Feeling Overwhelmed? Try the RAIN Meditation

Feeling Overwhelmed? Try the RAIN Meditation

You can take your time and explore the RAIN meditation as a stand – alone practice or move through the steps in a more abbreviated way whenever challenging emotions arise. Source: Mindful.org When I was in college, I went off to the mountains for a weekend of hiking with an older, wiser friend of twenty-two. After setting up our tent, we sat by a stream, watching the water swirl around rocks, talking about our lives. At one point she described how she was learning to be “her own best friend.” A wave of sadness came over me, and I broke down sobbing. I was the furthest thing from my own […]

The 1 Thing Sleep Doctors Never, Ever Do In The Morning

The 1 Thing Sleep Doctors Never, Ever Do In The Morning

This habit may seem harmless, but it can really mess with your entire day (and night!). Source: Huffpost You’ve likely heard that a good night of sleep starts in the morning, and sleep experts agree with this statement wholeheartedly. This is because of our circadian rhythm, or our body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, which is a 24-hour process. “The circadian rhythm, your internal biological clock, operates on a roughly 24-hour cycle and dictates when you feel awake or sleepy, largely influenced by light exposure,” explained Dr. Chester Wu, a double-board certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist. “Health behaviours in the morning reinforce a strong circadian rhythm, promoting wakefulness during the day and sleepiness […]

Mental Health and Sleep

Mental Health and Sleep

Source: Sleep Foundation Org Most people know firsthand that sleep affects their mental state. After all, there’s a reason it’s said that someone in a bad mood “woke up on the wrong side of the bed.” As it turns out, there’s quite a bit of truth behind this colloquial saying. Sleep is closely connected to mental and emotional health and has demonstrated links to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other conditions. Research is ongoing to better understand the bidirectional relationship between mental health and sleep. Both are complex issues affected by a multitude of factors, but, given their close association, there is strong reason to believe that improving sleep can […]

Dementia Experts Reveal 7 Rules You Should Follow To Keep Your Mind Sharp

Dementia Experts Reveal 7 Rules You Should Follow To Keep Your Mind Sharp

Adopt these habits and your brain will thank you. More than 55 million people across the globe have dementia, which describes a cluster of symptoms ― such as memory loss, overall cognitive impairment and psychological changes ― as well as specific conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, according to the World Health Organisation. Cases continue to grow at alarming rates, with about 10 million people developing dementia each year. Source: Huffspot This underscores the importance of brain health, an umbrella term that emphasises the wellness of all cognitive skills and abilities. Dr. Zaldy Tan, director of the Maxine & Bernard Platzer Lynn Family Memory & Healthy Aging Program at Cedars-Sinai, explained that “brain health is the state […]

Does Coffee Affect Vitamin and Nutrient Absorption?

Does Coffee Affect Vitamin and Nutrient Absorption?

How your daily caffeine habit could be inhibiting your vitamin and mineral absorption. Coffee is pretty much a dietary staple these days. In fact it is the most popular caffeinated drink in the west, with 80% of adults in the USA admitting to sipping on it every single day. There are a tonne of proven health benefits to drinking coffee, but there are also a few drawbacks. Source: LYMA What is coffee? Coffee starts life as the seeds of berries that grow on Coffea plants. Coffee berries, as they are commonly known, once ripe, are picked, processed, and dried. The seeds are then roasted to varying degrees, depending on the […]

How to start journaling for mental health: 7 tips and techniques

How to start journaling for mental health: 7 tips and techniques

Did you know one of the most powerful self-improvement activities is right at your fingertips? No, it’s not working out or having good sleep hygiene. It’s something even simpler — learning how to start journaling. Although it’s been around for thousands of years, journaling is currently having a moment in the limelight. From self-help blogs to famous authors like Deepak Chopra, everyone is talking about the life-changing benefits of learning how to journal. Source: BetterUp Despite its recent soar in popularity, this isn’t just a new-age self-help trend. If practiced consistently, it can transform your mental fitness, emotional well-being, and even physical well-being. Let’s explore the importance of keeping a journal and how […]

10 ways to boost your self-esteem in less than 10 minutes

10 ways to boost your self-esteem in less than 10 minutes

Everyone has days when they don’t feel their best. It’s normal. But, did you know that you can boost your self-esteem quickly? And it only takes less than ten minutes! I’m going to share ten easy but strong ways to lift your self-esteem right away. These tips won’t just make you feel good right now, they’ll also help you feel more confident in the long run. Source: HackSpirit 1. Positive Self-Talk The first step is all about the power of words – your words. The way you talk to yourself matters a lot. Negative self-talk can bring you down, while positive self-talk can lift you up. Here’s how to do […]

15 Foods That Boost the Immune System

15 Foods That Boost the Immune System

Regularly eating a variety of nutritious foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as citrus fruits and spinach, can help boost your immune health. Source: Healthline Immune System Boosters Feeding your body certain foods may help keep your immune system strong. If you’re looking for ways to prevent colds, the flu, and other infections, your first step should be a visit to your local grocery store. Plan your meals to include these 15 powerful immune system boosters. Food Fix: Immune System Boost 1. Citrus Fruits Most people turn straight to vitamin C after they’ve caught a cold. That’s because it helps build up your immune system. Vitamin C is thought to increase the production […]

Best Yoga Poses for Better Sleep

Best Yoga Poses for Better Sleep

Having trouble calming your mind and body before bed? Try these gentle yoga stretches for a good night’s rest. Here are the best yoga poses for sleep. Source: Cnet How often do you have trouble falling asleep at night because your mind is still racing from the day and worrying about the next? You aren’t alone, and luckily, there are plenty of tricks that can help me at bedtime (such as reading, drinking a hot cup of herbal tea or journaling). But if those tips aren’t enough, and you’re still struggling to get some shut-eye, try practice a few yoga poses to try to get to sleep. For more natural ways to get better sleep, try these seven […]

How to Fall Asleep Faster Using the Science-Backed ‘K-9 Trick’

How to Fall Asleep Faster Using the Science-Backed ‘K-9 Trick’

Follow these four strategies to get more rest and increase your productivity. Every night, millions of people are faced with the battle of falling asleep-and staying asleep.  And until about six months ago I was one of those millions. Before finally learning how to fall asleep faster, sleep was a nightly battle that made my day to day life something of a nightmare. It’s no secret that sleep plays a critical role in our overall health-and lives. It impacts our daily lives and the longevity of our lives. From our energy levels, attention span, critical thinking skills, productivity, creativity and even our ability to procreate-sleep affects our personal lives, our […]