Bloggin Noggin

So said Blaise Pascal, child prodigy and subsequent mathematician, inventor and physicist. And we can understand why. Chess is often seen as a brain game for intellectually gifted people, rightly so, as it is exercises the brain. Thanks to the runaway success of The Queen’s Gambit, the TV miniseries on Netflix, chess is enjoying a new found popularity and is widely played by young and old people. Chess is what we could call a cerebral game and with it comes benefits for brain health. It’s also a game you can play online or via an app if you’re unable to play a physical game with an opponent sat opposite you. Here are some top line benefits of playing chess. Stimulates brain growth Chess and other brain-games challenges the brain and stimulates the neurons to form connections across the brain.  More connections mean that neural communication within the brain becomes faster at an optimal state.  Chess is an ideal example of how interaction with people can stimulate neural connections. Promotes creativity Playing chess activates the right side of the brain responsible for creativity, which unleashes originality among players. One study that lasted four years focused on identifying the activity that fosters the most growth in creative thinking. They had students from grades 7 to 9 to play chess, use computers, and engage in other activities once a week for 32 weeks. The results showed that the students who played chess scored higher in all measures of creativity and interestingly, their biggest area of gain proved to be originality.  Improves memory Playing chess can improve your memory because of its complex rules which players have to remember when playing. When it comes to making your next move your brain also uses your memory recall function to help you avoid previous mistakes or help you remember the playing style of your opponent.  Good chess players have an excellent memory and it can significantly improve a person’s memory and verbal skills. Improves problem-solving skills When playing a game of chess, players must think fast, and their problem-solving skills must be first rate because the opponent constantly changes the parameters as the game evolves.  It’s a game of combinations and players must be adept at understanding what can be at times, complex rules. According to a 1992 study in New Brunswick conducted on 450 fifth-grade students, those who played chess have significantly higher scores on tests than those who did not play chess. Increases IQ A study of 4,000 students from Venezuela showed that playing chess can significantly increase the IQ scores of both boys and girls after four months of playing the brain-game. That means that it is possible to increase IQ by playing brain-games such as chess. Exercises both hemispheres of the brain A study in Germany found that both left and right hemispheres are activated when chess players are asked to identify chess positions and geometric shapes. Children also benefit from learning to play chess at an early age. And for those of you who’ve not watched the Netflix series and are wondering what the title refers to, it’s a chess move.  Specifically, "The Queen's Gambit refers to a move in chess, the oldest opening move in its history. It dates back to the 15th century, and sees white move their Queen's pawn to the middle of the board, then sacrificing its adjacent pawn in the next move”.

Looking after your brain health needn’t be taxing or expensive. In fact, there are things you can do on a daily basis which will support good brain health. Here are 5 simple ways to support your brain health as of this moment and one of them involves the use of social media. Do tweet me @DrClaraR with the ways in which you’re taking positive steps to improve your brain health, it’s a great way to stay connected and I’m interested in  what steps you are taking to maintain good brain health. Drink Water Simple and free and easy to do but sometimes we forget to drink water. Drinking water is great for improving concentration and cognition.  Hydration also helps balance your mood, maintain a good mood and prevent headaches. Staying hydrated also helps manage and reduce stress. Aim to drink at least one litre of water per day if you can. Sleep Sleep plays a central role in our brain health it also plays a key role in memory. Studies have found that sleep rinses the toxins from our brain which in turn enhances our attention, creativity and ability to solve problems. We’ve blogged before on the power of a nap which can be beneficial for brain health. Chess If you’ve not watched The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix, we highly recommend it.  It’s a colourful, stylish drama based on a book by Walter Tevis who also wrote books which went onto become hugely successful films.  This includes The Hustler, The Colour of Money and The Man Who Fell To Earth.  The Queen’s Gambit is a fictitious tale set in the US in the 1960s and it may well encourage you to get into chess, which is a good thing.  Games such as draughts or chess can improve creativity, problem solving, memory concentration and decision making. Give a Hug Many of us are missing hugging friends and family due to Covid restrictions to if you’re able to hug your partner or your pet we recommend this. Hugging lowers cortisol levels and boosts oxytocin levels and can also relieve pain. In 2010, The New York Times reported on a study that found that athletes performed better when they showed physical camaraderie such as hugging.  The study found that teams that showed the most touch-bonding were among the highest ranking and best performing. Social Media There are many pitfalls to spending too much time on social media - doomscrolling.  However, social media can help us stay connected with friends and family especiallyduring times of tighter Covid restrictions.  Whether its  WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook You Tube, Zoom, Skype, Google hang outs or FaceTime, just one of these apps can help you stay connected with the wider world. This study extols the benefits of social media and like everything else we suggest you consume and use it in a balanced way. Keep well, Dr Clara Russell

Whilst many aspects of this Christmas are going to be different to 'normal', there are still lots of yummy Christmas treats around to snack on. As the evenings get longer and without a Christmas Night Out in sight, those stollen bites, mince pies and chocolate Santas look even more appealing. Whilst we know how tasty these treats are, and as much a part of the Festive season as watching Elf and tree decorating, it's a good idea to balance these with some healthier more nutritious options too. Too much sugar can make us irritable and tired and we don't need any more reasons to feel like that in 2020. Snacking When it comes to snacking, it’s always better to reach for the healthier, lower sugar snack if you can. With so many of us working form home, there is the temptation to have a cuppa and a biscuit whenever the kettle is on. Try to swap out tea or coffee with a sugary snack for a glass of water and one of these suggestions for healthier snacks. Bananas Bananas  are full of fibre, and brain friendly vitamin B6 as well as Vitamin C and other anti oxidants. Bananas also contain magnesium, a nutrient that might improve sleep quality.  Pistachios Pistachios have many health benefits and also are one of the most vitamin B6-rich foods around. They contain a lot of melatonin compared to other foods. Melatonin is a hormone that is associated with sleep. Seeds Seeds can be high in tryptophan which is a chemical associated with sleepiness and serotonin. Pumpkin seeds contain a lot of tryptophan and are easy to eat. Fresh Berries Fresh berries are a great snack as they’re low-calorie, packed with nutrients, easy to prepare. Blueberries in particular have been found to be beneficial for brain health. Cherries Cherries are high in melatonin and low in calories. Some research on cherries and cognition can be read here. Keep well, Dr Clara Russell

“I’ve got a cholesterol of 6.4, is that bad?” is the type of question I often hear people ask.  If only there were a simple answer.... First things first-what is cholesterol anyway and why do we need it? Or do we need it at all? Cholesterol is a waxy type of fat found within our cells. We have heard about cholesterol for decades and its role in our chances of suffering with heart disease. The first version of this story was that high cholesterol is bad and increases for having a heart attack. But over recent years we have learned that there is a lot more to the cholesterol question than interpreting a single number Cholesterol is a heart thing right, so why does that matter for my brain? Zoom quiz fact coming up. Your brain accounts for only 2% of your body’s weight but it contains 20%, yes 20%, of your cholesterol. So your brain cares about how much cholesterol you have circulating.  I thought cholesterol was responsible for blockages in blood vessels? Cholesterol is a multi tasker -in the brain, cholesterol is involved in a number of key processes.  These include contributing to communication channels between brain cells allowing neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin to get to work. Cholesterol also has an important job in the insulation of brain cells by forming the basis of myelin, a nerve cell coating that has a crucial role in keeping these cells running smoothly. Is if that wasn't enough, cholesterol substance also forms the basis of some our hormones which are essential to overall health  So should cholesterol be low or high, I’m confused? Blood results only reveal a limited part of the puzzle. Whilst high cholesterol has been long associated with an increased risk of stroke or some types of dementia, there is more to it when we are considering brain health. With regard to our brains, studies have shown that having cholesterol on the higher side of normal may actually improve cognitive performance in some populations in later life. But the key is understanding that not all cholesterol is equal so we have to think more about what we eat, specifically in regards to both fat and sugar intake.  The F word Fats act as a source of energy and also are involved in forming building blocks of brain cells. Eating fat is important for the health of your brain. But before you order another takeaway, remember that not all fats are equal. Trans fats- the types of fat that are found in processed foods- are the opposite of brain friendly fats. It can be hard to avoid trans fats totally as they creep into many foods that we have in a packet in our cupboards as well as the more obvious sources such as deep fried foods. So should I be eating fat or not?  Our brains thrive on healthy fats. Especially growing brains, studies have shown that pregnant women who eat more fish and have higher levels of so-called long chain omega 3 have offspring with higher verbal IQs. Foods rich in omega 3 fats have also been shown to reduce symptoms of depression. Rather than getting fixed on numbers, thinking about how we can increase our intake of healthy omega 3s, reduce intake of transfats and keeping sugar filled processed food to a minimum is essential to looking after our brain health at all stages of life.  Brain healthy sources of fat include avocados, wild salmon, nuts and seeds. Keep Well Dr Clara Russell

The language of 2020 2020 has brought into our vocabulary phrases that we would never have imagined a mere year ago. ‘Social distancing’, ‘where did you get your mask?’ “ shall we just zoom? and of course ‘in these unprecedented times’. Why feelings and emotions matter to our brain health As Marc Brackett PhD tells us in his book Permission to Feel, “Labelling emotions accurately increases self awareness and helps us to communicate emotions and therefore aids social interactions and relationships”.  Whilst there may not be a single word or phrase to sum up all that this year has brought us, there are many countries that have their own way of describing ways of living or groups of feelings that we might be aspiring to as a new year looms. Purpose Ikigai was not just a hugely successful book but is the description of the Japanese way of being that prioritises having a sense of purpose with other aspects of healthy lives Hygge describes the Danish concept of living cosily and mindfully, enjoying life’s simple pleasures International Language of everything The Positive Lexicography project, compiled by Dr Tim Lomas, looks at these international untranslatable concepts in more detail.  Our favourites include - Sisu-Finnish- describes a psychological strength that helps people deal with challenges Heimat- German- deep rooted fondness towards a place which one feels a sense of belonging  Dadirri- Australian aboriginal- a deep spiritual act of reflective and respectful listening  Currently we may be engaging in Koselig - essentially coziness and craving comfort - we can look ahead to the date next year when we can relax in Utepils ( Norwegian, a beer that is enjoyed outside on the first hot day of the year)  Perhaps we might be able to indulge in Gigil ( the irresistible urge to squeeze someone because they are loved or cherished, also known as an untranslatable word for pure joy)  Keep well, Dr Clara Russell 

With so much going on right now, let's get back to basics for looking after your noggin 4 Simple Ways To Look After Your Brain Changes to your body and brain are normal as we age and what we do today will impact our health in the future. There are some things we can do to help slow any decline in brain health and memory and lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.  Exercise Regular exercise has many benefits, and it appears that regular physical activity benefits the brain.  Multiple research studies show that people who are physically active are less likely to experience a decline in their mental function and have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Aim for 30–60 minutes exercise each week, whether that’s waling, swimming, tennis or any  other moderate aerobic activity which increases your heart rate. Eat a Mediterranean Diet Plant-based foods, whole grains, fish and healthy fats, such as olive oil are all part of a healthier diet and focuses on more fish than red meat. Research from 2018 found that eating a Mediterranean diet slows some changes in the brain that may indicate early Alzheimer’s disease. The results point to a lifestyle change that could help reduce the risk of this type of age-related dementia. Get Plenty of Quality Sleep Sleep plays a very important role in your brain health and there are some theories that sleep helps clear or rinse the brain of abnormal proteins in your brain and consolidates memories, which boosts your overall memory and brain health. Try to maintain a regular sleep pattern in terms of the amount of deep sleep you’re aiming for. Consecutive sleep gives your brain the time to consolidate and store your memories effectively.  Stay Socially and Mentally Active Your brain is similar to a muscle —  use it or you lose it. Whether it’s reading, knitting, Soduku, dancing, crocheting, playing music, painting, gardening - hobbies are important because they help us switch off and also learn new skills - both good for brian health. Social interaction helps to ward off depression and stress.Look for opportunities to connect with loved ones, friends and others, especially if you live alone. There is research that links solitary confinement to brain atrophy, so remaining socially active may have the opposite effect and strengthen the health of your brain.

“I’m so sorry, I’ve forgotten your name…” Have you ever had that experience of being introduced to someone and before you have even finished your next sentence you have totally forgotten their name ? Whilst zoom kindly helps us avoid that by having names displayed at the bottom of each person’s screen box, it won’t be too long (hopefully) before we are back out into some sort of real world and having to meet people face to face, or at least mask to mask  Is that normal?  Forgetfulitis happens to us all.  The more plates we are spinning at one time can mean that we find it hard to pay attention to details and are increasingly likely to forget stuff. Combine that with stress and not sleeping properly is it any  wonder we can’t remember where we put the keys.  Move your feet, shake your brain cells  Aerobic - heart racing blood pumping - exercise can help us with our memory. Exercising helps with the release of brain cell supporting chemicals that can help build new brain cells in the parts of the brain that are important for filing and storing our long term memories. It is never too early or late to start-a study from the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease looked at the impact of different types of exercise in a group of people considered at risk of Alzheimer's Disease. They found that memory score results improved by over 40% in those who participated in regular aerobic exercise versus regular stretching.  There is no I in team Whilst all movement and exercise is important for brain health, playing in team sports appears to have added benefits for the efficiency of how our brains work as we age. A report looked at 80 studies that had explored different types of exercise and how they impact our cognitive abilities. All movement and exercise matters but it seemed that playing a team sport had the most marked benefit to how our brain ticks. Sebastian Ludyga PhD co wrote the report and states that playing even in partnership is particularly helpful as it means our brains have to process and react to ‘the somewhat unpredictable movements of our teammates or opponents’ .   Move more, feel better When we exercise our brain releases feel-good chemicals endorphins as well as neurotransmitters which helps regulate our mood, sleep and appetite, including serotonin. Studies have shown that those who exercise regularly are less likely to report depressive symptoms. Regular exercise also helps with our sleep routines and this in itself is crucially important for our mood, energy levels and can help our memory.  The bottom line? Getting active regularly, in whatever form you enjoy, can actually change the structure and help improve the function of our brain at any age.  Keep Well Dr Clara Russell 

The nights are drawing in and as winter approaches this can have an impact on our brain health and mental wellbeing. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression which comes and goes in a seasonal pattern and can be common. Many people start to feel the effects as autumn progresses into the winter months as days get shorter. According to the NHS, symptoms of SAD can include: • a persistent low mood • a loss of pleasure or interest in normal everyday activities • irritability • feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness • feeling lethargic (lacking in energy) and sleepy during the day • sleeping for longer than normal and finding it hard to get up in the morning • craving carbohydrates and gaining weight We don’t fully know the exact cause of SAD and  it's often linked to a lack of exposure to sunlight during the shorter autumn and winter days. The main theory is that a lack of sunlight may stop a part of the brain called the hypothalamus working properly. This in turn can affect three areas of brain function: • production of melatonin – melatonin is a hormone that makes you feel sleepy; in people with SAD, the body may produce it in higher than normal levels • production of serotonin – serotonin is a hormone that affects your mood, appetite and sleep; a lack of sunlight may lead to lower serotonin levels, which is linked to feelings of depression • body's internal clock (circadian rhythm) – your body uses sunlight to time various important functions, such as when you wake up, so lower light levels during the winter may disrupt your body clock and lead to symptoms of SAD outlined above Mental heath charity Mind states that SAD can affect you during any season or time of year. Some people experience it in summer, although less research has been conducted on this so you might find people are more aware of winter SAD. The Royal College of Psychiatrists have published a paper on how to tackle seasonal affective disorder, I’ve shared some of their findings below.  You can read the entire article here. SAD can be treated in the same way as depression. Treatment usually includes self-help and lifestyle changes, talking therapies and antidepressant medication.  Light box treatments are also popular and have some evidence. Self-help Some symptoms of SAD can create extra problems which make you feel even worse – 'vicious circles’: If it is dark and you feel tired all the time, you will probably do less – and this can make SAD worse. Try to get as much natural sunlight as possible. Take a walk during daylight hours or carry on any exercise you would normally do. Remind yourself that days will get longer again in the spring. If you are eating more, you may put on too much weight which makes you feel worse. Remind yourself that most people put on weight in autumn and early winter. Sleepiness, lack of motivation and irritability can all cause problems at home, with your friends, and at work. The feelings of not getting things done can make you feel stressed.  Tell your family and friends so that they can understand what is happening and be supportive. Light therapy The idea is to try to provide extra light and to make up for the shortage of daylight in winter. A "light box" is used. Its light is like sunlight, but without the ultraviolet rays, so it is not harmful to the skin or the eyes. It may help tell the brain to make less of a hormone, melatonin.A light box is usually used for 30 minutes to an hour each day. It is most helpful if you use it at breakfast time. Light therapy works quite quickly. If it is going to help, most people will notice some improvement in the first week. Fortunately, any side-effects are usually mild. They include headache, nausea or blurred vision. It is usually best not to use a light box after 5.00 pm because you may then find it hard to get to sleep. Dawn-simulating alarm clocks are also used. These come on dimly about an hour before waking up time and gradually get brighter. They can be helpful if you find it hard to wake up on winter mornings. Medication Antidepressants may be helpful in SAD and it's important to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) There is some evidence that CBT can help winter depression and may prevent it coming back in future winters. CBT is a treatment for anxiety and depression in general. You have weekly sessions with a therapist and do some homework, like keeping a diary. Have a look at our leaflet on CBT. What is the best treatment? For mild symptoms, the self-help measures described in this leaflet will usually be enough. If your symptoms are worse, the first choice is usually between a light box and antidepressants.  The choice will often depend on what is available, what is convenient and what you prefer. When to see your GP You should consider contacting your GP if you think you might have SAD and you're struggling to cope. Your GP will be able to carry out an assessment to check your mental health.  They may ask you about your mood, lifestyle, eating habits and sleeping patterns, plus any seasonal changes in your thoughts and behaviour. Keep well, Dr Clara Russell

Omega 3 Omega 3 Fatty Acids have a vital role to play in keeping your brain healthy. They are essential for nerve cells and brain cells to communicate and translate information into action elsewhere in our body. EPA and DHA - 2 types of essential fatty acids-are the powerhouse behind the benefits of omega 3. DHA in particular is a key player in the formation and connection of brain cells  EPA has the job of being involved in production of healthy inflammatory responses as well as being a key part of nerve cell creation.   As we get older, our bodies become less good at using EPA and DHA so it is particularly important to keep an eye on our intake of omega 3 at all ages.  We don't make our own omega 3, we have to consume it - fish, walnuts, chia seeds and garlic are all good natural sources. It can be hard to eat enough though, especially as we get older and our body is less efficient at using omega 3 so good quality omega 3 supplements can help with our intake.  Omega 6 In contrast, there is rarely a shortage of omega 6 found in our food as they are a key ingredient in our modern food cupboards. Cereal, fast food, meat, processed foods and dairy products are sources of omega 6. Whilst there is little evidence that too much omega 6 can be harmful, the key is the balance of this in relation to the brain healthy omega 3. High levels of omega 6 have been shown to have a role in less healthy inflammation which is not good news for overall health.  Omega 9 Omega 9 is produced by our own bodies and can also be found in olive oil, nuts and seeds.  As we make our own omega 9 and we consume omega 6 in high quantities by the nature of modern diet, omega 3 is often the omega that we need more of. Omega 3 and Brain Health  From ADHD in children, to depression in adults and progression of dementia, omega 3 is continuing to be evaluated for how its role in brain health may be explained further.  A recent study suggested that supplementing with an omega 3 supplement rich in DHA produces similar improvements in brain function to exercise in older women. Specifically, verbal memory ( such as recalling information on a list) and executive function ( how we manage and process and act on information ) seemed to be improved by those taking the supplement versus those who were not.  What’s the verdict?  As with many things in nutrition, little is clear cut but Omega 3 is the Omega we need to focus on with regard to looking after our brain health and keeping up with our other omegas.  Keep well, Dr Clara Russell 

Vitamin C-where do you get yours? I was a big fan of Sunny Delight in my youth, the orange juice that used to actually turn you yellow if you drank too much of it.  I also enjoyed the odd orange and presumed that was enough to keep my vitamin C levels up. If I felt a tickle of a sore throat or that I was fighting something off, I’d eat an extra satsuma when I remembered and might add in a chalky tasting supermarket vitamin C supplement.  Vitamin C - more than just the cold and flu vitamin  I put my hands up- I underplayed the importance of vitamin C. This clever vitamin is needed all year round-not just when we think we need a bit of oomph.  Vitamin C is the most studied and best understood anti oxidant-it defends our cells against nasty free radicals to keep them ticking over and working at their best Whilst vitamin C is found in orange juice, even in sunny d, it turns out the sugar in those juices makes it pretty hard to absorb the amount of vitamin C that is actually in the product. And even if you could absorb all the vitamin c in a glass of OJ, unless you have a diet that contains a lots of citrus fruits every day, you are still at risk of not obtaining enough vitamin C   Oranges are not the only fruit Hear vitamin C think orange. Guavas, kiwi fruits, bell peppers and strawberries are even more C rich than the humble orange. Pile up the greens on your plate this festive season - tis the season to brussel sprout, another vitamin c rich food source.  Fun fact-Your brain is full of vitamin C Vitamin C is more highly concentrated in your brain than in any other organ. For good reason. Vitamin C in your brain is used to make nerve cells (neurons)  as well as myelin, an important insulator of nerve cells which helps nervous system cells communicate.  Beauty is vitamin C deep Vitamin C helps us make collagen which is like a type of scaffolding to hold our cells up. All our cells need this so collagen has responsibility for keeping our skin look fresh and bright as well as supporting blood vessels  Immune super heroes With its unparalleled free radical fighting abilities, vitamin C is the super hero sidekick our immune cells need. Insufficient vitamin C may make it that bit harder for our immune system to fight at its hardest. And we all know how important  supporting our immune system is right now. Stress weapon Next to our brain, the adrenal glands (which sit on top of the kidneys) are the 2nd most vitamin C packed area in the body. Adrenal glands have a key role in producing life sustaining hormones as well as hormones involved in helping to deal with stress.  Keep Well, Dr Clara Russell 

We know that walking is good for us, can help us lose weight and generally feel good and now scientist have found it has a positive impact on the brain. Researchers at New Mexico Highlands University in 2017, found that the foot's impact during walking sends pressure waves through the arteries that significantly modify and can increase the supply of blood to the brain, which is positive for brain health. Until recently, the blood supply to the brain (cerebral blood flow or CBF) was thought to be involuntarily regulated by the body and relatively unaffected by changes in the blood pressure caused by exercise or exertion. The NMHU research team and others previously found that the foot's impact during running caused significant impact-related retrograde (backward-flowing) waves through the arteries that sync with the heart rate and stride rate to dynamically regulate blood circulation to the brain. From the  study  "New data now strongly suggest that brain blood flow is very dynamic and depends directly on cyclic aortic pressures that interact with retrograde pressure pulses from foot impacts," the researchers wrote. "There is a continuum of hemodynamic effects on human brain blood flow within pedaling, walking and running. Speculatively, these activities may optimize brain perfusion, function, and overall sense of wellbeing during exercise." "What is surprising is that it took so long for us to finally measure these obvious hydraulic effects on cerebral blood flow," first author Ernest Greene explained. "There is an optimizing rhythm between brain blood flow and ambulating. Stride rates and their foot impacts are within the range of our normal heart rates (about 120/minute) when we are briskly moving along." For fitness guides, more information on the benefits of walking and if you’re interested in taking part in Couch to 5k and are in the UK, please visit the NHS website here. Keep well (and keep walking) Dr Clara Russell

After the events of 2020 so far, is anyone NOT stressed? Here’s the good news, whilst stress is all around us, our everyday habits can help us tackle stress head on.  Move More - if you are an exercise avoider (like me,) you will always be able to find something more enjoyable to do than get active. The benefits of moving more, sitting less and getting active for our physical and mental health are undeniable and well documented. A mere 20 minutes of activity has been shown to improve our mood for up to 12 hours so making time as part of our morning routine can help you deal with stressful triggers the day may present. Mindfulness and Meditation - Psychological research has shown when our minds wander we are more likely to be unhappy and research from Harvard shows our minds wander up to 47% of the time! Cultivating a mindful approach to the day to day routine helps us focus and be present which helps us feel happier and more optimistic. A regular formal practice of Meditation has been shown to improve anxiety, depression, pain quality of life  as well as maintaining a healthy mind and increase wellbeing  Practice Appreciation and Gratitude - Many studies have shown the link between being grateful and elevated levels of positive feelings. Described as foundation of wellbeing, gratitude has been shown to decrease depression, increase resilience, improve sleep decrease risk of heart disease and improve relationships. Why? Taking time to express gratitude helps us slow down and focus on the present rather than being distracted by the ‘to do list’.  Forgiveness - whilst forgiving those who have hurt or harmed us in some way is not easy, the act of forgiving helps our own wellbeing and has been shown to have significant health benefits The Stanford Forgiveness project has demonstrated that forgiveness reduces stress, anger depression and help with feelings of optimism, as well as supporting our immune system and reducing our risk of heart disease and chronic pain.  Social Networks - connecting with those we care about can have a buffering effect on stress. Supportive positive relationships work both ways - a study of 700 older adults showed that those who gave love and support to others reported significantly fewer health issues.  Sleep - Recognising your sleep is suffering is a corner stone of our mental health and wellbeing. Simple steps to help with sleep include switching devices off in the evening, avoiding caffeine after 2pm, keeping your bedroom cool and having a notebook by your bed to write down worries that pop into your mind before bed.  Keep Well Dr Clara Russell