The holidays can be a stressful time for many people. There are pressures to spend time with family, to find the perfect gifts, and to budget for extra expenses. Along with all of this, there is often the added stress of travel. It can be tough to maintain mental health during the holidays, but it is possible. Here are some … Read More
The Neuroscience of Nature: How time Outdoors Benefits your Brain
As we looked at the straggly bushes in our neighbor’s garden, we wondered if we’d mistakenly assumed he’d tidy his garden when we, his new neighbors, moved in. A few days later, he happened to walk past when we were again assessing the bushes after a walk. We introduced ourselves, and his face lit up as his eyes followed ours. … Read More
Forest therapy is now in Australia, but what is it exactly?
The evidence is mounting that time in nature makes you happier, healthier and smarter. Forest Therapy – known in Japan as Shinrin-yoku – triggers your body’s own anti-depressant response, boosts your immune system and even increases your creativity and mental capabilities. If you have ever walked in nature Thoreau-style, you may already know the therapeutic benefit of contemplative time in the … Read More
I’ve Spoken With Hundreds Of Suicidal People. Here’s My Advice On How to Have that Conversation (And Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid)
If you’re concerned about a friend or loved one who might be suicidal, read this guide to learn how to have an open and honest conversation about suicide and what to do next to keep them safe.
A First Principles Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing Pt.3 Gut Health meets Brain Health
In part 1 and part 2 of this 3-part series we discussed the importance of the right fats and oils, and carbohydrates and protein, for brain health. Now we dive into how gut health impacts brain health. Without optimal digestion, and then absorption of ALL these nutrients, we can’t make the best use of them. Although we are all aware … Read More
A First Principles Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing. Pt.2 Carbs + Protein
How Carbohydrates and Protein Feed Your Brain In part 1 of this 3-part series the importance of consuming omega 3 and 6 fats for optimal brain structure and function was introduced. The brain’s potential to be a beautifully orchestrated and optimally functioning network can also be influenced by the next two foundation foods: carbohydrates and protein. Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are the … Read More
A First Principles Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing. Pt. 1 Nutrition meets Neuroscience
Over 25 years ago I took a step away from the conventional psychological approach to mental health and wellbeing. When I discovered that nutrition impacts the structure, and therefore the function of our sensitive and sophisticated brain, I decided to walk the road-less-travelled, the road of nutritional neuroscience. Instead of approaching mental wellbeing with a theoretical framework within which to … Read More
Losing Touch: How Lack of Community Primes us for Conspiracies, Conflict and the Coffin
Take Two Friends and Call Me in the Morning. There’s a little town in England that’s done a remarkable thing. In a reasonably short amount of time, the township of Frome has been able to reduce emergency hospital admissions by 15%. Meanwhile, hospital admissions in neighbouring towns rose by 30%. What is Frome’s secret life-saving technology? The local medical practice … Read More
The Social Prescribing Revolution is Here
Nursing one of his beloved daughters to her death at age ten led Charles Darwin to consider the role of suffering and compassion in natural selection. He would later theorise in Descent of Man that sympathy, a word probably closer to what we understand today as empathy, is an instinct even stronger than self-interest. Darwin’s work offers insight as to why the act of suffering together – … Read More
Suicide Prevention Starts With Community
Suicide. Everyone has different reactions when I mention the word. These reactions include sadness, loss, guilt, interest, anger, surprise, concern, unsure, jokes, laughter, remembrance, and silence. For some, they remember the person they lost. Others talk about suicide with keen interest, perhaps from a philosophical, ethical, social, or personal viewpoint. No matter whom I’ve spoken with, I have found that … Read More
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