In Short

Stress Relief

It seems so simple, but thanks to screens and kids and modern-day living, in reality it’s so hard to do. However, according to Harvard Health ensuring we get a good seven hours’ sleep, is the first step to greatly reducing stress in our lives and aiding our heart health. Other guaranteed stress busters include engaging in regular exercise, such as yoga or jogging, while dancing especially is great for releasing endorphins and reducing stress hormones. Practise deep breathing exercises or meditation to calm the mind and promote blissful relaxation. Spending time outdoors, whether it’s gardening, hiking, or simply enjoying a nature stroll, offer both a change of scenery and change of perspective, while journaling or creative activities such as painting or crafting can serve as outlets for self-expression and emotional release, as can appreciating the arts, like reading or listening to music. Most meaningfully, make time to connect with loved ones, not only will your heart thank you for it, but theirs will too!

Getting Salty

Salt sure gets a bad rap – and it’s no surprise as excessive intake can lead to a wealth of health issues including high blood pressure, kidney and cardiovascular diseases, and increased stroke risk; it can even cause calcium loss. One in five Kiwis has high blood pressure, and salt – most likely from processed foods – is often the culprit. But sodium chloride, to give its scientific name, is also crucial to our overall wellbeing and plays an essential role in many bodily functions. Salt helps maintain electrolyte balance for nerves and muscles; it helps regulate our water balance at a cellular level; and helps with digestion by playing a role in stomach acid production. Adults need around 1-2g of salt per day to function well, and most who follow a sensible diet should manage that easily. Wholegrains, meat, and dairy products naturally contain small amounts of sodium – though cheese lovers should aim for ricotta, cottage, mozzarella and Swiss varieties to reduce their intake. And note that sea salt, onion, celery or garlic salts are not low-sodium substitutes.

Hair n Health

There are between 100,000 and 350,000 hair follicles on the human scalp, each one growing for around three years, before resting for around three months, then shedding, and growing again. The condition of your hair can be an indicator of your overall health, giving clues to your diet, hydration, stress levels, and underlying medical conditions. It requires vitamins, minerals, and protein, so a balanced diet – including good hydration – rich in nutrients, supports healthy hair, while deficiencies can lead to thinning, dullness, or even hair loss (too much vitamin A can, however, have a detrimental effect on hair health). Good food for hair includes fatty fish, eggs, spinach, salmon, and nuts. A healthy lifestyle is essential also, as stress can disrupt hormone levels leading to conditions like telogen effluvium, where hair follicles prematurely enter the resting phase, resulting in excessive shedding. Hormonal imbalances can also affect hair growth and texture, as can autoimmune disorders and skin conditions.

Winter Hobbies

There’s no such things as bad weather, so goes the saying, just the wrong clothing. But even if you are all kitted out to comfortably continue all of the wonderful outdoor pursuits that our wonderful country has to offer, there’s nothing wrong with seeking some cosy solace in the form of some indoor hobbies this winter. Bring the outdoors inside, with some indoor gardening – maybe grow some herbs to help improve your cooking skills as you master some new recipes this winter. It’s never too late to learn any new skills, so get creative with crafting projects such as knitting, crocheting, sewing, candle making, or quilting, or maybe learn to draw, paint or write – the latter could begin with some journalling, a surefire way to boost you wellbeing too. Board games and puzzles are experiencing a renaissance, providing both entertainment value and valued time with loved ones – whose patience you could also test by finally learning to play a musical instrument!

Music Matters

Research has shown that the rhythmic auditory stimulation provided by music can help improve motor functions in Parkinson’s patients. Listening to music with a strong beat or participating in rhythmic activities like dancing can help manage symptoms by aiding in movement coordination, balance, and gait. It is being channelled by music psychologist Dr Dawn Rose and The Music Workshop Company’s artistic director, Maria Thomas, in an innovative project called Songlines for Parkinson’s. The course involves encouraging patients to make, listen, and dance to music from all around the world, exposing them to various types of instruments, beats, and rhythms. “The bottom line is that we know it is hard for people with Parkinson’s to keep their morale up and to keep moving when their body and minds sometimes say otherwise,” says Dr Rose. “So, based on what our Parkinson’s advisors shared with us, we have tried to make a course that has practical applications for everyday life and most of all, is fun.”

The Write Stuff

The 2024 Auckland Writers Festival Waituhi O Tāmaki returns a with brand-new artistic director – also one of the UK’s leading literary talents – Lyndsey Fineran overseeing more than 40 international authors across 200 events around Auckland. Ones not to miss include Sam Neill joining fellow actor Robyn Malcolm to discuss his memoir Did I Ever Tell You This? in his first New Zealand book appearance; and the latest Booker Prize winner, Paul Lynch chatting with Kim Hill about his novel Prophet Song, set in the Republic of Ireland as it slips into totalitarianism. “I couldn’t be prouder of this world-class line up, nor the talented team behind it,” says Lyndsay. “It’s ambitious, interrogating, dynamic and fun and I can’t wait for it to all come to life in May.” The festival takes over the Aotea Centre and select venues across the city for one week only, from 14-19 May. Find out more at writersfestival.co.nz.