The calmer, more predictable world we long for does not seem to be in a hurry to return. How do we cope with these turbulent times? Counselling psychologist dr Hannetjie van Zyl-Edeling offers practical tips for reducing anxiety and stress and boosting our energy levels.

Becoming fully immersed in what we are doing, to the extent that hours feel like minutes, is an invigorating experience. Knowing how to optimise what positive psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi calls the flow state can help us experience some of our happiest, most creative and productive moments. Learn more about the characteristics, key aspects, growth and productivity related to flow, and about flowing in a group context.

Resilience helps us cope with change, adversity and setbacks. Learning and development specialist Dr Rina de Klerk-Weyer explains how to use your inner strength to become the best you, despite your circumstances. This doesn’t mean you need to be strong all the time; it’s more about changing your perspective, developing certain skills, and making conscious choices. The ability to bounce back can be your anchor in an unpredictable world.

We seldom find it easy to speak about death, but the Covid-19 pandemic has made it hard to avoid doing so. How can broaching the subject with a loved one bring us closer together? What should we say? Emotional Intelligence expert Dr. Rina de Klerk-Weyer offers a list of questions we can ask regarding the practical and emotional aspects of death. The answers will clarify our own views as well as those of the loved ones we engage.

In these times, as we are looking for more ways to stay healthy or to recuperate, strengthening our connection with our bodies is crucial. Educational psychologist Dr. Elsi Meyer explains how the various layers of the mind can be used to awaken the “felt sense” of the body, mentions the tools at our disposal, and the advantages involved. She outlines the four phases of awakening, and how to balance rational thought and the creative mind for optimal well-being.

Even before the worldwide pandemic, burnout took on epidemic proportions. Now – on top of that – we are experiencing Covid fatigue. Master coach Judy Klipin explains how to identify Covid fatigue and offers practical tools and self-care strategies to help our bodies and minds rest and recharge, benefit our relationships, and optimise our performance at work.

Mindfulness may seem like a vague concept, but a clear understanding of its physical, emotional and mental benefits can prompt a regular meditation or breathing practice, which needn’t be time-consuming. Counselling psychologist and hypnotherapist Karin Steyn explains the difference between mindfulness and meditation, how meditation affects certain parts of the brain, and suggests practical resources and ways to develop this skill.

Does ageing inevitably lead to physical and mental decline, loneliness, and becoming “useless”? It needn’t. Dr. Hannetjie van Zyl-Edeling discusses scientific studies proving that we have control over several ageing processes – provided we know what we can do and actually make the effort. Learn how to examine and edit your beliefs, develop your social portfolio, reduce stress and use exercise to help remodel your brain.

How do the brain and sensory preferences influence intimate relationships? Have you discovered your partner’s preferred sense? Developmental specialist Dr. Melodie de Jager explains how a little detective work concerning neurological wiring can foster mutual understanding and make partners more compatible.

Would you like to become a shining example of 80 being the new 60? This is not dependent on your genes. Dr. Christiane Northrup urges us to let go of ageism and the expectation of physical decline by rewiring our brains and changing our lifestyle. The earlier we start, the better!  

Although the safety and well-being of both Mom and Baby remain the foremost concern during childbirth, parents now have more choices: where their child should be born, who to include in their birth team, and what type of birth they prefer. Counselling psychologist and hypnotherapist Karin Steyn discusses the advantages of HypnoBirthing®, an approach to natural birth involving deep relaxation, releasing fear, tapping Nature’s own anaesthesia during labour, and “breathing down” you baby instead of “pushing”.

Dr. John Demartini, world-renowned human behaviour specialist, educator, author and business consultant, explains how determining our priorities enables us to reconnect with our true purpose, live empowered lives, improve our relationships and face our fears. These aren’t vague promises. The principles Dr. Demartini teaches are informed by history’s great minds, supported by science and shaped into practical tools.

Een ding staan vas: niks bly soos dit is nie – veral wanneer ‘n pandemie die wêreld tref. Baie van ons moes emosionele, finansiële, gesondheidsverwante of ander terugslae die hoof bied en probeer steeds ons balans herwin. Wat bepaal of ons weer opstaan, of bly lê? Ilse Salzwedel gesels oor Floreer, ‘n praktiese gids met aangrypende verhale en duidelike riglyne oor hoe om ‘n betroubare hulpbron te ontwikkel: veerkragtigheid.

Who would have thought that being kind has scientifically proven benefits? In “The five side-effects of kindness” Dr. David Hamilton describes how the brain, heart and immune system benefit from their owner’s kind thoughts and actions. In fact, kindness kan relieve depression, slow the ageing process and strengthen relationships. Experiment with these practical guidelines to enhance your life on different levels – they’re free!

The unprecedented challenges of the past year have forced many of us to take on new roles and develop new behaviours, in our work as well as our personal lives. Brand-building coach Dawn Klatzko gives sound advice on noting our talents, skills, and even our failures in order to reinvent ourselves. She introduces concepts like the “six pack for the brain” and an unconventional look at IQ and EQ.

Of jy nou voltyds werk, enkellopend is, en kinders het of nie – die lewenspas is vinnig. By tye raak die eise eenvoudig net te veel. Kliniese sielkundige dr. Wilmien Human gesels eerlik oor maniere om ons balans te behou, en oor kopskuiwe wat ons kan help om ons eiesoortige, gesonde “supervrou-rol” te skep.

Hoe gemaak met die groot persentasie kinders in ons land wat nie ‘n pa in die huis het nie? Jaco van Schalkwyk van The Character Company verduidelik wat dit verg om ‘n seun informeel of deur ‘n organisasie te mentor, hoekom positiewe manlike rolmodelle so nodig is, die vyf waardes wat mentorskap kan versterk, en hoe enkelma’s ondersteun kan word.

Falling in love is easy, but keeping that magic alive can seem challenging - especially when your beloved starts displaying annoying traits, makes unacceptable decisions, or fails to consider your feelings. How can these power struggles be transformed and emotional intimacy and passion restored? Kobus van der Merwe explains how Imago Relationship Therapy works and how it can heal romantic relationships.  

Face profiling is a startlingly accurate assessment tool that tells us a lot about our true self. Now add brain profiling, which sheds light on our brain preferences, and the road to goals such as working more efficiently or attaining a healthy weight suddenly opens up.  Face profiler and personal development coach Marthie Maré tells Mariette how this works.  

Can face profiling reveal your talents, challenges - and who you really are? Absolutely, says face profiler and personal development coach Marthie Maré. Find out what physiognomy is, how it works, and how the self-knowledge you gain can benefit you and your relationships, at home and at work.