Tag: mental health

Relaxation and Mental Health: How It Can Improve Your Mood and Well-Being

On By RosemaryIn Alternative Therapy, Healing, Holistic TherapyLeave a comment

Relaxation is an important aspect of mental health and well-being, and it can have a positive impact on mood and reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. When we relax, our bodies and minds are able to rest, rejuvenate, and heal.

Relaxation can come in many forms, such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or a warm bath. It can help to calm the mind and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. For example, deep breathing exercises can help to slow down the heart rate and reduce the levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, in the body. This can promote feelings of calm and relaxation.

Meditation, in particular, has been shown to have a significant impact on mental health. It can improve mood, increase feelings of well-being, and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Mindfulness meditation, which involves focusing on the present moment and accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment, has been found to be particularly effective for reducing stress and improving mental health.

Yoga and physical exercise can also be a form of relaxation, and they can help to improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Exercise has been shown to release endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting chemicals in the brain, and to promote feelings of happiness and well-being.

In conclusion, relaxation is an important aspect of mental health and well-being, and it can have a positive impact on mood and reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. Whether through deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or physical exercise, finding time to relax and recharge can help to improve mental health and overall well-being.

Meditation and the Positive Impact on Mental Health: What the Research Says

On By RosemaryIn Alternative Therapy, Healing, Holistic Therapy, meditationLeave a comment

Meditation has been the subject of increasing scientific interest in recent years, and research suggests that it can have a positive impact on mental health.

Studies have shown that regular meditation can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve mood and well-being, and increase resilience to stress. For example, a review of more than 1,300 studies on meditation found that it was effective in reducing anxiety, depression, and pain.

Meditation has also been found to change the structure and function of the brain in ways that can improve mental health. For example, research has shown that mindfulness meditation, which involves focusing on the present moment and accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment, can increase gray matter in the brain regions associated with self-awareness, compassion, and introspection.

Another type of meditation known as Transcendental Meditation has been shown to have a significant impact on reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans. A study conducted by the Department of Defense found that veterans who practiced Transcendental Meditation reported a significant reduction in symptoms of PTSD, including flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and anxiety.

It is important to note that while research suggests that meditation can have a positive impact on mental health, it is not a substitute for professional medical treatment. However, when practiced regularly and combined with other therapies and treatments, meditation can be a valuable tool for improving mental health.

In conclusion, the research on meditation and its impact on mental health is still ongoing, but the results so far suggest that meditation can be a useful tool for reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

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How Sleep Can Affect Your Mental Health: How They Affect Each Other

On By RosemaryIn Alternative Therapy, Healing, meditation, Natural HealingLeave a comment

Sleep and mental health are closely connected, and the quality of your sleep can have a significant impact on your mental well-being. On the other hand, your mental health can also affect the quality and quantity of your sleep.

When you’re feeling anxious, stressed, or depressed, it can be difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Conversely, lack of sleep can contribute to feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression. In fact, chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of developing mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety disorders.

Studies have also shown that sleep problems can be a symptom of mental health conditions, and can even worsen their symptoms. For example, people with depression often experience sleep problems, such as insomnia or oversleeping. These sleep problems can make the symptoms of depression worse and make it more difficult to manage.

In addition to the direct relationship between sleep and mental health, sleep also plays a role in regulating the release of hormones in the body, such as cortisol and serotonin. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can interfere with sleep, and a lack of sleep can cause cortisol levels to increase, leading to feelings of stress and anxiety. On the other hand, serotonin, a hormone that regulates mood, appetite, and sleep, is also affected by sleep. A lack of sleep can reduce serotonin levels, leading to feelings of sadness and depression.

In conclusion, the connection between sleep and mental health is complex, and it’s important to prioritise good sleep hygiene to maintain both physical and mental well-being. This can include creating a relaxing bedtime routine, avoiding screens for a few hours before bed, and creating a comfortable sleep environment. If you are experiencing sleep problems, it may be helpful to consult a doctor or mental health professional to address any underlying mental health concerns.

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Energy healing can help with sleep and mental wellbeing, email if you would like more information. I am a qualified adult sleep consultant.

What Are Chakras and How Balancing Them Can Improve Your Mental and Physical Health

On By RosemaryIn Alternative Therapy, Chakras, Holistic TherapyLeave a comment

Chakras are energy centres in the body that are believed to play a vital role in our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, there are seven main chakras, each associated with different aspects of our lives, such as our emotions, relationships, and spiritual growth.

Balancing the chakras involves aligning the flow of energy within each of the chakras and restoring balance to the whole system. When the chakras are balanced, it is believed that we experience greater physical, mental, and emotional health.

Here are some of the ways in which balancing your chakras can improve your well-being:

  1. Reduces stress and anxiety: Balancing the chakras can help to reduce stress and anxiety by promoting feelings of calm and peace. When our chakras are out of balance, we may experience feelings of restlessness, irritability, and tension. By restoring balance to the chakras, we can reduce these symptoms and improve our overall well-being.
  2. Boosts self-esteem and confidence: The third chakra, located in the solar plexus, is associated with our self-esteem and confidence. When this chakra is balanced, we feel more secure and confident in ourselves and our abilities.
  3. Improves relationships: The fourth chakra, located in the heart, is associated with our relationships and love. When this chakra is balanced, we are able to form strong and meaningful connections with others, and our relationships are characterised by love, compassion, and understanding.
  4. Increases creativity and intuition: The sixth chakra, located in the forehead, is associated with our intuition and creativity. When this chakra is balanced, we are able to tap into our inner creativity and intuition, and our imagination flows freely.
  5. Promotes spiritual growth: The seventh chakra, located at the crown of the head, is associated with our spiritual growth. When this chakra is balanced, we feel a greater connection to our spiritual selves and a deeper understanding of our place in the world.

Balancing the chakras can be done through practices such as yoga, meditation, visualization, and aromatherapy. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can improve your overall well-being and experience greater physical, mental, and emotional health. In conclusion, balancing your chakras can have a profound impact on your well-being, promoting feelings of peace, confidence, and spiritual growth. By incorporating practices such as yoga, meditation, and aromatherapy into your daily routine, you can improve your overall health and well-being.

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I have a discount day on the last Saturday of most months. If you would like to book a 30 minute session for £20 book here Here are the dates for the next few months is 25/02, 25/03, 29/04 and 27/05. Email me to confirm after May.

How Can the Mind and Body Benefit From Relaxation?

On By RosemaryIn Alternative Therapy, meditationLeave a comment

Practising relaxation techniques has many benefits.

Benefits to the body: –

  • Slowing your heart rate.
  • Slowing your breathing.
  • Reducing your blood pressure.
  • The blood flow to primary muscles is increased.
  • Greatly reducing chronic pain and muscle tension.
  • Major body systems, circulatory, immune, respiratory, and gastrointestinal will function better.
  • Many common health conditions improve when regularly practising relaxation, asthma, heartburn, PMT, some skin disorders are a few examples.

Benefits to our mental health: –

  • Calms your mind and brings you into the present
  • Able to sleep better.
  • Helps you control your emotions.
  • Helps you focus and increase your concentration.
  • Can improve anxiety, depression, and panic attacks.
  • Reducing stress.

There are many ways to relax and improve our health.

  • Read a book.
  • Listen to calming music.
  • Have a relaxing bath.
  • Take a walk in nature.
  • Take up painting or drawing.
  • Many hobbies help us relax.
  • Tai Chi, Chi gong classes
  • Meditation and mindfulness

Although I personally love meditation I know it is not for everyone. The aim of relaxation is to enable our minds to be totally immersed in what we are doing. We are therefore in the present not worrying about the past or future.

Soul Essence runs a fortnightly online meditation group Tuesday evenings.