Sandra Dumas wellness

17/06/2026

I received this lovely feedback recently and wanted to share it because it highlights something I feel strongly about...

Over the course of our work together, they have lost 15kg. While that is an incredible achievement, what stood out most wasn't the number on the scales—it was the journey behind it.

One of the biggest misconceptions about weight loss is that it's simply about eating less and moving more.

In reality, our relationship with food is often influenced by stress, sleep, overwhelm, habits, emotions, self-expectations and the pressures of daily life.

When we're constantly stressed, sleeping poorly, rushing from one thing to the next, or running on empty, healthy choices become much harder to make consistently. Stress can influence appetite, cravings and our ability to plan ahead. Poor sleep can affect the hormones that regulate hunger and fullness. When life feels overwhelming, looking after ourselves often falls to the bottom of the list.

This is why my approach is never just about nutrition.

We look at the whole picture: stress, sleep, energy, routines, mindset, movement and the realities of everyday life.

You probably already know that vegetables are healthy and that moving your body is good for you. The challenge is often finding the capacity, energy and consistency to do those things when life feels overwhelming.

That's where health coaching can help.

If you're tired of starting over every Monday, and you'd like to understand what's really getting in the way of your health goals, I offer a free discovery call where we can explore your challenges and discuss whether coaching is the right fit for you.

Send me a message or use the link below to book a discovery call.
https://sandradumas.setmore.com/services/f542cb93-d560-4ee7-bd1f-53a96e4d7c0d

10/06/2026

Bude Pain cafe is tomorrow Thursday 11th at 10am at Neetside Community Centre.

Last month, while I was away, Kevin and Kassie took the sessions and participants created a collaborative poem about living with pain.

One line especially stayed with me:

"Like the sea, it ebbs and flows, but it is always there."

That feels like the perfect introduction to this month's conversation.

Many of us experience times when pain or fatigue suddenly increases. These moments can feel frightening, frustrating, and sometimes like we've gone backwards.

This month we'll be exploring:

🌿 Flare-ups and setbacks
🌿 Why increased symptoms don't always mean increased damage
🌿 The stories our minds tell us when symptoms worsen
🌿 Practical ways to support ourselves during difficult days

As always, there will be plenty of time for conversation, sharing experiences, and connecting with others who understand.

We'll finish with some gentle facial self-massage and hand reflexology to help settle the nervous system.

Everyone is welcome. No need to book. Free to attend.
& Country Primary Care Network

05/06/2026

Reminder: I'll be at the Neetside Community Centre 30th Anniversary Celebration tomorrow Saturday 6th June, and I'm bringing a little wellbeing activity with me.

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself:

✨ What's draining my energy right now?
✨ What helps me feel more like myself?
✨ What does my body need more of?

Sometimes one simple question can shine a light on something we've been overlooking.

If you're coming along to the celebrations, pop by my stall, pick a card, and let's have a chat.

You'll also be able to find out more about health coaching, holistic therapies, workshops and the Pain Café.

See you there.
Sandra x
Neetside Community Centre Berries Community Cafe

03/06/2026

I'm looking forward to being part of the Neetside Community Centre 30th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday 6th June.

Neetside Community Centre is home to the Pain Café, and I've also had the privilege of running wellbeing workshops Berries Community Cafe , so it's lovely to be able to support this special event and celebrate everything the centre brings to our community.

I'll have a stall on the day where you can come and chat about health coaching, holistic therapies, stress, persistent pain, fatigue, wellbeing, or simply find out a bit more about what I do.

I'll also have a few simple interactive activities to help you reflect on your own wellbeing and stress levels, and perhaps discover one small thing that could support you right now.

If you've ever been curious about working with me but weren't quite sure what health coaching or holistic support involves, this is a great opportunity to come and say hello.

I'd love to see you there.
Sandra x

25/05/2026

I know we are constantly being asked to leave reviews these days, but as a small business they really do make a difference.

Not only do they help people find me, they also help potential clients get a feel for how I work and whether my approach feels like the right fit for them.

If you’ve ever had a session with me — whether through massage, coaching, nervous system support, or at the Pain Café — and you’ve found it helpful, I’d be so grateful if you’d consider leaving a Google review.

Reviews also help me understand what people value most in this work and what helps people feel safe, supported, heard, or more like themselves again.

And for people who may be feeling unsure or hesitant about reaching out, reading somebody else’s experience can sometimes make taking that first step feel a little easier.

Because my work is a little different from a standard massage appointment, reviews also help people understand the blend of bodywork, nervous system support, and coaching that I offer.

If you’d like to leave one, I’ve added the link below and I truly appreciate every single one .
https://g.page/r/CQp3x8p-qWc2EBM/review

Thank you 😊
photos of me courtesy of K.Images

23/05/2026

On Tuesday morning I was invited to speak at Bude & Greater Area Chamber of Commerce for their breakfast networking event at Elements, Bude .

It was such a lovely opportunity to meet other local businesses, have great conversations, and share more about something I’m deeply passionate about: nervous system health and resilience.

My talk focused on how the nervous system influences so much of our daily life — from stress, focus and energy to recovery, wellbeing and decision-making — and how supporting it does not always have to mean huge lifestyle changes.

We explored simple practical ways to support the nervous system throughout the day, including hydration, small stretches, releasing tension in the jaw and shoulders, creating small recovery moments, and even some hand reflexology points to help calm stress responses.

One of the biggest themes that came up afterwards was how many of us already know what supports us… but the challenge is often finding ways to make those things realistic and sustainable, rather than another task to add to the list.

As business owners especially, we can become so focused on doing more and thinking about the next step that we forget how important recovery and regulation are too.

I also really enjoyed speaking with Tony, the newly elected mayor, and deputy mayor Katie. It was really interesting hearing how some of the resilience and nervous system techniques discussed are also used within military settings to help people cope in high-pressure environments.

Thank you again to everyone who attended and engaged so openly with the conversation. I really enjoy creating space for these discussions and speaking on topics like this.
Thank you Josie for the photos.

21/05/2026

🤔

20/05/2026

I’ve just completed CST-1 with the Upledger CranioSacral Therapy UK in the beautiful setting of Strawberry Fields Lifton

For anyone unfamiliar with CranioSacral Therapy (CST), it’s a gentle hands-on approach that works with the craniosacral system — the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Practitioners learn to feel subtle rhythms and restrictions within the body, with the aim of supporting the nervous system, easing tension, and encouraging the body’s natural ability to regulate and heal.

This has been one of the most challenging courses I’ve done so far — very outside my comfort zone at times and with a lot of reading beforehand — but I’ve learnt so much.

A huge thank you to CranioSacral Therapy with Caro O'Neill for being such a great teacher, to all the teaching assistants (special shoutout to Sarah), and to the lovely people I met during the training.

What I’m really excited about is how well some of these techniques complement my existing myofascial and massage treatments. Already this week, clients have found them supportive alongside treatment for headaches, neck and shoulder tension, and tinnitus.

I’m passionate about continuing to learn and evolve as a therapist so I can better support clients (chronic pain and stress are my favourite)

Very grateful, slightly tired, but genuinely excited to keep learning.

Smiley faces at the end of CST1 in Lifton this week. What an amazing group of human beings. Thanks everyone. You were phenomenal.

18/05/2026

Looking forward to speaking tomorrow Bude & Greater Area Chamber of Commerce event

I’ll be talking about nervous system health, resilience, stress, and the importance of looking after ourselves alongside the demands of work and business.

Because sustainable wellbeing is not a luxury — it’s part of what helps us function, think clearly and keep going long term.
I hope to see you there. 😊

Our Annual General Meeting will be followed by a talk from Sandra Dumas Wellness and networking.

15/05/2026

As Mental Health Awareness Week comes to a close, I wanted to reflect on something a little more personal.

I experience anxiety myself, which is part of what led me into this work.

Over time, I’ve come to understand it less as something to “fix” quickly, and more as something that needs ongoing support, awareness, and regulation.

For me, that support looks quite simple: slowing down when I can, spending time in nature, noticing when I’m becoming overwhelmed, and coming back to basic anchors like breath, rest, and nourishment.

It’s not about doing everything perfectly — but about returning to small things that help my system feel a little more steady.

I don’t share this as a “perfect solution,” but as something that continues to evolve. And I know many people are quietly finding their own ways of navigating similar experiences.

If this week has brought anything up for you, I hope you’ve been able to find moments of support in your own way.