More inspiring stories
10 ways to eat more plants
Diversity is just as important as quantity if you want to boost your health and wellbeing with the veggies you eat. Read on to discover 10 ways...
How to take truly mouthwatering food photos
Great food photos can have us drooling over dishes we’ve never even tasted. Here’s how to take your food photography to the next level.
Four big reasons
One month. No meat. What a difference it can make! Here’s why we should all give No Meat May a go this year.
A haven on Earth
Mountains stretch down to coastal plains, which hug the curves of over 100 pristine beaches, all gazing out towards the stunning waters of the...
Autumn harvest
As the weather cools, we let the kitchen warm us. We’re roasting, we’re baking, we’re making pies and tarts and pizza. Yum!
The cycle of hormones
If you haven’t quite got your cycle phases figured out, you’re not alone. But it’s time to tune in to your body’s rhythms - so that you...
Why we need a Plant Based Treaty
The science is in. Shifting to a plant-based food system is essential to avoid climate and ecological breakdown. And now we have a roadmap to...
Plant-based recipe inspiration
Bodhi's tropical vegan pavlova
If you haven’t discovered the wonders of aquafaba yet, prepare for your next culinary revelation in this divine pavlova recipe from...
Minestrone soup
Minestrone is a classic Italian soup that provides a delicious way to eat an abundance of vegetables in one meal. You can use any combination of...
Garlic mash
Think mashed potatoes, but elevated. Our take on the traditional side dish features vegan sour cream, garlic, and a secret weapon that might...
Seriously good mushroom gravy
This rich vegan gravy recipe by chef Adam Guthrie ticks all the boxes: it’s thick, flavoursome, and packed with plant-based goodness.
Whole roasted Mexican onions with salsa
Bright, bold and delicious, this is the perfect side dish to take Mexican night to new heights.
Pear and berry crumble with turmeric custard
This beautiful healthy crumble with homemade vegan custard is guaranteed to become a family favourite.
Vegan lemon cake
Afternoon tea, picnic, party, or just because – any excuse is a good excuse to make lemon cake, and this vegan version by baking virtuoso Sara...
More inspiration from our mindful collective
Natural sleep oils
Spraying sheets and pillows with calming scents can be a wonderful aid to slumber
To wander with no purpose
The next time you go for a walk, discover the wonder of the everyday world around you
Let it glow
A skincare routine can be a way to nourish yourself inside and out
Seeking the silver lining
When the clouds converge, practise gratitude for the smallest of glimmers, and learn to dance in the rain.
The transformative power of pranayama
While the practices of meditation and deep breathing have been around for thousands of years, scientists have only recently begun to document their positive impacts. In a world where stress is ubiquitous, the need for calm has never been more pressing.
Modern scientific findings are validating what ancient mystics knew thousands of years ago: when practised regularly, meditation and deep breathing can significantly enhance our overall health and wellbeing. What’s even more exciting is that science is now suggesting that these practices have a very real impact on our stress responses, as scientific literature continues to document the physiological changes that occur when we practise meditation and deep breathing.
Due to their many health benefits, these techniques are fast becoming part of holistic and functional health professionals’ protocols for achieving and maintaining optimal wellness – which is good news, since it’s needed now more than ever. At no other period in history has stress been as pervasive as it is today.
A look at the basics
While there are numerous forms of meditation, they all share a common goal: to quieten the internal chatter of the mind and create a sense of peace, calm and tranquillity in order to enhance both mental and physical wellbeing.
Of particular interest in today’s society is mindfulness meditation – also known as insight meditation – which has its roots in vipassana, one of India’s most ancient forms of meditation. This particular style – which focuses on non-judgmental awareness of sensations, feelings and state of mind – appeals to a wide range of people from various cultures and religions, and is now one of the most popular meditation techniques practised in the West.
Similarly, deep breathing exercises are becoming known for their powerful stress reducing benefits. Deep breathing helps to instantly balance our sympathetic (fight-or-flight) nervous system with our parasympathetic (rest and digest) response. It’s a very powerful stress reduction tool you can implement in any place, at any time, for free. Ever feel your breath quicken and become shallow when you’re stressed? Or perhaps you even hold your breath periodically throughout your busy day? These are all symptoms of an activated fight-or-flight system, and increased stress in the body.
Diaphragmatic breathing – which is also referred to as abdominal and belly breathing – is probably the most commonly known breathing technique in the West. This type of deep breathwork allows you to fully fill your lungs as the lower belly rises, which is something people seldom do.
Finding calm
Taking time out of your busy day to breathe deeply can do wonders for your overall sense of calm. Moreover, implementing a daily meditation practice, even five to 10 minutes, can dramatically relieve symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression.
We are fortunate that today we have access to apps such HeartMath and Headspace and devices such as Muse that are making these stress reduction techniques easier to implement than ever before. When it comes to fighting against the sometimes overwhelming demands of modern day life, meditation and deep breathing are viable options that are free and simple to implement, but have very real and deep benefits to our overall health, happiness and wellbeing.
More inspiring stories
The cycle of hormones
If you haven’t quite got your cycle phases figured out, you’re not alone. But it’s time to tune in to your body’s rhythms - so that you...
How connecting with nature can boost your mental health
Bolster your mental health during the depths of winter by resisting the urge to hibernate indoors.
Eating up the world
There is a link between the climate crisis and what’s on our plates. The hard facts are astounding, as is the difference a plant-based change...
Seven stages of going vegan
Going vegan can be a life-changing experience, and it’s not without its challenges. The good news is you’re not alone. There are identifiable...
Elevate your eco cred
Time for an eco spring clean? Here are seven simple swaps for the conscious consumer
How to take truly mouthwatering food photos
Great food photos can have us drooling over dishes we’ve never even tasted. Here’s how to take your food photography to the next level.
A haven on Earth
Mountains stretch down to coastal plains, which hug the curves of over 100 pristine beaches, all gazing out towards the stunning waters of the...
Plant-based recipe inspiration
Healthier mars bars
Lusciously decadent but guilt free, these divine bars are definitive proof that there’s a healthier, plant-based version of anything you fancy....
Roasted broccoli green curry with coconut rice
The trick to this super-vibrant green curry is to add a bunch of blitzed leafy greens into the paste to ensure a lovely, bright-green colour. I...
Creamy vegetable korma
The ultimate vehicle for a colourful array of vegetables (vary the mix by season or as you choose), this rich and fragrant korma with tender...
Ultimate green burger
Burgs are life! We love all the classics, and they are tastier and better for you when filled with plants.
Dairy-free potato bake
The star of the dish is the cashew cream. Be sure to push the veggies down so they are covered before baking. The magic happens when they soak up...
Not-avo toast
Smashed avocado on toast is perhaps the most popular breakfast or brunch item out there, and as much as we love the mighty avo, it generally has...
Vegan burger with the lot
Burgs are life! We love all the classics, and they are tastier and better for you when filled with plants. This Vegan burger with the lot is sure...
More inspiration from our mindful collective
Natural sleep oils
Spraying sheets and pillows with calming scents can be a wonderful aid to slumber
To wander with no purpose
The next time you go for a walk, discover the wonder of the everyday world around you
Let it glow
A skincare routine can be a way to nourish yourself inside and out
Seeking the silver lining
When the clouds converge, practise gratitude for the smallest of glimmers, and learn to dance in the rain.