Unless you're a monk, we all need a bit more simplicity in our lives. The more we have going on, the more our brain is going to feel overwhelmed, overworked, and bogged down in stress.

 

In order to reduce these feelings, we need to simplify our lives. This doesn't necessarily mean cutting things out, but it does mean assigning more of an order. 

 

A simple, but massively helpful tip is to make a to-do list. On the list, jot down everything you need to get done - no matter how big or how small. You can then organise this list in terms of when it needs to get done by or how important it is to get done - whichever makes you feel better. 

 

Another tip is to clear out your living spaces of clutter. By living spaces, I mean your home and your work - anywhere that you spend a lot of time in. We an often keep a lot of junk around that we actually don't need simply because we don't want to throw it away. Be ruthless. If you can't see when you're next going to use it, then get rid of it. 

Summer and BBQs go together like peanut butter and jam. 

 

Unfortunately, BBQs don't have the best reputation for being healthy. Sure, they might be delicious, but the two don't need to come individually. There are ways to make a BBQ not only fun, but good for you, too.

 

Firstly, cut down on the meat. You may think it's impossible to have one without the other, but there are loads of ways to make non-meat dishes tasty. For starters, there are now hundreds of meat alternatives that are packed with protein as well as fibre, vitamins, and minerals. You can also marinate vegetables in various seasonings to make them taste better. Mushrooms are a great choice as they really soak up flavour and develop a 'meaty' texture when cooked properly.

 

Secondly, don't make the BBQ the main component. Sides are a great way to bring variety to your meal as well as healthy nutrients. Try to find recipes for healthy salads and other sides to really make your meal something new. 

 

Tequila week sounds like something to forget - or something that is forgotten without your choosing.

 

As alcohol is a big part of many people's lives, I though tit would be a good idea to focus on some of the benefits and drawbacks of these popular drinks.

 

For example, did you know that red wine is a source of phenolic compounds such as resveratrol. These compounds act as antioxidants and can be helpful in preventing against cancer.

However, alcohol is actually a depressant or a 'downer' - meaning that it slows down your brain activity. A little bit can make us feel calm and relaxed, but too much, and you can do some serious damage. 

A lot of people have a drink every day as a way to calm down, but there are other solutions to mental fatigue than a bottle of beer. 

Meditation, walks, and herbal teas are all good remedies for unwinding, and most importantly, they don't come with the potential risks that alcohol does. 

 

Whilst it may be sunny outside, that's not always the case inside.

Our mind is a wonderful place full of lovely ideas, beautiful dreams, and caring thoughts. However, it can also be a minefield, and for some, that's the case more often.

Because of this, the Samaritans have created Talk to Us: a campaign aimed at opening the discussion around mental health and opening ourselves up to those around us.

Mental health can be a real drag on our physical wellbeing, too. High levels of cortisol can wreak havoc on our digestion, cardiovascular health, and immune system. Let alone our perspective on the world and our self esteem.

 

If you're in need, make sure that you have someone to talk to - be it a friend, family member, or a mental health practitioner. You can also write in a diary to relieve your brain of any pressures if you're not in desperate need of help.