Mind-Body Connection

April 7, 2024
April 7th marks the commemoration of the founding of the World Health Organisation and is the day we celebrate World Health Day. 

The theme for this year is:  ‘My Health, My Right’. 

To celebrate this day, let’s take a moment and consider ways you can take better care of yourself; how you can prioritise your needs and mental well-being by taking care of your body. There is a surprising overlap between your mental and physical well-being. Some might call this overlap the mind-body connection.  

But what is the mind-body connection? 
The mind-body connection is the interconnection between your mental and physical well-being. It is a two-way relationship where the mind influences the body; the body influences the mind. For example, we were all told how physical exercise reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety. The reason behind that is that the brain releases chemicals (endorphins and serotonin) known to improve the mood and reduce stress. By strengthening the connection between the mind and body through a holistic perspective, you can start prioritising your health.  

But what is a holistic approach? 
“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”  

A holistic approach is a perspective that looks at the whole person. It surrounds the body, mind and spirit by taking into consideration the physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing of the individual.   

By adopting a holistic approach, you can:   
  • Enhanced mental clarity  
  • Improve your physical health  
  • Reduce feelings of anxiety or depression  
How can you adopt a holistic approach? 
When adopting a holistic approach, you become a key active participant in your healing process. Common recreational activities such as: 
  • Practicing music therapy: Some studies suggest that music therapy can reduce feelings of anxiety. How does it work? Well, research suggests that music can reduce blood pressure and the heartbeat, both of which have a direct impact on how stressed a person feels. It has also been suggested that music releases dopamine and endorphins, both of which are known for being mood enhancers. 
  • Practicing fate: Prayer can help a person focus on gratitude. It is believed that cultivating a sense of gratitude in your daily life can help people elevate their moods as it shifts your focus from “not enough” to “good enough”. 
  • Meditation: Meditation is the process of redirecting your thoughts to calm your mind. By practicing meditation, you can reduce your stress and subsequently reduce your anxiety.
  • Practicing Yoga: Yoga has become known over the years as an alternative method for the treatment of stress, anxiety, and depression as it creates a greater sense of well-being and increases feelings of relaxation in the individual. By incorporating yoga in your lifestyle, you are inviting a more optimistic outlook in your life.  
  • Sound and vibration therapy: Vibrational sound therapy can help you retune your body, mind and spirit, and encourage relaxation, healing and wellness in your body. By practicing sound and vibration therapy, you can reduce stress and depression, and improve sleep patterns. 

Other ways you can also practice a holistic approach in your life is by: 
  • Incorporating more supplements in a healthy diet: We often hear of the importance of eating at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables a day as it can help lower the risk of heart diseases. Well, some scientists do believe that healthy diets help promote a healthy gut which can improve your anxiety levels, stress and mental outlook. 
  • Trying aromatherapy: We are all aware that lavender is commonly used to promote relaxation. Well, some essential oils, such as orange and lavender can help reduce anxiety and improve moods. By incorporating the use of essential oils in your home, you might be able to welcome more calmness in your life. 
Those are only a few ways in which you can adopt a more holistic approach in your life. By adapting some of the activities listed above in your lifestyle, you can priotise your mental and physical well-being while trying new hobbies. 


By Julia Tsang and Bella Korotcoff

How to be a supportive partner

March 7, 2025
In a world where life is increasingly becoming more challenging, it is more important now than ever to make sure you are being supportive to your partner. When you are being a supportive partner, you are able to grow, learn and become stronger together. There are many different ways you can show support to your partner, and tailor the support you give them to their needs. Listen to your partner As simple as it seems, listening effectively to the needs and wants of your partner can help you to be supportive of them. You are able to tailor your actions to them, providing a more accurate response to their desires. To show you are listening to them and giving your full attention, make sure to stop any distracting tasks that may interfere with being fully present in the moment. Offer encouraging words Showing support to your partner by encouraging them with words provides a sense of belonging. A simple ‘you have got this’ can make a world of difference, allowing your partner to feel empowered. Encourage new challenges and dreams It is natural as time goes on and you spend more time together, the desires and needs of your partner changes. It is important to acknowledge that this is perfectly fine, and to give your partner plenty of support and advice while they navigate new challenges and dreams in their lives. Spend quality time together Whilst life can get busy, it is always important to ensure you and your partner spend quality time together, away from the stressors of life. Show initiative and be the one to arrange a dinner, movie night, or even a small getaway to show your support and love for one another. Be empathetic Being able to understand your partner's emotions and feelings will help you to be able to support them more beneficially. Let them vent their feelings to you and show empathy to them, so they know you are truly there for them in tough moments. Be willing to communicate Communicating how you feel shows respect and trust for your partner. Communication builds an open and honest relationship, so your partner never has to second-guess themselves. Express gratitude It is important to vocalise what you love and appreciate about your partner. By showing you are grateful for their actions and help, this allows them to feel supported and valued within the relationship. Apologise It is important to acknowledge when you are in the wrong, even though sometimes it may not always be easy to do this. By apologising, it lets your partner know that you are actively reflecting on your actions to becoming a better and more supportive person. It is important to be supportive to your partner to increase overall satisfaction in your relationship. By fostering a supportive environment in your relationship, this helps you and your partner to build trust and respect – two very important aspects in a relationship. Support makes people feel valued and safe, which is desirable for so many of us. Being a supportive partner shows you value your relationship, but most importantly, shows that you care. By Holly Johns

Why seeking help is a sign of strength?

February 27, 2025
When it comes to asking for help, many of us hesitate. But why? Why do we hold back when we don’t even know how others will respond? The answer could be a simple "yes" or perhaps a "no," but regardless, it’s always worth asking.

The Power of Self-love

February 13, 2025
When we think of Valentine’s Day, we often find ourselves thinking about either a bouquet of roses, heart-shaped chocolates, and the idea of celebrating love with a special someone. But what if, this year, the most important Valentine you could celebrate is the one you see in the mirror? Self-love is often overlooked however is the foundation for healthy relationships, emotional resilience and overall mental wellbeing.
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