B-Well Health, founded by Belinda Wahla in 2012, uses homeopathy, kinesiology, and EFT to support women through hormonal changes like perimenopause and menopause, focusing on holistic health and wellbeing. Brendan chats with Belinda about life in today's Sunday Edition in advance of this week's women's wellbeing talk.
Tell us about yourself Belinda
I'm a mum to a 19-year-old and 22-year-old and trying to adjust to becoming an ''empty nester'', luckily, I have my cats to help me. I'm originally from Macclesfield; I still have a northern twang, but I have been living in London for 35 years and the past 22 in East Dulwich. When not seeing clients, I like to be out and about in nature, meeting friends, swimming in cold water, running, having adventures, and making the most of life. Food is essential to me, and I love taking trips away and experiencing different cuisines.
Tell us about your journey to becoming a women's well-being health practitioner.
I started my journey about 16 years ago when I started studying homoeopathy. I was having some hormonal imbalances causing vertigo, which the doctors couldn't help; one week into the course, my tutor prescribed a homoeopathic prescription, and the vertigo was gone and didn't return. I was hooked, which led me to continue my studies after I graduated and learn more about women's health and how to improve it with natural solutions.
Your work includes homoeopathy, herbs, flower essences, nutrition, and lifestyle advice. How did you discover your passion here?
I'm always looking for the root cause of a problem; I think this is due to my maths background and knowing that the body is designed to heal itself. What I love is finding solutions to help with the healing process. Seeing homoeopathy work amazingly on my son when he was a baby was the starting point for me, and I'm constantly learning and discovering new things.
What has been your main personal well-being goal, and how do you work towards it?
Having a positive mindset and finding the joy in life while keeping fit both physically and mentally. Movement is a critical component that could be simple stretches, running, walking, swimming or dancing around the kitchen.
Before the day begins or at night, talk to us about a well-being practice you have incorporated into your daily life.
I have a number of rituals, but I don't always do them every day; it will depend on how I feel when I wake up. If I know I've got clients all day or am going to be sitting a lot, then a morning walk or run is my priority that day. On other days, it could be a cold shower or meditation to get my head where it needs to be. Journaling is also great, and I either do it first thing to set me up for the day or at the end of the day to get everything out of my head before bed.
Can you tell us about your diet? Is it disciplined? What do you prioritize?
I'm all about balance and variety, and that's what I look for in my diet. I have a different breakfast most days, and it's not always a typical breakfast food; it could be chicken soup or leftovers from the night before, but it always contains a good portion of protein. I cook most of my food from scratch and like getting as many vegetables as possible. I love the 80/20 concept in my life, and that also goes for food. I live healthy 80% or more of the time, but I also like treats and don't feel bad about it; life is for living, and food should be enjoyed. What I prioritize is enjoying food and taking the time to eat a meal in calm and relaxed surroundings.
And with autumn and the winter season, what will you be cooking and bringing into your home?
Soups. I love soup, and they are so easy to make. A great way to get lots of different seasonal vegetables in one meal and cooked in a homemade chicken bone broth, great for your gut and lovely and warming.
What is your daily pleasure? Or should I say a moment that gives you joy? How often do you indulge in it?
I don't have a particular daily pleasure, but I try to do something that gives me joy every day. This could be dancing, listening to music, eating lovely food, meeting friends, or whatever floats my boat that day.
How well do you sleep? And what are your bedtime tricks, habits, routines or advice?
Luckily, I'm a good sleeper, but I usually have a restless night when I've followed my bedtime habits only if my daughter comes in late after a night out. My main one is ensuring the bedroom is for sleep, not watching TV or on my phone; I switch off my phone and other electronics and have a nice cool dark room. Racing thoughts can keep me awake, so I do a brain dump a couple of hours before bed to calm my mind. Magnesium is excellent for sleep, and I make sure I take it daily.
What do you hope to bring to Anatome in these workshops?
I am optimistic that menopause isn't the end but the beginning. There is so much we can do to help our menopause journey, and it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Small steps.
If you were to share your philosophy of life, what would that be?
To enjoy it and live it. It doesn't mean that life has to always be a bed of roses, but to find that tiny bit of joy in the everyday.
Join Belinda for talk and workshop on the menopause, October 20th at 6.30 pm in the ChIltern Street Store book your place here.
