Using Positive Psychology to boost Resilience – Part 2
In part 1, I introduced the concept of positive psychology.
Positive psychologists say that it takes 21 days to re-program the brain. They also say that doing the following activities every day can allow you to see the positive in your life rather than looking for negatives, to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Write down 3 things you are grateful for in your life.
- Write a diary entry about 1 good thing that has happened to you over the last 24 hours.
- Exercise – its boosts your mood and reduces stress.
- Meditation helps you stop over thinking!
- Random acts of kindness – do at least one kind act a week, even if its just sending a text to say thank you.
- Share your joys and foibles with the ones you love.
Finally I would like to remind you that the treatments we offer at Vitality Therapy also help reduce anxiety and stress, click here to book.
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Eating to help reduce anxiety
We can all feel anxious from time to time. While individuals with anxiety disorders require therapy and/or medication, for individuals with milder cases of anxiety changed to your diet may help. 1. Omega-3 Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish. Omega-3 acids protect you against inflammation and have been show to improve your overall mood and ability to cope with stress. Click here for more information. This study shows a 20% reduction in anxiety levels amongst medical students taking omega-3. While this study shows how omega-3 acts as an anti-depressant. 2. Drink chamomile tea. See studies for evidence of how it helps with anxiety. 3. Eat dark chocolate. There's actually a chemical reason called anandamide, a neurotransmitter produced in your brain that temporarily blocks feelings of pain and depression. It's a derivative of the Sanskrit word "bliss," and one of the great things about chocolate is that it not only produces this compound, it also contains other chemicals that prolong the "feel-good" aspects of anandamide. In addition there is a scientific study which shows that it helps you feel calm - so eat dark chocolate without feeling guilty! See scientific study for evidence. 4. Protein snacks. If like me you are the king of person who needs snacks between meals, then choose a high protein snack like an organic egg, cheese or macadamia nuts as these will stabilise your blood sugar level which means your energy levels don't slump and your mood doesn't either. 5. Eat bananas. Bananas contain dopamine, a natural reward chemical that boosts your mood. They're also rich in B vitamins, including vitamin B6, which help soothe your nervous system, and magnesium, another nutrient associated with positive mood.

Mundane superfoods – part 4
This week I explain how to replace goji berries.
Rose Hips can replace Goji Berries
Goji berries are renowned for having a lot of vitamin C. Originally from Asia, they were used by the ancients to replenish body fluids, improve skin and soothe jangled nerves. The bush-like plant belongs to the nightshade family of plants with tomatoes and peppers and is reputed to be beneficial for insomnia, tuberculosis and to increase testosterone. On the other hand, rose hips, contain so much vitamin C, aka ascorbic acid, they're actually known to be the most abundant source in the world, which explains why they're so sought after by many markets. It was only in the last several decades that anyone thought to consider if there might be actual nutrition in rose hips. Once used in animal food, today they're an ingredient in jams, jellies and pie, as well as soups, bread and wine. Bon Appetit adds:"The hips, like the petals, are high in flavonoids, those small but mighty antioxidant friends. Like nettle, rose hips are anti-inflammatory. The pectin in rose hips also make it a heart healthy medicine … "
Mother Nature Network adds vitamins A and E to rose hips' benefits, so they can be made into tea or even eaten to help treat colds and sore throat. Because they also contain free radical-fighting antioxidants, the anti-inflammatory properties can even treat rheumatoid arthritis. The odd pods also contain pectin, which is good for your heart. Organic Facts reveals more advantages of consuming rose hips in some form, including an ability to optimize cholesterol, boost your immune system, prevent chronic disease such as cancer, regulate your blood sugar and eliminate toxins. References Bon Appétit July 19, 2017 Mother Nature Network July 6, 2011 International Society for Horticultural Science Organic Facts 2017
Ten tips for surviving Chronic Fatigue or ME
We call all feel tired after a long day at work. For some people a good nights sleep doesn't refresh them and they end up feeling tired all the time. They may then receive a diagnosis from their GP of Chronic Fatigue or ME. So if you know anyone who has received this diagnosis here are some tips:
- Accept - make peace with your current limitations; it may require you to adjust your lifestyle and to get others to help care for you.
- Look externally - get support from others and see a doctor or a therapist.
- Fix your diet - we all know the importance of a healthy diet, but it is paramount when you are tired and take you may require supplements.
- Look within - meditate and look within to find the lessons from your current situation and illness.
- Examine the past - look for unresolved issues, traumas or behavioural patterns that aren't serving you well.
- Grieve - spend time grieving over any past hurts and broken dreams and then let them go.
- Get back into the world - when you have the energy, get out and meet people or do some volunteer work.
- Make changes - introduce new behaviours, think positively and keep a gratitude diary.
- Look into the future - set goals for where you want to be in 10 years time, find your passion and take small steps to get there.
- Keep learning - read about what may help your condition and make small changes to your daily routine.

