As humans beings we are so predictable! No sooner is the feasting of Christmas over than we are being inundated with articles and programmes in the media about losing the results of our excesses, made to guilty and somehow shamed for having stored a few extra pounds around our midriff!

Easy steps to a Healthy You

Continuing with our theme of making small changes to create major positive outcomes in our lives here are some more to try

I'm sure you won't be surprised to know that the ageing process is related to your lifestyle choices, diet and environment - the most recent research telling us that only a small amount is due to direct genetics. So why not start right now to live your life consciously by avoiding stress, taking the best exercise for you and eating well - and you can healthly extend your life.

1.Pet your Pet:

People with pets are less likely to develop heart, circulatory and blood pressure problems. Simply stroking a cat or dog lowers blood pressure. A cat will produce calming alpha waves when they purr and this will help you de-stress and soothe your nervous system better than some drugs

2. Walkies:

Going for a regular walk ( 30 minutes daily) will stimulate your circulation and heart function, help to control cholesterol, boost memory and immune systems and send fresh oxygen into the brain. Just the act of putting one foot in front of the other and the repetitive movement and swing of the arms sends the brain waves into the first level of meditation - alpha waves - which rejuvenate brain and body functions. Taking that walk in nature further enhances your experience; we are of and from nature and the healing potential of trees, greenery and open skies to restore our mind/body functions are immeasurable.

In the UK 25% of all people are affected by metal health issues and about 15% of people will have a severe bout of depression at some time in their lives; however this figure is based on those who seek treatment and there may be many more who remain undiagnosed and therefore untreated.

I have blogged about the power of breath work before in helping to reduce anxiety, clear the mind and help focus attention and awareness. I recently came across some research about the use and the control of breath to help lower blood pressure

What is blood pressure?

I have blogged about the power of breath work before in helping to reduce anxiety, clear the mind and help focus attention and awareness.
I recently came across some research about the use and the control of breath to help lower blood pressure

Now that we have seen a few glimpses of the sun we can be assured that summer is well on its way and we need to take our skin out of hibernation and spruce it up ready for others to see and admire!

There is no need to book yourself into an expensive spa for treatments, instead create a spa on your day off where you can spend the day scrubbing, exfoliating and plumping up the skin as well as de-stressing and indulging in long overdue 'me' time.
All the ingredients we are going to use you can find in your cupboard or buy quite cheaply.

Soak Away Your Stress

These soaks should last at least 30 minutes once a week or if you have skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis then more frequently would be ideal.

The new beginnings and resolutions of the New Year may now be but a dim and distant memory so here are some short and sweet reminders to incorporate into your everyday life to keep you going:

Drink lots of water:

When we are advised to drink this many litres of water a day, just that thought can be overwhelming and daunting. So lets make it simpler and more real. If you drink a tumbler full of filtered water, one for every hour that you are awake, whether that is in diluted juices, water or herbal teas, it will keep you hydrated.

Hair is a vital and symbolic aspect of both our conscious and unconscious lives. Beautiful hair denotes vitality, sensuality, health and sexual potency. For both men and women who lose their hair there can be a sense of deprivation of their life force.

Think of the mighty Samson who fell to his knees when Delilah took the sheers to his mane or the traditional cultures that require women to cover their hair in case men are bewitched by it. In some cultures loose hair denotes loose morals. In the Sikh religion hair has a divine significance and a sense of group and religious identity and kinship.

How to achieve more energy, vitality and a put a New Year bounce in your step

If you are feeling slightly drained, jaded and disillusioned after the seasonal festivities and gloomy about the state of the economy fear not, here are some simple and natural tips to put the bounce and energy back into your life and keep the winter blues at bay....and all at very little cost, in fact you have everything to gain....