The Therapeutic Effects of Gardening

With such glorious weather over the last few days, it has been such a joy to be out in the garden, starting to plan, plant, sow, weed and tend all the various plants which we have in mind to grow, eat and enjoy this coming summer and autumn.
Gardening is good for you and if you haven't tried it for yourself yet, then I'd highly recommend you giving it a go! It's so easy to sow a few seeds and things do grow, even in the smallest of spaces.

In my spare time, I just love being outside, being in tune with nature and in our garden.
It lifts your spirit and keeps you grounded and balanced.

As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist, I often see clients who are going through difficult stages in their lives, and encourage them to find an outdoor hobby like gardening, as it can really help them feel more positive and inspired. Even colleges, schools, universities and some business companies, are recognising the positive influences of growing your own produce, tending a small garden plot of flowers, herbs & veggies for staff, students and employees alike. It's great to see these 'Wellbeing' projects on the go ~ and the great thing is, that we all benefit!
It's good for the environment too, all those bees and butterflies help support plant pollination and need to be encouraged into our gardens more and more.

Standing in my front garden earlier on today, it just makes me smile every time I step outside! My beautiful spring flowers are blossoming and appearing everywhere.

So next time you feel a little down or disheartened, take yourself off to a beautiful garden somewhere, or maybe simply go for a walk around your local neighbourhood and look out for all the hidden gems of flowers and plants which we walk past without sometimes even noticing. . . it may surprise you, that there is more than you thought! And if there aren't that many, then maybe you could start your own garden revolution, whether it's a couple of pots, a hanging basket, a window sill of herbs or anything else that you can enjoy.

What I'm looking forward to more, is the impact of the Olympics from last year and hoping to see lots of glorious wild flower meadows popping up around the country. Please share yours if you do one!
Best wishes and Happy Gardening,
Harshani
Cognitive Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master Teacher and Integral Yoga Teacher
www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk

Be Kind to Each Other Today!

National Kindness Day ~ Tuesday 13^th November 

A Nation spreading kindness! Tuesday November 13^th is not just a National Day of Kindness but a World Kindness Day, so let us all embrace it across our Nation, Counties, into all of our towns & villages, it’s a wonderful thing which everyone can do . . . to be mindful of showing some extra kindness towards others & it doesn’t cost a penny! The many benefits of the effects of being kind have been extensively researched at how kindness can increase our personal happiness. One of my favorite writers on the benefits of kindness is Dr David Hamilton PhD “Why Kindness is Good for You”, so as well as it making us feel happier inside, the increased emotional warmth releases the positive ‘cardioprotective’ hormone Oxytocin which can help our hearts by reducing blood pressure, it can slow down the aging process as there is a strong link between showing compassion & activity in the Vagus Nerve, which also helps to regulate the heart rate & controls inflammation in the body, it improves our relationships & it becomes contagious like a ripple effect acting kinder towards others inspires them to feel much kinder too!

In my Cognitive Hypnotherapy practice I often explore many ways to help clients explore this feel good factor, so they can increase their personal wellbeing & happiness. So I suggest doing some ‘Random Acts of Kindness’ ~ everyday to look for 3 different ways to do a random act of kindness towards some one else, so here are some of them which I challenge us all to do:~

·      Hold a door open for someone

·      Pay someone a nice compliment

·      Surprise someone with a cup of tea

·      Make a lovely meal for a loved one or friend ~ especially if this is not the norm!

·      Smile as you pass people in the street

·      Clean someone’s car for them

·      Give up your seat to another on the bus/train/tube

·      Offer to help someone who might be struggling ~ either crossing the road or carrying heavy bags

·      See what you could do to help a neighbour

·      Be kind to yourself too

Remember that being kind is in thought, spoken word & deed, so everything counts in the happiness factor. Enjoy the kindness of each other today, it may start a ripple effect across the world for weeks to come!

http://www.national-awareness-days.com/national-kindness-day.html

 Please feel free to share some kindness stories here today . . .

Have a beautiful day today!

www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk 

Giving is good for you too!

Today is Pudsey's day for Children in Need, supporting a worthy cause.
It's as good for you to give something . . . as it is for those who recieve!

So make yourself feel good & do something that can make a difference to both yourself and others. Even if all you can afford is a pound, it can give you a positive sense of wellbeing and boost your self esteem . . . knowing that it all adds up.
When we care and consider others we walk more peacefully on earth.

Have a great day!

Smile lots and spread the feeling,
Best wishes,
Lori