On World Smile Day, I thought it worthwhile to explore what it means to smile, and the science behind why and how we do it. When we smile, it releases the best kind of hormones, the feel-good hormones like endorphins, dopamine and serotonin. These are neurotransmitters that promote feelings of happiness and contribute to positive mental health. Smiling can also help reduce physical pain and combat stress, acting as a natural form of relief. These hormones are the magic dust of life. As a reflexologist, one of my greatest rewards is witnessing clients ride away on a wave of joy.

One of the key lessons we learn as children is to be nice. Sit nicely at the dinner table, be nice to the other children at nursery, share your toys nicely, be nice to your brother. The sentiment behind this lesson has heart, but sometimes being nice can be at the expense of yourself. When we get busy taking care of and being nice to others, one can forget to take care of ourselves.

There is no ‘how to’ guide that can fully prepare you to be a parent, and when your child is suffering from an early discomfort such as colic, teething, reflux, or other digestive issues, it is sometimes hard to know which direction to turn.

Reflexology is something that has worked and continues to work to support both my children, as well as myself. A holistic (treats the whole body) complementary (used to complement other treatments) therapy that can be done anywhere, as all you need are feet or hands.

To celebrate World Poetry Day on Monday 21st March, I wrote a poem about all the little things that make me feel good, make me happy and ultimately support my wellbeing.

I am a woman who happened to be born on International Women’s Day. Does this mean I have a super power? I like to think so.

I am fortunate enough (although may not think so when they hit teenage age) to have two daughters and a very scruffy and mischievous female dog. My husband is very much outnumbered in our house (apart from the two male fish and gender unknown shrimp). I LOVE being female.

When you experience change, do you go into a state of fear of the unknown, or do you see this change as an opportunity to learn? When you are faced with a task you haven’t done before, do you panic and freeze, or do you see it as a challenge that will help you grow? The latter mindset is known as a growth mindset, and this is not something that comes naturally to all.

Mindfulness is one of the simplest methods of staying attuned with your body and supporting your wellbeing. There are many different interpretations of mindfulness but Rick Hanson, editor of RESILIENT, describes it as “the key to regulating your attention so that you get the most beneficial experiences while limiting the impact of stressful, harmful ones.

Music has been used throughout history to evoke emotion. From Cupid holding a lute, the instrument thought to awaken love, through to Shakespeare incorporating language to show music is a force that has the power to enhance emotions, entering into the body and soul.

Time & Leisure review by Tracey Richardson, just in time for the World Reflexology Week.

How many of us dedicate time every week to our wellbeing? I’m sure many of us have the aspiration every Monday and then meetings, children, dogs, life admin gets in the way.

WIN a Reflexology or Indian Head Massage treatment in the comford of your home with Time & Leisure magazine.

Wellbeing has always been integral to our overall health, but it is now more important than ever to make it a priority.