June 9th, 2016
Allowing yourself to be human is a strength we all need to work on. This week, we challenge you to reach out, recognise your vulnerability and take a risk.
Many of us can fear the loving, caring side of our personalities and while loving fiercely opens the risk of being hurt, it also allows the chance to bond, be happy and live a fulfilling life. This week, join us on part two of our inner strength challenge.
Be vulnerable, laugh often and love always.
Monday
Give yourself the challenge to give and receive at least five cuddles today. Hug your partner, your mum and hug your dog. Hugging can lower the levels of cortisol in the body (the stress hormone) and boost the levels of oxytocin (the love hormone). A 10-second cuddle has even been found to lower your risk of heart disease, boost your immune system and ease symptoms of depression.
Tuesday
Schedule a heart-opening yoga practice into your day. Whether you’re a morning or evening workout fan, all poses which involve a back-bend are...
Read more
December 30th, 2015
The body is designed to handle and thrive on stress, but too much can lead to exhaustion and poor health.
When you feel stressed, the body springs into action. When under too much pressure, it can cause the body’s endocrine system to pump out intense levels of hormones. These can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of catching illness. Many people will feel irritable and have a shorter fuse than normal. They may also suffer headaches, nausea and tiredness.
Fortunately, when a stressful situation cannot be changed, there are techniques that can restore your sense of sanity and help you control the way you cope.
Relaxation techniques
Meditation has been found to relieve stress. Sit in a quiet room and in a comfortable position. Close your eyes and choose a mantra (“I am calm” for example) to focus on and repeat. Continue this for 10 minutes each day.
Studies have also found music can reduce blood pressure and stress hormones. Try to find time to listen to soothing music and just...
Read more
March 16th, 2013
A new study has revealed that along with other relaxation techniques, music therapy can help those suffering from fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is an illness characterised by chronic, widespread pain with sufferers often experiencing a heightened sensitivity to pressure. Other symptoms include difficulties sleeping, general fatigue and stiffness in the joints. The disease requires a multi-faceted approach and complementary therapy is becoming an important part of treatment for many.
An eight-week study has been carried out at the University of Granada looking at how music therapy combined with guided imagery affects those suffering from fibromyalgia. Researchers took a basal test at the beginning of treatment, a post-basal test four weeks into the treatment and one more at the end of the study.
The researchers used a relaxation technique with patients that combined music therapy with guided imagery. Tests measured a range of variables associated...
Read more
August 26th, 2011
Researchers in Finland have claimed that music therapy could be used to improve the treatment of people suffering from depression, in the short-term at least. A study of 79 individuals showed a greater improvement in those patients being treated with music therapy, compared to those receiving standard therapy.
The findings have been published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, with experts claiming that music might be able to engage people in ways that words cannot.
Music therapy is often employed to help children who find it difficult to communicate and is featured as a tool used by the NHS. Being given the opportunity to play an instrument or sing with a trained music therapist is supposed to allow children to express themselves in a way they had not before.
A specialist in mental health services at Imperial College London, Dr Mike Crawford, said, “Music-making is social, pleasurable and meaningful. It has been argued that music making...
Read more
print this page
Connect with us