Bloggin Noggin

Downtime and taking a break is so important as we continue to navigate the challenges around day to day living as we adapt to the new normal. Many of us are suffering from stress and anxiety and you can check out my tips on how to de-stress here. Whether it’s reading a book, cooking, swimming or gardening, time to switch off is an absolute must. Taking a break has also been found to increase productivity and creativity. Here are some recommendations from Team Noggin on some stimulating and relaxing podcasts. The Travel Diaries Since travelling abroad could potentially be stressful right now due to Covid, why not plug into some escapism via The Travel Diaries podcast. Host Holly Rubenstein interviews a plethora of people including Rick Stein, Jo Malone, Sir Michael Palin, Nadiya Hussain and Tom Kerridge about their travel experiences. Postcards From Midlife Editing powerhouses Lorraine Candy and Trish Halpin have been working in magazine publishing for 20 years and are long term friends.  Their conversations cover everything from handling mansplainers, the menopause and managing a mid-life crisis, parenting kids and providing care to elderly parents.  If you’re of a certain age you will relate. Revisionist History New York Times best-selling author and public speaker Malcolm Gladwell talks with Virginia Heffernan about notorious and intriguing events from the past and re-examones them. This is an intelligent and educational series, over10 episodes. Feel Better, Live More Dr Ranjan Chatterjee speaks to fellow experts about topics like mental health, relationships, sleep, productivity, meditation, mindfulness and more.  Stuff You Should Know Perfect fodder for pub/ zoom chat or to keep up your sleeve for when we can all socialise more freely.  If you’ve ever wondered how miniature golf works, or the story of champagne, LSD, El Nino and Rosa Parks, then you’ve come to the right place. Keep Well Dr Clara Russell

“It is never too early and never too late in the life course for dementia prevention” * Why Dementia risk isn’t all in the genes 

Stress is very common at the moment with so much uncertainty and a lack of control so it’s no wonder that we are frazzled and left feeling exhausted. Many people are on the redundancy rollercoaster too, which can understandably hit confidence, sap energy and create worries about finances and the future.

Keep it simple - post Covid our brains have faced complex challenges Many of us have faced multiple challenges whilst navigating lockdown and the new normal. Our work, downtime, family lives, parenting and pastimes have all merged into a tangle of confusion, new ways of being and thinking. Our reliance on technology has also meant we’re spending more time in front of screens and even little things have become overwhelming. So, it's no wonder many of us are feeling flat and frazzled.

We’ve all been navigating the challenges of Covid and there’s no doubt it’s taken its toll on our brain health, mental wellbeing and general health, in one way shape or form. Juggling home schooling, WFH, risk of redundancy, health concerns and adapting to the ’new normal’ are just some of the complex challenges we are facing. Here are some nutritional tips and lifestyle suggestions on how to improve your mood and limit the damage caused by stress and anxiety.

Did you know that poor sleep quality, or a lack of sleep can be causing you stress? More than just irritability, stress can raise your cortisol levels which isn't great for your brain or your body. Here's our 3 top tips for better sleep that you can try today.

Now more than ever it’s a good idea to turn on tune in and drop out and lose yourself in a podcast.Switching off from your daily routine or just allowing your brain to take time out are great for your mental wellbeing and brain health. Here are some of our favourite podcasts:

There is plenty to be down in the mouth about at the moment- especially if you put on the news or scroll through social media.  Whilst the little things may not be able to change the course of a global pandemic, they can make a difference to how you feel and how you deal with the difficulties that may be going on around you Here’s some science backed ways that can make a wee difference to how your feel- 

Take time off, hug a tree or head to the seaside to enjoy your own version of a holiday - your brain needs a break.

Nutrition cheat sheet  What we eat gives us energy to survive and thrive. But what are we actually eating and how does it benefit us, or not? Let’s break it down.

Neurotransmitters- how our brain cells communicate.  Big word, complicated topic- what does this mean and why does it matter for your brain health. 

There is nothing new about the practice of yoga having been around for many centuries particularly in Eastern Cultures. In recent years, yoga has become increasingly popular world wide for its benefits both in physical and mental health.  Yoga is the most popular form of complementary therapy and has been shown to help with relaxation and mindfulness practice as well its many benefits to physical health.