January 2018

Mother Nature: heals your soul

Living in a town or city it is too easy to slip into an urban life and lose touch with nature.  Yet it is while experiencing nature that often we feel more alive, happy and well.  Many people pursue a sport such as sailing, canoeing or horse riding that brings you close to nature. However staying in touch with nature can be as simple as a walk in the park.  It can be equally exhilarating as jumping a hedge with a horse.

Last week on my daily walk the sky opened and it poured with hard, thunder rain. I had a choice of turning for home or continuing to the park.  I went for the park and I was not disappointed. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

Walk and talk: ease the mind and refresh the soul

Over the year-end festivities the structure of life often suffers with school out, shops only half-open and businesses only ticking over. Getting back into the full flow of life in January is tough. What better time than to go for a long walk and talk with a friend, colleague or loved one.

Walking amongst the trees with your eyes scanning the green landscape relaxes the mind and rests your body. The gentle movement of walking eases the muscles and makes your body feel at ease. Greenery is accessible to all. Even in a city, a green park is not far away. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

Relaxation: learn to remain still

Stillness is very powerful.

Mindfulness is a commonly used term these days. However it is true that meditation or just being still brings calmness which enhances your concentration, lowers blood pressure and aids sleep quality. All are good for enhancing your performance at work and improves your well-being.

The simplest way to induce stillness is to take deep breaths.

3-4-5 breathing is a simple exercise devised by @Dr Rangan Chatterjee.

1. Breath in for 3 seconds.

2. Hold your breath for 4 seconds. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

Relaxation: eat a meal at a table

For many of us today is the first day back at work. How did you get on with ensuring you got 15 minutes downtime? If you have not managed it, there is still time this evening – perhaps a lovely bath or listening to a favourite piece of music.

Do remember this time is for you and should not be done alongside a task like making dinner….

Here is another suggestion for relaxation   – eat a meal at a table with a friend, colleague or loved one.

Humans are social beings and have greater feelings of well-being when they feel more connected to others. As you are sitting it helps your body to move out of the ‘fight or flight’ mode and your digestion improves. You will be inclined to eat less which helps all of us who are watching our weight. read more

By Alison Wem, ago