Your Guide to Success

Do you dream of a stronger body that can withstand an active lifestyle? A balanced mind that can cope with a busy and stressful everyday life? Have you ever wondered what’s really important when it comes to staying healthy? Then you’re not alone. Fortunately, we can help. Gain a thorough understanding of human health and what it means to be healthy. Discover the path to physical well-being – understand where you need to take action, how to prevent a range of lifestyle diseases, and how you can benefit from a range of expert tips and advice today.

MINDFULNESS • In these stressful times, many of us are looking for ways to cope better and for something positive to give us mental resilience. Is mindfulness a tool that can help? Our editor-at-large took a course to find out what mindfulness has to offer.

SLOW DOWN – it's essential! • Do you remember to take small breaks throughout the day to wind down and recharge? No? We thought not, which is why we've created this Guide to Success to remind you to slow down. It'll help keep you healthy, happy and stress-free.

Enjoy nature • It's free, it's beautiful, and it's everywhere. If you want to boost your mental health, enjoying nature is one of the easiest ways to prevent stress and depression and give your brain a break. Even a short time in a green space makes a difference. We give you inspiration for a wonderful time outdoors.

10 tips for... FEWER NEEDLESS WORRIES

Meditate without even trying • It lowers blood pressure and can even make parts of your brain grow. So, wouldn't it be great to discover that you're already meditating? Here are three simple tips to make you (even) better at it.

ENERGISED AND CALM Perfect morning yoga • Mornings are the best time for yoga. Set aside 15 minutes and start the day with these five calming exercises that will energise you, help your body find its balance and keep stress at bay.

TAKE A BREAK WITH A 10 MINUTE MEDITATION • Was I a bad partner yesterday when I prioritised running over family fun? Is the interest rate on my mortgage going up? Is my boss going to fire me instead of giving me a pay rise? The constant stream of thought drains our energy. Maybe there's a simple way to become better at living in the moment: meditation. Science shows that it can alter our thinking so we have less stress and more focus. Our guinea pig, Irene was persuaded to swap squats and push-ups for mental strength training for a month.

COLOURING THE GOOD LIFE • Clear the table, grab the crayons, and do what millions of other people do: immerse yourself in intricate patterns, and relax. Colouring books for adults are booming as a form of mindfulness and an opportunity to unwind after a busy day.

FIND INNER PEACE AND HARMONY through breathing • We all need to breathe, but many of us don't use our lungs to their full capacity. If you breathe more actively, however, you can reap a range of healthy benefits. Find out why breathing exercises are so beneficial and get help on how to do them.

YOGA FOR BETTER SLEEP • Do you find it difficult to switch off when you go to bed? Try these six super-simple exercises before you crawl under the covers.They'll help you to wind down and relax your body and mind, so you sleep like a baby.

DE-STRESS WITH A CUP OF TEA • A cup of steaming hot tea is always welcome – and if you choose the right blend, this popular beverage can provide you with a relaxing, stress-free, soothing and sensual experience.

Mindfulness helps to curb depression • If you've experienced depression once, there's a good chance that without treatment, you'll get it again. New research shows that treatment with mindfulness works just as well as happy pills. In addition to being completely free of side effects, the treatment is long-lasting because mindfulness totally rewires your brain.

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