The brain has a delicate balance of complex chemicals that can be altered by everyday substances, such as caffeine, as well-the-counter and prescribed drugs. Some of these mind medicines are beneficial, but they all need to be taken with due care, whether they are natural or synthetic. Throughout the world, every day, millions of cups […]

Most experiences float by unrecorded, but some erected more lasting impressions. When an experience creates a particularly strong or enduring pattern of neuronal activity, it becomes etched on the brain – and memory is formed. Laying down a memory can be a deliberate ace, particularly when there is a certainty that the information will be

Every day brings new information that is absorbed and incorporated into the memory’s huge store. Fortunately, new material is not scattered randomly in memory but linked and organised to help us find things when we need them. The main way the brain organises its score of memories is by linking related information together to form

The brain is constantly receiving information about conditions both inside and outside the body. It interprets and uses this information to maintain a stable environment inside the body despite changes outside. This complex process – known as homeostasis, is essential for survival and for keeping the body’s tissues in working order. The human body, just

The brain’s susceptibility to conditioning means that, over the years, we all build up patterns of behaviour – responses that may have been appropriate at one point in our lives but may no longer be beneficial. Many of these ‘habits’ are unconscious, so the first step to changing them is to discover what they are.

It is often said that life is what you make it, and there is some truth in this when it comes to dealing with stressful events. The way we respond to life’s ups and downs depends very much on personality and experience, but everyone can learn to respond more successfully to challenging circumstances. Often, the

Hypnotherapy draws upon our natural ability to enter into a state of mind where we are deeply relaxed yet focused. Under these conditions, the mind is open to suggestions and ideas that can improve health can be absorbed. There are many myths about hypnosis. : It is often viewed as a:-‘ stage trick or a

Health can be very much affected by the social situation we experience and the environment around us, as well as by our personalities. In particular, home and work circumstances have a strong influence on whether people are able to maintain healthy lives. We are all individuals, and it is through our direct associations with one

One way of creating a sense of well-being that is available to everyone is to feed the brain with uplifting, pleasurable thoughts and sensory experiences. It is through our senses that we learn to appreciate the beauty of the world around us, but too often, we ignore the potential pleasure that the senses can offer.

It is well known that physical exercise is good for health – for example, it reduces the chances of developing heart disease. What is less well-known is that exercise can also improve psychological well-being by reducing anxiety and depression and boosting self-esteem and the ability to cope with stress. Everyone can experience improvements in mental