“Don’t try and be a hero. Just be gentle on yourself and don’t feel like you’ve got to be the best home schooler and the best worker; set realistic expectations about what all that means,” says occupational health physiotherapist David Hall in The Guardian. When you are working in an…

Now that the clocks have gone back, the dark nights drawing in can change our body’s natural rhythm. For many working people, it means leaving and returning home in the dark. The absence of light triggers the release of melatonin and suppression of serotonin, leading to dips in mood and…

Being optimistic is important for wellbeing, happiness and resilience. Setting ourselves ambitious but achievable goals provides focus, direction and a sense of achievement when we accomplish them. Actively working towards goals and achieving smaller milestones along the way with the support of those around you also builds confidence. Although we…

September is Pain Awareness Month and this year’s theme is #LetsTalkAboutPain. It can be difficult to talk about your pain because of the perceived stigma, but the key to raising awareness and positive change is to get involved and share your story. Here are some simple ways to join in: …

From smartphones to satnavs, our lives are full of screens. But, despite its benefits, technology is making life noisier, and many of us experience unhealthy levels of noise daily that can affect our health, sleep and productivity. So, how can we lead a balanced life with tech without giving up…

The physical and mental benefits of spending time outdoors, in parks, woods or on the beach are well known. As little as 2 hours spent in nature each week, either taken in one go or as shorter visits, boosts wellbeing. It has been suggested that spending more time in natural…

This month’s Action for Happiness calendar is full of ideas and inspiration for acts of kindness, generosity and compassion. Not only does being kind to others make you feel calmer and happier, but it also improves your physical health and helps you live longer. But, the best thing about kindness is that it’s contagious! Here are our suggestions for taking part in #AltruisticAugust: 1. Be kind to yourself and others.

Life can be overwhelming, particularly if you are managing a long-term condition. When it all gets too much, taking time out in a way that’s meaningful for you can give you the strength to deal with whatever life throws at you. Whether it’s with friends, family or by yourself, there’s…

Volunteering provides important help to those in need and the community, but it can also have health benefits for the volunteer, too, from reducing stress and the risk of depression to increasing self-confidence and your sense of purpose. But, how do you choose the right volunteer project? You should find…