Under stress, our sense of wellbeing can suffer – we get overwhelmed and just don’t feel like we’re bouncing back. It doesn’t take much: a fight with a family member, an overbearing boss or sneaky coworker, an aging parent, unsatisfying work, money troubles – the list goes on. We can go from feeling able to cope, to feeling undermined, unsupported, misunderstood, unjustly set up, bullied, or just plain sad. It can be hard to figure out what to do to when you have many expectations to meet, from both others and yourself. Counselling provides a safe, soothing, and non-judgemental place to talk about your situation, explore your options, and develop new habits.

What is an exfoliant? An exfoliant is a product that helps detach the outer layers of the skin, removing trapped debris and clearing the way for oils to flow naturally. Enzymatic exfoliation is a plant active based therapy, mainly from fruits. Why exfoliate? Exfoliation is an important tool against rough and dull skin. Also, dead cell proteins will clog the pores, increasing the chance of breakouts and acne. Enzymatic exfoliation is gentle and has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it particularly good for sensitive skin. Enzymes work at a deeper level; improved smoothness and texture, and minimized lines and wrinkles result from regular enzyme exfoliation. Christopher Laidlaw, DMK Skincare, DmkSkinCentres.com

New parents often wonder how they can use music at home for their newborns, even if the parents don’t have any musical skills. Regardless of culture or place of birth, some aspects of childhood are universal. Lullabies were sung to us and all children sing, dance, and play rhyming games. That part of our lives may seem distant by the time we have children of our own, but there is a warehouse of songs, games, and music in our memories. Reconnect with the songs you once loved as a child and share them with your newborn. Your singing doesn’t have to be professional; it just has to come from your heart.

1. Change your eating routine
Intermittent fasting is a great way to do this, and can be a way to lose weight, normalize insulin sensitivity, and balance hormones.
2. Ground yourself with nature
How often do you walk barefoot in the grass? Try grounding as your next bio-hack, as it can reduce inflammation by lowering stress on the body and can improve sleep.
3. Zone out
Meditation can be the ultimate brain hack if you do it regularly. If you feel that you can’t shut down your thoughts or stop your brain, try guided meditation.

February brings love to mind, and that’s a good thing! Love creates, nourishes, rewards, and defines us. It affects how we communicate, both outwardly and inwardly. Influences from the parental, nurturing love of childhood; sexual intimate love of adulthood; demanding love of family and friends; and especially self-love might be out of balance and causing difficulties. Avoiding or suppressing old love issues clearly affects the present – your ‘baggage’.
Fortunately, even a small amount of awareness and acceptance about these love relationships can change the energy of a relationship. Don’t wait to connect with a counsellor.

Struggling with a child who is acting out? Or frustrated with school? Overly anxious or shutting down? Begin to bring some ease into your life together by finding a safe outlet for your child’s inner world through creative play and the arts. Imagine your child engaging with paint, puppets, or drums; the healing begins. Acquire tools that will support your child developmentally, strengthen your relationship, and help create a sense of peace and centeredness in your world at home. Rearranging your child’s stage now will deeply impact their coming years.