Ever wonder why it’s so hard to get motivated with New Years resolutions in January, and why come spring you feel that gust of motivation to deep clean your whole house, try a bunch of new activities, or start crushing your goals? Well, that might have something to do with the calendar not aligning with nature in terms of when the ‘new year’ begins. So– in honour of the true ‘New Year’ let’s talk Spring cleaning and not just the house. It’s time to overhaul your life to align with the fresh energies of this cycle.
Read MorePicture this: you're surrounded by lush greenery, the gentle rustling of leaves providing a soothing symphony, and the fresh, earthy scent of the forest filling the air. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it's time to turn that dream into reality with the enchanting practice of forest bathing, also known as Shinrin-yoku. So, kick off your shoes, embrace the spirit of adventure, and let's explore the therapeutic wonders that nature has in store for us!
Read MoreWith all of the horror stories about the damaging effects of the sun’s UV rays, we can sometimes lose sight of the life-giving qualities of the sun, and the profound impact that sun exposure has on good health.
As with anything, it ultimately comes down to balance. So let's dive into why getting some rays is important for good health, in addition to touching base on the cornerstones to enjoying the sun safely.
Understanding your brain can be a big puzzle piece to overall health. When you get to know the messengers (chemicals) in your brain, you can see where there might be some mixed messages that could be affecting your stress and emotional levels. When we have a deficiency or imbalance in our brain chemical makeup it can look like anxiety, depression or stress and it can also impact our appetite and energy levels. Let’s take a look at some of the brain’s key chemicals and their roles and how meditation is like the gym for your brain.
Read MoreWith Father’s Day just around the corner, I thought I’d take this annual opportunity to talk specifically about men’s health. If you are a dad, Happy Father’s Day! If you aren’t a dad, or just have a dad you’d like to continue making happy memories with, I invite you to share this with him this Father’s Day. After all, it is health that allows a dad to keep on doing all of the things we love the most about them. From heart health, mental health, and hormonal health, we’ve got the leading angles covered.
Read MoreToday, June 10, is World Anxiety Day, a day created to shed light on anxiety and those suffering with it, many of whom do so behind the scenes. It’s estimated around 25% of Canadians suffer from anxiety, which is data we have seen increase over the pandemic. The rates are particularly high among young people, with a 2018 report survey 41% of young adults aged 18-29 being diagnosed with anxiety. This is followed closely by 36% of 30-44 year olds and 31% of 45-59 year olds. Those over 60 report the lowest percentage at 16%. As my contribution to this conversation, I wanted to share some of my favourite natural anxiety easing tips.
Read MoreDid you know that two out of three people with mental illness suffer in silence? More than 3 million Canadians are affected by a mood disorder such as depression and anxiety and by age 40, about 50% of the population will have or have had a mental illness. Many people fear the stigma and experience shame around seeking help, but your mental and emotional wellbeing is just as important and valid as your physical health. As part of Bells #letstalk conversation, I wanted to share with you some effective ways you can support your mental and emotional wellbeing naturally.
While to some gratitude may be something that is just a passing whim around the dinner table once a year, there are many benefits of living a grateful life, and cultivating gratitude as a way of being that science is just beginning to explore.
Read MoreWe live in a society that values productivity. One that rewards the grind, idolizes busy. And we’re suffering because of it. Both physically, and mentally-- we’re a society of stressed-out, burnt-out humans. And it doesn’t have to be that way.
Read MoreOkay tell me for real, did you get in your self-care today? Self-care is something we often overlook, push aside, or flake out on in favour of other priorities. However, the outcome of this is never good. From the mild bad mood to serious health concerns, prioritizing our wellness is crucial in prevention.
Read MoreWhen I say the word ‘vice’ I’m sure things like alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes come to mind. However, pretty much anything can become a vice, depending on how and why we use it. Let’s take a look at some common vices, why we use them, and what to do instead.
If there’s one thing that gets us through hard times, it’s cultivating mental resilience. My brother shared an article on his experience with this recently, and I was inspired to bring this to all of you through the lens of acknowledging the one year mark of the pandemic.
Read MoreRelationships can be HARD at the best of times, let alone in such a stressful time. Especially if you’re quarantined together.
What can make relationships a lot easier to navigate is learning certain emotional awareness tools that help you better understand yourself, your needs and the needs of your partner.
Read MoreGot the winter blues? The good news is that there are many simple and effective ways to ease symptoms of SAD. I’ve compiled my top recommendations on how to boost your mood and return to feeling like yourself again.
Not only can a scale be a toxic way to measure progress on a health journey, but it also doesn’t really give you any information about your actual health. As we continue to smash the patriarchy and all of the shame and weight that is put on women’s bodies and appearance, I wanted to offer some alternative ways to measure your health that have NOTHING to do with your weight or size.
Read MoreTaking care of ourselves is the most important thing we can do because it sets us up to be able to take care of those we love, and make an impact out in the world. Without it, we crumble, or at best, don’t reach our full potential. When many of us hear the term self-care, we think of something like a bubble bath or a spa day, but self-care is so much more than that. Learn about the six pillars of self-care.
Read MoreThere is no other way to slice it: these are challenging times for us all. Whether or not you are worried about catching COVID-19, worried about spreading it, or worried about the effects it may have on our medical, economic, or social systems it’s important to remember that we are in this together. Though you may be physically okay, many of us are struggling with our emotional and mental wellbeing in an unprecedented global climate.
Read MoreDid you know that two out of three people with mental illness suffer in silence? More than 3 million Canadians are affected by a mood disorder such as depression and anxiety and by age 40, about 50% of the population will have or have had a mental illness.
Read MoreHow to include self-care practices to manage your stress and health.
Read MoreSet yourself up for success with a realistic action plan.
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