Best You Magazine July/Aug

THE BEST YOU M A G A Z I N E

GWYNETH PALTROW FROM ACTRESS TO MEGA BRAND

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WELLNESS SPECIAL ISSUE MARIE DIAMOND: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WHICH YOGA IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR EVERYONE EVERYWHERE

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TOP TIPS FROM THE BODY COACH JOE WICKS HOW HYPNOTHERAPY CAN GET YOU HEALTHIER

BEYONCÉ HER RISE TO THE TOP

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR EVERYONE EVERYWHERE

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EDITOR/PUBLISHER Bernardo Moya info@thebestyou.co

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DEPUTY EDITOR Emma Ledger editorial@thebestyou.co THE BEST YOU ADVISORS Steve Kelly steve.kelly@thebestyou.co Julian Daley julian.daley@thebestyou.co Katie Wright katie.wright@thebestyou.co The Best You Magazine is published by

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The Best You Corporation Ltd. 81 County Street London SE1 4AD United Kingdom +44 (0) 207 927 6502 Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect The Best You Corporation Ltd. policy.

The Best You Coporation Ltd. accepts no responsibility by views expressed by its contributors.

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THE BEST YOU:

A BETTER WORLD

I recently visited California where I connected with new partners for next year’s Stateside edition of The Best You EXPO. I met some amazing experts including James Arthur Ray, Michelle Patterson, Renée Piane, Dean Graziosi, and Joe Polish.

It was an inspiring trip, and a reminder that America is the place where many new ideas in the personal development industry spring from. It also made me proud that The Best You brings a unique twist to the industry, and that is something that will evolve further with our new initiative; The Best You; A Better World, which you’ll be reading more about in the coming issues.

The Best You believes that education and personal development lead to empowerment, and aims to support individuals and organisations who strive to make the world a better place. By working together we can impact positive global change and create ever-greater awareness of vital issues.

This month is our Wellness Special issue, featuring an in depth look at two titans of the wellness industry: Gwyneth Paltrow and Deepak Chopra. Enjoy!

BERNARDO

MOYA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Twitter: @Bernardo_Moya facebook: bernard.moya64 To enjoy additional digital content, interactive features, video and digital galleries, download The Best You App.

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BANDLER LONDON DATES 2017

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GET THE LIFE YOU WANT

With Paul McKenna & Dr. Richard Bandler 7-8 October 2017

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LIFE TRAINING BOOK TODAY!

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PERSONAL ENHANCEMENT With Dr. Richard Bandler 10-12 October 2017

LICENSED MASTER PRACTITIONER OF NLP

With Dr. Richard Bandler, John & Kathleen La Valle 14-22 October 2017

LICENSED PRACTITIONER OF NLP With Dr. Richard Bandler, John & Kathleen La Valle 16-22 October 2017

INNER THE BEST YOU

YOU

EXPO LEARNING TO BE YOUR VERY BEST SELF

S P E C I A L Realising your full potential

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From postures that increase your ability to sleep, to the best Downward Dog for helping depression - The Best You’s Emma Ledger explores the different types of healing yoga available In the first of a new column, Life Coach Francesca Meloni reveals how you can break free from people or situations that are holding you back and find a sense of purpose in order to create the best possible life

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THE BEST YOGA FOR YOU From boosting your gut health to anti-anxiety flow, choose the best postures to make you feel good

The benefits of yoga extend much farther than flexibility and looking good in leggings. A new wave of yoga classes is aimed at treating everything from IBS to insomnia, with studios offering classes and workshops to help you feel your absolute best.

THE PROBLEM: INSOMNIA

You need: Yoga for Better Sleep at The Life Centre, Notting Hill and Islington (www.thelifecentre.com) Lisa Sanfilippo is London’s leading expert on yoga for sleep — her workshops have been known to help life-long insomniacs finally get some shut-eye. “Over the past 15 years I’ve developed a sequence of poses, meditations and breathing exercises which release tension and settle the mind and body for sleep,” says Lisa. And, if you’re one of the one in three people in the UK who have sleep problems, you need to pick your yoga class wisely. “A strong vinyasa class late at night might make you feel tired, but it will have the opposite effect once you’ve gone to bed,” explains Lisa. “You need to calm the nervous system down and get it ready for rest.” For more information visit yogaforbettersleep.com

THE PROBLEM: IBS

You need: Love Your Belly at Triyoga, Camden (www.triyoga.co.uk) Whether you have a bit of a stomach upset, or a more serious condition such as IBD or post-operative bowel cancer, Tanya Goodman Bailey teaches yoga techniques and gives nutritional advice to manage digestive health.

“For many people, gut issues are a stress response, and standard yoga practice with deep spinal twists can be too much,” she explains. “This is a very nurturing, healing practice, which aims to reset the nervous system and bring digestion back to normal function. We learn about

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self-massage and acupressure, as well as various poses that target the digestive organs, calm the mind and settle the belly. We also teach distraction exercises, craniosacral therapy and meditation, which are very effective forms of pain- management.” For more information check out thebellylovemethod.com

THE PROBLEM: ANXIETY

You need: Restorative Bliss at Good Vibes, Soho (www. goodvibesfitness.co.uk) “Most of us spend our lives in a state of stress and anxiety,” says Nahid de Belgeonne, Founder and Director of the Good Vibes studio. “In our Restorative Bliss class you are completely supported by props, which activate the parasympathetic nervous system and take you into a state of active rest, diverting oxygen from your overly busy brain into the rest of your organs.” The practice happens in a room heated with FAR infra-red panels, warmed to the temperature of a sunny day, which helps to open and soothe the body and can also help people suffering from SAD. De Belgeonne also teaches one-toone classes for specific conditions such as fertility issues and eating disorders.

THE PROBLEM: BAD POSTURE

You need: Anti-Desk Yoga at Frame, various locations (www.moveyourframe.com) This month Frame launched a yoga class specifically for desk jockeys. “It’s a gentle flow that opens up the back, neck and shoulder areas,” says David Kam, yoga teacher at Frame. “The sequences are designed to bring length to the body and improve posture and flexibility for anyone who’s stuck at a desk all day. We also do a lot of hand stretches to free up ‘typing claw’ and breathing exercises to allow you to switch off from the office.”

THE PROBLEM: A PERSISTENT COLD You need: Immunity Yoga at Ushvani, Chelsea (www.ushvani.com)

If your immune system has taken a battering, luxury day-spa Ushvani is running a four-week workshop to boost those white blood cells. “Each week we’ll do various asanas to rejuvenate cells, allowing oxygen to flow freely through the body and aiding the immune system,” says Deepa, a yoga instructor at Ushvani. “Postures that concentrate on the chest and throat area help regulate the thymus gland, which plays a role in stimulating the lymphatic system. We do a lot of purifying twists to eliminate toxins and activate the secondary organs of the immune system, and we learn to reawaken the abdominal organs with moves like upward-facing dog and wide-angle poses. At this time of year so many people experience lethargy and low immunity, so this workshop just helps mind and body restabilise internally.” This summer Ushvani will be starting a hormone-rebalancing workshop.

A POSE TO TRY AT HOME: COBRA “This pose stimulates the thymus gland, which is responsible for the growth of T-Cells, your body’s first response to the cold and flu. Lie on your belly, place your hands directly under your shoulders and lift your elbows off the ground, make sure the elbows come in towards the body. Keep your pelvis on the ground, relax your shoulders and neck and extend your chest forward. Press down through the tips of your feet (the power of this backbend should come from your legs). Breathe deeply for two to three breaths, lower down and repeat three times,” suggests Deepa.

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HOW COACHING CAN TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE Life coach Francesca Meloni wants to help you find a sense of purpose to create the best life for you

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FRANCESCA MELONI prejudice. Space to voice all your doubts and bad thoughts that make you feel ashamed. Space to create the life you want without outside pressure.

3. UNLEARNING WHAT YOU THINK YOU KNOW Before I became a certified coach I had changed careers twice, and left my home country, family and friends in order to find my heart’s desire.

Although I couldn’t articulate it, I felt that something was missing. “How could I possibly want more?” I kept asking myself in a voice, feeling I should be grateful for what I had. Yet, I wasn’t happy, and deep inside I knew something had to change, but I just didn’t know what.

Because of this struggle, I can relate when a client says: “I have no idea what to do with my life” or “I don’t know what is stopping me”. The difference now is that I’m certain the answer is “yes you do, you know exactly what to do. You’ve been conditioned to believe the opposite; and that’s precisely what is stopping you.”

Coaching completely changed my life. I feel I’ve received a gift that is meant to be passed on. It can open your mind, heart and soul to infinite possibilities; empowering you to live your life more authentically. Here are five ways coaching can enrich and change your life:

1. UNCOVERING WHAT YOU ALREADY KNOW IN YOUR HEART It’s not about the coach giving you advice or instructions on what to do next, but rather about helping you clear away the delusions that come from socialisation, past experiences and memories. As a coach, my job is to help my clients break free from the fake reality that makes them feel wrong and enable them to start living a life that finally feels right.

From a very young age we’re programmed to believe certain things and act in ways that may not alignment with our true nature. This dissonance can lead to painful feelings such as stress, anger and frustration. If we chose to finally free ourselves from some of the rules that society has set for us, the chances are we’d face quite a lot of resistance.

That’s when having an external voice can make all the difference in succeeding at life. A coach will encourage you to trust yourself and that what you know is right, despite people around you pressuring you to remain the way you are.

4. BEGINNING YOUR HEALING PROCESS

‘The pain shows you what’s left to investigate’, says Byron Katie. Many of us spend time thinking about what we don’t want instead of what we yearn for.

That’s precisely when we get all tangled up and left feeling ‘stuck’. Facing our pain is the only way we can let go of whatever is holding us back. Although daunting at first, it is the most liberating experience.

5. REALISING THAT IT ALL STARTS WITH YOU

Nothing around you will change until your heart is ready to feel differently. At the beginning of my career, I used to offer free coaching to people that I thought would benefit from it. To my surprise, there wasn’t much progress, and at first, I couldn’t understand why. Well, that experience taught me that we all grow into being ready in our own time and no one but you knows when that is.

2. HOLDING SPACE

Perhaps you’re feeling your life doesn’t fit, or you’re going through a tough time, or maybe you have a huge opportunity knocking at your door.

Whatever situation you might find yourself in, coaching is all about holding space. Space to voice your heart’s desire without any judgment or

Francesca Meloni is a certified life coach, NLP Practitioner and motivational speaker. For more information visit www.francesca-meloni.com.

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COMING

SOON

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.THEBESTYOU.CO

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ENJOY

LIFE

LEARNING TO BE YOUR VERY BEST SELF

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Forget negative and fake news, it’s time for some good news about inspiring and courageous people The Best You explores how actress Gwyneth Paltrow grew her wellbeing idea Goop from a fun newsletter for friends to a cornerstone of the international wellness industry

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The inspirational story of how Deepak Chopra harnessed the best of the East’s wisdom to become one of the most prominent figures in the world of alternative medicine Founder of The Best You Bernardo Moya meets Global Transformational Leader and world-leading Feng Shui Master Marie Diamond to discover the secrets to her success.

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SPACE FOR GIANTS Campaigns to stop the slaughter of Africa's elephants are gaining ground.

Space for Giants warns: don't stop yet

One third of the elephants in Africa were killed for their tusks in just three years, leaving only 400,000 of the large mammal throughout the continent. The illegal ivory trade is an epidemic, and despite progress being made to halt poaching in certain parts of Africa, it continues to rage.

Space for Giants is an international conservation charity that works to protect elephants from imminent threats, while preserving the landscapes they depend on for survival. Space for Giants works in Kenya, Gabon, Uganda and Botswana, using science and best-practice to develop and implement anti-poaching initiatives, secure protected territories for elephants, and train Rapid Response teams to deal with immediate poaching threats.

The charity also focuses on resolving problems that arise when people and elephants live alongside one another, and thus allowing them to co-exist peacefully. Space for Giants has been instrumental in the implementation of tougher wildlife crime laws, and as a result more poachers are being convicted and imprisoned.

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While progress is being made, the future of the species remains under critical threat. You can help Space for Giants keep the pressure on poachers by adopting an elephant for ÂŁ5 a month. You can also choose to adopt multiple elephants, or a whole family.

For more information and to get involved visit www.spaceforgiants.org Follow Space for Giants on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @spaceforgiants

Space for Giants’ work in Kenya has seen an 84% reduction of illegally killed elephants

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GOOD NEWS Forget fake news and political mud-slinging, it’s time for some positive stories about improving our world

JOANNA BEVAN As a volunteer at The Kindness Offensive, Joanna is devoted to improving life for those in need across London and further afield.

Some of her achievements include running Foundation Speak Street which offers free weekly English language lessons for refugees, helping to create a sensory garden for special needs children, and organising free day trips for the elderly to museums and places of interest. Joanna is described as a ‘selfless character who is always working towards building better communities.’

SHAMASH ALIDINA, ROSA CONNOR AND VICTORIA JOHNSON

CEMAL EZEL

London’s Museum of Happiness believes in a happier, kinder and more playful world. It’s a not-for-profit social enterprise run by Shamash, Rosa and Victoria to provide experiences that offer people of all backgrounds the chance to learn about living happier, more fulfilling lives. They organise in-teractive exhibitions, workshops and events to bring the science of happiness alive. One person who has enjoyed their work says: “In lonely London I found love, fun and a lot of new friends at Museum of Happiness. They make me happy!”

What if your morning coffee could change lives? With the support of The Big Issue, Cemal founded social enterprise Change Please to help reduce homelessness through coffee. The scheme trains people who are homeless to be baristas on a London Living Wage, and also provides housing, a bank account and therapy. Currently operating in London, Manchester and Newcastle, and soon New York, Cemal is responsible for lifting eight people per month out of homelessness and into long-term employment.

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THE ACCIDENTAL ENTREPRENEUR Over the last 12 years, Gwyneth Paltrow has pioneered a new phenomenon: direct celebrity merchandising. The Best You explores exactly how it happened

If ever there was an example of the power of brand, it is the story of Gwyneth Paltrow's business, Goop.

Gwyneth didn't need to launch a business, as she already basked in the glow of Oscar glory, with a stellar career, marriage to an internationally renowned rock musician in the shape of Chris Martin from Coldplay, and two beautiful kids. But it was actually that final factor that led her to create Goop.

The slightly goofy and awkwardly named Goop (the result of filling in the gaps between the actress’ initials) started out as a newsletter in 2008 for friends, with old emails archived on a website. Goop soon become a widely read lifestyle newsletter, providing encouragement to readers to 'nourish the inner aspect'. Goop quickly built up a huge following and the rest, as they say, is merchandising.

Gwyneth herself is pretty humble about how the Goop brand that stands for all things healthy, slightly ethereal, mystical and somewhat leftfield began.

"I had this incredibly fortunate life where I was getting to travel and work all over the world. I always had notebooks where I'd jot down, like, where's the best pizza? I'm in Naples, let me go try them all. So I had all of this information, and it was originally going to be a tiny database for my friends so they would stop f**king calling me," she recalls. "Then, some part of me thought maybe there are other people in the world who want answers to the same questions that I want and that my friends want. Then it organically turned into Goop."

In many ways, Gwyneth became an accidental entrepreneur.

"I've always been that per-son for my friends, where they ask me, I have a guy coming over for dinner. ‘How do I roast a chicken?’ or, ‘Where do I get a wax below 14th Street?’ or, ‘Where do I get a cool poster?’”

The world was eager to hear her advice and preferences, and the subscriber list grew extremely fast.

"I started getting feedback that I was really changing the financials for companies I was recommending on the site and having a significant impact on their business. The word really started to get out," she smiles.

Then, at a garden party in London, Gwyneth was approached by Juliet de Baubigny, a venture capitalist from Silicon Valley. She remembers Juliet saying how much she loved the Goop project and asking what she planned to do with it. Gwyneth replied, "I really don't know. I never really thought about it." From then on, Juliet became a ‘guardian angel’ who encouraged Gwyneth to think, not necessarily about monetisation, but about what Goop might be.

Gwyneth's focus has always been on the healthy and the ethical, and that's partly down to her father, film producer and director, Bruce Paltrow. When Bruce was diagnosed with cancer in 1998, Gwyneth began to really consider the link between environmental toxins and cancer. She wondered what caused cancer and other diseases such as immune disorders, autism and diabetes, and why they were more common. Gwyneth says she found a correlation between pesticide use and numerous diseases.

"The answers were horrifying," she says, calling the link between them "devastating."

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This change in awareness made her realise that she wanted to be healthy and feel as good as possible. She became obsessed with healthy eating, and her desire to share healthy and ethical products became the bedrock of the Goop phenomenon.

It has not always been received positively, and famously Goop has been lampooned for suggesting readers invest in bizarre products such as sex dust (which can be added to food to increase libido) and try practices including urinating in the shower to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, and ‘vaginal steaming’ to improve hormone balance.

But the Gwyneth brand can endure a bit of giggling or ridiculing, because the size of her following speaks for itself; over a million subscribers to the Goop newsletter and four million page views per month on the Goop website.

There’s no arguing that a lot of people want a pinch of celebrity sprinkled onto their lives. Gwyneth stumbled upon the age-old truth that celebrity sells, specifically in the context of the internet. Her business model has been taken up and mirrored by other Hollywood stars,

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perhaps most notably by Jessica Alba with her environmentally-minded company Honest.

For those who laugh at Gwyneth for her slightly otherworldly approach to business, the last laugh is on them. This year, the Goop board selected Gwyneth to became their CEO, replacing former CEO Lisa Gersh. The business raised almost £15 million in venture capital last year, and announced it will soon diversify into an online vitamin business, food supplier, clothing retailer with pop-up shops, and every manner of lifestyle choice for the many many people who want to be a purveyor of the Paltrow lifestyle.

What's more, Gwyneth is launching a new quarterly magazine through international pub-lishing house Condé Nast. The magazine, which will of course be named Goop, will focus on wellness and will appear later this year.

At the heart of it all is Gwyneth’s understanding of people’s desire to pursue wellness, and her status as someone to turn to for guidance for what really works in an increasingly crowded industry. She says; ”I recognised early, before I even knew that it could be a viable business at all, that I had trust. I had the trust of my readers. And I had unheard-of open rates.” ©HARPER-S BAZAAR

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DEEPAK CHOPRA ALL-NEW ANCIENT WISDOM?

As one of the most prominent figures in the worlds of alternative medicine and wellness, Deepak has nurtured an incredible career informed by ancient Indian traditions

Let's start with the mind-bending stuff. At the heart of Deepak Chopra's thinking are ancient Vedic ideas combined with modern concepts about quantum theory, the nature of the universe and humanity's place within it.

For those not familiar with Eastern mysticism, Deepak's message can come as a surprise. His central idea is that the world is inseparable from consciousness. So, what does that mean for people wanting greater wellbeing? It means you have more control over your wellbeing than you ever imagined possible.

His ideas are practical and commonsensical, revealing sound advice to create a wholesome mode of life. Wellbeing, Deepak argues, is supported by these pillars: good sleep, exercise, stress management, taking the time to understand your inner life and become emotionally intelligent, and using intuition and creativity to enrich your life and guide you. The advice he gives is holistic, and he does not regard the person as a symptom to be treated, but instead sees them as a complete entity existing in a wider environment in which they need to find harmony.

According to Deepak, Western medicine is not focused on true healthcare, but on health insurance. The emphasis that drives the health industry throughout the world is: how can pharmaceutical companies sell more drugs to make themselves and their associated industries more money, rather than ensure you are actually truly healthy? Deepak seeks to alleviate this malady in healthcare.

“True health reform will happen when we all collectively participate in the right information, the right knowledge and then help each other to create an ecosystem where we can actually create a more meaningful, purposeful life for ourselves,” he says.

He gives sound life advice, for example, when dealing with stress he places emphasis on the practicalities of meditation.

“I think one tip that works for anyone is to take a short

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There are no extra pieces in the universe. Everyone is here because he or she has a place to fill, and every piece must fit itself into the big jigsaw puzzle.

-Deepak Chopra breathing break. Just sit quietly and pay attention to your breath or do a deep breathing exercise. There are many apps right now that you can use to guide you with breathing exercises,” Deepak advises.

Another benefit of taking the time for breathing exercises is that it forces the mind to be in the moment. Our minds are often filled with all thoughts of the different tasks we need to complete throughout the days, weeks and months ahead that we can lose sight of ourselves and how we are living. If not focused on the future, we may also become overly engrossed in looking backwards, and get tangled in regret, which is how stress builds. By being present in the moment, and taking the time to think about the simple things you are in control of now. This is the start of mindfulness.

Deepak says; “If you’re at work, pay attention to what you’re doing — listen to the keys clicking on your computer keyboard or really pay attention to a conversation you’re

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having or information that you’re reading.” Simple things like this can bring the careering mind back under control.

Deepak also believes that diet is vital to wellbeing. In his book What Are You Hungry For? He argues that people eat in order to attempt solving essentially spiritual or psychological questions. He says; ”when we overeat, it's often because we're hungry for something completely different, such as love, self-esteem, security or success”.

Drawing on Ayurvedic principles which look at the whole person, Deepak includes the psychological effects of food as part of his regime. He advocates paying close attention to what you eat and why you eat it, and believes doing this will help eliminate many ‘lifestyle’ illnesses such as allergies and obesity, because eating is part of your lifestyle, after all.

Deepak, also strongly believes in the transformative, long-lasting positive effects of yoga. In many ways, he says, yoga is the ‘perfect’ holistic exercise. Not only does it

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strengthen the body and bring greater flexibility and control, its emphasis on breathing technique and spiritual balance reflect Deepak’s own approach to wellbeing. Deepak sees the body as an energy field, which is affected by mental state. Using meditation, Deepak believes that people getting their mind in balance will do the same for the body.

Deepak's advice may be unusual in a Western world that emphasises the physicality of the body, but it is precise, focused and full of sound common sense. He advises everyone to look at what you put into your bodies physically and spiritually to see how these inputs affect the way you operate as a human.

Further, Deepak believes that getting enough sleep is another important way to bring balance to the body, reduce stress and enhance wellbeing. He says he usually goes to bed at 10pm, and gets up around 4:00am and does two hours of meditation before starting his day. Deepak.

Deepak says that staying in balance with your surroundings and applying his principles to your daily life will bring enhanced wellbeing, and greater joy and satisfaction to your life.

We all know that sleep improves health on many levels. It can boost immunity, memory, creativity and help the body process and expel poisons. Deepak believes sleep is “a way of returning to your soul, to the underlying or inner being… Get your seven to nine hours, whatever fits you, but a minimum of seven hours of sleep”.

And who's to argue with that?

For more information visit www.deepakchopra.com

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MARIE DIAMOND

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DIAMOND

STAR

The Best You’s Bernardo Moya meets Marie Diamond, Global Transformational Leader, world-leading Feng Shui Master, and star of the hit movie and bestselling book The Secret

With Belgium as her birthplace and France as her home, Marie Diamond may be a woman of the West, but she takes huge inspiration from the East. Her expertise ranges from Feng Shui and Dowsing to meditation and ancient wisdom, and she shares it with her clients in a joyful, comprehensible and deeply spiritual way.

Marie is also passionate about creating transformational leaders around the world. As the President and Founder of the European Association of Transformational Leaders, she inspires organisations and countries to transform their systems. Her work has already reached more than 100,000 students across 190 countries, and Marie’s aim is to reach millions more through the energy systems she has created to uplift humanity, including Diamond Feng Shui and Diamond Leadership.

Q: WHEN DID YOU FIRST REALISE YOU HAD A SPECIAL GIFT? A: As a child I could see people’s energy fields and

chakras, I thought everybody could! When I was seven I met my spiritual teacher who taught me my first meditation, so I have actually meditated since that age.

He also told me to draw everything I wanted to accomplish in my life. So because I wanted to have a happy family, he gave me five colours to work with; citrus green, light blue, rose, yellow and purple, which I used to draw my dreams every day. I always suggest that people let children draw every day, or as much as they can, because they’re opening up to what is possible in their world.

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Q: YOU GREW UP TO BECOME A LAWYER FOR THE BELGIAN AND EUROPEAN GOVERNMENTS. WHAT MADE YOU PURSUE A DIFFERENT PATH? A: When I was 31 and had been practising law

for five years I decided it was time to let go of that world and I became a spiritual teacher. I started by teaching meditation, which I called Inner Diamond, and my first clients were people in the government that wanted to learn how to be like me: optimistic, joyful and peaceful. As a lawyer I’m a very practical person, so I needed to show people these are the steps you need to take. I work with a lot of colours to teach them to be very open-minded.

Q: HOW DID YOU GET INTO FENG SHUI? A: My spiritual teacher, when I was a child, told

me I had bad Feng Shui, and explained that my environment and where I slept was not supporting my goals. I have to be honest, I hated that bedroom, there was wallpaper like in my sister’s room, but it was not connected to me. He told me to change the colour and put images around that are very powerful? I did this, and felt my life shift - I became more confident, healthier and got my first boyfriend. I had so much more sunshine that I started attracting other things in my life.

Q: CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW IT WORKS? A: Feng Shui means wind and water, it’s a

4,000-year-old Chinese tradition which believes that the environment influences people’s happiness. The ancient Chinese saw how the energy from the landscape was influencing the way people were thinking, feeling and influencing their luck. So, they started bringing forward formulas based on directions and degrees, identifying that when people live in a certain kind of house they are happier, have better relationships, better health and make more money. These formulas were passed on from Master to Master, and these Feng Shui Masters left China in the previous century and took the wisdom to the Western world.

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Q: HOW DID YOU BECOME A FENG SHUI MASTER? A: My spiritual teacher said that when I turned

about 30 more information would come my way. At that age I was helping people with meditation and coaching, giving them that ‘ah ha’ moment. So, they were going home super enthusiastic, but they’d go back into their environment and their energy went down again, because the environment was telling a different story. Then I started sharing some practical things about changing their environment.

Soon after, I went to a big conference on Feng Shui and met a Grand Master and knew immediately that this is the Master I needed to connect with. It was very hard to be allowed in his circle, but he actually said he would teach me. He said, “it will be easier for you because you can see the energy.” I started really practicing very intensely, and after about 10 years my Grand Master told me I could take on the title of Master.

Q: CAN ANYONE EMPLOY ENERGY AND FENG SHUI PRINCIPLES TO IMPROVE THEIR LIVES USING YOUR MARIE DIAMOND APP? A: Yes, absolutely. It’s based on your

birthday, as everyone has a certain direction of energy in their life, and then it gives direction on the four compass directions: one for health, one for relationships and one for wisdom and one for success or motivation. By taking a small step every day you’re moving forward. The app helps people accept that you have the power to transform. It’s based on my belief that you need a holistic approach to changing your life. It’s not just the mind that needs to be focused on and change, it’s also how your heart feels and how your environment is set up. You have to work hard at it and welcome change. A lot of people are uncomfortable with change; however, it’s an essential part of growing and developing.

For more information visit

www.mariediamond.com To watch Bernardo's video interview with Marie visit www.thebestyou.co Marie will be speaking at The Best You EXPO 2018, both in London and in California, visit www.thebestyouexpo.com for more information

COMING SOON LAUNCHING IN 2017!

FOR MORE INFOPLEASE VISIT WWW.THEBESTYOU.CO

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BOOK

CLUB

The Best You’s top reads

WIN

WIN

Feeling in need of some inspiration, exploration or pure relaxation?

The Best You Book Club has something for every mood, and we are giving one lucky reader the chance to win a copy of every book featured. For a chance to win, simply send us an email with your name and address to EDITORIAL@THEBESTYOU.CO before 31 August 2017. Good luck!

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THE HIDDEN SCHOOL

By Dan Millman

In the long-awaited conclusion to the international bestselling Peaceful Warrior saga, Dan Millman takes readers on an epic spiritual quest across the world as he searches for the link between everyday life and transcendent possibility. Dan moves from Honolulu to the Mojave Desert, and from a bustling Asian city to a secluded forest, until he uncovers the mystery of The Hidden School. While traversing continents, he uncovers lessons of life hidden in plain sight - insights pointing the way to an inspired life. You’ll discover a vision that might just change your perspective about life’s promise and potential; ways to feel less anxious and a re-align through the ever constant present.

WILLPOWER

By Ros Taylor

Researchers have found that willpower is a better predictor of life and work success than IQ. Yet, we often speak about willpower as something elusive and hard to develop, especially those of us who are fond of dessert.

However, psychologist and executive coach Ros Taylor explains how easy it can be to whip your self-control into shape, and how it holds the key to success in many areas of life. Regardless of what you want to achieve, whether weight loss goals or business growth, you need the strength to keep going no matter how tough it gets. This book teaches readers new skills and positive habits to strengthen willpower and break through the barriers that threaten progress.

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MINDFULNESS MOMENTS Anti-stress colouring and activities for busy people

by Emma Farrarons

This is the third book from French illustrator and graphic designer Emma Farrarons, who believes that working with your hands is one of the best ways to soothe anxiety and eliminate stress.

It’s a gorgeous, handbag-sized colouring and activity book which offers practical exercises in mindfulness.

The have been lovingly formulated

By Gill Hasson to draw on your creativity and hone your focus.

This is one book so the stylish look forward Did you know that wayyou’ll you approach yourtoown thoughts taking a few minutes outyour of your day, wherever and feelings determines happiness and success in every you are,oftoyour colour way to peace calm. it's not aspect life?your Think about it forand a moment,

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE POCKETBOOK

necessarily the smartest people who are the most successful or the most fulfilled. Being clever, determined or highly skilled isn't enough; it is the ability to manage your own feelings, as well as the feelings of others and your interactions with them, that makes the difference. In Emotional Intelligence Pocketbook, bestselling personal development author Gill Hasson details how you can begin to understand yourself and those around you, before moving on to explore how you can learn to better handle emotions, and even deal with issues such as anxiety or lack of assertiveness.

FUTURE BRAIN

The 12 Keys to Create Your HighPerformance Brain

by Dr Jenny Brockis Medical practitioner Dr Jenny Brockis describes herself as a ‘future mind planner’, and after reading this inspiring book you will want to be one too. Brockis wants to spread the message that the brain is the busy professional’s secret weapon for boosting mastery, efficiency, and productivity to gain that coveted competitive edge – whether that be in business or in your personal life. Future Brain is written as a 12-step book, with actionable principles for a daily routine, making it ideal for dipping into. Even if you know very little about your grey matter, Brockis will help you understand in a non-complicated

By Jon Gordon way how the brain can be fine-tuned to lead you towards reduced stress, increased performance sharper, more Determining what makes a great with leader is the million innovative outcomes, areas of thoroughly your life. We guaranteeand dollar question.in Toall write this researched you’ll become a committed healthy brain advocate andGordon will engagingly written book, bestselling author Jon want to buy this forconsulted friends. with leaders who have transformed worked and

THE POWER OF POSITIVE LEADERSHIP

companies or schools; won national championships; or are currently changing the world. He also interviewed some of the greatest leaders of our time and researched positive leaders throughout history to discover how they inspired teams and navigated their paths to success. Jon believes that great leaders are not positive because life is easy, instead they are positive because life can be hard. Jon writes that “as a leader, you will face numerous obstacles, negativity, and tests. There will be times when it seems as if everything in the world is conspiring against you. That’s why positive leadership is essential.”

BOOK CLUB 30 THE BEST YOU MAGAZINE

REAL CALM

By Psychologies Learning to accept stress as part of life and handling it healthily is a basic foundation of wellness. This book, from the team behind Psychologies magazine, explores stress, calm and the spectrum in between to show you how to best cope. Packed with tips, ideas and expert insight, the book draws on cutting edge global research to help you understand your brain's response to stress, and with this knowledge build real calm into your everyday life. What does life look like when you're calm? What are the obstacles standing in your way? How is stress affecting you right now? What are your stress triggers, and can you respond differently? Let the experts guide you with their clear, practical advice, and start living better today.

*One entry per household. Entry implies acceptance of rules and conditions.

No purchase necessary. Open to all UK residents aged 18 years or over, other than employees of The Best You and companies associated with it.

Draw will be conducted by The Best You Corporation. Prize is as stated and will be awarded to the entry drawn at random on the draw date. No cash alternative is available. No correspondence will be entered into. Delayed entries will be deemed invalid. Winners’ names may be published and the winners may be required to participate in publicity. Promoter: The Best You Corporation.

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THE BEST YOU EXPO SPEAKER OF THE YEAR FOR 2016

THE BEST YOU GURU OF THE YEAR

THE BEST UP-AND-COMING INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER

THE BEST PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHOR

THE BEST LIFESTYLE ENHANCEMENT VLOGGER

THE BEST LIFETIME ACHIEVMENT

THE BEST PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT BLOGGER

THE BEST SELF-IMPROVEMENT BOOK PUBLISHER

ANNUAL GALA & AWARDS DINNER

2018

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To enjoy additional digital content, interactive features, video and digital galleries, please download The Best You App.

LIFE LOVE LEGACY

SEEKING MEANING AND FINDING PURPOSE

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The truly inspirational story of Jeff Bezos; the business mastermind behind Amazon who now reaches out to the world to discover what problems need solving The Best Wellness breaks in Great Britain and around the world - whether you want to take care of your body, soothe your mind, or just indulge in some relaxation

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LIFE BEYOND AMAZON Technology entrepreneur Jeff Bezos isn’t retiring with his amazon.com millions - he’s a philanthropist looking for the next challenge

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As one of tech’s most successful executives - with a net worth of over £70 billion - you might think the biggest question Jeff Bezos ever has to ask is ‘where shall I sail my enormous yacht today?’ Instead Jeff, who is best known as the founder, chairman, and CEO of Amazon. com, is on the hunt for a new project to invest in. And this time he wants it to be one that will make a positive impact on our world.

According to Jeff, both Amazon.com and his aerospace manufacturer business Blue Origin, along with the newspaper he owns (The Washington Post), each have long-term missions that he says “are contributing to society and civilization in their own way.”

Up until recently Jeff has been quieter than other big names about his giving; the Bezos Family Foundation focuses its efforts on education, while Jeff and his wife MacKenzie Bezos have donated tens of millions of dollars to scientific research and other causes.

But now Jeff wants to invest in new philanthropy endeavours - and he’s going about finding the worthiest causes in a very modern way: Twitter.

Last month Jeff used Twitter to ask users for suggestions on where his money and efforts would be best directed. He wrote: “This tweet is a request for ideas,” explaining that he wants his philanthropic work to be less focused on the long term and more “at the intersection of urgent need and lasting impact.”

This marks a turning point in how millionaire philanthropists connect with projects that urgently need investment. It allows the internet to brainstorm exactly where some of Jeff’s money could matter most, turning the table on the old, under-the-radar charitable investment formula.

Once again, innovator Jeff has led the way by rethinking his approach to philanthropy in hopes of better assisting people who need help right now. Now we have to hope that he’s inspired other high net worth individuals to do the same.

THE BEST BEZOS QUOTES “A brand for a company is like a reputation for a person. You earn reputation by trying to do hard things well.”

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“There are two kinds of companies, those that work to try to charge more and those that work to charge less. We will be the second.”

“If you do build a great experience, customers tell each other about that.

Word of mouth is very powerful.”

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THE BEST WELLNESS HOLIDAYS Whether you want to take care of your body, soothe your mind, or just indulge in some relaxation, you’ll find the perfect break

GREAT BRITAIN THE ORANGE TREE

Introductory meditation weekends at Buddhist retreats get booked out well ahead, a great alternative is The Orange Tree in the heart of the North York Moors National Park. As well as the standard spa days and yoga breaks, their weekend retreats include mindfulness and silent meditation.

01751 417219; theorangetree.com

RECLAIM YOUR SELF

According to Ofcom, we spend more time on digital devices (eight hours and 41 minutes a day) than we do asleep (eight hours, 21 minutes). The Reclaim Your Self Digital Detox weekends are powerful and personalised two-day breaks that combine yoga, healthy eating, mindfulness and talks on how to manage your online life.

020 8350 8943; reclaimyourself.co.uk

YEOTOWN

In an elegant converted farm in north Devon, Yeotown describes itself as ‘the definitive home of complete wellbeing’.

Yogi and Positive Psychology Coach Mercedes Sieff and her yoga-loving surfer husband Simon Sieff have fine-tuned their vision of an authentic healthy lifestyle retreat. Their five day retreat will leave you feeling not only stronger in body and clearer in mind but with a renewed sense of your commitment to wellness.

01271 343803; yeotown.com

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NEWBOLD HOUSE IN SCOTLAND

A transformative haven run by a small community committed to sustainability, Newbold House offers wellbeing holidays in the beautiful North East of Scotland. Bespoke, private retreats in a grand Victorian mansion are tailored to your individual needs, with options including yoga, meditation, bread-making, painting, gardening and foraging.

01309 672 659; newboldhouse.org

LIFEHOUSE SPA

Essex’s own slice of paradise, if you want more than a spa day and hotel stay their wellness retreats are ideal if you want to improve your general health, revitalise your diet, lose some weight or give yourself the time and space to recover after illness or bereavement. Snap up some expertise from their Chiva Som-trained staff.

01255 863 400; lifehouse.co.uk

THE GAINSBOROUGH BATH SPA

Bath has endured for over 2,000 years as a wellness destination, and The Gainsborough Bath Spa is the only hotel to have access to Bath's natural thermal waters.

Spend a weekend enjoying the healing power of water in the thermal pools, saunas, steam rooms and ice alcoves. You’ll leave feeling reborn. thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

THE REST OF THE WORLD PEAK HEALTH

Describing itself as “the next generation of wellness retreat”, a Peak Health holiday requires a bit more prep than just packing a suitcase. Three weeks before arriving at the very luxe hotel Capra in the Swiss Alps, guests provide a DNA and blood sample, which is sent off to genetic testing company WellCODE. Andrea DeBellis, head of PeakHealth, says; “This genetic test enables us to create a really specific programme which actually works for you, whether it’s what time of the day you should be working out or whether your body can tolerate certain foods.” The Peak Health team uses the data to produce a 20-page report to “create a totally immersive and precise 360-degree transformational experience”, including daily personal training sessions and bespoke spa treatments. peakhealthretreat.com.

VANA

With a soothingly hot climate and the world's most unflappable therapists, India remains a favourite escape for travellers in search of relaxation. Vana is a wellness retreat with an outstanding ayurveda centre, the ancient Hindu system of traditional medicine which treats the whole body and has spread across the globe. Set on a 21-acre estate in Dehradun, northern India, Vana crafts a bespoke retreat for every guest, with doctors, therapists and chefs on hand to help you to manage specific health complaints, restore balance and help you reach peak physical and mental wellbeing.

The hardest part of the trip will undoubtedly be wrenching yourself away when it’s time to leave. vanaretreats.com

38 DEGREES NORTH

38ºN was the first to bring the luxury wellbeing retreat concept to the famous party isle of Ibiza. Where it leads, many others have tried to follow, but nothing quite matches this world class original. Offering tailormade fitness holidays to suit personal goals, the team of experts includes an Olympic gold medalist personal trainer and a chiropractic doctor. Instead of a crash boot camp, 38ºN equips guests an holistic mind and body toolkit to serve them long after their stay is over.

On top of the training there are educational workshops and healthy-eating lessons, spa treatments and free yoga classes. Earlier this year they launched DNA Fit Ibiza, which tests your DNA before arrival so you get a bespoke programme to suit your fitness level, injury risk, recovery potential and nutritional needs. You’ll leave leaner, stronger and fitter, but most importantly you’ll know how to integrate your new found knowledge and motivation into everyday life. thirtyeightdegreesnorth.com

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FEEL AND LOOK GOOD

STRENGTH FROM THE INSIDE OUT

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Wellness isn’t as easy as hitting the gym and popping some vitamins; it’s an ongoing process of dynamic growth. Find about the trailblazing methods at the forefront of this multi million pound industry Not only can self-hypnosis enable to you to achieve goals and improve wellbeing, it can help mums-to-be prepare for a confident birth. Robyn Cowling explains how hypnobirthing gave her a joyful and profoundly connective experience

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FORENSIC WELLNESS Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach to healthy living, experts say we each need to find the balance that works best for us

What does wellness mean to you? It is defined as an active process of becoming aware of and making choices towards a healthy and fulfilling life. It means more than being free from illness, it is a dynamic process of change and growth.

The global wellness industry is worth an estimated £3 trillion annually, and hitting peak wellness means much more than occasionally dabbling in yoga or buying organic lettuce. These days, there’s even the option of going right down to genetic level in order to reach your full potential.

‘Bespoke’ is the modern buzzword, and in a world where we can personalise everything from our luggage to our lunches, our wellness has also inevitably got to be something we define and own. Creating a diet and training plan based on your gene variants used to be the preserve of elite athletes,; however, the new, game-changing affordability of DNA testing means that ‘precision’ or ‘personalised’ fitness is now going mainstream.

According to research from digital health venture fund, Rock Health, since 2011 more than £1.5 billion has been raised to fund companies that use predictive analytics based on your genes.

Science shows that our DNA really can tell us how best to diet and exercise, and London’s top gyms and training centres are leading this trend for targeted, DNA-based advice.

Plush gym, Third Space, proudly claims that it “doesn’t do inductions”, and instead offers its members an “Out/Set assessment.” Even their basic plan includes a biometric body scan, and those opting for the premium service make their way to the on-site medical centre to give a blood sample that will be screened for hormone and adrenal function, as well as any food allergies and intolerances (from £500).

Third Space’s saliva swab scans for 45 gene variants which link to how the body responds to food and exercise, including sensitivity to carbs, salt and saturated fats, as well as caffeine and alcohol metabolism (testing starts at £200) If that sounds too pricey, DIY home testing kit FitnessGenes comes with the tagline “it’s time to stop guessing and get started on your new body.” Once you’ve spat into a test tube and sent it off with a questionnaire, a team of geneticists, medical doctors, exercise scientists and nutritionists will draw up various DNA-specific workout and diet plans for you (the DNA Collection Kit costs £129).

“There are certain genes that indicate whether a person would be better off with a certain diet or with low-volume, high-intensity workouts,” says Dr. Dan Reardon, CEO and co-founder of FitnessGenes. “Most diet plans fail because the regime isn’t relevant to what people need to achieve their goals. When it’s based on your DNA, you feel more empowered and more inclined to stick with it.”

If this sounds a bit futuristic, experts say this kind of testing will only going to become more prevalent and accessible, and soon everyone will be making choices based on their DNA. When it comes to wellness, knowledge really is power.

For more information about Third Space visit www.thirdspace.london For more information about FitnessGenes visit www.fitnessgenes.com

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ALL IN THE MIND

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Self-hypnosis can help you achieve goals, and it can also prepare mums-to-be for a confident birth.

Robyn Cowling explains her joyful and profoundly connective experience

I heard people mention about hypnobirthing, but hadn’t paid it much heed until I became pregnant last year. I didn’t really know what was involved, and since I’m a bit of a hippy I thought I should at least google it. The more positive birthing stories I read, the more I wanted to pursue the idea.

I found local hypnobirthing practitioner Leonie Garner from Mindful Mammas, and my husband James and I booked a private session for late in my second trimester. We were sent a book to read aloud together ahead of the session, and while it very informative it was a bit of a chore to read it every night. Nevertheless, we did.

At that point, we were interested but not entirely committed. That all changed when we met Leonie and heard firsthand how amazing self-hypnosis can be. In short, self-hypnosis is a way to control your fight-or-flight responses, and allow your subconscious to take over your conscious self. After that initial session, I listened to some short recorded tracks on my phone during my commute to work.

I had a longer track, which I saved for bedtime (because I would inevitably fall asleep listening to it!).

I quickly blossomed with confidence, and I had never felt so positive or capable.

James and I were encouraged to have ‘sensory anchors’ (such as music or smells), which would become familiar with the feelings of self-hypnosis.

The scent of lavender reminds me of our wedding in the South of France, with our loved ones around us and excitement in the air, so every bedtime I’d pop the diffuser on with that essential oil, sync my chosen songs with the longer self-hypnosis track and fall asleep listening to it.

relaxation and control sink in. It was wonderful, I was beyond excited - I felt my body was built to do this!

Don’t get me wrong, I was uncomfortable and I was sick a few times, but it wasn’t painful.

For successful hypno-birthing you need your birthing partner to be on board. My husband was unbelievable; he was my eyes and ears in the hospital, he made sure the room was prepared and that the staff supported our choice to have the our music on and the lavender smell, so I could stay in the zone. After being in labour at home for five hours, pushing in hospital for another six, baby Grayson arrived happy, healthy and very chilled.

I was exhausted but I have never been prouder of myself. I have more lumps and bumps than before, but I also have a new love, respect and appreciation for my body and my mind. Self-hypnosis showed me that I was capable of having a pain-free, calm birth.

It’s amazing what you can do when you set your mind to it.

The science bit

Leonie Garner from Mindful Mammas explains how self-hypnosis works

I did that pretty much every night for three months, and wasn’t really aware that I was learning. however, my subconscious was soaking it all up whilst I was getting some well-needed rest after a long day of baby-growing.

“Our subconscious mind (sometimes called the ‘Body Mind’) is what we use to learn, make decisions and make sense of the world around us. It’s also the part that knows how to run all of our bodily functions and of course, grow and birth our babies. By gently accessing the subconscious through hypnosis with repeated positive messages, a mum-to-be can release any fears she may have and access her ‘Birthing Zone’; a naturally calm and empowered state of mind. This allows her to give birth more naturally and easily, sometimes even pain free, so that positive birth hormones and endorphins flow, and the beautifully synchronised system of birth happens as it was perfectly designed to.”

When I awoke one morning in September, in the early stages of labour, I calmly put the songs and diffuser on and sent my husband to work with a promise to keep him updated. I let the familiar feeling of

For more information visit www.mindfulhypnobirthing.com or call 07501 962525

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+44 (0) 207 9276 500 46 THE BEST YOU MAGAZINE

WEALTH

AND RICHES

IT'S NOT YOUR BANK BALANCE BUT WHAT IT’S NOT YOUR BANK YOU GIVE BACK THAT BALANCE BUT WHAT REALLY COUNTS GIVING BACK WHICH GIVES LIFE MEANING How Liz Earle turned her passion

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for beauty and wellness into an internationally successful business How actress turned entrepreneur Jessica Alba built an honest, internationally successful How the pickling phenomenon businesstake your work to the next level. became the latest wellness trend worth millions of pounds

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LIZ EARLE: “MY MANTRA

IS BUILD IT SLOW TO BUILD IT STRONG”

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With over two decades of experience in the beauty and wellness industry, Liz Earle is an expert on creating brand longevity

Back in 1995, Liz Earle founded her eponymous company with friend Kim Buckland to offer affordable beauty products with first-class customer service. It was a formula that worked so well that their wares were soon selling out.

The brand was bought by the global beauty organisation Avon in 2010 for an undisclosed amount, and subsequently purchased by Walgreens Boots Alliance for £140 million in 2015.

Liz was determined to continue sharing her beauty knowledge as a writer, television broadcaster, and the bestselling author of over 30 books. In 2013, she founded Liz Earle Wellbeing, a website and magazine which draws on respected research and trusted expertise to provide balanced advice and ideas on living well and looking good.

Liz, who lives in the southwest of England, was awarded an MBE for her dedication to the world of beauty, natural nutrition and wellbeing.

Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR BRAND IN 1995?

A: Back then skincare was very polarised. You either

shopped at overpriced department store counters or inexpensive self-selection chemists and supermarkets. My co-founder, Kim Buckland and I spotted a gap in the market for affordable, premium quality, botanical beauty products – and so the Liz Earle beauty brand was born.

Q: WHERE DOES YOUR PASSION FOR NATURAL INGREDIENTS STEM FROM? A: My father was a great botanist, and I used to spend

hours with him in the garden weeding, sowing and planting. He is an engineer and loves functional plants that do things, either edible or practical, so I think that’s where my early passion started.

Q: WHAT OTHER BEAUTY BRANDS DO YOU ADMIRE? A: I’ve always liked Aromatherapy Associates and used to work with their founders in the early days of my beauty career. I have a lot of respect for their use of genuine essential oil blends and their therapeutic effects on mind and body.

Q: WHAT HELPED GET YOU THROUGH THE CHALLENGES OF SETTING UP YOUR OWN BUSINESS? A: My working mantra has always been: build it slow to

build it strong. Crawl, walk, then run to build a business that will stand the test of time. You must have an absolute passion for what you do, as running a business will consume your life.

For more information visit www.lizearlewellbeing.com

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THE PICKLING PHENOMENON How fermented foods became a wellness industry worth millions

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These days you’re not serious about your health unless you’ve got a bowl of fermenting goodness in your fridge. Whether it’s kimchi, sauerkraut, yoghurt or pickles, fermented foods contain probiotics, which are live bacteria that support digestion and contribute to a healthy gut.

Wellness experts are currently enthralled by how these probiotic powerhouses boost the good bacteria in your digestive tract, help with a multitude of health issues, including IBS, aid in weight loss, better skin and boost immunity. A recent study by psychologists at the College of William & Mary shows that eating foods such as kimchi could even decrease levels of social anxiety.

Drew Ramsey, author of The Happiness Diet says that “the gut is the largest part of our immune system, so it matters what you put in it. Sugar and refined carbohydrates cause damage, while fermented foods heal.”

It sounds like it’s time for all of us to understand fermentation in order to positive ly influence our body and mind. Turns out it’s not all int he mind, it’s in the gut, too.

IN A PICKLE Everything you need to DIY ferment at home THE BOOK Fermented: A Beginner’s Guide to Making Your Own Sourdough, Yogurt, Sauerkraut, Kefir, Kimchi and More by Charlotte Pike THE COURSE Newton & Pott host very special weekend or evening classes covering four preserving techniques, from jam and chutney to pickling and fermentation. www.newtonandpott.co.uk

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LIVING

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DIGITAL DETOX Is that the answer to true wellness?

TUNED IN AND SWITCHED ON

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The best podcasts and Apps to help you get the most of screen time

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THE BEST WAYS TO HAVE A DIGITAL DETOX Is that the answer to true wellness?

The average person checks their phone 200 times a day - that’s once every six and a half minutes. Our lives are full of screens; We wake up to them, we come home to them, and we carry them around in our pockets all day. So perhaps it’s unsurprising that experts are warning that this constant exposure could be damaging our health.

“Technology may be incredibly useful and educational and it undoubtedly allows us much creativity, connectivity and enjoyment,” says Charlotte Walsh, partner at Digital Detox. “But if it begins to distract you from doing what you should be doing - like your job - or it negatively affects your relationships, or costs you more money than you can afford, then it starts to become dangerous. If it is negatively impacting your life you need to evaluate what you do online, when and with whom.”

Avoid becoming a slave to your smartphone and up your wellness rating by following these tips for a digital detox:

1. MAKE A GADGET LIST “Before you commit to a detox, try making two lists,” advises Dr Sally-Ann Law, a psychologist and personal life coach. “Firstly, list all of your gadgets. This will show you how dependent you are on technology. Secondly, make a list of all

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the things that you enjoy doing in life, but aren’t doing presently.” Then make time to do the things on the second list and - if possible - leave your smartphone at home.

2. GIVE YOURSELF AN ALLOWANCE “If you establish a maximum daily time allowance for your devices then you will be more likely to stick to your detox,” suggests Dr Richard Graham, a Technology Addiction Specialist at Nightingale Hospital. “By restricting the time you spend using technology, you can focus on the ‘real world’ much more, and will be encouraged to enjoy social interactions in person rather than through a screen.”

3. COMMIT TO CHANGING ONE HABIT AT A TIME “Choose one technology habit to change at a time,” advises Dr Law. “Maybe this would be banning all devices from the dining table, or from the bedroom, or only checking emails every two hours.”

But whatever it is, make sure that you stick to it for at least a week no matter what - and then move onto tackling another habit. “Keep going like this, eliminating your dependencies incrementally, until you feel more in control,” says Dr Law.

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THE BEST HEALTHY APPS TO HELP IMPROVE WELLNESS From tracking your moods to keeping your body moving, your smartphone can be a great tool for taking care of yourself and maintaining healthy routines

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PERSPECTIVE [IOS ONLY] Countless scientific studies have discovered many wide-ranging benefits to keeping a diary, including increased mindfulness, stress reduction, and strengthened emotional intelligence and selfdiscipline. Perspective is a brilliant journaling app that tracks your daily moods, habits and goals. You can view your entries on your life calendar to spot trends and keep track of what’s important to you. www.blinky.co/perspective_app

FOUNDMYFITNESS Dr. Rhonda Patrick has extensive research experience in the fields including ageing, cancer and nutrition, and she knows more than anyone that there’s a never ending avalanche of news about these topics - often much of it conflicting. Dr Rhonda’s app, FoundMyFitness, sees her sift through the stories and give her expert analysis. This offers clarity for all of us trying to decide whether the latest health-giving headline grabber really is as good as it sounds. www.foundmyfitness.com

IMOODJOURNAL This app is a personal diary that can track not only mood, but also sleep, medication, symptoms, stress and anxiety, energy level, cycles, etc. It will help you to spot patterns which reveal causes of your ups and downs, and might just give you some surprising insight about yourself. Simply enter a daily mood from a selected menu of emotions, and let the app present you with analytics for how your mood evolves over time. www.itunes.apple.com/gb/app/ imoodjournal

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+ 44 (0) 207 927 6500 WW W W . T H E B E S T Y O U E X P O . C O M

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