Planet Mindful

This is something that we explore more on p24 this issue with top life coach Michelle Elman. She advises us to spend more time alone, stop multi-tasking and set more boundaries to find calm and inner peace. Sometimes, trauma and behaviour patterns can be passed down from parents and grandparents (or even our ancestors beyond that). This is a subject that fascinates me and is something that I’m sure will resonate with you too. Turn to p30 to find out how to reset these complex intergenerational issues and move forward. Summer is a great time to try new things, and this issue we discover mindful walking (p74), outdoor swimming (p78), pilates (p82) and new ways to cook veg (p86) – all of which will leave you feeling refreshed, energised and ready to…

Reading… On sale in August, Make Every Move A Meditation is written by best-selling wellbeing author Nita Sweeney, and explores how we can make mindfulness a part of everything that we do. Watching… Doing a desk job often leaves me feeling stiff, so I’ve been trying to incorporate stretching into my daily routine. YouTube is great for quick tutorials – check out MadFit for some good ones. Listening to… The Ten Percent Happier podcast is great for science-backed mindfulness techniques and valuable insights into how we can boost our wellbeing and feel happier.…

MICHELLE ELMAN Life coach, author and TEDx speaker Michelle Elman is passionate about mental health, self image and boundaries. Turn to p24 to read her life-changing tips. SUZI LEACH Having lived with chronic illness for 17 years, Suzi now dedicates her time to helping others. Turn to p46 to read her tips on self esteem. KATE STRONG Kate is a World Triathlon Champion and sustainability expert. Read her eye-opening article about Overshoot Day on p54 this issue. DR NAVEED AKHTAR Clinical hypnotherapist, complementary health advocate and founder of The Integrative Health Convention Dr Naveed explains the truth about hypnotherapy on p42. CHARLIE NEARY Writer Charlie goes behind the scenes at a British flower farm this issue (p62) to uncover the truth about sustainable blooms. ABBY MCLACHLAN Pilates guru Abby is founder of East of Eden, a yoga, pilates, barre and meditation…

In the mood for flowers Did you know that the scent of different flowers can evoke different moods and offer a tailored wellbeing boost? Renowned London florist Hannah Martin certainly did, which is why she set up Scent + Remedy – a nationwide delivery service offering bouquets named after their therapeutic benefits, including Calm, Balance, Revive, and Uplift. From £60, scentandremedy.com “Flowers are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.”LUTHER BURBANK Try this… Chromotherapy An alternative therapy that has been used for thousands of years to boost wellbeing, chromotherapy involves using colours of the spectrum – which each have their own unique light wavelength – to reset any physical and mental imbalance. Each colour has a different effect on our mind, body and emotions – orange is healing and invigorates the mind, red soothes…

In a bid to reconnect us with nature, boost our mental health and encourage us to slow down, Hounslow’s historic Chiswick House and Gardens has transformed its Kitchen Garden into a multi-sensory experience called ‘Paradise in the Sun’. Described as ‘part hypnosis, part therapy’, the gardens feature spoken instructions reminding visitors to reflect, lie on the grass, look up at the sky, soak up the smells and listen to the hidden sounds of the garden, as well as to walk mindfully and fully engage with their surroundings using all of their senses. Surely this has to be the perfect family day out? Paradise in the Sun runs until the end of October 2022 and costs just £4.50, or £11 to visit the house as well. chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk Some like it hot Using a…

GRIEF, LOSS, AND HOW TO COPE Christopher Spriggs and Jess Smallwood, Summersdale Publishers. £9.99 We are all united as human beings by the experience of grief. It’s something we will all face at different points in our lives, leaving us vulnerable to emotions and challenging thought patterns. We may experience grief from the loss of a loved one, a failed relationship, or a job termination which can leave us at a loss in our lives. This book helps the reader find and understand their way through grief and provides helpful advice on topics such as how we grieve, how to cope with the feeling of loss in both the short and longer term, and practical guidance to find strength once more. HOW TO LIVE WHEN YOU COULD BE DEAD Deborah James, Penguin…