March, Meditation & Mental Health 

Lockdown season three is ending soon and I know this one has been harder than the others, I feel it too. If you have any spare time and you’re wanting to learn the science behind well-being I highly recommend this course by Professor Laurie Santos, it’s free to enrol at the moment. If you don’t have time to do the course, it takes 10 weeks…here are some ways to help you feel a little happier!

• Gratitude - can improve your relationships, your physical and psychological health and self esteem, improve your sleep pattern and reduce anxiety.

• Kindness - can increase feelings of happiness, not just yours but the people who you are kind too, a double dose of goodness!

• Meditation - I know, I understand, it’s difficult to find time to sit still and do nothing, moving through your yoga class with your breath is a moving meditation, so you’re kind of already doing it. The meditation that makes the most difference to you and other people? Metta or Loving Kindness, another good reason to put a little kindness in your life!

• Exercise - Improves your mood, boosts your energy, helps you to sleep better, strengthens your bones and muscles (especially after you’ve reached a certain age) and yes yoga does count, another double dose of goodness!

• Social Connection - not only improves feelings of well-being and boosts self-esteem, it can also strengthen your immune system and lengthen your life! I know this one has been really difficult so reach out to someone even if it’s a text, email or video chat, anything is better than nothing!

And my Doctors favourite words of advice… make sure you’re drinking enough water!