Research has shown that showing altruism has more health benefits that you would expect, and it starts with the simple act of being kind…
continue reading »Kindness Is Good For Your Health
Category: Wellbeing
The Disposable Vape Ban and Vaping in Young People
On Saturday the 1st of June England’s Disposable Vape Ban officially came into force. Businesses are now subject to a stop/compliance notice or a £200 fine in the first instance for stocking disposable vapes and an unlimited fine or prison time of up to two years for further offences. The ban is not public health legislation rather it was developed under Environmental Protection Act 1990 to attempt to reduce the damage being done by the lithium batteries present within disposable vape devices (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, 2025). With vaping in young people now being called a public health crisis it is worth exploring the evidence base to try and understand whether this ban could have any impact on vaping rates among young people.
continue reading »Reclaiming energy to exercise during cancer treatment
I recently had the opportunity of spending time with someone who is undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy as part of his cancer treatment. In our conversations, he opened up about the raw and often overwhelming realities of his journey – the crushing fatigue, persistent pain, relentless nausea and sleepless nights. Perhaps most poignant were the emotional battles he faced: the quiet moments of despair, the haunting question of ‘Why me?’ and the introspective spirals that make you question not only your circumstances, but your very existence and every choice that brought you here.
continue reading »Listening – Unlocking the power of understanding
This blog explores the power of listening in health and social care settings, emphasising its importance in fostering meaningful connections, especially when discussing mental health and well-being. Whilst speaking out is crucial, being truly heard and understood is equally essential. The blog delves into the barriers to listening, both external and internal, and provides practical techniques for overcoming these obstacles. It introduces skills such as open discovery questions, reflective listening, and summarising, all of which enhance active listening and help build trust, clarity, and stronger professional relationships. These strategies are vital in creating a supportive space for individuals to express themselves, ensuring they feel valued and heard.
continue reading »Applying the COM-B model to understand vaping habits in young people
To demonstrate how this process can work in a real-life intervention, we have outlined how we used the COM-B model to understand and inform interventions to discourage youth vaping.
Vaping is considered less harmful than smoking, but it is generally accepted than it is unlikely to be risk-free. Vaping is a relatively new concept, and more evidence is needed to understand what the long-term consequences may be. Although, short term impacts include headaches, shortness of breath and throat irritation.
continue reading »Cheers! To a balanced January: Redefining our relationship with alcohol
Redefining our relationship with alcohol
As the new year begins, many consider joining the growing movement of Dry January. Each year, over four million adults take part, embracing the opportunity to give the body a break from alcohol. I always appreciate the challenge of going alcohol-free for a month, but over the years, it has prompted deeper thoughts about our relationship with alcohol.
continue reading »Navigating the Return to Work After a Bereavement
Returning to work after losing a loved one can be a tough and emotional process. Work can offer a sense of routine and normalcy, but going back while still grieving can feel overwhelming
continue reading »The Impact of the Cost of Living on Mental Health: How Financial Stress Affects Well-Being
It’s Talk Money Week, so let’s talk about money and mental health…
The cost of living has risen rapidly in the last few years, with the price of food, house rental prices, and energy costs becoming increasingly expensive. This has left many struggling if their income did not increase at the same rate.
continue reading »The Role of Self-Compassion in Stress Management and Resilience
In today’s fast-paced world, managing stress and building resilience are essential skills for maintaining mental well-being. One powerful yet often overlooked tool for enhancing these skills is self-compassion. This concept is about treating oneself with kindness and understanding, especially during times of struggle.
continue reading »Talking about Menopause: A PAPA Framework for Positive Workplace Conversations
Menopause is a significant life transition that many women and people Assigned Female at Birth (AFAB) experience while still active in the workforce (Hickey et al, 2017). Despite its natural occurrence, discussions about menopause at work often carry stigma and discomfort, making it challenging for employees to seek support or communicate their needs (Daly et al, 2024).
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