We’re rarely aware of it, but our breathing has a big impact on our well-being. When we’re stressed, we tend to breathe faster, more shallowly, and more frequently. This can lead to a range of vague and unclear complaints. Inhale, exhale. Breathing doesn’t seem so hard, right? Yet many people unconsciously hold their breath in…
Vacation stress — it may seem strange and harmless, but it can really get in the way of a good trip.Is the door locked? Gas turned off? Passports packed? Avoid vacation stress with these tips: Finish and hand over your work at least a week in advance. If possible: take a day (or more) off…
Relaxing is incredibly important: it’s good for your health and makes you happier. But how can you stay relaxed throughout the day?With these tips, life will hopefully become more manageable and peaceful. Mindfulness.For those unfamiliar: mindfulness means being aware of your surroundings, your body, and truly being in the present moment. We often focus on…
When is muscle soreness a good sign, and when should you be careful to avoid injury? Every athlete knows that exercise comes with discomfort — and that’s necessary. To build stronger muscles, you need to place them under a certain amount of stress. This stress usually feels like a burning sensation during the workout and…
You might doubt yourself often, but it’s actually pretty pointless. So how do you get rid of it? First of all: doubting yourself isn’t necessarily bad. But it is pointless — it doesn’t make your life better, and it doesn’t help you in any way. It’s a waste of your precious time and energy. One…
In today’s digital society, you’re constantly bombarded with stimuli — from ads, promotions, and endless notifications. But how can you keep the noise out? In this article, we share tips on how to filter it so you can truly enjoy life again. Where does all this noise come from? Your smartphone – You’re probably constantly…
It appears that meditation really helps with pain. In one study, participants were able to reduce pain sensations by as much as 25%. That’s more than with a placebo: a fake ointment only helped by about 10%. In the experiment, participants were subjected to a heat element on their leg — not enough to cause…
Getting good sleep makes you feel better — but did you know it can also lead to healthier eating habits?A study on people who usually sleep only 5–7 hours showed that those who extended their sleep by up to 1.5 hours per night consumed less free sugar, fat, and carbohydrates. This effect was observed in…
More and more Dutch people are choosing to seek the sun during the Christmas holidays. Instead of gloomy snow, we prefer to head to palm beaches. Unfortunately, this also means that beach holidays during the Christmas period are becoming more expensive, and hotels are more likely to be fully booked than in previous years. Roughly…
Want to successfully quit smoking? Then try seeing yourself as a non-smoker. In a study conducted in Leiden, researchers found that people who continued to identify as smokers — even after quitting — were more likely to relapse. People tend to behave in ways that match their identity. If someone sees themselves as healthy, they…
Autumn Risotto with Chestnuts and Forest MushroomsChestnuts are incredibly versatile. Roasting them is fun, but they’re also delicious in a seasonal risotto. Ingredients for 2 people 150 g risotto rice 100 g roasted chestnuts, peeled 150 g forest mushrooms (e.g. chanterelles, boletes) 1 onion, finely chopped 2 tbsp oil Salt and pepper 650 ml vegetable…
People often say you should relax more. But sometimes we forget how. This article offers real ways to relax. Seek out silence.Noise can cause stress without you realizing it. Stop talking, leave noisy rooms. Even setting your phone to vibrate helps create a calmer environment. Put on a soothing playlist.Wear headphones and lie down on…
