Last week I mentioned my “shortcuts” in the pursuit of mindfulness, because it’s hard to both notice our breathing AND focus on an object. For those of us who endure anxiety, it’s especially challenging to be present and in the moment. To be at one with ourselves can feel like a luxury – we’ve got [...]

Learning how to breathe "correctly" is so important for our mental health that there are schools, such as Breathing Space in London, that run courses on breathing techniques and mindfulness. Studies have shown that these two disciplines can greatly alleviate feelings of anxiety and be of invaluable support to our mental wellbeing. Many traditional schools [...]

In my story, I talk about our “pendulums” inside us. Similar to a grandfather clock, where every tiny component is reliant on the swing of the pendulum. In the clock’s case, it’s essential to keep time accurately! Well, I think that we humans have an invisible pendulum too. In our case, I believe, it controls [...]

Those of us who have endured trauma can be particularly intuitive; we have worn many a mask, and are experts at concealing our feelings. The body language we read in others is as clear to see as the sky above us… When we listen to our gut instincts and observe people around us, all of [...]

I don’t believe that only one in four of us suffers with mental health. I think that we all have to be aware of our fragile minds, in much the same way as we do our physical wellbeing. It’s rare that an old vase is pristine, and actually few will be crack or chip free, [...]

When you are feeling so low that all you want to do is stay in bed. But you can’t. What can you do to help lift yourself away from the claws of depression? If you have no choice, and have to present yourself to the world, then your anxieties will be going berserk. So take [...]

I’m lucky because I have cerebral palsy but only on one side of my body. When I was born, the prognosis wasn’t great. I was expected not to walk and talk, to be incontinent and in a wheelchair for the rest of my life. I learned to walk and talk aged three, and at the [...]

When little Pixie, my beloved spaniel, came into my life a year or so ago, it was for one main reason. To be kissed! Well, two reasons actually...to also be put on a peddle stool! We knew from the first night she came home with us, our eight week-old bundle of joy, that she would [...]

I was thinking about a friend recently who’s doing a job that she doesn’t really like. The majority of the population are likely to be in the same position, and of course we all have bills and responsibilities to meet. However, in her spare time she loves to crochet handbags and paint - she’s given [...]

Often, anxieties are about future worries - perhaps a challenge you have to face later in the day or week. But many of us endure such levels of anxiety that we get physical symptoms: rashes, headaches, impaired concentration etc. It’s because life is hard work, especially with fundamental worries on top, such as finances and [...]