When the world feels unpredictable and loud, where do we return? This post explores connection, responsibility, and the everyday practice of listening inward — and how staying grounded can help us hold on to goodness, even in times like ours. Continue reading An Ordinary Day in a Loud World
In my personal blog I recently wrote about my experience of the magic of the Ayurveda retreat where I understood clearly the quietness that comes from stepping away from daily life. But I haven’t wondered why retreats work so profoundly. What’s actually happening in our brain when we unplug, slow down, and immerse ourself in a new environment? I recently dove into research, and what … Continue reading How a One-Week Retreat Rewires Your Brain: The Science Behind Lasting Change
The holiday season is often seen as a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. Yet, for many older adults, it can be a period of deep loneliness and isolation. A lot of people over 65, that is the average age where in the Western world almost everyone is retired, live alone, and for some, social isolation is a daily reality. Research shows that a significant … Continue reading Winter Holiday: A Time for Celebration, but Also for Loneliness Among the Elderly
Childhood memories are filled with countless experiences, but for many children, one stands out prominently: the bond with a pet. In a recent survey conducted by the American Humane Association, the profound and lasting impact of pets on children was explored, revealing the significance of this relationship in shaping lives, even into adulthood. Emotional Bonds and Development The survey, which gathered responses from 294 individuals, … Continue reading The Lifelong Impact of Pets on Children
This is a follow up of my last week post on Art Therapy. When I first began blogging, I didn’t realize I was engaging in something deeply therapeutic. I thought I was simply documenting my thoughts, sharing my experiences, reporting on my findings, and connecting with others. But over time, I noticed something profound: the act of writing helps me face my difficulties, even though … Continue reading Blogging as Art Therapy: Writing Your Way to Emotional Wellness
Returning from a well-deserved vacation can feel like a jarring reset. You have forgotten about emails, deadlines, and the relentless rhythm of daily life (or at least you should have). But you are back to the usual routine. This transition isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it’s a trigger for chronic stress and burnout. In the Western world, over 40% of adults report chronic stress, and 75% … Continue reading Post-Vacation Stress: a Hidden Toll
I am sure that you know that working excessively exhausts the body and the mind. But do you know that it may also fundamentally change the structure of the brain? A Korean study warns of the neurological consequences of overwork, a danger that is often underestimated. We already know that working long hours harms personal well-being. But this study, recently published in Occupational and Environmental … Continue reading How Stress Can Alter the Structure of Our Brain
Are you one of the many people who struggles with falling asleep? The constant flow of information and the stress of daily life can make it difficult to quiet the mind and drift off into a peaceful sleep. One method that I found recently is “cognitive shuffling.” But what exactly is cognitive shuffling, and can it really help you fall asleep? Understanding Cognitive Shuffling Cognitive … Continue reading Have You Ever Heard the Sleeping Technique “Cognitive Shuffling”?
We’ve all been there—tossing and turning all night, staring at the ceiling, and watching the hours tick by. When morning finally arrives, you’re left feeling groggy and out of sorts. But there are ways to reclaim your day and make the most of it, even after a sleepless night. Let’s explore some strategies to help you bounce back and feel your best. To Caffeinate or … Continue reading Smart Choices After a Sleepless Night
There’s something wonderfully indulgent about stealing a few moments in the early afternoon to close your eyes and drift into a peaceful cat nap. Not only does it refresh the mind, but it also offers a host of health benefits that can enhance your overall well-being. Let’s explore how a simple cat nap can be a game-changer, especially for those of us in our golden … Continue reading The Art of the Fruitful Cat Nap: A Guide to Afternoon Rejuvenation
Have you ever heard of Fauja Singh? His story emerges as one that defies age, and redefines the boundaries of the human spirit. Fauja Singh, an extraordinary centenarian marathon runner often dubbed the “Turbaned Tornado,” is a testament to the indomitable will and timeless potential that resides within us all. His life, filled with incredible perseverance and zeal, offers invaluable lessons that transcend age, redefining … Continue reading The Incredible Journey of Fauja Singh: Lessons in Resilience, Passion, and Longevity
Are you struggling to find moments of tranquility and connection with nature? Have you ever thought about gardening? Being in a garden offers a place to slow down, breathe, and nurture life. Beyond the beauty and bounty it provides, gardening is a powerful elixir for health and happiness. Let’s see the multifaceted benefits and explore how everyone, regardless of space constraints, can partake in this … Continue reading The Benefits of Gardening
My curiosity towards other cultures is never ending and I found another Scandinavian concept worth to be explored, “sisu“. In the heart of Northern Europe lies Finland, a country renowned for its stunning landscapes, innovative education system, and, perhaps most intriguingly, its unique concept of sisu. This Finnish term, which defies direct translation, embodies a profound inner strength and resilience that has become a cornerstone … Continue reading Sisu: The Finnish Secret to Resilience and Happiness
«Have you ever lived in an ashram?” people used to ask me. My answer was, no. But here I am, two months into it, and I can say that ashram life is more than just yoga. Life in an ashram in Rishikesh is a journey of self-discovery—one that challenges you to push beyond what you thought was possible. It demands commitment, acceptance, practice, patience—and then, … Continue reading YOGA AND ASHRAM LIFE
A recent study from Cambridge University has found out an intriguing connection between culture and mental health. Tracking 2,000 British adults over the age of 50, researchers found that just one cultural outing per month—whether to a theatre, museum, or cinema—significantly decreased the risk of depression. At first glance, the link may seem obvious: engaging with art, storytelling, and history can be stimulating, thought-provoking, and … Continue reading How Culture Can Protect Mental Health
Winter holiday is a special time of year, celebrating togetherness and the warmth of traditions. Around the table, stories, laughter, and memories intertwine, with food taking center stage, flavoring our most genuine moments of sharing. But what happens when, after the festivities, we look in the mirror or recall the many toasts and delicious dishes we’ve enjoyed? For many, guilt sets in: “I’ve eaten too … Continue reading Post Holiday Guilt: Food & Health Insights
With just over a week to go until Christmas and Hanukkah, you may be starting to feel your stress level rise. Do yourself a favour! Pause, take a deep breath, and make a conscious choice to prioritize your wellbeing this holiday season. Setting aside time for you is an investment that will pay great dividends by reducing your stress and helping you be more present. … Continue reading Prioritize Your Wellbeing This Holiday Season
With the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday coming up next week, the festive season will soon be in full swing. For many people, stress and the holidays go hand in hand, but it doesn’t have to be that way. For the next few weeks, I’ll continue the “No”vember thread I introduced last week with ways to reduce stress and focus on what matters this holiday season. Today, … Continue reading It’s Time to Make Your Holiday “Don’t Want List”
On Saturday night, most of us in North America turned our clocks back an hour before going to bed. No matter how you feel about it, the much-debated practice of switching between standard and daylight time is a good opportunity to review sleep habits and consider ways to improve your sleep. Some people hate the practice of changing the clocks, but the twice-yearly time change … Continue reading Improve Your Sleep with These Helpful Tips
Why is it so difficult to form healthy habits or overcome bad habits? In many cases, we have good intentions, and we know what we need to do. Yet it’s so difficult to translate those good intentions into action. Read on to learn how you can bridge the gap between good intentions and healthy behaviours. A few weeks ago, I saw a presentation by Monica … Continue reading The Keys to Forming Healthy Habits
