When you head outside and let your senses soak up the sights, sounds, smells and textures of trees, there are many benefits to gain. Apart from the simple joy and wonder you might feel in the presence of these lofty sentinels, time in nature can inspire a sense of contentment. Regular wholesome tree-time can make …
Have you ever thought ‘I’m unlucky’ or ‘Bad things always happen to me’? Maybe your sports team lost a match, you misunderstood your homework or a parent vetoed your plans with friends. Everyone has bad days and life won’t always go your way. But if you find yourself complaining a lot, or blaming other people …
When the morning comes, the first thing many people do is reach for their phone. But there’s another way. You could start your day by opening the curtains and making your room as bright as possible – keep your windows clean, roll up blinds, make sure any bushes or trees outside that block the light …
A line from a book or film that sends shivers down the spine. A lyric that captures the intensity of rage or the empty weight of sadness. A message received at just the right moment. Words can become tiny treasures – reminders that someone, somewhere, gets it. The other day, I found my daughter curled …
Do you ever feel as if you’re the person everyone turns to for advice? Perhaps you’re proud you can help others – it’s a sign of your kind nature that friends feel they can open up to you. But it’s also normal to feel overloaded if you’re regularly hearing about other people’s problems. Responding with …
You may have heard the saying ‘the early bird gets the worm’, but actually, night owls deserve more credit. Recent research found that night owls scored better on cognitive tests, which relates to the brain’s ability to think, learn and remember. So, could being a night owl be a secret superpower? Evening energy One of …
In a world where the loudest voices and boldest personalities often seem to take centre stage, it’s easy to believe that you have to be an extrovert to be a leader. But being a leader isn’t just about telling people what to do. It’s about setting an example and bringing out the best in those …
If you’ve ever heard a friend or social media influencer saying ‘that’s my love language’, you may have wondered what they mean. Love languages are a way of understanding how different people show appreciation for each other. Perhaps you have a friend who always greets you with a warm hug, or a family member who …
If somebody told you to picture one of your friends, and then asked how you met this friend, you might be able to answer with one simple word: hobbies. Whether it’s via a neighbourhood netball group or an after-school crafting club, many of us make friends for life through our extracurricular activities. But are shared …
Have you ever felt more relaxed just by watching the waves, listening to rain or dipping your toes in a stream? That’s the magic of water in its ability to help us feel more calm. Science shows us that being near water helps our bodies and minds unwind – whether it’s a walk by a …
