Mindfulness – what is on your mind?

Mindfulness is the practice of purposely focusing one’s attention on the present moment. It has ancient origins and is derived from sati, a fundamental part of Buddhist traditions, and is based on Zen, Vipassanā, and Tibetan meditation techniques. Professor Mark...

Who gives first aid to the first aider?

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a recognised education and training programme that started in Australia in 2001 and its practice has spread to countries including the United Kingdom and Canada. According to MHFA England, its core aim is “achieved by delivering...

Mental health and finances

One of the possible symptoms of a mental health condition, e.g. bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder, especially during periods of hypomania or mania, is overspending. Hypomania and mania are periods of over-active and excitable behaviour that have a...

Balance

In this fast paced world that we live in, where it seems as though we are being pulled in every direction, how do you find your balance? We hear the term ‘work-life balance’ which refers to a healthy lifestyle balance between the time and effort spent working, and the...

Music and Stress

Research suggests that music has a profound impact on the human brain and affects mood. One of the recommendations on treating mild depression is to listen to a person’s favourite music. Music is proven to affect a person’s emotional wellbeing. A neuroscientist...