Why slowing down, moving outdoors and embracing cold water could be the wellbeing ritual you didn't know you needed.
A little gift awaits...
This journal is full of simple ways to reconnect with nature, your body and your wellbeing. And seeing as we believe wellbeing is even better when it's shared, we've partnered with Chloe's Pilates to bring our Bramley community an exclusive offer.
Read to the end to discover your special membership discount.
There are few things more restorative than spending time outdoors. Whether it's the warmth of the morning sun, the sound of birdsong, the stillness of a lake or the invigorating feeling of stepping into cold water, nature has an extraordinary ability to bring us back to ourselves.
At Bramley, we've always thought that nature is one of our greatest teachers. It's woven into everything we do, from the botanicals we choose to the rituals we encourage. We're also incredibly lucky to be surrounded by a community of people who share that same philosophy, each inspiring others to reconnect with the natural world in their own way.
This month, we're delighted to welcome guest editor Chloe Hodgson, founder of Chloe's Pilates, who shares why nature has become the foundation of her wellbeing. Alongside Chloe, Catherine Mitchell, founder of INNES MITCHELL, offers her expert advice on embracing cold-water swimming sagely and comfortably.
Together, they remind us that sometimes the simplest moments are the ones that leave the biggest impact.
Why nature will always be my favourite form of therapy
By Chloe Hodgson, Founder of Chloe's Pilates
"I've always felt most grounded when I'm outside. For as long as I can remember, being in nature has been my reset. Whether that's walking, swimming, moving my body outdoors or simply taking a moment to pause and breathe it all in, it's where I feel most like myself.
It's something I prioritise every single day because I truly believe in the healing power of connecting with the natural world. Nature has this incredible way of bringing us back to the present. It softens the noise of everyday life, helping us slow down, clear our minds and feel more connected. There's something incredibly powerful about the sense of awe that nature gives us, whether it's the stillness of a lake, the warmth of the sun on your skin, birdsong echoing through the trees, wide open skies or that first exhilarating moment of stepping into cold water.
These moments gently pull us away from our busy minds and remind us to simply be. To notice. To breathe. To appreciate the beauty that's always been there. I feel incredibly fortunate to have grown up with this connection to nature. My dad was a farmer, so my childhood was spent outdoors, surrounded by fields, animals and fresh air. Looking back, I realise just how much those experiences shaped who I am today. Now, as a mum myself, it's something I'm passionate about passing on to my own children. I want them to explore, climb trees, get muddy, swim, be curious and discover the world around them. I want them to understand from an early age just how restorative and grounding nature can be, because it's given me so much throughout my own life.
Over the past few years, that love of nature has inspired me to create a series of wellness morning that bring together so many of the things I believe nurture both body and mind: Pilates, meditation, sound healing, wild swimming, sauna and time spent outdoors in beautiful surroundings. They're designed as an opportunity to step away from everyday life and give your nervous system permission to exhale.
Wild swimming, in particular, can be an incredibly powerful wellbeing practice. Beyond the immediate feeling of accomplishment, many people find it helps to boost their mood, improve circulation, reduce stress and leave them feeling energised long after they've left the water. Combined with mindful movement, intentional breathing, sound healing and the restorative power of nature, it becomes so much more than exercise, It becomes a chance to reconnect with yourself.
One of my favourite parts of these mornings, though, is the community they create.
There's something incredibly special about sharing these experiences with other people. Moving together, swimming in cold water, warming up in the sauna, chatting over coffee and collectively stepping away from the busyness of everyday life for a few hours.
In a world that often feels overstimulating and constantly switched on, these slower moments of connection, presence and simplicity feel more important than ever. For me, wellbeing isn't about adding more to your routine. It's about making space for what matters. Sometimes that's simply stepping outside."
Cold water swimming: Catherine Mitchell's top tips
For Catherine Mitchell, founder of INNES MITCHELL, cold-water swimming has become one of life's greatest simplest pleasures. Since moving from London to Dorset, sea swimming has become part of her weekly rhythm, and over time she's learnt that what happens after your swim is just as important as the swim itself.
1. Don't Stay In Too Long
When you spend time in cold water, your body naturally redirects circulation towards your vital organs to protect your core temperature. That means your hands, feet and limbs cool much more quickly.
A useful guide is to spend roughly the same number of minutes in the water as its temperature in degrees. For example, around 15 minutes in 15°C water. But remember, everyone is different. Listen to your body and leave the water before you become overly cold.
2. Your Body Continues Cooling Afterwards
One of the biggest surprises for new swimmers is that your body continues cooling after you've left the water. You may not feel cold immediately, but around ten minutes later those familiar shivers often begin. That's why getting dry and dressed quickly is so important.
3. Layer Up
Warm, dry layers help your body recover naturally. Catherine recommends keeping a woolly hat, gloves and a warm drink close by.
Her personal favourite is fresh ginger tea, although she admits hot chocolate is always a welcome alternative! A hot water bottle can also work wonders for warming your core.
4. Keep moving
Gentle movement helps encourage circulation as your body warms again. A brisk walk, a few squats or simply jogging gently on the spot can all make a difference.
5. Make Warming Up Part of the Ritual
If you're lucky enough to have access to a sauna after your swim, it can be a wonderfully relaxing way to warm through. If not, wrapping up warmly, finding a sunny spot and taking time to enjoy a hot drink with friends can become just as rewarding.
As Catherine says, "Enjoy the water."
Designed for Days By the Water
Cold-water swimming didn't just become Catherine's favourite wellbeing ritual, it inspired a new business.
After moving from London to Dorset, Catherine searched for something she could wear to the beach, swim in the sea, dry off afterwards and still feel effortlessly dressed enough to stop for coffee on the way home. She also wanted something practical enough to change underneath during the colder months.
Unable to find exactly what she was looking for, she decided to design it herself.
After months of refining the fit, proportions and details, INNES MITCHELL was born.
Made in London from luxuriously soft GOTS-certified organic cotton towelling, the beautifully cut kaftans are thoughtfully designed to dry you quickly while giving you the space to comfortably change underneath. Available in both mini and long lengths, the combine timeless style with everyday practicality, perfect for wild swims, beach mornings and slower days spent outdoors.
Like so many great ideas, they were born from simply wanting to spend more time in nature.
The Beauty of Simply Rituals
Whether it's stretching your body first thing in the morning, taking a walk through the countryside, pausing for five mindful breaths, swimming in cool water or simply noticing the changing seasons around you, wellbeing doesn't have to be complicated.
At Bramley, we've always believed that the simplest rituals are often the most restorative.
It's about reconnecting, with nature, with ourselves and with one another. When we slow down enough to notice the world around us, we often discover that everything we need has been there all along.
An Exclusive offer for the Bramley community
Inspired by Chloe's Story?
To celebrate our shared love of movement, mindfulness and the healing power of nature, Chloe has created an exclusive offer especially for Bramley customers.
Use code BRAMLEY50 when joining Chloe's Pilates Membership to receive 50% off your first two months, making membership just £10 per month instead of £20.
With unlimited Pilates classes, mindful movement and expert guidance, it's the perfect opportunity to build strength, improve mobility and create more moments of calm within your week, all from the comfort of home.
Whether you're completely new to Pilates or returning to your practise, Chloe's warm and welcoming community is a wonderful place to begin.
Offer details:
- Use code BRAMLEY50 at checkout when signing up for the ‘Monthly Membership’
- 50% off your first two months
- Just £10 per month (usually £20)
- Cancel anytime
Here's to moving more, breathing deeper and spending a little more time outdoors.
