your life (and coping with bad things when they happen), and exulting in moments of joy. With both of these, there are factors you can influence positively.

When mother of two Nicola Elliott, 38, found that her life as a ‘crazy, 60-hour-a-week’ magazine journalist was making her constantly anxious and putting her wellbeing in jeopardy, she retrained as an aromatherapist and nutritionist.

‘I was surrounded by other women who were stressed, sleeping badly and had plummeting energy,’ says Nicola. ‘So I began creating pure essential-oil blends and tinctures to help us all. The most popular one was called Tranquillity, which I made for my sister who was having trouble sleeping.’ Those kitchen-table products led to Nicola and business partner Oliver Mennell launching Neom Organics in 2005 with the aim of helping people to manage their wellbeing.

Last year, Neom created The Happiness Programme. As well as the Scent to Make You Happy range (from candles and bath products to the Mood Lifting On The Go Mist, much appreciated by my colleagues), Neom has now created The Guide To Happiness ebook. Written by Neom’s wellbeing experts, it provides bitesize but well-researched information and practical tips on everything from psychology and diet to mindfulness and meditation. It is really impressive and helpful. (See right for Nicola’s mood-boosting tips.) TO GIVE YOU READERS a flying start to the New Year, Neom is offering a free Nourish, Breathe & Smile Hand Balm, worth £15, to the first 250 readers to register on neomorganics.com/ youhappy. In addition, Neom is offering a 20 per cent discount on all products, plus a free The Guide to Happiness ebook for every reader. To get your exclusive discount code and free ebook download, visit neomorganics.com/ youhappy*.