Innehållsförteckning för Issue 205 från WellBeing

A beautiful friend of mine bought me a ticket to a day festival as he knows I’m struggling with money and can never attend those kinds of events. He is a very special guy! Beyond the Clouds Reiki Healing and Wellness A colleague brought fresh flowers from her garden into the office. Melita Watts A peer nominated me out of the blue for an industry award. Her thoughtfulness meant more than any award could. Gillian Kelly I sent my husband to buy muffins on sale. He didn’t but my work colleague’s husband did, so she bought five in for me the next day. It’s an ongoing thing for us to get these muffins on sale and we had lots of laughs about it! Elizabeth Mills I offered my support to…

Lights off for caterpillars For a new study researchers placed more than 550 soft clay replicas of caterpillars in a forest in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, USA. The soft clay of the caterpillar replicas showed marks from attacks by predators and allowed the researchers to count predator attacks. On some nights the researchers also shone lights in the forest that were of an equivalent strength to a street light or to a light in your backyard outside your back door. The researchers found that the light led to a 27 per cent increase in attacks on the fake caterpillars from arthropods (invertebrates such as insects and spiders). This is because the predators were attracted by the light and it’s bad news for the ecosystem. If predators kill more…

Exercise is good for you. There are not many statements you make in this world that will gain unanimous support, but that is one of them; your mental and physical health improve when you exercise. Australian government guidelines state that adults need 1.5 to 2.5 hours per week of moderate intensity exercise. Exercise is good; we know how much we need, so why aren’t we doing it? The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that only 44 per cent of Australian meet the recommended activity guidelines. What is causing the gap between knowledge and action when it comes to exercise? Finding time is an issue, but that really comes down to motivation, and that really comes down to having a look at yourself in the mirror, on so many…

Many of us are passionate about growing our own food. Promoting self-sufficiency and our health is a no-brainer for those with the time and space, right? What’s rarer and more untapped is the idea of crafting gardens to provide us with specific nutrients, such as vitamin A or C. When it comes to healing horticulture, we tend to think of herbal remedies. But common everyday food plants also have powerful therapeutic attributes due to their nutrient stores — and the fact we consume them regularly and in much higher amounts. About 47 per cent of women and 34 per cent of men in Australia use nutritional supplements, suggests an article in the journal Nutrients. Popular supplements in our cupboards include vitamins C and D, zinc, omega-3, iron, magnesium, creatine, natal…

One of the easiest ways to fight inflammation is first to look at the foods we eat. Inflammation isn’t always a bad thing in a healthy body, since it’s the normal immune response that facilitates healing when the body defends itself. It has an important role to play when the body is injured so the immune system can respond and heal effectively. However, health issues often arise when the inflammation is low grade and long term. Chronic inflammation can be detrimental to the body and is linked to many diseases including heart disease, Alzheimer’s, type-2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, autoimmune disorders, irritable bowel syndrome and some cancers. An anti-inflammatory diet is more of a style of eating, similar to the Mediterranean diet, and favours unprocessed foods, lean proteins, fresh fruit…

It’s hard to believe that something so good for you can taste so delicious - your kids will love it too! Goji Goodness! The legendary wolfberry, commonly known as the goji berry, is one of the earliest known superfruits, revered for thousands of years for its unparalleled nutritional profile. • Nutrient-rich superfood• High in fibre and protein• Contains all the essential amino acids• Highest whole-food source of potassium• High in antioxidants NingXia Red To ensure that you’re not missing out on any of the transformative wolfberry benefits, NingXia Red is made from wolfberry puree, using the whole berry: the skin, juice and pulp. It’s also formulated with a dynamic blend of blueberry, plum, sweet cherry, aronia and pomegranate juices, plus grape seed extract, vanilla and stevia. What really sets NingXia…

For many parents it’s an all too familiar scenario. As you push your child on the swing for the umpteenth time, they joyfully call out, “Higher, Daddy, higher.” You’ve had a stressful day at work, and all you want to do is put your feet up with an ice-cold drink. Sometimes it’s hard to fit parent–child playtime in with the chaos of often competing demands of work, and the never-ending things that seem to pop up around the house to be done. However, play is crucial to optimal child development — so much so that it’s been touted by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights as a birthright for every child. And rightly so. Close your eyes and think back to your own childhood — do you remember…

As a busy mum of two kids, I know how challenging it can be to balance the demands of work, family and everything in between. However, over time I’ve developed some effective strategies for how I balance the busy that have helped me stay on top of things. One of the most important things I’ve learned is to be selective about how I spend my time. That means learning to say “No” when necessary and prioritising the things that matter most. Whether it’s declining an invitation to a social event or delegating tasks at work, I’ve found that being intentional about how I use my time helps me stay focused on my priorities and reduces unnecessary stress. When it comes to mealtime, I’ve also found that being efficient can make…

Just about any type of exercise will help to fight fatigue, but how long you do it, the quality of movement and the frequency will also play a relevant part in its efficacy. We all know the last thing tired people want to do is work out. If you are attempting to get more exercise to gain more energy, it is important to schedule the time to do so, as remaining sedentary will also make you remain tired. The best thing to do is to get up and partake of some sort of physical activity. Physical activity releases feel-good chemicals into the body, these being endorphins and serotonin. This biological chemical reaction lifts the mood, increases energy and improves sleep. It ensures a more positive mindset and has been well…

Face care 1 New Nordic — Amazing Eye™ Cream Amazing Eye™ Cream a hyaluronic acid and herbal based eye cream which helps to lift and firm the skin eye area reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles 2 Stuf Skin — Face Cream A hydrating, soothing and firming daily face cream that is packed with natural active ingredients to leave skin deeply moisturised, calm and protected. 3 Clemence Organics — Brightening Eye + Skin Serum This multi-targeted formulation contains the most potent organic skin-brightening ingredients, with proven results for creating brighter and smoother skin, and diminished dark circles around the eyes. 4 Ewe Care — Sheep Milk Night Cream Containing a blend of moisturising butters, sustainably harvested sheep milk and native botanicals, this rich topical cream replenishes skin with…

Go Cradle Mountain is located 141km west of Launceston. Expect to clock up around 360km on the drive to Lake St Clair via Waratah, Corinna, Zeehan and Strahan. All roads, even unsealed ones, are suitable for 2WD vehicles when driven with care. Visit Expect crowd-free travels and discounted room rates in spring and autumn, and clear, warm days from December to February. Stay Close to Cradle Mountain, Tiny Escapes offers two-night stays in off-the-grid tiny houses, priced from $1012/couple (tiny-escapes.com.au). Corinna Wilderness Experiences offers two-night cottage stays from $478/room. In Strahan, waterfront cabins at Salt Box Hideaways are priced $704/couple for two nights (saltboxhideaways.com.au). Studio cabins at Lake St Clair Lodge start from $380/night (lakestclairlodge.com.au). National parks entry The best value Holiday Parks pass provides eight-week entry to Tassie’s national…

ABOUT WELLBEING POWER HABITS FOR AGEING WELL In Power Habits for Ageing Well, you’ll discover ways to feel and look better each birthday. The actionable, evidence-based guidelines will help you to feel in good shape all the time. By incorporating small changes, you can make big differences to your physical and psychological wellbeing. RRP $19.95 ABOUT WELLBEING YOUR SLEEP COACH Do you sleep poorly at night? We’re here to help! In this special-edition WellBeing bookazine, we address this common health and social problem with solutions inspired by the latest sleep science. Improve your sleep with the guidance and tools offered in this insightful publication. RRP $19.95 To receive this offer, call 1300 303 414 and quote the code WB205, or visit universalshop.com.au. HURRY! Offer ends 14th September, 2023 An Irresistible…

Sleep is a vital aspect of human life and plays a significant role in mental and physical health, as well as physical appearance. With up to four out of 10 people in Australia suffering from sleep deprivation, we take a look at beauty sleep and how you can improve your sleep hygiene. During sleep, the body goes into a state of restoration and repair of tissues, muscles, bones and collagen, as well as the formation of new cells. Lack of sleep has been linked to premature ageing, poor skin appearance, slowed wound healing, acne and more serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, anxiety and depression. Sleep for beauty • Reduces dark circles and puffy eyes: Getting enough sleep helps reduce dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. This…

Lemon balm oil is mildly relaxing. Lemon balm tea can be used to help mild insomnia and digestive problems brought on by stress. If you ever find a lime balm plant, grab a cutting of new wood. I’m just about to plant anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) again, a herb that sounds like a sneeze but produces lovely mauve blooms in profusion and fragrant anise-tasting leaves that are wonderful for herbal teas or adding flavours to cooking, salads or sandwiches. It is a darling plant, but somehow, when we moved the herb garden and I lost it, I forgot to plant it again. Give it sunlight, a little water now and then and, if possible, an annual feed in late spring every year, to really get things going. Anise hyssop is…

A well-presented man in his late 30s came to the clinic. He was very troubled, as for the last two to three years he was increasingly suffering from bad breath. The smell was noticeable, his friends were commenting on it and it was adversely affecting his personal relationships. He had read that it might be related to teeth problems, so he had been checked out thoroughly by his dentist, who had determined there were no problems with his teeth although the dentist had noted the bad breath. This gentleman was practising good oral hygiene, cleaning his teeth regularly and scraping his tongue daily — the coating was thick. On further questioning he had been having increasing digestive problems, was craving carbohydrates and had chronic sinusitis. He had been trying to…

On a recent visit to Sydney, I experienced the profound effects of a mother’s nurturing touch. No, that touch didn’t come from my own mother, a wonderful woman with whom I share a beautiful bond, nor was it my own touch as a new mum. It came from self-proclaimed beauty rebel, Sharon McGlinchey, in her cosy treatment space in Mosman. What started as an ordinary rainy Friday in Sydney quickly turned into one of the most transformative healing moments of my life. As I lay listening to the rain fall against the tin roof, I took some deep breaths that allowed my tummy to rise and fall. I was in Sydney for less than 48 hours and had a lot of errands to run. I was missing my son, but…

Chocolate lubrication There is something about chocolate. Not only does it taste good, it “feels” good in your mouth. Now researchers have broken down exactly what happens in your mouth when you eat chocolate that makes it feel so appealing. When chocolate contacts your tongue, the natural fats it contains are released, coating your tongue and the rest of your mouth. It is this fatty film that makes the chocolate feel smooth through the entire time it is present in your mouth. This all-round lubrication is a big part of chocolate’s appeal, but does it mean that chocolate will only taste good if it is fat-laden? The researchers believe that it might be possible to design a healthier chocolate with fat covering the surface chocolate particles without adding too much…

Originally farmed in Sardinia in the third century BCE, parsley (Petroselinum crispum) was first used as a medicine, not a food, unlike today where it is widely used as a food in European, Middle Eastern, Western Asian and American cuisine. The name comes originally from the Latinisation of the Greek word petroselinon or “rock celery” and it belongs to the Apiaceae or Umbelliferae family. In Ancient Greece parsley was a plant sacred to Persephone and was used for decorating the tombs of the dead, and not eaten. It was also used to decorate winners of athletic contests to remind them of past athletes. There are about 300 different varieties, but two main types are used today: curly-leaf parsley and flat-leaf parsley, the latter being easier to cultivate and stronger in…

Your life gets richer the more open you are to new ideas, people, places and experiences. Getting out of your comfort zone and your usual routines will help you grow and enjoy your one precious life more fully. Boosting your wellbeing Why are fun and novel experiences so good for you? Doing things that are fun and novel spark your brain in unique ways. Novelty and pleasure activate the reward centre in your brain, releasing dopamine, one of your feel-good hormones. Dopamine improves your mood and motivation, while also offsetting your stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol. Life can get stressful and monotonous at times, but novelty and fun can help you break out of those ruts, allowing you to feel more fully alive, energised and optimistic. Last year when I…

Try to grow a range of foods across the seasons. Whiz your produce up into nutritive soups, salads, juices and other drinks and weave them into your regular mealtimes as starring ingredients. Here are some ideas to get you started. Vitamin C salad Scout your garden for vitamin C-rich foods such as cress, kale, capsicum, cabbage, English spinach, oranges and other fruits. Prepare a raw salad from them and a dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, parsley and other herbs. Any cooked ingredients should be lightly steamed only. Mineral-rich soup Depending on what you have in the garden, combine celery, parsley, legumes, leek, onion, mushroom, starchy veggies, greens and herbs into a saucepan filled with water. Stew at low heat. ALA and minerals trail mix Make a trail mix of…

Journalist and author Elfy Scott remembers occasions throughout her childhood when she’d see her mum speaking to unheard voices. Her mother had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, a mental disorder that affects roughly one in 100 people in Australia, just before Scott was born. But it wasn’t until the journalist was about 14 years old that she was formally told that her mother was living with a complex mental health condition. Her mother’s schizophrenia was rarely if ever acknowledged in her family household in an attempt to shelter Scott and her two siblings. “My mum was very, very obsessed with the idea that there were people who were trying to invade the house, like home intruders who were trying to steal our documents and things like that,” says Scott. “I always…

Dark Chocolate Mug Cake Serves 1 4 tbsp unrefined flour1 egg, beaten2 tbsp raw cacao powder1 tbsp maple syrup1 tbsp milk or plant-based milk¼ tsp baking powder½ tsp vanilla extract1 tsp extra-virgin olive oilPinch of cinnamon Whisk all the ingredients of the mug cake together in an extra large mug (or two smaller mugs). Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high for 1 ½ minutes until it is risen and fairly firm. Please note that cooking time depends on the microwave so check the cake at 10–15 second intervals. The longer you cook it for the firmer it will be. Serve with ice cream or vanilla yoghurt. Turmeric Spiced Porridge Serves 2 1 cup oats2 cups milk or plant-based substitute½ tsp ground turmeric or 1 tsp turmeric…

The skin is our largest organ and a true wonder of the human body, holding the fort as the first line of defence against the constant barrage of environmental stressors you come into contact with constantly each day. Think UV rays, temperature fluctuations, external pathogens, pollution and more. Yet there’s even more to this incredible and mysterious organ than what meets the eye. On the surface of the skin lies a hidden world, teeming with a diverse and dynamic multitude of microorganisms that work tirelessly to keep our skin healthy and thriving, known as the skin microbiome. It is also cocooned in a unique brick and mortar-like protective system known as the skin barrier, which works in tandem with the microbiome. Both are integral to achieving and maintaining optimal skin…

The prevalence of eczema, in particular atopic eczema, has increased significantly over the past few decades and Australia is one of the worst afflicted countries. Estimates are that one in four children under the age of two develop the condition, compared to just 50 years ago when the figure was one in 10. Among the adult population between 10 and 15 per cent are affected, so what is this burgeoning skin pandemic we have on our hands? Eczema is a group of skin conditions that cause the skin to become dry, red, itchy and inflamed. The terms eczema and dermatitis are often used interchangeably; however, eczema is actually a type of dermatitis. Dermatitis means inflammation of the skin, and it’s a broader term that encompasses more than eczema rashes. Atopic…

Serves: 1 ½ tbsp orange juice1 tbsp avocado oil½ tbsp apple-cider vinegar½ tbsp honey⅛ tsp sea salt140g baby spinach & baby kale2 tbsp chopped pecans2 tbsp raw pepitas½ cup fresh blueberries½ Modi Apple, sliced2 tbsp crumbled goat cheese In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, avocado oil, apple-cider vinegar, honey and sea salt. Set aside. Roughly chop the baby spinach and baby kale. Place it in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the greens and gently toss until the spinach and kale have been completely coated. Finish the salad with the pecans, pepitas, blueberries, sliced apple and goat cheese. Enjoy.…

It’s like a science fiction plot. A dangerous material accumulates throughout the world for decades, largely unbeknown to the human race. When humanity does eventually recognise the danger, it faces major scientific challenges, coupled with delay and obfuscation from within. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, more commonly known as PFAS, are toxic, and are also known as “forever chemicals” because they persist for so long before degrading, in some cases for longer than one thousand years. Following their first manufacture in 1947, by the 1960s they were being used to make Teflon frying pans, and then spread to a range of other products and industrial uses. Their usefulness is due to their remarkable properties, being resistant to water, oil, stains and heat. PFAS are also a growing environmental and health headache,…

In Natural Bakes by Caroline Griffiths, you can have your cake and eat it too! Free from gluten and other harmful sugars, the impressive cookbook makes use of fruit, vegetables and other natural ingredients such as vanilla, nut-based flours and spices to whip up incredibly delightful and guilt-free baked goods. Impress your family with some almond, mandarin and orange-blossom madeleines, finish dinner with a warming crumble or wow your dinner guests with a chocolate layer cake served with peanut butter frosting. Natural Bakes boasts more than 70 recipes that will have you kicking sugar and gluten flours to the kerbside in no time. Baked Lemon Cheesecake Baked cheesecake is one of my all-time favourite desserts. The ricotta adds lightness and the dates add a subtle sweetness. The cheesecake will keep…

Melbourne is heading into its colder months and my skin desperately felt like it needed hydration and more elasticity. I previously tried a few different cult products promising restored hydration and glow. But, as a time-poor woman in her mid-20s with a lot on my plate, I found myself giving up hope I would ever achieve the renewed radiance I was after. I decided to shake up my skincare routine and test out New Nordic’s skincare range. New Nordic is a Swedish-based company founded in 1990 by Karl Kristian Bergman Jensen. In 2004, François Gérard joined New Nordic, and together with Jensen spends time travelling all over the world investigating rare botanicals in their unspoiled environments. Beauty starts from within New Nordic’s Hyaluron Active supports the skin’s ecosystem both inside…

Air fryers, the latest obsession in kitchen gadgets! It’s like everyone suddenly realised that they can make crispy food without drowning it in oil. And now, everyone and their mother is raving about how amazing they are. Your neighbour’s sister loves hers, your brother is obsessed with his and your best friend won’t stop talking about how theirs is the best thing since sliced bread. No, I’m not talking about the latest mobile phone; I’m talking about air fryers. But let’s be honest, is it really worth all the fuss? Is it worth joining the air force? I mean, sure, it’s a healthier way to fry your food. But let’s not forget that we’re still frying our food. At least now we’re doing it with hot air instead of a…

A common problem in older cats is declining kidney health. One estimate is that more than 30 per cent of cats older than 15 years have kidney insufficiency. The International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) has a classification system based on clinical symptoms and urine and blood test results, and this assists vets in planning individual treatments for “kidney cats”. Causes are many and may include infections, toxins, trauma, kidney-toxic drugs, congenital kidney disease and metabolic or hormone imbalances. But in most cases the underlying cause isn’t known. The pathological changes seen include tubulointerstitial fibrosis, oxidative stress, hypoxia and inflammation, and these can be targets for holistic support. Hyperphosphataemia develops because kidneys are important in phosphorus excretion. Other toxins will also increase due to the kidney’s reduced ability to excrete them.…

CHRISTINE BROADBENT An Astrology Reading interfaces the mysteries of birth patterns and planetary cycles. This healing art offers rich insights, improves self-knowledge and is a path to integration. Christine Broadbent has been sharing this approach with clients for over 30 years. She also offers distance readings, webinar classes, workshops and retreats in Australia and New Zealand. Book a reading now, in person or virtually: astroha@bigpond.com. Phone AU: 0402 664101 or NZ: 0214 10126. Cancer Cancer, you now benefit from the happy coincidence of the outer planets Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune all residing in compatible Water and Earth signs. This means opportunity and unexpected twists of fate work in your favour. Specifically, as the Moon’s own, you are sensitive to any emotional rhythms, sometimes realising this fact too late to protect…

Imagine what it would be like to wake up each morning and leap out of bed because you were excited to get to work. Yes, there might be some minor problems to overcome — because perfection would be boring — but you could be passionate about your work or learning the skills you need to make your interests a larger part of your life. You might feel your work serves a bigger purpose or that what you do makes a difference in the lives of others. In your own way, by following your passions, you can live a life less ordinary. Deciding to follow your passions can be scary, especially in today’s post-pandemic world. Pandemic lockdowns drove many into isolation, sometimes with corresponding losses of job and financial security. However,…

Winter and spring July July 1–31, Global Dry July dryjuly.com July 1–31, Global Plastic Free July plasticfreejuly.org July 8–15, AU National Diabetes Week diabetesaustralia.com.au July 14–23, Darwin, AU Darwin Fringe Festival darwinfringe.org.au July 16, Melbourne, AU Run Melbourne 2023 runmelbourne.com.au July 21, Sunshine Coast, AU Sunshine Coast Coastrek 2022 coastrek.com.au July 23–30, AU Donate Life Week donatelife.gov.au July 28, Global World Hepatitis Day worldhepatitisday.org July 30, Sydney, AU The Bloody Long Walk (Sydney North) bloodylongwalk.com.au July 30, Global International Day of Friendship un.org/en/observances/friendship-day August August 1–31, AU MS Readathon, One month challenge msreadathon.org.au August 4, AU Jeans for Genes Day jeansforgenes.org.au August 6, Sydney, AU Sydney Health, Wellness & Fitness Expo 2023 healthwellnessfitnessexpo.com.au August 7–13, AU Dental Health Week ada.org.au August 7–13, AU National Stroke Week  strokefoundation.org.au/what-we-do/prevention-programs/national-stroke-week August 8, AU…

Tasmanian wilderness I bought your WellBeing WILD magazine as a trusty companion for a road trip through Tasmania. It has been somehow uplifting yet grounding and has left me feeling romanced, enlightened and empowered. I’ve tried my best to put in words what makes me feel wild: “Wild is outside my comfort zone. Wild is throwing myself into whole-body experiences and knowing that I’ll be enriched because of it. It is spontaneous purchases of fresh seafood to cook on a dodgy camp stove. It’s the all-encompassing tired after a long day of exploring, slightly sunburnt and fully exhausted. It’s the pings of gravel against the caravan down a dirt road through a forest. It’s the broad expanse of sky and sea view when you emerge from the vegetation to the…

All work and no play makes kids … There is a rise in mental health disorders, like anxiety and depression, among our children. As a result of analysis of the literature and their own studies, a new paper has arrived at reasons for this burgeoning problem. According to the researchers, modern parents’ drive to guide and protect children has deprived them of the independence they need to develop mental health. They suggest that the rise in mental health disorders is attributed to a decline over recent decades in opportunities for teens and children to play and engage in independent activities away from adult supervision. The researchers say that parents today are subject to many messages about the dangers that might befall unsupervised children. Combine this with messaging about the need…

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a perennial flowering plant in the Asteraceae family, that is native to temperate regions in Asia, Europe and North America. It was introduced as a food for livestock in Australia and New Zealand, where it has become a common weed and spread widely over a variety of habitats. It has a powerful sweet scent, similar to chrysanthemums. In the garden, yarrow is a food source for many insects, and various birds such as starlings use it to line their nests, possibly to inhibit parasites. It is considered particularly useful as a companion plant, attracting beneficial insects such as ladybirds, hoverflies and predatory wasps that use insect pests as food for their larvae, and repelling unwanted pests. It can be planted to reduce soil erosion and has…

We have all, at one point or another, spoken of the virtues of wellbeing and healthy living yet behaved in a manner that is in complete contradiction of that value. We know smoking or excessive drinking is harmful to our health, but many of us continue to put our health in peril, regardless of the known consequences. We consciously work against our own values because we give in to the feeling of satiation and feeling good, finding reasons to circumvent what we may hold dear to us. How is it that our values become our vices? Sometimes our inner incongruity is not as obvious as choosing wine over water. We all have principles we choose to live by yet we still flout them thoughtlessly. We protest at dinner parties at…

DIY vitamin C powder Save any organic orange, lemon or other citrus peels you have. Note: the peel is where most of the vitamin C is located. Cut into strips and allow to dry — at room temperature is OK. Once crisp and snap-dry, grind up into a powder using a spice or coffee grinder. For additional sweetness, add ground dried stevia leaves to the mix. Rose hip vitamin C antioxidant tonic Harvest enough rose hips to almost fill a jar. All roses produce rose hips (the fruit of the rose), but shrub, rambler and wild varieties including rugosa and dog rose are the most prolific. Pick when the hips are high in colour but not overripe. Chop them up and place in a jar with a non-metallic lid to…

It’s time for you to meet your three winners. The WellBeing team, along with our friends at Ferro-grad C, are thrilled to announce the winners of the inaugural WellBeing Women of the Year Awards. We received an overwhelming response, hearing from rural practice pharmacists, librarians, mental health programs, charities, volunteers and so many more incredible women and organisations. So, without further ado, please meet the three winners of the WellBeing Women of the Year Awards. Special thanks We’d like to give a special thanks to our finalists Usha Raman, Rach Mac (Broken Crayons Still Colour), Jessica Murray, Bente Hart (Capital Chemist Braidwood), Michelle Key (Smiles2U) and Keeley Johnson (Keeley’s Cause). These six women contribute significantly and meaningfully to their communities, and we would like to acknowledge the important work they…

For the past year I have noticed a recurring theme when talking to family and friends. Although we have all had varying experiences through the pandemic, coming out the other end of lockdowns with the return to a new normal there is a common feeling that comes up again and again. No matter how much sleep we salvage, how many holidays we have or the degree to which we do all the self-care things, we are still exhausted. During the pandemic we all became familiar with the post-viral symptoms of COVID-19 fatigue and were well versed in the effects of Pandemic Fatigue, which the World Health Organization describes as “a natural and expected reaction to sustained and unresolved adversity in people’s lives.” But now it seems adversity and fatigue are…

Less is more when it comes to your skin. Being conscious of what kind of skincare you are using, and how, is top of focus. Remove and simplify Discontinue any harsh skincare products and adopt a simple, gentle routine that involves cleansing and moisturising. Avoid using resurfacing and exfoliating products like retinol, AHAs/BHA or harsh cleanser until your barrier is healthy and functioning. Dr Tranter’s top tip: “It’s also a really good tip to apply your moisturiser to damp skin when you get out of the shower. This locks in extra moisture and improves the hydration level in the skin.” Mind your pH The pH of your skin is around 4.7, and it’s recommended to use skincare products that have a pH of between 4.0 and 5.0 to keep your…

Welcome to another instalment of WellBeingTV. In this issue, you’ll hear from revered Australian stylist Rachel Vigor. With over 30 years in the industry, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes, her love of intricate detail and intuitive styling has been seen across the globe. With Rachel, you’ll learn how to incorporate more wellness and balance into your daily life. You’ll also hear from Miriam Burrows, a talented journalist and mum of two. Miriam shares her top tips for creating healthy boundaries, how to reduce unnecessary stress and a delicious apple and blueberry salad. For more, visit wellbeingmag.tv…

As a stylist, I have always been drawn to the beauty and power of nature. From the intricate patterns of leaves and flowers to the raw force of the ocean, nature has a way of captivating us like nothing else can. As a result, I strongly believe that incorporating natural elements into our daily lives can have a profound impact on our overall sense of balance and wellbeing. One area where I have found this to be particularly true is in skincare. Our skin is the largest organ in our body and is constantly exposed to the elements. By using natural and plant-based products, we can not only protect and nourish our skin but also improve our mental and emotional health. That’s why I want to share my experience with…

There is no doubt that plastic is slowly killing our planet. Unfortunately, we live in a “throwaway” society where plastic has been the convenient option for too long and has now become an everyday part of life. The kitchen is one of the most challenging places to reduce household plastic consumption, but it’s not impossible Avoid single-use packaging This may sound obvious, but one of the simplest ways to reduce plastic in the kitchen is to buy less of it! Buying in bulk is a good place to start since it helps reduce single-use packaging. There are plenty of places such as wholefood and health food stores which offer reusable options or allow you to bring your own containers to stock up at home. This allows you to only buy…

Poised above a verdant tapestry of alpine forests and silvery tarns, Cradle Mountain beckons me onto its rugged granite slopes at dawn. Past ice-blue Dove Lake, mirroring the mountain’s famously fluted summit, there are hidden plateaus of buttongrass cradling sparkling pools, and the chance to glimpse wild things. This is what lures my sleepy band of walkers onto the trail while we are barely awake, and all this early-morning splendour catches us by surprise. There’s no denying the steepness of this trail, or the wild, precarious scramble that finally lands us breathless on the mountain’s windswept top, but this all-day adventure endures in my mind as one of my best days on Earth. From that lofty peak that pulls hundreds of gazes skyward every day, the views are nothing short…

non-fiction You Are Not Alone CARIAD LLOYD, BLOOMSBURY Grief is part of the human experience, yet one that is so rarely comfortable to talk about. In You Are Not Alone, writer, comedian and podcaster Cariad Lloyd explores how our discomfort with grief has become ingrained in our culture and examines new and more open discussions around grief. Personal anecdotes from the guests interviewed on Lloyd’s Griefcast podcast are scattered throughout, as well as frank and sometimes painfully honest stories of her own journey through grief (Lloyd lost her father to cancer when she was 15), all stories that serve to remind readers — as the title suggests — you are not alone. This book is a road map for anyone who has ever felt lost in the emotional fog of…

You’re a bit of a beauty rebel when it comes to saying it how it is … More is not more … Less is more. When it comes to the products we use on our skin, why is it important to remember this? I started MV almost by accident while helping a client who’d reacted badly to a new moisturiser. I was very mindful that I should add minimal ingredients and that those ingredients should be very high quality. I felt this approach would minimise the chance of another reaction and ultimately help heal her skin. That first cream was so successful that I decided using fewer ingredients but in higher concentration was a darn good idea. What this means is that the skin is receiving a therapeutic dose of…

Crispy Air-Fried Chicken ½ cup gluten-free flour1 egg, beaten4 chicken thighs, skin on1 tsp garlic powder1 tsp dried oregano1 tsp paprika (optional)Pinch Celtic sea salt Olive oil cooking spray Preheat air fryer to 180°C. In a separate bowl mix flour, salt and seasonings. Working with one at a time, place chicken pieces into the flour mixture then dip into the egg mixture. Dip again in the flour mixture until the chicken is covered. Spray with olive oil or oil of choice. Place chicken into the air fryer and cook for 20–25 mins until chicken is golden Plate and serve with fresh salad.…

You need magnesium to sustain DNA and to produce energy, two of your body’s most primordial functions. Whenever I watch Gardening Australia I’m reminded how my plate could be overflowing with nature’s bounty, fruit and vegetables loaded with vital, life-sustaining minerals, the guiding force behind every cellular activity that ignites our brains and energises our bodies. Except I’d have to grow my own, and this requires a whole bunch of horticultural skills, nitrogen-fixing undertakings and potting mixes in order to enrich the soil and nurture the kind of environment which would ultimately germinate such nutritious produce, sadly a prize I can only weakly visualise in someone else’s garden. So I’m relegated to my regular visitation to a local farmer’s market — at least that’s the sobriquet I’m dignifying it with…

Chronic illness is a life sentence, right? That’s how I saw it when I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC), a form of irritable bowel disease (IBD) in the summer of 2022. It was a late diagnosis, and by 27 I thought I’d pretty much missed the boat on childhood chronic illnesses. Unfortunately, I was wrong. As a fully grown adult, I had to come to terms with the bewildering fact that my immune system was attacking itself. And that was a hard pill to swallow because I felt so unbelievably betrayed by my own body. It wasn’t doing what it was supposed to do, and because of that I was suffering. While it may have been new information to me, it wasn’t to my health. Truth is, I’ve always…

Maggi Brown RHS CertHort, CertEd, Member RHS Life Member Garden Organic (HDRA) Maggi Brown is one of the UK’s foremost experts in organic growing, having worked for two decades as education officer at the world-renowned Henry Doubleday Research Association (now Garden Organic). Since leaving Garden Organic, she has been honoured with a life membership. She has been active in education, environmental management and horticulture for more than three decades. Dr Robert Browne BSc, PhD Robert Browne’s science employment has included consultancy with biotechnology corporations and in response to the global biodiversity conservation crisis and has focused on amphibian conservation and sustainability. He has worked with zoos in Australia, the USA and Europe, and as research officer for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Browne is currently establishing a…

Winter Fruit Apples (Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Jonagold, Jonathan, Lady Williams, Pink Lady, Red Delicious and Sundowner), cumquat, custard apple, grapefruit, kiwifruit, lemons, limes, mandarins, melons, nashi, oranges, pears (Beurre Bosc, Josephine and Packham), persimmons, pineapple, pomelo, quince, rhubarb and tangelo. Vegetables Asian greens (bok choy, choy sum, gai laan and wonga bok), avocados, beetroot, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celeriac, celery, Jerusalem artichokes, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, okra, olives, onions, parsnips, peas, potatoes, pumpkin, shallots, silverbeet, spinach, swedes, sweet potatoes, turnips and witlof. Spring Fruit apples (Lady Williams), banana, cherry, cumquat, grapefruit (pink and yellow), lemon, loquat, lychees, mandarins (Ellendale and Murcot), mango, melons (honeydew, rockmelon and watermelon), oranges (blood and Seville), papaya, pawpaw, pineapple (smooth leaf), starfruit, strawberries, and tangelo. Vegetables artichoke, Asian greens (bok choy,…