If I were to say women weightlifters, what would your first reaction be? Because, if like many people, you instantly think ‘unattractive and unfeminine’ then you may want to take your time to read my book review of Stronger by Poorna Bell. Within the 300 pages of Stronger, Poorna makes more salient, incisive points around … Read more
You’re a good person, right? I bet you’re kind to others, hold doors for strangers and support your friends when they’re having a tough time. So what does managing moral injury have to do with you? Well, have you ever done something so against your values that you struggled to forgive yourself? If so, you … Read more
TRIGGER WARNING: Hunger by Roxane Gay contains multiple mentions of rape. This book review discusses rape, and its ensuing damage, in detail. The first thing that strikes me about Hunger, is how real and raw it is. There is no dressing up the truth . Gay was gang raped at 12 years old. And now, … Read more
Forgiveness, we’re told, is a wonderful thing. It sets us free and supports good health. All spiritual texts agree, forgiveness is the way forward. So what happens when you can’t forgive?Because,quite frankly, forgiveness can sometimes feel impossible. And the effort expended in attempting to forgive can be mentally exhausting. And, whisper it, often futile. A … Read more
I’d been browsing Facebook for barely a minute, when up popped a toxic positivity post. And not just any ‘turn that frown upside down’ meme. This one went further. It stated that by allowing yourself to feel fear or anxiety, you’ll be attracting more of the same. So you must keep your vibes high! And … Read more
Counselling can be transformative. I say this not as a counsellor myself, but as a client. It’s my time on the other side of the couch, that’s had the biggest impact on my mental health. But, however talented and caring your counsellor, they’re only with you for 50 minutes a week. And the rest of … Read more
Would you look at this selfie of me? Aren’t my eyes bright, my skin clear and my brows perfect in their precision?Needless to say, this selfie looks nothing like the real me. The photo was taken using a filter – just one click and the bags, wrinkles, and blemishes I so often bear are gone. … Read more
A new study, published in Eco Psychology, has found that just 10 minutes outdoors a day can provide a significant self-esteem, and wellbeing boost. The researchers analysed studies from the past 30 years, to explore the mental health benefits of nature. Most people are intuitively aware of the mental health benefits of nature. Having personally … Read more
Self compassion can be key to improving your mental health, learning to enjoy life more and forgiving others.
Many people will recognise when a relationship feels wrong. Or when a less-than-perfect friendship starts to sour beyond the point of salvation. But most people don’t know exactly how to manage a toxic relationship, and they feel alarmed as their mental wellbeing takes a nosedive. Let’s try and explore that in this blog. First off, … Read more