Health, Fitness & Beauty

Discover Modern Nature With Monat

Sammy Walsh says Monat beauty products have been “life-changing”

Do you have frizzy, uncontrollable hair? Thinning hair that is easy to break? Or oily hair that falls flat and lifeless? Whatever your haircare woe, let Monat’s vegan, plant-based, humidity combatting ingredients rejuvenate your scalp and transform your look. Following its huge success in America, the US brand launched in Australia in November 2021 and local businesswoman, Sammy Walsh, is now bringing these revolutionary products to the Whitsundays. “When I was at school I used to get teased about my big frizzy hair,” said Sammy. “I’ve struggled with my hair my whole life, it was often frizzy, boofy, unmanageable and very dull - I always used to wear my hair up ‘cause I couldn’t wear it out.” For years, Sammy tried every product she could find, but she found other mousses and hairsprays would leave it feeling crunchy and crispy. When she first heard of Monat, she was sceptical, but she tried the sample packs and was astounded by the results. “I got results straight away and it has changed my life!” she said passionately. “Not only my confidence and self-esteem in general but being able to wear my hair out without feeling self-conscious was amazing.” With a mission to help other local women feel as confident with their hair, Sammy is now introducing the full range of Monat products to the Whitsundays. “I am very much an empath and I love helping people,” she said. “Our hair is so important to a lot of us, and being comfortable with your hair makes you feel good – it literally changes lives! “For people who don’t have as much hair as they would like – or people who have a receding hairline or are post-partum – these products can help thicken your hair, and there has been amazing results!” Sammy can offer you a free consult, a quick online questionnaire followed by a more in-depth conversation, to discover which hair product will suit you best. After this, she can drop off some samples or a ‘borrow basket’ so you can experience the difference yourself. She will then set you up with an account and send you a link with your shopping cart so you can confirm payment and receive the products direct to your door. Monat also do a range of skincare products which include moisturisers, cleansers, day and night serums, a berry scrub and a cold charcoal clay mask. “It’s so nice to have a range of great products from the same brand,” said Sammy. “They last usually last around six months each too!”

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Have You Found Your ‘Flow’ Yet?

For many years people have reported feelings of ‘losing track of time’ or being so engrossed in what they are doing that they simply do not notice what is happening around them. This may seem like a pointless and unproductive state to be in, but many experts are starting to recognise the merits of this state, so much so, that it now has a name – ‘flow’.

When we are completely absorbed in a task, our pre-frontal cortex activity is reduced meaning that we are more open to creative ideas coming our way, a sense of complete calm will transcend and afterwards we will experience an untold amount of satisfaction.

A feeling of complete fulfillment. Increasingly, the feeling of ‘flow’ is being sought after by many craving to wind down and detach from a busy mind. Here’s how you can achieve a state of flow: • Everyone’s ‘flow’ activity is different, some might like to play sport or exercise, others might like to create art – whatever activity you choose, it must be something that you are good enough at to do with ease but also challenging enough so that it captures your complete attention. • Another way to find your flow is to eliminate distractions and focus on the task at hand. This means setting aside time to work on the task undisturbed, turning off your phone and other distractions, and finding a quiet and comfortable space to work. • Flow also loves creating clear and specific goals for the task at hand and to make progress toward these goals.

When you are working towards a goal, you can feel a sense of accomplishment and progress, which can help keep you motivated and engaged in the task. Find your flow today and see how it can transform your life.

Mental health is an important aspect of overall well-being and can have a significant impact on

daily life. Here are five tips to help improve your mental health:

• Exercise regularly: Physical activity has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as improve overall mood. Even just a short walk or jog can help clear your head and boost your mood. • Eat a healthy diet: A balanced diet is important for maintaining good physical and mental health. Eating nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, can provide the energy and nourishment your body and mind need to function well.

• Get enough sleep: Adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining good mental health. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night and establish a regular sleep schedule to help regulate your body’s natural rhythm. • Practice stress management techniques:

Stress is a natural part of life, but chronic stress can take a toll on your mental health. Practice stress management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga to help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. • Seek professional help: If you are struggling with your mental health, it may be helpful to seek professional help. A therapist or counsellor can work with you to develop strategies for managing your symptoms and improving your overall well-being. It’s worth noting that some of the steps may be harder for some people due to various reasons, whether it be financial, time, or accessibility. But even small steps towards these tips can make a big difference. Remember to be kind to yourself and know that it’s okay to ask for help. With time, patience, and effort, you can take control of your mental health and improve your overall well-being.

Whitsunday Touch – New Name, New Season

TOUCH FOOTBALL

With the upcoming season starting in a matter of weeks, the local Whitsunday Touch Football sporting group are looking for a new name so they can increase their profile within the broader competition community. Their counterparts, Mackay Thunder and Townsville Frogs, have a mascot or theme and it is now time for Whitsunday Touch to welcome a new identity too. A Facebook post was launched to get player feedback and, with 227 registered players for Whitsunday Touch, there have been a lot of comments and recommendations.

So far, two front runners have come out ahead – the Whitsunday Wallabies and the Whitsunday Mudskippers. “We want to keep it local and identified with something local,” said committee member Alita DeBrincat.

“I think the Wallabies would be a great play on that!” Her husband and fellow committee member, however, thinks that the Mudskippers are more synonymous with the club. “There are mudskippers right here on our home ground,” said Azza DeBrincat. “Half the field is surrounded by mudskippers and their evolution – they are fish that walk on land – is what I like!”

Anyone can comment on the club’s Facebook page, but the ultimate decision will be made by the committee. Touch Football is hugely popular in the Whitsundays with over 200 players meeting and competing against each other every Monday night. It is one of the only local sports that requires no travel and can be played together as a family. “It’s economical, it’s community based, there is no travel, no training – the commitment is only joy!” said player Demelza Ansell.

“We are all working parents – but we all get here as a family – and we love it” “I’m a single mother and I like that we can bring in the male role models to connect with kids”

Alita agrees, saying the sport has been a source of great times with her children. “We get to play as a family together in this sport – mums and dads get to play together with their kids,” she said. “Every age-group can play because of the different levels of skillsets.” Touch Football is a form of Rugby League but instead of physically tackling your opponent, you simply need to ‘touch’ them in order to win the play. This means the sport is not only family-friendly, affordable and low-commitment, it is also non-contact and safe for everyone to participate. This makes it great for girls and also people who are getting older but still wish to compete and have fun. Do not be fooled by the all-inclusive aspect however, the competition is split into grades and there is a competitive side to the sport which is highly-skilled and loved by many youngsters at their peak of fitness.

Perfect for all ages, genders and abilities, there is something for everyone in Touch Footy. If you would like to get involved head to the Whitsunday Touch Facebook page or simply come and check out a game from 5.30pm every Monday at Whitsundays Sports Park.

Demelza Ansell, Claudia Ansell, Jay DeBrincat, Alita DeBrincat, Stella Ansell and Azza DeBrincat. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

Cannons First Club Night for 2023

SWIMMING

The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club will be hosting their first Club Night for 2023 on Wednesday, 11 January, 2023. Many swimmers have been training over the school holidays preparing for the carnival season ahead. held in Ayr on 14 January and the club has 17 swimmers participating. The club is also preparing to host its own Cannonvale Cannons carnival on 21 and 22 January. Last week, 30 swimmers participated in a goal setting workshop. Swimmers reflected on 2022 and set realistic goals for the next 10 weeks. Some of the swimmers set competitive goals and others set fitness or stroke goals. Last Thursday, 12 junior squad swimmers participated in a dive workshop. The coaches, Ken Crittenden, Shay Wilmot and Mark Erickson say it was very successful and it was rewarding to see swimmers feeling more confident with their dives and starts. On Friday afternoon, swimmers thoroughly enjoyed a couple of games of water polo and “flipperball”. The Cannonvale Cannons would like to welcome new swimmers and their families to come along to Club Night. New members are always welcome. Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.