Direct exposure to nature plays an important part in our well-being and has been proven to have a calming effect on us. When the interaction with nature takes the form of gardening, it is an eye-opener to see how many substantial health benefits are available to us. These benefits were scientifically determined in a 2016 meta-analysis (a statistical analysis of multiple separate but similar studies) of the effects of gardening on human health. Health benefits of gardening: Gardening is a common way to interact with nature and a popular pastime – ranging from tinkering in the garden to more serious digging, planting and weeding. Studies have shown that a regular dose of gardening offer a wide range of health benefits,

What is “me” time? There are various definitions of “me” time, for instance: “Time spent relaxing on one’s own as opposed to working or doing things for others, seen as an opportunity to reduce stress or restore energy.” (Oxford Dictionary.) “Time to do what you want to do.” (Cambridge Dictionary.) Part of living a healthy and happy life is to make time to simply do something that you enjoy on your own, without feeling guilty about spending time with yourself and not with others. “Me” time does not refer to being alone, but to quality time, doing what you love! The value of “me” time Taking time off on your own has psychological and physical benefits. When you focus on

In a recent interview with the well-known South African trail runner, Ryan Sandes, (winner of numerous local and international competitions, amongst these the 4 Deserts in 2010), he indicated that he loves being outdoors, as he experiences a direct bond with nature, that has a very calming effect on him. (Buite supplement, Die Burger, 23 August 2013, p.3) While Ryan loves being in nature, but “suffers’ physically in the process, many people also yearns to spend time in nature, albeit without the “suffering”!  Just what is it that attracts us to spend time outdoors, even if it is only a walk or picnic in a park for the city dwellers?  Why do we experience this urge “to get away from

By Jonathan Tepper December 29, 2014 You can learn a lot from books, but many things can only be learned the hard way by living, suffering and enjoying life. A year and a half ago, I was in a plane with very bad turbulence, and I worried that if the plane went down, many of the lessons I’ve learned in life would end up at the bottom of the ocean.  I wrote a letter to my nephews for them to read when they were older.  I hope they’ll find it useful. —————– Dear Nephews, I’m writing this on a plane. The reason I started writing this was that I feared the plane might go down, and if it went down,

1.  Free your heart from hate 2.  Free your mind from worry 3.  Live simply 4.  Give more 5.  Expect less