How did Kerry Ashby embrace the reinvention offered by a new career? Starting out as a florist, Kerry plodded along in her role, unfulfilled and frustrated, until, at 30, she swapped flowers for bandages and a career in nursing, retraining from scratch. Rising through the ranks, she found herself as head of paediatrics at a …
Why it’s rude to reject a compliment Do you think, these days, that you’re pretty good at taking a compliment? Maybe, when someone praised you in the past, you’d contradict them. ‘Oh, but it was easy,’ you’d say, or ‘Thanks, but I should have done better.’ But, since then, you’ve learned that rejecting a compliment …
What is the draw of people-watching for creatives? ‘If you’re people-watching, you see how it’s a story evolving in front of you,’ says London-based artist David Richardson, whose work captures the scenes unfolding in the capital’s public spaces, be that a fish market or outside the Houses of Parliament. ‘You notice more, too, when you …
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How do people live a contemplative life in the modern world? Throughout history, people have retreated from the world. Laozi, the assumed author of the Tao-te Ching (the text is also thought to be the work of many people), was said to have been a recluse who shunned worldly life. However, Chinese spiritual recluses have …
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Why tradition and attention to detail are so important to bao buns Few people understand the elevation of this traditional dish better than the founders of London’s Taiwanese BAO restaurants, where steamed buns are the signature dish. While the bao originated in Chinese cuisine, in Taiwan, it’s the ultimate comfort food, made with a twist …
How you can find exercise motivation in repetition Physical training can feel daunting if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. ‘It can be hard to force ourselves into uncomfortable situations in pursuit of a future good feeling that can feel quite far off,’ says Eloise. In addition, anything new might feel intimidating, and …
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Why trail running is good for your body Whether it’s for leisure or competition, there’ll be a trail to match your preferences – and trail running is more than a sport or way to get fit. It’s an experience. One of the most exciting aspects is the constantly changing terrain, which keeps the mind engaged, …
Read moreWhat are the physical and mental benefits of trail running?
What impact can resentment have on your emotional wellbeing? Resentment can evolve over time, and then there’s the possibility that it will grow, as Louise Goddard-Crawley, a London-based chartered psychologist, explains: ‘It can accumulate because of repeated negative experiences, ongoing conflict or unresolved grievances. It may start with a minor frustration or disappointment that gradually …
Why do people downplay their achievements? Fear of being considered a show-off often means that personal achievements and milestones aren’t shared, even when friends and family would love to hear about them. Rosalind Miles, a BACP-accredited psychotherapist and therapeutic counsellor based in Kent in the UK, notes that self-doubt or low self-worth often feed into …
Read moreWhy you shouldn’t be afraid to sing your own praises
Why lighting windows can create a positive and festive atmosphere One of the first things you might notice about Sweden in winter are the window lights. Even after dark, many people keep their curtains open to display small, softly lit lamps on the windowsill. And, as it gets closer to Christmas and Lucia – a …
Read moreHow to maintain your mental wellbeing during winter – the Swedish way
