5 Ways To Well with Rachael Cumberland-Dodd

Rachael, Messaging & Marketing Coach and Founder of Feed Marketing, shares her wellbeing essentials.

1. Deep Conversations.

I can do small talk, but I’d much rather have conversations that tell you ‘something’ about the person I’m chatting to. I’m not fussed about what they watched on Netflix or what they do for work. I’m more interested in what makes them tick or gets on their nerves. My favourite icebreaker is ‘What’s the last thing you Googled?” You’d be amazed what someone’s search history reveals.

2. Early to Bed, Early to Rise.

I love sleep. Honestly, I think anyone can do anything if they’ve had a solid seven hours! My early mornings are sacred - a quiet dog walk before the world wakes up, coffee, a bit of yoga, and meditation. It’s a slow, reflective start that sets the tone for my day. Miss it, and my whole day feels slightly out of whack.

3. Positive News.

When the war in Ukraine broke out, I realised how much the endless news cycle was affecting me. I didn’t want to bury my head in the sand, but I did want more balance. So I changed my feed and inbox to include sources like Positive News. I still know what’s happening, but I’m reminded of how brilliant people can be, and that the world isn’t only made up of crises and chaos.

4. The Sea.

The sea is my reset button. Watching it, being in it, listening to it - it always shifts my mood. If I’m grumpy, my husband will often tell me to “just go for a bl**dy swim.” And he’s always right! My happiest place is floating on my back like a starfish - so much so that I got an image of it tattooed on my arm!

5. Taking a Pause.

I’m way more chill than I used to be. The old me rushed through everything, always desperate to get on to the next thing. Now, when I feel that impatience creeping in, I stop and notice where I am. Sometimes I’ll just gaze outside and watch the trees or feel my feet on the floor. It’s a small act, but it pulls me back into the present instead of spiralling into my to do list.