We underestimate the benefits of taking a holiday and Australians and New Zealanders have historically been poor at using their annual leave, although there may be a blip in that trend after the lockdowns. In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to overlook the rejuvenating power of a good break. Taking time off isn't just a luxury; it's a crucial investment in our well-being. This article delves into the science-backed benefits of embracing holidays, examining how they can elevate cognitive function, ignite creativity, and fortify resilience. We'll take a closer look at the biochemical and psychosocial dimensions to understand the impacts better.

With many organisations considering the option of having a hybrid or flex option for their team to work from home and work from the office, the importance of how our work environment or place of work affects our health and wellbeing may be underestimated.

Along with the management of ergonomics, slips, trips, falls and manual handling, we also need to consider temperature, noise, and how our surroundings make us feel?

Some people are generally susceptible to upper respiratory infections (URI's) and they are one of the most common forms of infection around.  URI's include the common cold, allergic rhinitis and rhinosinusitis, pharyngitis, epiglottitis and tracheobronchitis.  This kind of infection can be caused by both viruses and bacteria.  When you have conditions where you have high exposure to respiratory pathogens and airborne toxins, for example from bushfires and smoke drift, along with acute or chronic stress, then you have a recipe for higher and more severe incidents of URI's and aggravated allergies.

High performing organisations need high performing staff; that’s just a given nowadays.  But did you know that one of the ways we can assist our people to be high performing is to make sure they have a healthy gut?

To have the capacity to be creative, solution oriented, innovative and resilient we need good brain function and if you want a brain that functions optimally, the best place to start is the gut. Although it may not be apparent at first, the gut and brain are very closely linked.  Good gut health naturally supports your mood, cognition and mental performance.

While studying and when opening my clinic, I was often asked a couple of questions, “what is Nutritional Medicine?” and “why would I see a nutritionist?”. This article provides some insight into the world of Nutritional Medicine and what I do as a clinical nutritionist.

At first its fun.  You're performing every day, giving it your all, and loving the thrill of the game.  You strive to do it all and have it all.  You work hard and play harder.  You have a successful career, wonderful family and you're upstanding in the community.

And then it happens, you start to get tired, put on weight, and lose your mojo.  Your get-up-and-go just got-up-and-went.  You feel tired all the time and lack motivation.  You feel like you are losing your memory, have trouble focusing, and have brain fog.

When we think about it, it makes sense that not getting enough sleep will impair the way we perform, but we push that out of our minds when we have a deadline to meet and a pile of paperwork on our desks.  In fact, working long hours, pulling all-nighters, and sending emails in the middle of the night has kind of become a badge of honour in many of our "high performing organisations".

High achievers are always pushing themselves to be better, faster and more productive, however that drive for perfection could be taking you down the road to burnout town.  With the holiday season ringing in our ears, its ‘stacks on’ for those of us that try to be all things to all people.

If this time of year leaves you feeling extreme stress, overwhelmed and physically or emotionally exhausted, here are a few things to keep you from losing your mind and your mojo in the lead up to the holidays.  Here are 7 timely tips to keep you on track leading into the holiday season.