Welcome to Nurturing Body and Soul. Led by Rachel Kelly, an acclaimed writer on mental health and wellbeing and former journalist at The Times, this six-part course draws on both professional expertise and lived experience. As the author of several books on resilience and recovery, Rachel brings warmth, honesty and practical wisdom to each topic.

Rachel’s lessons explore some of the most common challenges we face, including managing anxiety, improving physical health through better habits, and navigating relationships. From resolving conflict to supporting an anxious child, this course addresses family dynamics and offers guidance on coping with grief and loss.

Accessible and reassuring, the series provides simple, effective tools to build resilience, strengthen connections, and support a healthier, more balanced life.

What you get

On-demand videos: six video lessons to watch any time

A real time “Meet the Tutor” session: Zoom Q&A with Rachel

Audio: listen to the lessons in podcast form

Meet the Tutor online event: Audience Q&A with Rachel on 14 April 2026.

Accompanying notes: Summaries of lessons, further resources, tips and books to read in a downloadable Idler document

Exclusive course forum: chat and share your thoughts on the course with fellow Academy members

Quiz: test what you’ve learned with our fun multiple choice quiz

Certificate: when you pass the quiz you will be sent a beautiful personalised Idler Academy Certificate of Completion

Rachel Kelly is a writer on mental health and wellbeing. Her books include Black Rainbow, Walking on Sunshine, The Happy Kitchen, Singing in the Rain, and You’ll Never Walk Alone. Her latest book, The Gift of Teenagers: Connect More, Worry Less, was published in May 2025 by Hachette. A journalist at the Times for a decade, Rachel now writes for newspapers and magazines, and is a columnist for the Idler. She is an ambassador for SANE and Rethink Mental Illness, and runs wellbeing workshops for companies, schools and universities.