Serenity magazine

SERENITY YORKSHIRE’S HEALTH AND WELLNESS MAGAZINE

TRANSFORM YOUR BODY DISCOVER NEW FUN WAYS TO TONE UP FOR THE NEW YEAR

THE SIMPLE FIX FOR A STRESS-FREE PERIOD HOW THE MENSTRUAL

‘‘HOW I LOST SEVEN STONE AND BECAME HAPPY AGAIN’’ ONE WOMAN’S INSPIRATIONAL WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY

CUP IS TAKING OVER

CHANGE YOUR THINKING BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE A GUIDE TO MINDFULNESS JANUARY 2017

£2.50

LETTER FROM THE

EDITOR THE EDITOR

THE SUB-EDITOR

The importance of maintaining your health is sometimes forgotten, we are all responsible for it at one time or another. As you get older, it seems less of a priority as you become less able to get physical. But making sure that you stay healthy is so much more than just exercise and the correct diet.

You have to be able to connect with your own mind and body to understand what areas may need a little bit of improvement. Spend a little time by yourself exploring the wonder that is your body, discover what makes you happy and learn to mend what makes you sad. Every woman is different, but we all have the capability to maximise our strengths and eliminate our weaknesses. I guarantee that once you have begun to appreciate your inner self that you will find the motivation that you have not yet felt. I hope that when you read our magazine it inspires you to fix whatever it is that may be broken. More importantly, I have faith that it will help you to realise just how much you can achieve.

Inside our first issue you will find articles that will make you both laugh and cry. We have a wide variety of material that all you ladies will love, and hopefully some of you will be able to relate to. This issue will cover the baTHE sics of alternative health methods and wellness, as well as introduce you to MULTIMEDIA methods that may be new to you. If you need some enthusiasm to improve MANAGER your health after the festive period, if you are unsure of what the best products are for your period, or if you are just looking for a little insight into the world of holistic health and mindfulness then you have come to the right place.

THE ART DIRECTOR

I hope you enjoy reading this magazine just as much as we loved creating it.

Wishing good health and happiness,

Cover image courtesy of Pexels

SERENITY

JANUARY 2017

CO NTEN TS ON THE COVER...

3

‘‘HOW I LOST SEVEN STONE AND BECAME HAPPY AGAIN.’’ One woman’s inspirational weight loss journey

9

TRANSFORM YOUR BODY Discover new fun ways to tone up for the New Year

19 21

THE SIMPLE FIX FOR A STRESS-FREE PERIOD How the menstrual cup is taking over

CHANGE YOUR THINKING BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE A guide to mindfulness

FEATURES...

5

A HERBAL ADVENTURE Teas to help your insides glow

7

LIFECOACHING FOR KIDS Some parents are turning to life coaches for their troubled children

8 12

HAS WINTER GOT YOU FEELING SAD? Seasonal Affective Disorder affects 29% of people in the UK IS YOUR EGG-TIMER TICKING? Common reprodutive health issues for women

13 15 17

‘‘THE CRYSTALS LIFTED ME FROM DEPRESSION AND GAVE ME A NEW ZEST FOR LIFE.’’ A story of how holistic healing helped a girl cope with her fathers cancer

THE GREAT OUTDOORS JUST GOT EVEN GREATER How a simple stroll can have massive health benefits THE RAW AND THE COOKED Eat your favourite sweet treats without feeling guilty about putting on weight

FROM HEAVY TO HEALTHY

You may think that vegetables and the gym are the only ways to get rid of excess weight. Kelly Gill, 35, from Normanton, tells Megan Packer how she embarked on a holistic healing journey and lost seven stone.

H

appiness exudes from Kelly when she conducts her morning rituals of yoga and meditation. Flexible positions are much easier to do at eight stone, compared to her prior weight of fourteen stone following her pregnancies. Giving birth to her first child at 18 was tough, but having another three years later was even harder. The pressure of raising two boys and holding down a job was exhausting.

Her rushed lifestyle meant their diets consisted of fast food and extensive sugar. It was only when she was diagnosed with irritable bowels syndrome and no longer fit in her clothes, that she realised her routine of junk food needed to stop. She wanted to be a role model for her children, someone they would be proud of.

to change my life. I began juicing, became vegan and after a hard five years I lost seven stone,’’ she explains.

Losing weight requires a vast amount of time and dedication. It is difficult to commit to, especially with a family to care for. The first step for Kelly was to conduct thorough research into nutrition and natural health. She enrolled on a course that taught her about the body systems and nutritional medication. She was determined to put her new found knowledge into practice. ‘’The more I learnt the more inspired I became

Her evenings were spent watching YouTube videos about mindfulness and how to boost self-esteem. A term that often came across was ‘meditation’. She had never heard of the concept before so she began researching it. A few weeks later she decided to try it, initially it was hard but it soon became part of her routine. ‘’I found a deep connection with meditation and in turn, I found the confidence that was lost within

Kelly in 2005 3

2009

Kelly’s physical health was not her only battle.

The weight gain caused insecurities, she avoided all social situations and stopped making plans outside of her home. Most of her time was spent reading health books and experimenting with juice recipes. She learnt that blending raw ingredients can detox the body and so juicing became her favourite past time.

As the years past and the weight came off, sadly the anxiety did not follow. She had spent such a large amount of time inside that she had become accustomed to it, but she wanted to learn how to heal her mind.

2013

myself,’’ she smiled. It helped her to believe that her uncertainties should not determine her possibilities. For the first time in her life she felt empowered, eager to learn more.

This new-felt sense of self inspired her to attend a health retreat in London. She spent four days there, in that time she fell in love with complementary therapies and the idea of healing others. She returned home, began practicing what she had learnt and months later became qualified to perform Reiki, Reflexology, Crystal Healing and Aromatherapy. ‘’Natural therapies are based on their ability to detect tension in the body. If there is an imbalance, it can cause illness,’’ she shares. It was crucial for Kelly to offer natural therapies that would balance and heal people.

She set up a social media page to advertise herself, as well as rent a therapy room above a vegan café in Leeds. Her website and word of mouth helped her to build a client base. She had managed to set up her own business and she could not have felt happier.

‘’The progress I had made was worthless, all I wanted to do was suffer in silence,’’ she pauses. ‘’I struggled to keep focus, so I had to put my meditation on pause. I felt trapped inside my own head.’’ Kelly endured months of agony.

One morning she broke down in the bathroom.

The pain was so excruciating that she struggled to wash and dress herself. She couldn’t live this way. She had to learn to adapt to her illness before it consumed her entirely. The alternative methods that she used to heal others became her saviour, as well as over the counter supplements such as magnesium.

The following year she rebuilt her motivation and returned to her therapy room. Aside from the occasional shooting pains in her back, she felt much healthier. ‘’My experience of suffering with and surviving from fibromyalgia, inspired me to want to teach others about holistic treatment methods,’’ she explains. She enrolled onto a college course for a year and after countless late nights she gained a qualification to teach.

‘‘All I wanted to do was suffer in silence.’’

Six months after started treating people her fulfilment came to a halt. She began experiencing intense sharp pain through her entire body. It soon took over her life and left her drained. Searching for answers, she visited her doctor and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. A condition that causes muscle pain and tenderness in all areas of the body, as well as constant fatigue. Her illness meant that she had to take time off from her business. Her doctor advised her that there was no known cure and instead of prescribing medication, said she had to manage it herself.

Inspiration is not so hard to find from others, but discovering it from within can almost feel impossible. Despite the hurdles, she pushed on and achieved what she thought she never could. Kelly is now in a much healthier mind-set. She teaches workshops in Leeds every few months to aspiring holistic healers like herself. Her dream is to travel the world and run health retreats to heal and inspire people. ‘’I spent such a huge part of my life introvert and afraid. The journey that I am on has changed my whole perception. My promise to myself is to keep learning and to never waste another moment feeling alone,’’ she says.

2016 4

5

Green skin purifying caffeine free tea

A HERBAL ADVENTURE Looking for new ways to take care of your body and discover a healthier, happier life… How about a warm cup of tea?

Y

orkshire includes a wide variety of shops and herbalists which provide natural infusions capable of making you forget about that annoying winter cold.

York is one of the main tourist destinations in Yorkshire and also one of the best places to go to when looking for a good brew.

From a very common green tea to a more elaborated caffeine free infusion, such as chamomile, the city can provide you with plenty of innovative ways to take care of yourself. Helen Spath, Tullivers health shop director in York, has been providing a great variety of products for 33 years, which include a number of different branded healing teas.

Pukka detox herbal tea.

Organic leafs such as Turmeric LifeKind can also help when dealing with bigger problems such as joint and bone malfunctions. With the light and refreshing taste of a green tea, the organic blend is exported from India and has been used for thousands of years.

The key compound of this healing tea is curcumin, a chemical from the ginger family, which is often used as an herbal additive. The main active ingredient of this blend is known as turmeric, which has powerful anti-inflammatories effects and is a very strong antioxidant.

The green leaf can also be obtained in form of food supplement, which contains 30 capsules and helps providing the body support against the pollutants in our environment.

‘‘My skin, bones and attitude have improved.’’

According to Mrs Spath’s, her favourite caffeine free infusion, red rooibos tea, has helped her get rid of headaches and insomnia and has improved strengthened her bones. “I used to drink coffee but after discovering the world of tea I never looked back, my skin, bones and even my attitude have improved.”

The most common caffeine free teas can be used as skin purifying, throat relief or even when looking to start feeling a bit more laidback and tranquil. Some organic herbs such as Dr Stuarts slim plus, can offer that little extra help to obtaining the body that makes you happy and protect the immune system. If the problem is lack of sleep, infusions such as valerian plus can help you get the eight hours needed, or tidy up your insides with a

If you’re looking to satisfy that sweet tooth, there are also healthy ways of doing so. Some of these sweet brews can include chocolate and vanilla black tea or a raspberry and blackcurrant red herbal infusion.There are over 10 tea shops in York that offer a great variety of herbal infusions, such as Hebden tea shop, Bettys Café and tea rooms or the Tealicious vintage room.

Make sure to stay healthy this winter.

By Claudia Ballester 6

LIFE COACHING FOR KIDS Many of us characterise our childhoods as jovial and care free, but for millennial's this no longer seems to be the case...

I

t can be said that we want the best for our children, but are good grades worth the mountain of pressure that comes along with it? A survey from The Association of Teachers and Lecturers revealed that nine out of ten teaching staff thought that school pressures caused low self-esteem, anxiety and lack of motivation among pupils.

At present, pupils are required to meet 69 targets by the age of five before they can start full-time education. These include counting up to 10, reciting the alphabet, and forming sentences using basic punctuation. Research conducted by Mumsnet, the parenting website, found that adults believe it has never before been harder to be a child growing up. This may be the reason that many are turning to life coaches to help their children cope under the pressure.

Life coaches for children aim to help elevate these educational pressures as well as tackling issues from low self-confidence to handling exam stress

By Alicia Lansom with techniques such as meditation and mindfulness. Karen Heras-Kelly, Founder of House of Coaching in Leeds believes the practice in necessary in today’s society. She says: “There is so much pressure from an early age. I’ve worked with an 8 year old before who came to see me after feeling under pressure at school. After 3 sessions she was flying, I think we are doing a disservice to children because we need to have a more wholesome perspective on who we are.”

But what happens to the children whose parents can’t afford outside treatment, Karen believes that stress relieving techniques should be added to the curriculum. She says: “It’s something I think should be put into the education system, it should be taught at a basic level. Whoever is in control, should teach them about self-esteem and what’s important as a human being.”

However, Rebecca Wilson, a primary school teacher from Hull, believes that children need to be making mud pies rather than having their lives coached. She explained: “The education standards have gotten out of control, I have been teaching for ten years and have seen a significant difference in children’s behaviour from when they were allowed to be children rather than robots.”

Although agreeing that the pressures do exist she believes in handling it in a different way: “I don’t think children need their lives coached, they need to be outside playing and reading at bedtime with their parents. Theres very simple things you can do to help your child feel better about school, rather than just dropping them off at a therapists office.”

There is no denying that there is an issue that needs to be faced when it comes to the rise in child stress, but whether it’s by traditional or modern methods, it’s the child’s wellbeing that must remain the fundamental priority.

Children are now under more pressure than ever 7

HAS WINTER GOT YOU FEELING SAD?

You don’t have to feel alone

For most people as the seasons change so does their mood. We have the tendency to feel happier in the summer and sluggish in the winter. But 22-yearold Ella N’Jie from Leeds struggles to leave her bed most mornings.

T

he rain slams against Ella’s window as she stares emotionless at the blank, white ceiling. Her blinds are always closed, she desperately hopes that nobody will come to visit her. She repeats this routine day after day, at least until winter is over. ‘’Imagine what it would be like to be suffocated. That is how I feel for the whole of winter,’’ she pauses. ‘’I would give anything to be the care free person I was three years ago.’’

Ella is one of the 29 percent of people in the UK who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

She has spent the last three months taking antidepressants and is terrified of the day that her prescription runs out.

By Megan Packer they can result in user dependency issues once the treatment has stopped. The NHS report that up to a third of people develop withdrawal symptoms, which can last up to 2 months after the individual has stopped taking the medication.

Prescription drug dependency is a daunting thought for most and has the potential to cause people to search out alternative methods.

An option that is not as apparent as orthodox medication is natural approaches. There are a wide range of holistic health treatments that are designed to help cure conditions of low mood, stress and anxiety. Alternative therapies can help to alleviate the symptoms linked to depression.

SAD is a form of clinical depression experienced between September and April. It is often referred to as ‘winter sadness’ as the symptoms are most severe from December until February. Although the exact cause of SAD is unclear, according to Mind it is said that the symptoms occur because of the lack of sunlight and disrupted body clock.

Sue Haynes, a Complementary Therapist, receives positive feedback from her clients on a regular basis: ‘’The majority of my therapies involve reflexology, I massage specific areas of the feet to relieve tension in the corresponding area. Most of the people who I offer treatment to, tell me it has helped them to deal with their illness better and that it has improved their mood a great deal.’’

Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a common form of treatment that is recommended for people who experience depression. Although they can lessen the symptoms of depression whilst they are being taken,

Adaptogens are a type of herb that help the body to adapt to stress.

They are a natural, non-toxic substance, which do not result in user dependency issues after consumption. Natalia Williams, a Medical Herbalist, says: ‘’Herbal remedies

are natural, body friendly, have no side effects if administered correctly and work in harmony with the body’s natural abilities.’’

She continued: ‘’Each herb has got various properties and effects the body on different levels by restoring natural functions. Also the idea of treating yourself with natural remedies is self-empowering.’’

If SAD stops you from enjoying the winter months, then try out some alternative health methods. Take back control, be happy and do not let it ruin your life.

Image courtesy of Pexels 8

9

Mattia Panciroli, Flickr Mattia Panciroli, Flickr

E G L U B Y L L E B IE P E INC M E H T T A E B O T T N WA ?

M Y G E H T O T G IN O BUT DREADING G

By Jessica Pickard

The burden of committing to a year long gym contract can be too daunting for some. Why don’t you try a different approach…

H

ow many of you signed up for the £40 a month gym contract that you gave up after just six months? Well don’t worry, you’re not alone. According to the Fitness Industry Association, 12 % of all gym members that sign up in January, throw the lycra leggings to the back of the cupboard by June.

So why do so many people give up the gym?

We ran a poll on Twitter to find out the reasons why the Yorkshire people avoid it.

Results show that the majority of our readers are too lazy to get on the tiresome treadmill. If you are one of those lazy lot, here is a list of alternative and fun ways to get fit and healthy after the festive period.

BARRECORE Barre training might be intimidating at first glance, however this type of exercise is great for tightening up those thighs and fulfilling your childish dream of becoming a ballerina.

Barre training consists of a combination of postures that are inspired by ballet, yoga and pilates movements, whilst contracting a specific set of muscle groups. The benefits of this type of training is that it targets good posture, along with a toned body, reduced body fat and elongated firm muscles.

Elishea Boswell, lead instructor at Barrecore Leeds said: “Barrecore is an intelligent exercise integrating high-intensity, low-impact fat-burning moves with static stretches.

The incredible changes clients see through Barrecore are the results of working and exhausting all muscle

groups and subsequently stretching the muscles for relief.’’ This method works on improving your core strength and is beneficial no matter what your current fitness level may be.

WHERE CAN YOU DO BARRECORE IN YORKSHIRE? Barrecore is a national company with studios set up all around the nation.

Their Yorkshire studio is based in the heart of Leeds city centre in the Victoria Quarter shopping centre.

Barrecore charges £10 per class, also offering class packs and monthly memberships. It is situated on the first floor of the Sweaty Betty clothing store.

Great for doing some shopping for lycras and gym wear before you attend your class.

Barre Training 10

BELROBICS

POLE TRAINING

Motivating women of all shapes and sizes, Belrobics is used to inspire women to have confidence within their bodies whilst staying in shape.

Belrobics is a form of fitness that has evolved from middle eastern belly dancing. Along with that influence, the training is used to target different parts of the body, such as your arms and core, whilst keeping the heart rate lifted.

Although this seems a slightly more risqué method of getting fit, pole fitness is a great way of gaining strength and also upping your body confidence – in a sexy way. Pole fitness works every muscle in your body, using the pole as a versatile piece of fitness equipment which can help you burn up to 750 calories per hour.

Similar to a normal dance class, each class consists of a pre choreographed routine broken down slowly move by move by the teacher. For 8 weeks, the same routine will be repeated until all members of the class have perfected the shimmies and the shakes.

Each song is carefully chosen to uplift the mind whilst targeting each of the bodies muscle group with a mix of quick and slow rhythmic actions.

Carmen Edwards, a Belrobics instructor from Sheffield said: “It’s the community feel and support of the group itself which is key benefit from feedback I’ve had from the ladies I teach. The class is accessible as it’s designed to allow development over the eight weeks and has different levels within it for all abilities so it can be adapted for the needs of the class members.”

WHERE CAN YOU DO BELROBICS IN YORKSHIRE? There are multiple classes all across the country that you can move your feet to. Carmen Edwards runs her classes in different venues all across Sheffield. She holds a class one to three times a week, and her prices are set between £4-£5 per session in 8 week blocks.

For more information, find her on facebook at @ Belrobicsclasseswithcarmen.

The pole is used to do a variety of exercises, similar to the ones you might do in the gym, however using your own bodyweight as resistance. As well as the conventional exercises, pole fitness also gets you to do aspects of the dancing side. Dance and gymnastic moves are used to create a graceful and flowing routine around the pole.

Hayley Morrell, founder of Unique Pole Fitness said: “Pole fitness is so much more than just fitness, my pole classes are suitable for all ages and for both men and women alike. Pole fitness classes builds extreme strength, and flexibility, but it also builds confidence and appreciation for your body.”

WHERE CAN YOU DO POLE FITNESS IN YORKSHIRE? Unique Pole fitness is a Bradford based company that offers a number of different pole fitness classes depending on your ability and the type of experience that you are looking at. Not only do they offer the typical pole classes, they also offer stretch classes, group training classes for all your friends and also private tuition to help people who are a little bit more shy.

Classes run from Monday to Friday at two different sites in the Bradford area. Prices start at £10 per class, or £35 for a four week introductory course.

To book please visit: www.uniquepolefitness.co.uk

Belrobics

GO TEMPO Launching this month is a local based search engine connecting those looking for a variety of fitness classes with local independent fitness instructors. The app will allow people to search for a class that best suits their diary whilst spreading awareness of the instructors whose classes lie in the heart of the communities.

Carmen Edwards, founder of ‘GO TEMPO’ said: “We want to provide an alternative access route to fitness for individuals who don’t want lengthy gym memberships, prefer local or community based classes of interest.”

11

TICKING?

IS YOUR

The State provides medically safe information for women to help them keep track of their health. A study carried out by the NHS in 2015/16 shows that 7 per cent of the population of women between the ages of 13 and 54 had at least one contact with a Sexual and reproductive health service in their lifetime. By Claudia Ballester.

A

ccording to Leeds University’s reproduction and early development lecturer Niamh Forde, some of the issues experienced by women are hard to understand, which can sometimes lead to unresolved illnesses and complications.

Women age 35 or over can start experiencing fertility problems. According to a study carried by the NHS: “Around one in seven couples may have difficulty conceiving. This is approximately 3.5 million people in the UK.” Infertility occurs when a couple having unprotected sex cannot conceive. According to Mrs Forde, if a couple has been trying to get pregnant for a year or more and have not succeeded; they can then visit their GP to look at other possibilities, such as adoption, artificial insemination, which can include having a mother with a donor sperm, or in vitro fertilisation where the parent’s sperm and eggs are used.

According to the NHS, there are Images courtesy of Pexels

two different types of infertility, which are: 1.Primary infertility: When a person who has not conceived before has problems getting pregnant.

2.Secondary infertility: When a person that has conceived before, has problems conceiving a second time.

According to Mrs Forde, as eggs deteriorate after the age of 35, if a woman wants to ensure fertility, scientific methods such as egg-freezing can help with the issue.

Although there are many reasons why a woman would decide to freeze their eggs, a study carried by the HFEA, UK human fertilisation and embryology authority, show that some of the main ones include cancer treatment or delay of family building.

The study also shows that “more than 5,000 babies have been born from frozen egg cycles.”

According to Clinical Lead Nurse Helen Marvell from Yorkshire fertility, women should freeze their eggs before the age of 38, as there are

fewer reports of women who have successfully conceived after that age from frozen eggs. She explains: “This is mostly because of lower age cessations.”

Women’s infertility is treated depending on the factor which is causing the problem. Across the UK, many of the initial treatments are funded by the NHS, but you can also choose to receive treatment from a private clinic, which can be advised by your local GP. Mrs Marvel informs about other types of higher risks a women can begin to experience when the body exceeds thirty eight years of age. This can include, chromosomal abnormalities or miscarriage.

In Yorkshire, organisations such as care fertility, a world leading fertility group, offer help to people encountering problems when trying to start a family, including egg-freezing and other scientific methods. If you are experiencing infertility symptoms or any other reproductive health issues, make sure to visit your local GP. 12

“The crystals lifted me from depression and gave me a new zest for life”

Jasmine before her fathers diagnosis

Jasmine Rimmer, 20, from Harrogate spiralled into depression after she learned her father had kidney cancer. As World Cancer Day approaches she reveals how holistic healing saved her from her dark thoughts. By Jessica Pickard.

I

was always a positive and upbeat person, constantly up for a night out and for socialising with my friends. It’s unbelievable how cancer can send your life out of control. Two years ago, I was right in the midst of my A levels. I was juggling working in the local costa coffee, revising and doing the things a normal 18 year old would do. I was really excited about going to university. I applied to party cities such as Newcastle and Manchester, I was so relieved to have a fresh start and meet new people.

As I started to take my final exams, I started to notice that my parents were acting really strange around the house. My mum was constantly trying to hide that she was upset and my dad looked really worn out all the time. My initial thought was that they were going to separate, little did I know it was

13

something a lot more serious.

The day after my final exam, I noticed my dad acting really shifty around the house, as if he wanted to tell me something. I was so drained from all the studying, I just decided to let it go. After dinner, my mum came into my room and sat on my bed. Her mood was really dark. I asked her what was wrong.

She replied sobbing: ”I’m so sorry that we kept this from you Jasmine, but we didn’t want you to get distracted from your exams. We found out about a month ago that your dad has Kidney Cancer.” My mouth opened with shock. My dad was the healthiest man I’ve ever known, I couldn’t believe this was happening to him.

Over the next month, I did the only thing I could do, carry on with my life as normal. Reality hit about a month later when I found out that I had got a place

at Manchester University. University had not been on my mind since I found out about his illness. I’d been spending so much time with him over the last few weeks, that I knew that the thought of being away from him at this time in our lives outweighed my decision to live in Manchester and have the party life I’d been waiting for.

Staying at home eventually took its toll on me. My dad was getting sicker and sicker. He couldn’t go a few hours without vomiting and had constant pain in his abdomen. He started to lose his hair, and looked older every day that passed. I began to feel like I couldn’t leave my bed in the morning, I hated my job at Costa Coffee, and no matter how hard I tried, I felt like I couldn’t be happy. It wasn’t long until the depression consumed me. My family and friends noticed straight away. Every Friday night my friends would ask me to go clubbing in Harrogate, but I couldn’t face it. I just wanted to stay at home under my duvet.

My mum was worried, she was upset that she could not do anything to make the pain go away.

I would hear her talk to her friends all the time about the pressure she was under. She made me try everything, counsellors, therapists, anti-depressants, but nothing could fill the void inside of me.

I remember her saying to me “Jasmine please be strong, I can’t do this alone.” Little did she know, this made me feel worse.

This one morning, I could immediately see a different attitude in her. A woman on a mission. She stormed into my room to see me wallowing in bed, again. She said: “Get up, we’re going somewhere.” I complained and refused because I couldn’t face the thought of leaving the house and her nagging me all day. However after some convincing, I reluctantly got ready and joined her in the car. I was intrigued by her change of attitude.

We pulled up at a Yoga studio, I rolled my eyes and moaned but she practically forced me to go inside.

After greeting the hippies taking the class, we sat down on the Yoga mats and waited for it to begin. I

Healing crystals

soon realised that it wasn’t Yoga, but a crystal healing course. The crystal lady started by saying: “We are going to use our own bodies and crystals to alter our mind-sets in a positive way.” I looked over to my mum and frowned. I couldn’t believe she was making me do this.

We began by meditating. The only meditating I had done before was in RE, and the whole lesson I sniggered with my mates in the corner of the classroom.

I wanted to go home before it started, but I decided to continue and give it a go. The lady leading the class made us release the negative energy and tension by imagining it leaving our body. At first I found it really difficult to focus however, as the class went on, I began to feel more and more relaxed, much to my surprise.

The leading instructor then brought out some healing crystals. As soon as I saw them, I rolled my eyes in disbelief. She passed them from person to person, asking if we felt any type of connection with them. I saw a lot of different reactions in the room, I remember thinking that they were mad.

It came to my turn, my mum passed the hematite crystal to my right hand. When I took it from her, it felt like an electric shock. The connection gave me an immediate and overwhelming feeling of relief. I was astonished, I couldn’t believe it was working for me. When the class ended, I felt different, relieved.

I didn’t understand, I just felt uplifted, the best I’ve felt for a long time.

The classes left a long lasting effect on me. I came again every week and felt more empowered with every session. Within a month, I started hanging out with my friends again and even managed to start at a university at home in Leeds. My Dad is now recovering from another course of chemotherapy. It seems to be really working for him, making him stronger every day. He also loves the way the crystals has changed his attitude. From being a complete sceptic, I now believe it was the crystalsand my mother’s power of persuasion- that has completely transformed my outlook on life, for the better.

Jasmine with her father

14

15

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

JUST GOT EVEN GREATER

Are you sitting a bit too comfortably? A report published by Public Health England now states that physical inactivity rivals smoking as one of the nation's biggest health problems. By Alicia Lansom.

W

e might think that counting calories is enough to keep us healthy, but according to latest reports, 1 in 3 of us achieve less than 30 minutes of physical activity per week which can increase the risk of heart disease, strokes and type two diabetes.

The UK Chief Medical Officers say that adults should be doing at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity every week which can be something as simple as taking a stroll.

To help people get off their sofas, Macmillan Cancer Support and The Ramblers run Walking for Health, which supports 600 local schemes across England to organise short, free walks led by friendly, trained walk leaders.

Paul Fisher, a coordinator for the North Yorkshire area said: "The health benefits of walking for those who have many long term conditions such as heart problems, cancer, arthritis, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure are countless.”

He continued: "Regular walking is good for you because cardio-vascular exercise strengthens the heart and lungs which increases your overall fitness level. It can also help with weight loss and toning up muscles.”

It is clear that the walks are beneficial, but how effective can they really be? Paul explained: "We have a lady with MS who says she would be in a wheelchair by now if it was not for her Strollers Walks and many who have found the social side just as valuable as the walk itself.”

Although walking is shown to improve physical health, it also has a positive impact on our

mental health. The Walking Works report states that physically active people have up to a 30% reduced risk of becoming depressed and also helps those who are depressed to recover.

An avid promoter of this is Outdoor Life Coach and and Eco-therapist Haley Gillard. She created Wild Goose an outdoor wellbeing workshop in the Leeds area to help people take time out and get back to nature.

The workshops include a 'Bare Foot Club' which offers members a chance to get down and dirty and walk bare foot through the woods. Hayley explains: "The program is for people who are stressed out or in need of time away from their busy lives. People come to

Hayley Gillard during one of her forest walk workshops

"Physically active people have up to a 30% reduced risk of becoming depressed." learn barefoot walking or meditation as a way to disconnect from technology and spend some time relaxing and breathing fresh air."

She explains how the group aims to help those dealing with stress and anxiety: "I wanted to create free opportunities for people to manage their mental health. There's a raft of scientific evidence that show that being outdoors and absorbing vitamin D reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression by boosting our endorphins."

This new found information shows us that keeping our bodies and minds healthy doesn't need to have an expensive price tag.

The barefoot walking club

The Yorkshire Ramblers 16

17

A healthy raw desert

THE RAW AND THE COOKED

Succumbing to your sweet tooth is something that most people are guilty of, especially after the Christmas period. You could try replacing that cupboard full of treats with a selection of raw food goodies...

A delicious raw cheesecake

S

ticking to a diet is never simple. Temptation always manages to find a way back into the shopping trolley. For most people, the shame won’t sink in until you get home with the receipt and notice there is double the amount of cake and chocolate on it than vegetables.

If your conscious about your weight but don’t want to give up the sweet treats, then maybe you should try eating them raw.

destroyed, so the body lacks essential vitamins and minerals.’’

Attempting to change diets is never a onesize-fits-all method. If you begin by trying out recipes that you find appealing, the transition will be easier. Implementing a percentage of uncooked foods into your routine can have an immediate positive impact on your health, as absorbing raw foods creates an environment for optimal healing in the body.

‘‘A raw diet is not a raw diet, helps food just limited to Consuming mentor Saskia Fraser to feel healthier: ‘’Eating this particular food group salads and promotes physical detox and cleansing of the body on a deep level. As well fruit.’’ as weight loss, increased mental health

Did you know that you can eat fudge brownies without cooking them, or that you could save time preparing your breakfast and eat those porridge oats raw? A raw diet is not just limited to salads and fruit.

With the correct recipe book you can discover food that you never thought could be eaten raw. Pizza, cheesecake and chocolate are a range of the indulgences that you can put together in the kitchen.

You won’t need to throw out all your ingredients as they often remain the same, aside from the sugar as you substitute with natural sweetener to stay healthier. You will need some new equipment. A dehydrator will become your new oven, as it gives the food a cooked texture without cooking it.

To consume a raw food diet means that your meals should never be heated above 42 degrees, as this maintains its nutritional value.

Certified health coach Jo Hudson eats a raw food diet for the nutrients: ‘’Once food is cooked above 42 degrees the enzymes are

function and improved memory.’’Although there is a recognised connection between nutrition and its healing properties on the mind and body. The question remains, can you survive on a raw food diet?

Accord to Jo Hudson it is possible. However, it does not come without caution. As with all food types, some raw diets can lack certain vitamins and minerals, and a regime that is solely raw should be substituted with a B12 vitamin to maintain energy. She explains: ‘’In many cases you can thrive on a complete raw diet. The key, as with most things in life, is to understand, experiment and ultimately find the balance that works for you.’’ If a raw food diet seems like the perfect decision to trial in the New Year, then be sure to monitor your physical and mental health. By Megan Packer.

18

IS THIS NEW FORM OF MENSTRUAL HEALTH YOUR CUP OF TEA? Last year it was revealed that sanitary products were deemed ‘luxury items’ by the UK government, causing large debates over the so called ‘tampon tax’. But some women weren’t affected by this issue, as they were using a quirkier alternative…

M

enstrual cups have existed since the 1930s, but it hasn’t been until recently that they’ve been gaining traction in the menstrual care industry. In simple terms a menstrual cup is a type of feminine hygiene product which is usually made of silicone, shaped like a bell and is flexible. It’s worn inside the vagina but unlike tampons and pads, the cup collects menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it.

In the UK, we currently face a 5% VAT on all disposable sanitary products.

This may be the reason why interest in menstrual cups as well as sales are on the rise. Gitte Dalberg- Larsen, commercial Director at Organicup, explains the advantages of using the product: “From a practical point of view, it just makes life with menstruation easier and all women want that. You can wear cups for up to 12 hours – and only have to empty it twice a day. So you no longer have to worry about changing in school or at work. You can sleep with it in and you can do all kinds of sports. There are no limitations.”

According to instructions the cup should be inserted just before your period begins, tightly folded and inserted like a tampon. It states that when used correctly, you shouldn’t be able to feel it.The process is likened to using a diaphragm or birth control ring. The design works by springing open and resting against the walls of your vagina which will then form a seal to prevent leaks.

19

This all sounds great right, so why do only 3-5% of women use the menstrual cup? Gitte explains: “There are clearly still barriers around talking openly about menstruation. Menstruation is considered a private thing that you don’t talk about with everybody, which contributes to women not knowing about this third option to tampons and pads.”

Lack of awareness of the product certainly contributes to its small demographic but Barbara Hall, Cervical screening Mentor at NHS Leeds thinks it’s something more: “One of the reasons women don't use it is because they don't trust it to stay in situ during their periods especially if they have a heavy menstrual flow.” She continued: “Patients that I’ve spoken to think it’s brilliant for the beginning and end of the period when the blood loss is lighter but don’t seem to trust it during their heavier days or when they go swimming.”

Despite some women’s reservations, Organicup states that 91% of the women who try their product, continue to use it. An added bonus for users are its economic and environmental benefits.

According to their website the Organicup can be used for up to 10 years at a time that means a one off payment of under £20 rather than the estimated £550 spent on disposable products over the same time period.

And it also works towards helping the environment, Janie Hampton Founder of World Menstrual Network says: “They are a cheap, clean, comfortable, hygienic and green method of dealing with periods.” You can see why when the average woman uses an estimated 3,600 disposable tampons in a ten

year period when one sustainable product could suffice.

Aside from practicality, the cup also has a whole host of health benefits. As the cups are made of 100% medical grade silicone they are free from bleach, glue and other additives, lowering the chances of infection. Furthermore, as the cup simply collects the liquid rather than absorbs this eliminates the risk of irritation and dryness while ensuring the natural pH balance is kept intact.

The menstrual cup can also be useful for women after child birth. Menstrual cup brand Lunette are an online based menstrual cup stockist who cater to this market. They supply cups in two sizes—one before childbirth, one after. The one after is slightly larger and accommodates your body’s changes that may have happened in childbirth.

Abigail Le’Gallienne, 27 started using a Lunette cup after having her second child and said she wouldn’t go back to using disposables. “After my last birth I felt that tampons weren’t as comfortable as they were before so I started looking for alternatives.

I didn’t feel like sanitary towels were an option as they require a lot of maintenance whereas this something that can be left 12 hours as a time, which for a young mum of two is ideal.”

She also liked the idea of saving money with the purchase: “I have a lot of nappies to buy and spending more money on disposable products felt like a waste, so this way its a one time purchase that will last me a long time.” But the products can also be useful for young women who are taking the step up from sanitary towels.

The menstrual cup packaging

TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) is a real concern for many young girls who are searching for a better alternative to pads. If your tampon has even a slightly higher absorbency than your actual flow, you risk shredding which can cause small cuts in your vaginal walls—a perfect breeding ground for the bacteria causing TSS. With a menstrual cup the chances are significantly lowered which may make you overlook the fiddly nature of the product.

Cathy Chapman, marketing director at Lunette said: “I’m not going to lie. Many menstrual cup users experience a short learning curve, but eventually do get to grips with it.”

But as the saying goes, great things take time, and with all the whole host of health, economic, and environmental benefits it seems it might be worth the wait.

A variety of menstrual cups are readily available at stores such as Boots, Superdrug, Holland and Barrett. Or can be ordered online and delivered discreetly to your door. By Alicia Lansom.

Every 10 years women spend over £500 on tampons

20

MINDFULNESS A guide to happiness

No matter who we are, where we are or what we do, we are always looking for one thing, peace of mind. Different people look for this happiness in different ways, Vidyamala Brunch shows us how Buddhism can be one of the options.

I

n her new book Mindfulness for women, Buddhist and Co-founder of Breathworks Vidyamala Brunch, focuses on how women can apply mindfulness, a mental state obtained by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, to their everyday lives.

From her experience of living with a back condition due to chronic spinal injuries and partial paraplegia, Vidyamala has dedicated her life to teach people how to be happy with oneself. The author has been interested in Buddhism and meditation since 1985, as she found it was the best way to ease the mental suffering she was experiencing after a serious car accident at 23, which had caused her physical injuries.

She continued: “I was enormously influenced by the Buddhist author Jon Kabat-Zinn.

21

He was the first writer that I felt ness articles and books to ‘get managed to take some of the the word out’ to all kinds of main teachings of Buddhism people who might not have and present them in an the opportunity to atentirely secular way for tend a class in person. the modern world.”

“I wanted to The breathwoks co-founder started empower woman, She moved to writing “mindfulhelp them feel a Manchester, where ness for women” sense of initiative she started teachin early 2015 and it ing meditation took about a year and courage in and mindfulness to between starting their own lives” others that were also writing it and getting experiencing some sort it published. of physical pain or illness similar to what she had experiThe book aims to help womenced. en achieve happiness in every In 2004 she founded Breathaspect, their body, their career, works, an organisation which friendship and relationships. focuses on mindfulness classes It provides solutions to the and courses which help with most common problems and pain and stress, together with an interactive instruction betwo other friends, which has tween author and reader. now spread to over 25 countries. One of them situated on “Mindfulness for women the 4th floor of Leeds Bridge focuses in particular on helping House in the city centre. them change their relationShe has written many mindfulship with their bodies, to help

FOR WOMEN

Tranquility rocks reclaim their minds, their heart and to believe in themselves.”

During her couching experience, Vidyamala has found evidence which shows that depression is about twice as common in women as it is for men. This encouraged her to find new ways of reaching the mind of those who needed more help.

“I developed a compassionate breathing anchor, which is to help women develop a much kinder attitude towards their thinking processes,’’ she says.

Since the book was published, Mrs Brunch has received a number of letters with positive feedback from women who seem to find it very helpful. It differs from other mindfulness books as you are able to pick different meditations at different times, rather than having it packaged as an eight-week course.

“One thing I’ve noticed during my years as a writer, is that people generally have a shorter attention span than they used to, my book is quite long and I suspect some women are put off by length. I didn’t want to

compromise integrity and my desire to offer depth to those who wanted it,’’ she says.

Mindfulness for women includes meditation tracks designed to adapt to your life preferences. If you hold a busier life and have less time to sit and read, you still have the opportunity to learn from it.

These include guided meditations such as:

1

“Calm your body” A body scan that emphasises on the breath

2 “Accept your body”

A compassionate body scan meditation

3 “Calm your mind”

A breathing anchor meditation

4 “Have compassion for your mind” A compassionate anchor breathing meditation

5 “Find the good in you”

A self-compassion meditation

6 “Love other people”

A connection to meditation

8 “Keep flowing and loving” An open heart meditation

7 “Less stressed for ever” A three-minute breathing space.

The different guides show that if we follow the meditation process provided, we can change the way we think, feel about ourselves and finally, be more self-aware.

“By changing our minds, we can change the world because we see that all of our actions have consequences and we begin to take more and more responsibility for that,’’ she smiles.

If you live in Yorkshire and are interested on engaging a meditation journey or in need of help for physical or mental pain relief; Vidyamala’s Leeds Buddhist centre holds evening and daytime mindfulness programs and courses, which teaches skills and strategies to help you carry a less stressful life, which have the origins of her own personal experiences.

By Claudia Ballester 22

COLOUR HERE TO REDUCE YOUR STRESS...

@serenitymagyorkshire

@serenitymagazineyorkshire

@_serenitymag

@serenitymagazineyorkshire