How to be more proactive when it comes to your mental health
The world is constantly changing. People used to stigmatise and deny the very concept of mental health
5 ways to regulate your body’s clock for better mental health
Have you ever noticed that going outside on a sunny day can make you feel happier; or how difficult it is to fall asleep after a session of screen time?
How teenagers can choose their future career
If you are struggling to choose your career, you are not alone! Many teenagers find it difficult and it’s not surprising!
Discover the JOY in Journaling!
Somehow, journaling activity HELPS so many people and often those who least expect to benefit from a regular journal practice are the people who actually BENEFIT most, TRUTH!
How to communicate with your teenager
Teenagers are a minefield of contradictions! Expect the unexpected at any time
Using intention practice to invite in what you want more of for yourself
At the beginning of the calendar year the powerful element of Time shouts to everyone ‘It’s time for new, it’s time to manifest, to make resolute, to affirm’
The antidote to eco anxiety: “Taking in the good”
We are living in times that constantly bombard us with a huge amount of information. A large portion of this information has negative content
Growing self esteem: 6 steps to happy living
You are enough. That’s something we don’t hear often, and something we hardly ever say to ourselves. We look to others to measure our lives instead of looking at our life and being grateful for just being here at all
We hear of climate change resilience – assessing the bounce back-ability of places that experience climate change disasters, financial resilience – assessing the bounce back-ability of businesses from financial shock
Rewiring the people-pleasing / burnout loop
It is often debated whether or not Einstein actually coined the famous quote –‘The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results’
The meaning of open-water swimming
With the first wave of the pandemic, there was a resurgence in the popularity of swimming in natural bodies of water. Irish coastal swimming areas became dotted with colourful dryrobes, marking this occupation as “trendy”
When life feels like quicksand
I achieved a few small goals lately. What a wonderful feeling to achieve any goal! It doesn’t matter if you are two or eighty-two, achieving something—anything—is just magic!
5 Motivational musings on self-love
As a child, I watched the 'I Love Lucy' TV show. Lucille Ball exuded the 'self-love' vibe regardless of cumbersome daily issues. My tender-aged, observer-self sensed that vibe
How pediatric leukemia can impact a child’s mental health
Leukemia is a type of blood cancer in which blood stem cells develop abnormally in the bone marrow and crowd out healthy blood cells. Leukemia is the most common cancer diagnosis in children
The feelings of love, pride and joy can make you feel elated. But throw in those sleepless nights, the constant feeding, changing, and entertaining for hours on end. You would do anything to just wash your hair in peace!
We could all have a better place to call home if we learned how to be kind to people around us, even though learning compassion and supporting other people doesn't come naturally to all of us. However, we can learn and be better individuals every day
Music is the power to connect – Irish Youth Music Awards 2021
Music is the power to connect. There are no barriers between us when we are sharing our raw emotions through songs
Coping with society’s view on grief and trauma
This global crisis has completely shaken up and affected every human on this planet. Grief and trauma have been a part of life during this pandemic
I have many humans in my life whom I love dearly, and I know they love me. The problem is, I can’t help feeling that it’s conditional love. It probably isn’t, it’s just how I feel. Do my humans ‘get me?’
Allow me to introduce you to Dave: Now a 50-year-old man, Dave was bullied as a teenager by some bold little bastards who knew no better themselves at the time. Unfortunately, for Dave, the damage was already done, severe, and long-lasting
How to recognise and ease the physical symptoms of anxiety
Everyone experiences some level of anxiety in their lifetime, however, people with anxiety disorders will often experience it in everyday situations
Adapting to post-pandemic normality when you have social anxiety
Communicating behind face masks and working behind the laptop screens became the new normal since the pandemic-resulted lockdown
Are you substantially less excited about returning to the business of socialising than perhaps you expected?
Exercises and wellness practices to help seniors reduce anxiety and depression
Have you ever felt like there is no way out of the dark hole that you are in? Maybe your stress level has been so high for so long, that it feels like this is all there is
Seeing your way on the path of life: ‘The Three C Formula’ to getting the life you...
Are you lonely but not alone? Are you sad but not depressed? Are you confused but not deluded?
How to quiet your mind when you can’t fall asleep
If you’re stuck tossing and turning once your head hits the pillow, these tips can help. There are few things more frustrating than getting in bed after a long, tiring day only to realize your brain isn’t ready for sleep
Letting your mind out of its own cage
In case you haven’t noticed, human beings are obsessed with being busy. If we’re not at work or in class, we’re doing our homework, playing sports, going to events, partying with friends…the list goes on
How to stop fearing other people’s opinions
With well-calibrated, internal compasses, great leaders are better able to tune out the noise and opinions of others to achieve their purpose and mission
Why is it important to not always say yes! When we say "yes" to everything and do not set boundaries with people, we often feel stressed, overwhelmed, and even burned out. Most of us want to be well liked and want to please other people
Honest, Educational, Real and Human…An insight into the mind, heart and spirit of the youth. We are delighted to introduce you to "The Selfie Show" in collaboration with South East FM Radio
Hope is a tiny word with big ideas
Hope is a tiny word but it carries big ideas - expectation, optimism, aspirations, plans, dreams, wishes, good outcomes - to name but a few. We are all hoping that our world will come back to us resembling how it once was before Covid 19 hit us like a giant meteorite from space
Shall I compare thee to a filtered-image? Is comparison good for us?
Teddy Roosevelt said ‘comparison is the thief of joy’ and I’m inclined to agree, now more than ever. The natural human urge to aspire - to be better, do better and strive to achieve
How parents can prioritise their children’s wellbeing during remote learning
As we continue with this period of remote learning, it’s a stressful time for everyone in the school community – parents, teachers and students alike
Coping with coronavirus: How to stay calm and protect your mental health
The Covid-19 pandemic has challenged us in many ways: the illness itself, the anxiety it provokes and the impact of restrictions
Teacher wellbeing during remote learning: ideas from positive psychology
As we face into another period of remote learning, well-being must be a priority for everyone in the school community, including teachers
Why mindfulness is the AAA battery that your Christmas needs!
We’ve all been there. Santa has brought the most amazing present, somehow managing to smuggle it down the chimney and arrange it pride of place under the tree
That little voice that gently urges you on and encourages you to keep going can sometimes come from the strangest of places! I started a walking challenge at the start of this second lockdown to help raise money for Galway Mountain Rescue Team
Concerning difficult or painful memories from our past, these might be just an assort-ment of our responses. Sometimes in my therapy room with a client, we veer towards memories or situations that are painful to recall
Overcoming the effects of “social distancing” and “self isolation”
Human beings have an innate need to connect, and it is only natural to feel isolated and lonely as your routine is disrupted and you are told to practice social distancing or self-isolation
One thing that became apparent in the first lockdown is that the restriction of freedoms and the heightened attention around the virus made so many people more conscious of their own health and well-being
Over the last few months, we've had to restrict our movements, and it reminds me of a time when I lived in Antrim. The Parades Commission was set up make rulings over contentious parades
This woman I know was having a tough week. A tough couple of years really. Then COVID swooped in with a giant hammer and sorta whacked in a few extra nails in the coffin of joy and personal freedom...
To help us through this winter lockdown, Dr Malie Coyne, Clinical Psychologist, Author and member of our Mental Health Advisory Panel brings us this special broadcast ‘lockdown support for parents’
Imagination and its role in innovation and wellbeing
Imagination is the faculty of the mind that forms new ideas, associations, and see’s possibilities. It is an under-appreciated yet critical element of creativity and innovation
Multi-tasking V Uni-tasking – which one is best?
Multi-tasking has become a desired, and almost expected, way of being. If you don’t have a few things on the go, whether in your work or home life, you feel you may be seen as not busy
Dr Eddie Murphy and Sam bring us this special broadcast for on how we can all look after ourselves and tools for building our wellness by checking in with nature
Dr. Malie Coyne brings us the three elements of self-compassion, including mindfulness, common humanity and self-kindness. Our universal human need for compassion has the power to counterbalance the fear many of us are experiencing
Being psychologically flexible, the skill for uncertain times
How do we best live in these uncertain times? There may be no simple answers but Victor Frankl a psychiatrist and holocaust survivor taught us that between the stimulus and the response, there is a space
The menstrual cycle, hormones and mental health
Do you struggle in some way with your menstrual cycle or is it a burden to deal with once a month? You’re definitely not alone! Here in Ireland, we don’t talk much about periods
Do you have a fear of being late?
Do you have a fear of being late? If so, do you often arrive early for appointments, or on the flip side, are you always rushing from A to B and stumbling into meetings late?
Don’t be resilient, be anti-fragile
The monster had a poisonous scent, so Heracles covered his mouth as he entered the murky swamp. He found the creature sleeping and shot several fiery arrows into its belly. But this was Hydra the immortal, a huge snake-like beast with numerous heads
Burnout: how mindfulness and self-compassion can help
Burnout is usually associated with work. When you arrive at burnout you no longer derive pleasure from your work, you can become rather cynical about its value, and about the workplace and what you see as the lack of support
A Lust for Life book club: readers recommendation – Dr Malie Coyne – Love In, Love Out
Every parent's biggest worry is that they are unable to help or support their child and none more so than when your child is overly anxious
Decorate your house with colour psychology
If you’re looking to redecorate, how would you decide what colours you would choose? Well, have you ever considered colour psychology?
Thoughts – not always important, not always right
In practising mindfulness we learn to take our thoughts less seriously. Our thoughts are often less important than we think they are and as we all know their predictions are often wrong
Affect based parenting – understand the unseen
Whether you are a first-time parent or an experienced caregiver, parenting children of any age can be challenging, difficult and a significant source of stress and anxiety
Minding Creative Minds: a support-system for the Irish Music Sector – and beyond
Last month saw the long-awaited launch of a free 24/7 mental wellbeing programme for Ireland’s musicians, songwriters, artist managers and event production crew
Weekly broadcast: Parenting with compassion
Welcome to the 'Parenting with Compassion' Broadcast with Dr. Malie Coyne, Clinical Psychologist, Author, and Member of our Mental Health Advisory Panel
Take PRIDE in your mental health
Pride is a time when LGBTI+ people from all over the country can come together and celebrate who they are. For many young people, Pride is the first time they feel comfortable celebrating their identity because they are no longer alone
One of the upsides as a result of the lockdown is that my small family make much more time for each other now. When we are together we sit down and don't take calls or check messages. We are now practising something we already intrinsically knew, that there is nothing more important than each other
Free children’s book: ‘Under The Mask – Inside Feelings’
‘Under the Mask’ is a children’s book that promotes positive mental health by helping children recognise and manage sadness, anger and worry. Three friendly superheroes talk about their feelings and teach children special coping mechanisms, disguised as superpowers
Many people are feeling uncomfortable as they venture back into the 'real' world after the lockdown. The lack of social interaction for many has taken its toll
Light at the end of the tunnel
Here we are, weeks into quarantine and finally, we are embracing an easing of restrictions in Ireland as we enter phase 2 plus of our Government’s roadmap. This accelerated drive to return to a semblance of normality is good news for our economy, society and wellbeing
Connect a coach: free coaching for frontline staff
As Leo Varadkar said on St. Patrick’s Day, “never will so many ask so much of so few”. It was this statement that got Ailbhe Harrington and Karen Hayes mulling over how they could give to those so much is being asked of
Can you ride your emotional waves?
Have you noticed yourself feeling more tired of late? If so, the chances are that a residue of emotions remains under your busy outward veneer. Continuing uncertainty as regards COVID-19 allows the build-up of anxiety and tension
Perseverance is not giving up and is about making, the effort to do something and keep doing it till the end, even if it is difficult. Its origins come from the Latin perseverantia and means to abide by something strictly. Endurance is from the 1660s and means "ability to bear suffering"
Have you activated your positivity offset? & June’s book & podcast recommendations!
Psychologist, Barbara Fredrickson, regarded as the 'mother' of positive psychology, developed the 'positivity offset' theory which explores the evolutionary purpose of positive emotions
Free workshop: how to simplify your life – the art of questions
You can never underestimate the power of questions. The problem is – they must be the right questions. Two questions, in particular, had a huge impact on my life
In this weeks ‘The Positive Habit’ Fiona brings us a lovely heart opening meditation that invites you to show kindness to yourself, to acknowledge your needs and to soften anxieties
Three kindness habits you need to practise
In this week’s ‘The Positive Habit’, Fiona Brennan focuses on kindness. She teaches us how we can bring kindness into our lives
What’s on during mental health awareness week
The Workplace Wellbeing Ireland webinar in partnership with Irish Life Health and AJ Products today with Professor Niall Moyna
Watch: Kindness in motion. A playlist of random acts of kindness
We believe in the power of sound. We know that by introducing kindness into your daily life, it will help you and others around you feel better
Turn up the sound: kindness podcasts playlist
To help you turn up the sound, be sounder to yourself and sounder to others, we’ve curated this great playlist of kindness podcasts
Turn up the sound: Spotify playlists
We're launching a Spotify account with playlists to help people be sound to their minds. The playlists include podcasts on kindness, mindfulness and meditation, a mind hive to help people build their wellness
Free webinar: The real face of addiction
In this week’s workshop on May 14th at 7:30pm, Brian Pennie and Allison Keating will discuss emotional pain and trauma, the real face of addiction
Outrage escalates in proportion to our exposure to extreme events. It manifests as an overt and generally public verbal communication that distances us from an event, from an act or from a decision
Why being compassionate will help you to be resilient
From a psychological perspective, reactions to the Covid-19 lockdown are fascinating and this crisis presents a huge opportunity for you to learn more about yourself
Free webinar: How to motivate yourself, make better decisions, and reduce negativity from your life
Brian Pennie is conducting another free workshop this Thursday, May 7th. It’s at 8 pm Irish time, and 2 pm CST in the US
Life in Lockdown – how are you doing?
Routine, structure, time-management: all good for human effectiveness and efficiency. Great. But not so easy to sustain in lockdown. How can we run our lives on the same tracks we used BC (before Covid-19)?
The unrestricted mind and May’s book and podcast recommendations
αλό μήνα (kaló mína) - Greek for happy new month! I love the Greek tradition of marking each new month and wishing the best to friends and family
Nick Wignall and Brian Pennie are conducting a FREE virtual workshop at 7 pm (Irish time) on Friday, May 1. Nick, a clinical psychologist and an expert on self-talk and anxiety
It's really important to look after your wellbeing, and it's especially important during unusual times like these, when you’re out of your normal routine - missing school, your hobbies and friends
Who’s there to save the hero after she saves the world?
Working on the frontline in healthcare can be challenging at the best of times, yet an immensely rewarding profession
It is time to separate the wheat from the chaff
What is important to you, I mean truly important? Over the past few weeks of the lockdown, I have noticed, both in myself and my clients
Covid19: Don’t feel like adapting right now? That’s okay.
We're hearing a lot of talk these days about how we should and shouldn't be spending our time during this pandemic
Getting comfortable with uncertainty
Fiona Brennan has made a deeply relaxing five-minute open-eyed meditation on getting comfortable with uncertainty which is something we all need right now. Please do take the time to follow it as often as you can
Suddenly feeling more alone and more single during CV-19 lockdown?
What can you do? First of all, reframe the belief that your single status is responsible for all your feelings of loneliness at this time
Part of our ability to survive and thrive during this crisis, or indeed at any time, is based on sleeping peacefully for at least eight hours per night. Many of my clients struggle with sleep issues at the best of times
It’s so important we mind our mental health at this time. Throughout the global pandemic, A Lust for Life is working to ensure we help as many people as possible with resources to help with self-care and wellness
Covid19 – Storing fear in your body
We all know the feeling that overwhelms us when we’re walking along and suddenly, we trip up. We experience intense fear and a loss of control for a moment
