December is the twelfth and final month of the year and comes from the word decem, meaning ten as it was originally the tenth month of the year in the old Roman calendar. Given that it is the last month of the year, I thought this would be a good opportunity to get you ready for next year. It’s a chance to set some goals. These can come in the form of New Year’s resolutions if you like. I hope you achieved those resolutions you set yourself for this year. …

October is the tenth month of the year and is from the word octo, meaning eight as it was originally the eighth month of the year in the old Roman calendar. World Mental Health Day takes place this month, its aim being to promote good mental wellbeing and to highlight important issues that need addressing. To support this, I will offer you ideas to keep your own mental health in check. In Australia Stress Less Day is this month and offers us all an opportunity to remember the importance of …

September is the ninth month of the year, yet is named after the word septem, meaning seven as it was originally the seventh month of the year in the Roman calendar. This month a new season begins, whether it is spring in the southern hemisphere or autumn for the north.
This month we will consider the impact your thoughts have on your life. This is in recognition of Albert Ellis who was born on the 27th September. Albert Ellis was a psychologist who devised Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy, and his work …

April is the fourth month of the year and may have been named after the goddess Aphrodite. Celebrated this month are World Creativity Week, World Health Day and International Dance Day.
This month I will consider how everybody can be creative and how using your creativity skills can be a great mood booster. In recognition of World Health Day, I will provide ideas to help you look after your own mental and physical health. Related to both your creativity and your health, I will encourage you to take advantage of International …

Have you ever felt lonely? It doesn’t feel so good does it? You feel separated from others both physically and mentally. Because you do not have to be alone to feel lonely. You can be surrounded by others, yet anything they say or do does not matter. It’s like they’ve ceased to exist. If your loneliness continues for just a little while you can end up feeling helpless, isolated and despairing. It is easy to start to believe that you will always feel this way, believing you have no control …

If you ever suffer from episodes of depression, at the time you wonder how you will ever feel better again. Sometimes this mood just runs its course. However, there a few things you can do to help you recover sooner and get back to your happier self. Many of the tips that follow are also preventative, meaning you can implement them at any time. As such they may help you avoid suffering from the blues in the first place.
1 Do the opposite of what you want. You want to do …

If you want a happier, more fulfilled life, take the time to learn about flow experience. Take a look at this presentation by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi who has spent years researching and writing about the experience of flow. As you watch, think about what things in your life bring about flow.

If you are keen to learn more, get hold of his book Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience.
It would be great to hear what things bring about a flow experience in your life. For me, generally it’s writing,  and family history …

Earlier this year, there was some research published which found a link between passive work and an inactive social life. Men who did work that involved little stress and little control were more likely to be have less active leisure activities compared to those whose work was more active.

For health and happiness, try these three things. First, learn how to cook. Cooking all you eat makes you aware of what you are putting into your body. Second, exercise. Workouts are good for body and mind, so make them part of your life. Finally, cut down on your television watching habit, giving you time to do all those things you want to do.

Spend time trying to understand what your body is saying to you. How is it feeling right now? Work your way down your body – is there any discomfort? Do this exercise throughout the day, as you eat, drink, work and exercise. Increasing your awareness may help you make better choices in what you put in and how you treat your body.