What I Learned from Speaking at the Women's Wellness Weekend
Last month in June 2026, I had the privilege of participating in the The Rising Tide Collective’s Women's Wellness Weekend, an event dedicated to supporting and empowering women through health, wellbeing, personal development, and connection.
As the founder of Aspyre Hypnotherapy, I regularly meet women who are navigating anxiety, stress, low confidence, and the challenges of balancing work, family, caring responsibilities and personal wellbeing. It was therefore incredibly rewarding to spend the weekend surrounded by so many inspiring women who are passionate about helping others live healthier, happier lives.
One of the things that stood out most to me was the warmth and sense of community throughout the event, held at The Lodge, Duxford. From the moment I arrived, there was a genuine feeling of encouragement and support among both attendees and exhibitors. I had the opportunity to meet many talented business owners, wellbeing professionals, and women from all walks of life who were eager to learn, share experiences, and connect with others.
The Power of Connection
In today's busy world, many women can find themselves feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or under pressure to manage everything perfectly. One of the strongest messages I took away from the weekend was the importance of connection.
Whether through conversations with fellow exhibitors, discussions following presentations, or simply sharing experiences with attendees, it became clear that many women face similar challenges. Knowing that we are not alone in our struggles can be incredibly powerful and often forms the first step towards positive change.
Prioritising Wellbeing Isn't Selfish
Another key theme that emerged throughout the event was the importance of making wellbeing a priority. It was especially striking that so many women made the decision to attend on either the Saturday or Sunday, intentionally choosing to invest their time in self-care rather than other weekend activities and obligations.
Many women spend so much time caring for others that their own needs are pushed to the bottom of the list. Yet when stress, anxiety, poor sleep, or burnout are left unaddressed, they can begin to impact every area of life.
The speakers and exhibitors highlighted a range of approaches to wellbeing: from bone health to nutrition and menopause GP services to breathwork, all with a common goal: helping women feel more balanced, confident, and fulfilled. It was inspiring to see so many professionals dedicated to supporting women on their wellbeing journeys.
My Perspective as a Clinical Hypnotherapist
During my conversations throughout the weekend, I noticed how often the topics of having right information is key, expecially in relation to anxiety, confidence, and stress management arose.
These are issues I work with every day in my hypnotherapy practice. Many people know they want to feel calmer, more confident, or more in control, but they are unsure where to begin.
Hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool for helping people identify unhelpful patterns, build resilience, and create lasting positive change. It works by helping individuals access a focused state of attention where new ways of thinking and responding can be explored and reinforced.
While every person's journey is unique, one thing remains consistent: meaningful change is possible when we give ourselves permission to invest in our wellbeing.
One of the highlights of the weekend for me was delivering my own talk.
The 30 minutes seemed to fly by, so I must have been enjoying myself! It was such a privilege to share insights on hypnotherapy, sleep, anxiety, and confidence, and to speak with such an attentive and open audience.
I was also able to attend on the morning of the Saturday, an opportunity to meet more RTC members and listen to a talk on the importance of wellbeing, food and family.
Looking Ahead
The Women's Wellness Weekend reminded me how important it is to create spaces where women can learn, connect, and support one another. I left feeling inspired by the passion, expertise, and kindness of everyone involved.
I am grateful to the The Rising Tide Collective for creating such a welcoming event and to everyone who attended, shared their experiences, and stopped by to chat.
If the weekend reinforced one message above all others, it is this: your wellbeing matters. Taking small steps towards better mental and emotional health can have a profound impact on your confidence, relationships, and overall quality of life.
If you're struggling with anxiety, stress, confidence issues, or unhelpful habits and would like to learn more about how hypnotherapy may help, I would be delighted to speak with you.
Book a free initial consultation with me - Maria Manzo, clinical solution focused hypnotherapist at Aspyre Hypnotherapy, to find out how I can support you on your wellbeing journey.