Is addictive use of social media making us depressed?

There’s no doubt that social media shines when it’s being used as a force for good however more often its been blamed for causing feelings of inadequacy, anxiety and self-loathing and has been linked to an increased in loneliness. In this Pod we explore the issues and ask how we can be more mindful of our social media presence and make technology work for us rather than against us.

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What does your body language say about you?

How good are you are reading other people’s body language? What does your body language say about you?

Use the resources in this Pod to explore how to improve your body language, learn how to read it and how to use it to improve your relationships.

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Disconnect to reconnect

How many times a day do you check your phone? The idea that our obsession with our smart phones is getting in the way of our relationships, our productivity and even our children’s ability to have a conversation is gaining momentum. In this pod, we explore the ideas behind digital detoxing, as well techniques to make you feel more in control such as the ‘zero inbox’ principle. And has the lack of quiet spaces in our 24/7 connected world led to the rise in modern mindfulness?

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Has contempt replaced conversation?

As mass media infiltrates our lives, our communication skills are waning, too often these days arguments with people we disagree with feel impossible. Have we lost the ability to have friendships with people with different views? Has outrage culture and today’s extreme politics driven division in society? What can we do to combat this?

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Creating habits that stick

If you want to develop healthy habits that last, then learn how to habit stack. Whether it’s improving your diet, exercising more or drinking less, the best way of developing a new habit that you will stick to, is to ‘stack it’ on top of another deeply ingrained habit. It doesn’t matter whether the current habit is a good one or a bad one, if it is something you do often, without thinking about it, you can anchor some new habits either side of it, or use it a a trigger to do something else.

The key is to make small changes, one at a time and allow them to get embedded before changing something else. When most of us try and change our habits to be more healthy, we try and do too much at once. Throwing loads of changes together. You stick to them for a while but then it gets too hard and the habits fade. The trick is the build slowly, stack new habits on top of old and then the habits will last.

This Pod includes loads of great advice and ideas for how to habit stack and where to start. Enjoy!

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Start running from scratch

Taking up running can seem like a scary prospect, especially if you feel out of shape or are unfit. If you’re not sure where to start, use the resources below to help you get going and build up gradually. We recommend the Couch to 5k nine-week, guided, training program which is designed to help people transform a sedentary lifestyle into an active one. In this Pod, graduates of the program share their tips and you can discover how to progress in your new found skill once you’ve cracked the 5k distance!

So what are you waiting for? Set yourself the 5K target, lace up your trainers and achieve the goal. Running regularly will improve both your physical and mental health. and give your confidence and self belief a boost.

SHOP To support this Pod and our Workout Videos Pod, we have handpicked a selection of simple, affordable gym equipment and a selection of stylish, comfortable sportwear to help you learn to run or workout at home. View our Gym Equipment Shop and our Sportwear Shop pages.

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Tips and tricks for mature skin

In this Pod, we have decided to concentrate on makeup for the more mature skin.  The internet is bombarded with wrinkle free teenagers advocating the use of various products, so we are showcasing videos that celebrate experience over youth!

As long as there have been people, there has been makeup.  The Ancient Egyptians would decorate their eyes with dark green, black or blue kohl circles that were supposed to ward off the evil eye and Alexander the Great apparently wore eye makeup for aesthetic and health reasons, as it ‘protected the delicate skin around the eyes and kept off flies’.

During a global crisis, it might feel a bit trivial to pull out your makeup bag and go to town on bronzer.  But experts say it can actually make a huge difference in navigating these unpredictable times.  It can help separate home and work life, your weekend self from your work self and some studies have shown that, for some, wearing make up can even boost productivity.

SHOP To support this video collection, we have handpicked a great selection of makeup, brush sets, storage solutions and other accessories. View our Mature Makeup Shop page.

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The rise of the sober curious

Becoming sober or at least sober-curious is something that seems to be on the lips of many mid-lifers. Are you starting to reflect on your relationship with alcohol and thinking you might like to change it ?

Whether you are thinking about taking a break, are considering moderating your drinking or contemplating going alcohol free, there is a whole community out there that can help you with your journey. Use the resources in this Pod to learn more, hear from others on this path and get tips and advice from the experts.

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Your finances made simple

Learn how to manage your own money and build financial independence, whatever your goals. Take control of your finances, with easy to understand, straight forward advice.

We have focused this Pod on women, as research from YouGov Omnibus has shown that over half of women have never owned any investments, with a lack of knowledge and confidence holding them back. However, the resources here are useful for anyone wanting to understand their finances better.

This Pod covers tips and ideas for setting household budgets, planning for the future with savings and investments, dealing with financial shocks, pensions made easy and much more. With simple, user friendly language and practical tips that can make managing your money a whole lot easier.

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How to boost your happiness and wellbeing

The search for happiness is a universal human desire, which we see as critical to leading fulfilled lives. But rather than pursuing it by the accumulation of wealth, fame or beauty, we need to recognise that happiness is a state of mind that comes from within and lasting happiness and meaning is earned through honed, consistent behavioural habits.

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Are we limiting our lives because of fear?

“Find a way to say yes to things. Say yes to invitations to a new country, say yes to meet new friends, say yes to learn something new. Yes is how you get your first job, and your next job, and your spouse, and even your kids. Even if it’s a bit edgy, a bit out of your comfort zone, saying yes means that you will do something new, meet someone new, and make a difference. Yes lets you stand out in a crowd, be the optimist, see the glass full, be the one everyone comes to. Yes is what keeps us all young.” Quote Eric Schmidt

Could saying Yes help us experience more of what life has to offer ? It means taking chances to stretch your comfort zone, to overcome your insecurities, to beat fear, to get through failure, criticism, rejection, and embarrassment with a positive spirit. It essentially means knowing what you need “more” of in your life to help you live a more optimal life. And often the things we need most we resist because they make us feel uncomfortable. Surrender this control, say Yes more and reignite your life.

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Have you written a book or always wanted to?

Trying to get it published can be a long and demoralising process. This ‘How To’ Pod explores how to take control and publish the book yourself, the pros and cons of self-publishing vs traditional publishing, suggested steps, success stories and where to find resources and online guides that can help you.

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Find your colours, body shape and personal style

Learn how to style yourself at home. Find out what colours look best on you, how to determine your body shape, how to declutter and revamp your wardrobe and tips for finding your personal style. A bit of focus and a few simple changes can make a real difference.

You can also work out how to identify your face shape, so you can choose hairstyles, glasses and sunglasses that will suit you best. All from the comfort of your desk or sofa.

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The truth is we all do it but why?

Lying is an inherent part of being human and we all do it, everyday, to friends, family and work colleagues. From little white lies in order to be polite or protect the feelings of others, lies designed to hide our inadequacies or avoid blame, to the lies we tell ourselves about how we really feel, there are many types of lie and equally as many reasons why we do it. Children learn to lie from about the age of three and become accomplished liars by around the age of seven. So where is the line between socially acceptable lying and unacceptable deceit? Can you tell when someone is lying and why do some people develop into pathological liars?

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Refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle and rot

Want to recycle more, reduce your food waste and use less plastic but not sure where to start? Be inspired by others and learn some quick tricks to reduce your own consumption.

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