Wellbeing

Have you been feeling a bit down? Not quite yourself? You’re not alone. So far, 2020 has been a difficult year, and many of us are feeling it. In particular, the last few months of social isolation are starting to show the effects they’ve had - not just on our physical health (hello, couch time!) but on our mental health as well. A recent preliminary study by Melbourne's Monash School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine showed that at least 30% of participants are experiencing moderate to high levels of anxiety and depression as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. And now that social restrictions...

The darker months of winter can be tough, especially for sufferers of anxiety. Not enough time outdoors, more stress at work, colder commutes and passing illnesses - all of it adds up to a bad time indeed. For those who struggle with stress and anxiety, a bit of extra time spent focusing on wellbeing and self-care can make all the difference. Here’s a few little things you can add to your routine that might clear a clouded mind. Exercise Especially in the colder months, it’s easy to spend all your time snuggled up on the couch. And why wouldn’t you?! It’s...

Every day it seems like we are preached to about the negative health effects of sugar. Sugar causes weight gain, sugar is bad for your digestion, sugar is bad for your skin and the list goes on. But there is sugar in fruit, so does that mean fruit is bad for you too? Turns out there are different types of sugars to be aware of, simple sugars and added sugars.   Foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and whole grains are all examples of simple sugars. These naturally occurring sugars are valid energy sources, and along with the other nutrients...

When you are in a new relationship, planning on building a life together, a little thing like snoring probably isn’t on the top of your list of things to discuss before the wedding day. According to a 2015 survey by the US-based National Sleep Foundation, 25 percent of couples sleep separately as a result of sleep issues. For many of us searching for lasting love and intimacy, that doesn’t sound like a very romantic prospect. Snoring doesn't affect all couples the same way. Some snorers are married to deep sleepers, who might not even notice. However, for the others, the constant sounds of...

When celebrity chef Peter Evans said he snacks on ‘activated almonds’, even health professionals looked bewildered. So, exactly what are activated nuts? An activated nut or seed has simply been soaked in water for 24 hours, then dried out again over a low heat .Raw nuts contain phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors that can reduce the body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients properly. Eating large amounts of raw nuts can put extra pressure on your digestive system and may cause uncomfortable digestive symptoms like bloating, heaviness and nausea. There are numerous studies in grains and legumes that show soaking and/or germination decreases the...

When someone suggests you should “go with your gut” — they’re more right than you probably realise. Thanks to a whopping 40 trillion bacteria perpetually hard at work, your gut helps power your entire body, so it is very important to take good care of it. The gut is where 70% of your immune system lies, where we metabolise hormones, where we make nutrients and neurotransmitters, create detoxifying enzymes and neutralise pathogens. All of these processes can profoundly affect us if not in balance or working properly. To achieve a healthy gut, we need to support good bacteria in our digestive system. Bacteria pretty much run...

In today’s society, keeping up with the daily pressures of work, family and extra-curricular activities can lead to increased stress levels. Often in a fast-paced environment, prolonged stress can take it’s toll on the body with physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, breakouts, poor digestion and restlessness. It’s no wonder that there has been a lot of talk about mindfulness in the health and wellness industry of late, but what does it mean and how can it help you? Removing all of the hype, mindfulness is simply about paying attention to the present moment. Many people find practising mindfulness can assist...

As we swelter though another summer heatwave, we need to take care and make sure an innocent trip outside doesn’t result in third-degree sunburn, heat stroke and severe dehydration. From avoiding too much UV, to finding safer ways to exercise in a heatwave, here are some tips and tricks to stay healthy and protected this season:   Keep track of the UV ratings We are all aware there is a big hole in the ozone and that Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Because of this we must take care by ensuring you’re always armed with sunscreen...

You’ve had a great break, feeling refreshed after the Christmas fun and the whole family is probably in good health after all of the time outdoors in the sunshine. But school and germs are just around the corner, how can you keep the summer buzz going even after the school year starts? Start with their lunch box. Diet is key. There’s no need to completely revamp everything, but a few simple changes in your kid’s lunch box will help. Want to give your kids a dose of vitamin C? Did you know that red capsicum has twice as much vitamin C...

New Years is a great time for a refresh, renew your commitments or to try something new, especially when it comes to your health. But there’s nothing worse than getting to February and finding that you’ve already failed before even starting. So here’s a list of healthy resolutions to start your New Year that you may actually be able to keep. Good luck! Put on sunscreen every day! Skin cancer in the most common cancer affecting Australians. While sun exposure is great for vitamin D, getting too much is a risk no one should take. Plus, keeping your skin protected...