When you think of mindfulness, what comes to mind? Mantras, essential oils, listening to relaxation podcasts? I used to think of someone sitting cross-legged, palms facing upwards and humming a calming tune. Assuming that’s all there was to it, I dismissed mindfulness as something that couldn’t help me. Even as its popularity grew and I …
You might remember seeing laughter yoga featured on a news programme or travel show. It goes like this: a bunch of people leaping around laughing, all looking somewhat childish and possibly a little ‘hippy-dippy’. There is no mistaking their happiness as they laugh at themselves. So we laugh at them. In fact, suddenly everyone is …
Nobody ever regrets starting a home yoga practice. It can transform your life, your body and your mind. Yet it can also seem overwhelming. Where to start? What to do? Here are some practical tips to get you on the mat and into a home yoga practice. Forty Days of Yoga author Kara-Leah Grant explains …
Gardening is a waiting game and it can take months, even years, to see the best results. However, when growing vegetables, some crops will be ready to eat only a month after sowing and there’s nothing better to motivate you to grow more. Sowing seeds is relatively straightforward. Just pop them thinly on a layer …
Cold-water swimmers say they suffer less illness, are better able to deal with stress and enjoy a boost in wellbeing with every icy dip. Breathe takes the plunge. Safety first Do not try cold-water swimming if you have respiratory, heart or blood pressure problems, are pregnant or unfit. Even if you are healthy, it’s advisable …
Not so long ago, multitasking was de rigueur for those wishing to get ahead. But it seems the monotaskers among us have been working more effectively all along. Here are our top tips for successful monotasking. 1 Turn off the tech A survey by Nottingham Trent University found that participants checked their phone 85 times …
Make a decision today not to be ruled by your inner saboteur any longer. Use these three simple steps to overcome internal resistance to change and break the cycle of self-sabotage for good. Take the leap and soar into the unknown. 1- Become aware of your inner saboteur Tune in to what’s going on in …
1 PUT UP NESTING BOXES Homes for solitary bees, such as the leafcutter bee that nibbles the edges of rose leaves, can be made from wood or small logs (for instructions on making, siting and aftercare, see foxleas.com). Honeybee nesting boxes (not hives for honey collection) designed to help conserve wild bees populations are available …
During the course of your life, you will most likely have to deal with challenges. Even when you know things might turn out for the best, that doesn’t make dealing with them any less daunting. Here, we look at strategies to help you cope and make stressful situations a little less scary. 1 Acknowledge your …
Many of us spend time each day travelling to and fro, from home to work and back again. This time doesn’t have to be dreaded or wasted. Follow Breathe’s tips to improve your daily commute. 1. Go for a walk around the place where you live or the area where you work. Take a map …