The mind and body are connected, and our emotions, thoughts and memories stimulate chemical responses. While a happy memory creates a pleasant feeling, so can an unpleasant experience cause our body to replace chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine and endorphins with adrenal and cortisol hormones. By understanding how we respond unconsciously to such triggers, we can change our response for better outcomes.

St John’s wort is a common weed found in grasslands, roadsides, and pastures, recognised by bright yellow flowers. However, St John’s wort is also a remedy suitable for all ages and a well-known herb used for reduction and management of depression and anxiety.

This is the first in the series of three articles, where we discuss different types of approaches that psychologists and hypnotherapists may use to help their clients in achieving their goals, and assisting them in their journey to health.

The glutes have an important role in our movement and posture, and when they’re strong, they can prevent pain and injuries. Also, having defined glutes is quite aesthetically appealing, both in men and women. With a proper exercise guide and some dedication, you too can develop glorious glutes.

Stress and different stressors, positive or negative ones, permeate nearly every moment of our lives. Certain levels of mental or physical stress create resilience, growth and development. Does this mean that stress is good? Yes, but there is a limit and that limit depends on an individual. Having too much stress and for long periods of time is what should be avoided, and this is what many of us are not able to always control successfully.

When compared to an omnivorous diet, a plant-based diet has shown to improve several important health markers, such as body mass index (BMI), cardiovascular and cognitive health, and decrease risks of cancer and diabetes. This sounds great, however, we need to look more closely into the studies to see what lies behind the term “omnivorous diet”, in order to have a better understanding when comparing these two types of diets.

Mugwort leaves have been integral to ancient healing practices around the world. In Traditional Chinese medicine Mugwort leaves have been used for digestive support, menstrual regulation, pain, inflammation, and as a calming agent.

Plant-based products, and especially plant-based meat alternatives, have oils added to meet the fat content that an animal product would naturally have. Due to their low cost, refined vegetable oils are mostly used, such as soybean, corn and canola oil. In the process of extraction chemical solvents are used and oil is often exposed to heat which causes oxidation and damage. So, how healthy are such foods really?

Depression affects millions of people worldwide and can interfere with mood, sleep, motivation, dietary and eating habits, energy levels and other biological functions, depending on the severity and the individual. It’s important to know that anyone at any time can feel “low”, however, that does not necessarily mean that we are depressed.

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin, and one of the eight B vitamins. It has an important role in our healthy metabolism and immunity, as well as during development in pregnancy and childhood. The biologically active form of vitamin B6, pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP) is responsible for more than 100 biochemical reactions in our body, making vitamin B6 an essential nutrient.

Mindfulness means to be aware and present in the moment, which today with our busy lives and so many distractions seems very difficult to achieve. For many, we are simply drifting through life, and we find ourselves most of the time being on autopilot. If you would like to change that, and become more aware of your senses, I suggest starting here.

Amla is a type of fruit that grows on the tree of the same name. It is considered as one of the main herbs in Ayurvedic medicine, and modern research sees it as one of the most antioxidant rich foods available. This means that amla has several health properties, from which even the healthiest among us can still benefit.