Innehållsförteckning för Issue 217 från WellBeing

Hexagons are known to be one of the strongest geometric shapes. These six-sided figures fit together perfectly and allow for the maximum of open space within them. This is why bees use the hexagon to make their honeycombs. Beeswax is made by young bees aged between 12 and 18 days old. At this age, the bees have four pairs of glands on their lower abdomen that secrete wax. Every day, each gland makes two tiny flakes the size of minute human dandruff. When they are producing the wax, the bees hang vertically in chains and as the wax is produced, the bees chew on it adding enzymes to it that alter its composition. Within the hive, temperature is regulated at between 32°C and 35°C, with a relative humidity of 50-60…

Earlier this year, the song Never Too Late, co-written by Elton John and Brandi Carlile, was nominated for the Oscar for Best Original Song. I heard Carlile being interviewed about the process of writing with John and one thing she said stuck with me. Carlile said that the music and lyrics of John and his co-writer, Bernie Taupin, were the reason she started writing music and, “not just that, it shaped my worldview”. It was one of those moments, one of those statements that reached across the protective moat that I have built around myself, reminding me that I am neither alone nor quite as bad as I think I am. I began my music consumption in the pre-streaming epoch. My engagement with music was to buy albums with carefully…

All the latest in environmental issues Why the world’s oceans are heating faster than ever The rate of ocean warming has more than quadrupled in the past 40 years, rising from 0.06°C per decade in the late 1980s to 0.27°C per decade today, a new study reveals. Published in Environmental Research Letters, the study helps explain record-breaking ocean temperatures in 2023–2024. Lead author Professor Chris Merchant likens it to a bathtub: “In the 1980s, the hot tap was running slowly. Now it’s gushing, and the only way to slow warming is by cutting carbon emissions.” The rapid heating is driven by Earth’s growing energy imbalance, with more solar energy being absorbed than is escaping into space. This imbalance has doubled since 2010 due to rising greenhouse gases and reduced sunlight…

Do you make decisions based on your gut, or are you more likely to favour cool deliberation? Instinct might be regarded as rationality’s poor cousin, but it can in fact provide valuable information. Learning to listen to your gut may lead to better decision-making and improved quality of life. There is a lot of self-talk that goes on within all of us. You know the kind of thing: “Stupid! Why did I have to mention the echidna?!” or “This shirt is really workin’ for me today! Smokin’!” Or, “Will I look like a pig if I eat that last biscotti? I really want it, though. Maybe if I create a distraction by setting the packets of sugar on fire, I can grab it while everyone debates whether a latté will…

“To embrace a Plan C mindset meant letting go of what I thought life should look like and leaning into the possibilities of what it could be.” It’s not every day you find yourself being filmed while you sit on the toilet, trying to urinate on a pregnancy test strip. Yet this is exactly the situation Sheila Vijeyarasa found herself in. In her latest book, The Power of Little Steps, she writes, “As I sit here, with a camera capturing every awkward angle, I can’t help but wonder: ‘How did I get here?’ ‘This wasn’t the plan!’” This intimate moment was being filmed for Channel 9 documentary Big Miracles, a behind-the-scenes look at the hope and heartbreak of infertility and in-vitro fertilisation (IVF). According to IVF Australia, “One in six…

Indoor air is an under-recognised avenue for exposure to potentially harmful pollutants. Fortunately, there are many actions you can take to minimise the health risks they pose. With Australia and New Zealand having lost much industrial activity to countries overseas and as the proportion of internal combustion vehicles on the roads continues to fall as they are substituted with electric cars, it is easy to mistakenly conclude that the challenge of pollution has largely been solved. Against this background, the issue of indoor air quality often receives less attention than it deserves. In both countries, the average person spends about 90 per cent of their time indoors, underscoring the importance of this issue. In addition to chemicals, other indoor pollutants include dust, mould, mites, pollen, microplastics and bacteria. Studies have…

Face mask & treatments 01. AyurScience — PURITY Blemish Spot Treatment This Ayurvedic-inspired, multi-herbal serum visibly reduces the appearance of blemishes and redness. It rehydrates and decongests, leaving your skin clear, soothed and renewed. 02. The Jojoba Company — Neck & Décolletage Lifting Concentrate This powerful bio-active concentrate is clinically proven to lift, firm and sculpt the neck, décolletage and jawline. Designed to combat sagging and smooth wrinkles, it restores elasticity and definition for a youthful, contoured look. 03. Downunder Magnesium — Magnesium Super Stick 100 per cent natural and highly concentrated, it’s designed to visibly reduce skin imperfections, including skin tags, moles and scars. 10 times organic magnesium chloride supports regeneration, renewal and a clearer complexion. 04. Face Dunk — The PRO Ice Facial Kit This world-first ice facial…

In a world obsessed with quick fixes, we’re often sold the idea that healing should be fast, dramatic and easy to measure. In reality, it’s messy, slow and goes beyond a highlight reel. What happens when we let go of those expectations and embrace a more authentic process? You’re standing at the edge of change, waiting for something to happen. Maybe it’s the therapy session where everything will finally make sense. The retreat that promises transformation. The one conversation that will bring the closure you’ve been searching for. You’ve done the work, opened yourself up to the process, so where is the breakthrough? The myth of the “breakthrough moment” We’ve been taught to expect healing to arrive like a cinematic moment of clarity. A single, profound experience that rewires our…

What’s great about Seremind is that it’s designed for regular use, making it a gentle addition to your self-care toolkit. Anxiety isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s a quiet hum beneath the surface — a sense of unease, a tightness in the chest or trouble falling asleep when you’re exhausted. As a nutritionist, I often work with clients who feel “off” but can’t quite explain why. The good news is that there are natural, evidence-backed ways to gently bring your body and mind back into balance. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try incorporating some of these strategies into your daily routine. 1. Prioritise restorative sleep Sleep and anxiety have a chicken-and-egg relationship. One often disrupts the other. Creating a wind-down routine is key. Switch off devices an hour before bed, dim the…

Improve your overall health and fuel your entire work week in only 25 minutes. Finding an effective and efficient workout routine can be a challenge, especially with a busy work-family life. This is where high-intensity interval training (HIIT) makes its compelling case. With workouts lasting merely 25 minutes, HIIT not only fits seamlessly into our busy lives, but also plays a significant role in enhancing overall wellness. By targeting multiple muscle groups, providing cardiovascular benefits and promoting mental clarity, 25 minutes of HIIT can deliver impactful results that resonate throughout your work week and beyond. HIIT workouts stimulate the release of endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones that can alleviate stress and anxiety. This not only enhances mood but may also improve focus and productivity in work-related tasks. Given that workplace stress…

Uncover the rich history of the Gove Peninsula in the Northern Territory, just outside Nhulunbuy, where ancient stone arrangements reveal the story of early cross-cultural exchanges between Yolŋu people and Makassan traders. From these relics to the quiet beauty of Bremer Island, the region offers a compelling look at Australia’s past and present. The walking trail is deserted in the last cool hour of the morning as we tread a path of crumbling bauxite on the edge of a turquoise sea. Fragrant pandanus fruit scents the air, and the soft chatter of birdsong is subdued by an intensifying heat as we wander down sand dunes to the water’s edge. At Garanhan, on the grounds of a centuries-old Sulawesi fishing camp, we guzzle water in the shade of tamarind trees, then…

Brought to you from our friends at Torrens University Australia. If it feels like every second person on your feed is a health expert, you’re not alone. Wellness is everywhere — and while some of the advice we receive is questionable (raw carrot salad as a DIY retinol?), the upside is people are waking up to the power of food. Whether it’s gut health, hormones, inflammation, sleep or stress, more of us are tuning into how nutrition underpins everything — and taking a more whole-body approach to feeling good. That shift isn’t just showing up on socials. It’s gaining traction across the healthcare system, too. And for those of us who feel the pull towards helping others live well, right now presents a real opportunity: clinical nutritionists are now formally…

As a clinical nutritionist, I’ve always believed that the most powerful medicine can come straight from our kitchen. My chicken and vegetable soup is legendary among my clients and their families, not just because it’s packed with nutrients but because it’s one of those recipes that brings hungry bellies to the table with smiles. I’d love to let you in to a little secret: the magic of this soup isn’t just in its ingredients (though they’re rather supercharged). It’s in how it transforms your kitchen into a hub of warmth and connection. The gentle simmer of the stock, the aromatic herbs and the rainbow of vegetables create an invitation that’s hard to resist. What makes this soup a family favourite? First, it’s incredibly versatile. I often tell parents that this…

The other mammoth leap forward will witness the arrival and growth of nanotechnology … that will, with the assistance of AI, be able to repair and replace any defects in our bodies, essentially propagating perfected humans and immortalising them. How long would you like to live? That is, of course, if you’re healthy and having a good time. Decrepit and dysfunctional, it’s hardly worth it. Say then if things are going well … 30 more years? Fifty maybe? How about forever? Flip back just over 100 years and you probably wouldn’t even be reading this article. At the beginning of the 20th century, you could expect to live until a miserly 47 years (in the US). Fast forward to the middle of the last century and chances of living a…

Wellbeing reader Barbara Cook shares how she overcame chronic worrying and learned to trust again. I was an Olympic champion of worriers. Someone should have given me a medal. I worried about work, the state of the world and all the wrong things I’d done and couldn’t undo. I was particularly skilled at creating multiple future scenarios and running each one through to its worst possible conclusion. My prominent topic, and the one that can still have me lying awake at night, is worrying about my family members. If any adult or child is having a challenging issue, I go into a fretting frenzy. What shifted? I was so exhausted by all the worrying that I knew something had to change. My never-ending loops of thoughts were always a form…

August The Bloody Long Walk August 3, Sydney, AU bloodylongwalk.com.au Jeans for Genes Day August 7, AU jeansforgenes.org.au Dental Health Week August 4–17, AU ada.org.au National Indigenous Fashion Awards August 6, Darwin, AU nifa.com.au Beaker Street Festival August 12–19, Tasmania, AU beakerstreet.com.au Darwin Festival August 7–24, Darwin, AU darwinfestival.org.au Daffodil Day August 21, AU daffodilday.com.au The Bloody Long Walk August 24, Newcastle, AU bloodylongwalk.com.au International Overdose Awareness Day August 31, global overdoseday.com September Australian Organic Awareness Month September 1–30 austorganic.com Capricorn Food & Wine Festival September 4–7, Rockhampton, AU capricornevents.au Sample Food Festival September 6, Bangalow, AU samplefoodevents.com Fine Food Australia Show September 8–11, Sydney, AU finefoodaustralia.com.au The Bloody Long Walk September 14, Perth, AU bloodylongwalk.com.au National Organic Week September 15–21, AU organicweek.net.au World Carfree Day September 22, global worldcarfree.net…

We think we understand the world and the creatures that inhabit it … but how much do we really know? The Ethiopian wolf is the rarest wild canine species and is Africa’s most at-risk carnivore. This wolf is found only in the highlands of Ethiopia. There are less than 500 Ethiopian wolves, in 99 separate packs. Just recently, in observing the wolves, researchers have seen them do something that no other carnivore has been seen to do. During their day, the wolves were seen to drink the nectar of the Ethiopian “red hot poker flower” (Kniphofia foliosa). Kniphofia is also known as “torch lily”, both names referring to the spikes of upright brightly coloured red and orange flowers that it produces in summer. These flowers produce massive amounts of nectar…

If you had to guess the colour of the first lifeforms on Earth, what would you guess? A few years ago, an oil company was looking for oil beneath the rocks and sand of the Sahara Desert. In the process, they drilled a hole that went several hundreds of metres deep and hit a layer of black shale. This shale turned out to be of marine origin and it was sent to researchers at Geoscience Australia for analysis. The researchers crushed the rocks to a powder and, when they did, they found that there were ancient organisms present, organisms dating back 1.1 billion years. The biological fragments were fossils of chlorophylls produced by truly ancient organisms inhabiting a sea that vanished aeons ago. That is exciting enough but what the…

Fifty kilometres northeast of Mexico City lies the remains of the Mesoamerican city, Teotihuacan. We know a lot about Teotihuacan but what we don’t know is truly fundamental. We know that Teotihuacan was settled as early as 400 BCE (2400 years ago). By 400 CE (1600 years ago), it had become the most powerful and influential city in the region. It is arranged in a grid pattern covering about 20km² and contains approximately 2000 single-storey dwellings. On top of these living accommodations, there are pyramids, temples and palaces. The most prominent of the architectural structures are the Pyramid of the Moon, the Pyramid of the Sun, the Citadel, and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl (the “feathered serpent”). The main buildings of Teotihuacan are connected by the Avenue of the Dead, a…

Medical findings for a healthier body Sleep quality, a predictor of heart disease and metabolic health A study published in Nature Medicine explored how sleep affects various bodily systems, revealing its role in cardiovascular health, metabolism and mental wellbeing. Analysing data from 6366 participants, researchers found sleep traits were stronger predictors of metabolic health, including blood lipids and insulin resistance, compared to age, BMI or visceral fat. Poor sleep quality was linked to higher risks of heart disease, metabolic disorders and mental health issues. Surprisingly, gut microbiome composition and diet were more predictive of sleep apnoea symptoms in women than traditional risk factors such as a high BMI. The study showed that lifestyle behaviours, such as smoking and watching TV, had a significant impact on sleep patterns. These findings emphasise…

We all tell lies. That is a sad but undeniable truth. The question is whether those lies damage the important relationships in your life and, if they do, how can you change this? Relationships are challenging. Two people coming together to co-habit and share a lifetime, or even a few years, with each other can be difficult, if for no other reason than people are different. No two people are identical in their likes and dislikes, their strengths and weaknesses, or hopes and dreams. After the doe-eyed, weak-kneed, reality-defying honeymoon phase, a relationship must move into something more sustainable. Lasting relationships are not built on love, they are built on trust and, for trust to exist, honesty must feed it. If you want to bring truth-telling into a relationship, though,…

Our culture encourages denial about death. While we don’t talk about it, death anxiety is a pervasive theme of being human, shaping much of what we think and do. Coming to terms with our mortality can only help us. We first become aware of death’s universality, irreversibility and inevitability between the ages of three and nine. This terrifying discovery comes to us in gradual stages, says Professor Ross Menzies, a mental health author, professor of clinical psychology at the University of Technology, Sydney and practising clinical psychologist. From then on, we live our existence under the fearful spectre of death, he says, a bitter knowledge that’s the source of much (mostly subconscious and repressed) distress. What’s less understood is how fear of death shapes human wellbeing, behaviour and society. This…

Every day, our bodies are exposed to toxins from the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink and those generated internally. Fortunately, our bodies are equipped with incredible detoxification systems that process these toxins into safer substances for elimination. The liver, kidneys, skin, lungs, digestive and lymphatic systems all work tirelessly together to remove toxins and keep us in balance. However, when these systems become overwhelmed or lack the right nutritional support, toxins can accumulate, triggering inflammation, oxidative stress and increased risk of chronic health issues. Understanding how these pathways work and what they need to thrive is key to supporting your body’s natural detox capacity. Key detoxification organs The liver is the body’s primary detoxification organ, filtering toxins from the bloodstream and transforming them into…

Welcome to another wonderful instalment of WellBeingTV. In this issue, you’ll hear from interior designer and stylist Rachel Vigor. With more than 30 years’ experience in the industry, Rachel’s passion for nature and love of organic materials brings a fresh, approachable perspective to design. With Rachel, learn how to embrace winter as a time to deepen your connection with nature one breath, step and drop at a time. Justyna Kalka is a clinical nutritionist, educator and public speaker known for her holistic approach to health and wellbeing. With Justyna, learn how to quiet anxiety through everyday habits from supplements to sleep rituals, grounding techniques and time in nature. For more, visit wellbeingmag.tv.…

Cannabis sativa has a rich history of traditional use for healing, food and fibre. Fast forward to today and the highly regulated plant is also a commercially lucrative pharmaceutical product. Its evolution from counterculture to mainstream reveals fascinating shifts in science and society. Since cultivation of cannabis was legalised in Australia in 2016 for medical purposes (and only with a licence), there’s been a surging interest in the product. Worth an estimated AU$141 million in 2023, and US$21 billion globally, the legal cannabis market is booming. Forecasts by Grand View Research predict the Australian market will soar at a compound annual growth rate of 27.8 per cent between 2024 to 2030. How does “medicinal” cannabis differ from the maligned, recreational marijuana, pot and weed associated with getting high and addiction?…

HIIT workouts stimulate the release of endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones that can alleviate stress and anxiety. Embrace the challenge and reap the rewards of HIIT. It could just be the game changer you didn’t know you needed! Here’s a circuit of seven exercises using 5kg hand weights you can perform to elevate your heart rate, build strength and maximise calorie burn. Aim for 30–45 seconds of work followed by 15–30 seconds of rest between exercises. Repeat the circuit two to four times for a full workout. 1. Goblet squat How to do it: Hold one dumbbell with both hands close to your chest. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Lower your body into a squat, keeping the weight close to your body. Push back up to the starting position. Targets: Legs,…

When an expat returns to Japan on her own, chasing memories and testing limits, she meets a version of herself still learning what she can do. A misstep into Mount Fuji’s “Forbidden Forest” nearly ends in disaster, but what she discovers instead is resilience, trust and the power of choosing her own path. Forbidden: 1) not permitted or allowed 2) not conforming to the usual selection principles Like your childhood home, every country has a telltale scent. I remember Tokyo at age 10: the smoke of yakitori carts, a concrete jungle made from cement mixed with umami and thousands of years of history. Throngs of people move with the efficiency of a circulatory system. I drop every bit of food I dare to eat with the sticks they hand me.…

From the morning rush to your evening wind-down, Oil Garden’s essential oils help restore energy, calm and presence. As a mum, wellness teacher and editor constantly toggling between creative and caregiving modes, I’ve learned that balance isn’t a fixed point. What’s valuable is how smoothly I can switch gears. Reducing friction throughout the day is what helps me stay present and resourced, instead of feeling overwhelmed or empty. Scent can be a powerful tool in signalling what’s next, whether you’re looking to speed up or slow down, energise or unwind. Essential oils can shape a mood, ease tension or mark the beginning of a ritual. Used rhythmically, they can become cues throughout your day. When four essential oil blends from Oil Garden arrived — Vitality, Defence, Breathe and Headache —…

That row of pumpkins hardening on the patio or shed roof, or the giant bowl of pomegranates are beautiful, too. Everyone knows about the “spring flush”, with blooms dropping from the trees and new leaves on everything from apple trees to lettuces. Gardeners and good cooks know the “autumn flush” is even better. The air is cool but the soil is warm — and plants love it. Blooms last longer in autumn. Give your roses lots of tucker and water, prune back dead flowers, and the display of new blooms will be as glorious as spring’s. In cool climates, autumn’s red, gold and orange leaves are as spectacular as spring blossoms. Camellias begin to bloom in autumn. Water them well, as long as the soil is well drained, but only…

Teenage acne is very common, but that doesn’t make it any easier to deal, with nor does it relieve the emotional distress of the sufferer. A concerned mother brought in her 14-year-old son who was suffering with a severe case of acne. Mentioning that nearly 80 per cent of teenagers suffer from acne was not much help for him. Like most teens, their appearance is of critical importance and he was becoming quite isolated, refusing to go out and socialise (his parents had difficulty getting him to school). His lack of self-esteem and confidence was noticeable. He was also suffering from both anxiety and depression largely due to his appearance. His problems needed correcting if he was going to be able to fulfil his potential. He was suffering from digestive…

For Wellbeing reader Lara Charles, healing from cancer revealed that true wellness isn’t either-or, but instead found in honouring the interconnected complexity of mind, body and spirit. Sitting in a stark hospital room in late 2013, I felt the walls closing in as my doctor delivered the news: “It’s a chronic blood cancer. You’ll need to be on medication for the rest of your life. We recommend a mild form of chemotherapy.” I was in my early 30s with young kids at home and now faced a future ruled by medication. The weight of my diagnosis and sudden loss of control hit me like a Mack truck. As I faced my diagnosis and treatment, Jess Ainscough and Belle Gibson were rising to stardom in some foreign wellness world. At the…

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.…

Even in the familiar, we often sense there’s more to be revealed. That’s why we rewatch movies, revisit favourite holiday spots, return to familiar hiding places. In my house, there are 12 good hiding spots. Six are reserved for the little people. Four I can comfortably fit into. And if my son, who is much faster at the seeking than my daughter, is the one counting, I’ll occasionally pretzel myself into two more. Right now, we’re in the golden age of hide-and-seek. There are about two good years of a little person’s life when it’s the go-to game, and my daughter, age four, is obsessed. My seven-year-old plays along mostly for my attention and partly to show his little sister how it’s done. We often play five or six games…

Interesting slices of life Forming healthy habits A recent systematic review published in Healthcare explored the time required to form health-related habits and identified key factors influencing their development. The study found significant variability, with health-related habits generally taking two to five months to establish, ranging from four to 335 days. Simple habits, such as flossing, were easier to form, requiring less time, while complex habits, such as healthy eating and stretching, varied from 91 to 154 days. Factors like repetition, consistency, enjoyment, planning and context stability played crucial roles in habit development. Morning practices and simple repetitive behaviours were easier to automate and showed the largest improvement. The review highlights sustained, consistent efforts and realistic timelines are key to forming lasting habits. Short-term challenges, such as 21-day programs, are…

Whether it’s news, social media, shopping or streaming our favourite shows, smartphones offer us life “on-demand”. But experts think this convenience comes at a hidden cost, diminishing our patience and holding us back from reaching long-term goals. Good things come to those who wait. It’s a saying many of us are familiar with. But with smartphones and apps offering us the potential to have almost whatever we want, whenever we want it, the days when we needed to wait for things seem long gone. Many retailers now offer same-day delivery. We can get a lift at the click of a button on ride-share apps. We can consume news stories instantly, instead of waiting to read tomorrow morning’s newspaper. We’re nudged when a streaming service drops a full season of a…

Certain risks in women’s health such as breast cancer or heart disease have your attention, but has thrombosis? It affects thousands of Australian women each year during pregnancy, postpartum, menopause or while on the pill and can be a deadly, silent threat. Here we unpack the risks, the subtle symptoms and the conversations to be had now, not later. Blood clotting is a healthy and helpful way for our body to heal after injury. However, when a clot develops in a vein or artery and obstructs blood flow, it becomes thrombosis. This can be fatal. One in four deaths worldwide have thrombosis as their underlying cause. Throughout their life, women will face many choices that can contribute to their risk of thrombosis. These include decisions made around contraception and family…

From dry, lacklustre skin to static-prone hair, winter brings a handful of beauty woes, but they don’t have to define the season. Winter is a paradox. It’s a season of cosy moments, nourishment and comforts, yet it can also be harsh and ruthless on your skin, hair and overall vitality. Just as you instinctively swap breezy linen for layers of cashmere when the temperature drops, your beauty routine deserves the same seasonal shift. The drop in humidity, coupled with indoor heating and a natural tendency to move less and crave richer foods, alters the body’s rhythms, affecting everything from circulation and lymphatic flow to skin regeneration and hair health. But year-round beauty isn’t about resisting the seasons — it’s about working with them. From dry, lacklustre skin to static-prone hair,…

Avocado Toast with Beetroot Hummus Serves: 2 1 medium beetroot2 cloves garlic400g tin chickpeas, drained2 heaped tbsp tahini¼ cup extra-virgin olive oilJuice 1 medium lemonSea salt & pepper, to taste2 slices grainy toast or sourdough1 medium avocado, slicedSqueeze of lemon juiceSmall handful coriander, roughly choppedBlack pepper Optional toppings Crumbled fetaNuts & seeds (chia, sunflower seeds, walnuts, black sesame seeds, dukkha)Cherry tomatoes Preheat the oven to 200°C. Wrap the beetroot and garlic cloves in aluminium foil and roast for about 40 mins or until tender. Allow the beetroot to cool, then peel and chop. In a food processor, combine the roasted beetroot, garlic, chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, sea salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and well combined, adjusting seasoning to taste. Transfer to an airtight container and store in…

This winter, I’m embracing practices that honour that connection and help me thrive. As the seasons shift and the air cools, I’m always reminded of how deeply connected we are to the natural world. Our bodies don’t exist separately from nature — they are part of it. There’s a beautiful symbiosis between us and the earth, one that becomes even more apparent when we slow down and really listen. This winter, I’m embracing practices that honour that connection and help me thrive. Here’s how nature supports our bodies and how we can support that relationship right back. Breathing with nature: how plants cleanse our air and our minds Every breath we take is a collaboration with nature. Plants breathe alongside us, drawing in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, naturally purifying…

Your nervous system has a secret superpower hiding in plain sight. The vagus nerve quietly weaves through your body, shaping how you feel, heal and connect. Here’s how yoga helps you tap into its profound potential. There has been much fanfare in recent years about the vagus nerve (VN), with every podcaster, wellness influencer and yoga teacher preaching its capacity to moderate our wellbeing. But given most of us had probably never heard of the now-trending VN until recently, what exactly is the big deal with this big nerve, and how can we use our yoga practice to harness its power? Parasympathetic nervous system The etymology of the word “vagus” gives us some insight as to its function. “Vagus” comes from the old Latin “wandering”, and this is exactly what…

For something healing The Vagus Nerve Reset Anna Ferguson, Penguin Random House Australia Anna Ferguson is an expert in harnessing the power of the vagus nerve to reduce stress, overcome anxiety and release past trauma. With a deep understanding of the physiological stress response, she offers practical methods to heal emotional responses and improve overall health and happiness. Ferguson’s work includes somatic therapies, the science of polyvagal theory and a comprehensive program of mindful movement, breathwork, meditation and journaling. Her approach helps individuals train their nervous systems to respond more calmly to stressors, fostering greater resilience and long-term wellbeing. Drawing from both science and personal experience, Ferguson’s tone is relatable and reassuring. This book meets you where you are and shows a clear, compassionate path forward. For something poignant All…

Glycine is a vital amino acid that plays a key role in collagen production, helping to support skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Over the last few years, collagen has taken the spotlight in the world of natural beauty — and for good reason! If you’re like me, you have a container of it in the cupboard and use it often. But what if I told you that one of collagen’s key building blocks, glycine, deserves just as much attention — particularly during pregnancy, postpartum and as you age? Glycine is a vital amino acid that plays a key role in collagen production, helping to support skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It also aids the body’s detoxification processes, promotes healthy liver function and helps reduce…

Successfully giving herbs and supplements to pets can be challenging but, with patience and the right techniques, it becomes much easier. One common challenge in integrative veterinary medicine is administering multiple herbs, supplements and medications to pets. Unlike food-motivated Labradors, many pets are sensitive to changes in their meals, and animals instinctively avoid strong smells and tastes. As a result, refusal to take herbs and supplements is the most frequent “side effect” reported by frustrated pet carers. Below are some practical tips to make dosing easier. Start slow Introduce one new supplement at a time, increasing the dose gradually over a few days. Many herbs and supplements come in powdered or liquid form, allowing for an easy, step-by-step increase. This method also helps monitor for potential side effects such as…

01. Life-Space Life-Space Probiotic for 60+ Years contains 15 different strains of beneficial bacteria and supports a healthy digestive system. It is specifically formulated to help enhance immune system function in the elderly, support healthy bowel function and help restore beneficial gut flora. lifespaceprobiotics.com 02. In Essence Hydrate and rejuvenate your skin with In Essence Barrier Repair Face Oil. This nutrient-rich blend of cold-pressed oils and natural actives is enriched with camellia oil and vitamin C-packed Kakadu plum. The luxurious oil brightens, firms fine lines and strengthens the skin barrier for a luminous, healthy complexion. inessence.com.au 03. Seremind Seremind is clinically tested and contains Silexan®, a standardised highly purified natural lavender oil. When used regularly, Seremind may relieve symptoms of mild anxiety and nervous tension and may also help improve…