This week has been a particularly busy one for me and I confess to having a few late night finishes with early starts to get my workload completed and deadlines met. Burning the candle at both ends is something I try to avoid but on the rare occasion that it does happen, my sleep unfortunately is the casualty in this somewhat chaotic battlefield. I don’t know about you but whether it’s demanding schedules or workloads, if I spend a few days out of sync with my usual sleep pattern… I need a little time to adjust. So this weekend, I’m making us this simple but soothing plant based bedtime drink to help us drift off to sleep. It uses lavender which has a calming and relaxing effect on the mind and can induce a deep sleep. In addition, milk contains amino acid known as Tryptophan and a hormone called melatonin and together they also help to induce sleep. Coconut and Almond milk have similar qualities and can be used as a dairy free option. So why not elicit those memories of home and childhood and try this hot bedtime drink to snuggle under the duvet with and encourage those Zzzzzzzzzzz!  INGREDIENTS Ingredients - Makes 2 cups 2 Cups of Milk or Almond/Coconut Milk (dairy free option) 2 Teaspoons of Dried Lavender Honey (Organic and local if possible) METHOD In a small saucepan, gently heat your milk and lavender Stir frequently and do not let boil – medium heat Simmer for around 15 minutes Remove from heat and strain the lavender Pour into cups, stir in honey (to taste) and enjoy! Sweet Dreams! Written by Nicole McKendry
#herbalist #insomnia #recipe #lavendertea
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While we often praise and openly recognise the benefits of reading children to sleep, up to 48% of adults struggle to find time to pick up a book. So here are our top five reasons why it might be time to reintroduce the bedtime story to your life... 
#sleepissues #insomnia #reading #sleep 
#communication #relationship #listen #grow 
As the hordes of frenzied Christmas shoppers descend onto high streets this December it is becoming harder and harder to identify the festive cheer that we are promised this time of year is sure to bring. With the passing of each year, happiness seems to come packaged in increasingly expensive boxes that leave many of us feeling emotionally and financially stressed in the attempt at making sure it can be found under our tree come Christmas morning. But in this hunt for consumerism driven joy many of us are actually losing out on the simple pleasures and fulfillment that can be found in the traditional values of Christmas such as love, kindness and charity. In the words of Dr Seuss, ‘what if Christmas he thought, doesn’t come from a store What if Christmas perhaps means a little bit more’ That is why at Therapy in the City we have put together a list of our top meaningful Christmas gifts that can help to bring true happiness this December to you and all those you choose to share it with. TIME When we think back on the best Christmas of our lives it will be on a rare occasion that memory relates to a material gift. The truly great memories all lead back to a moment shared with family and friends, a time well spent with those we love. This December take time out from work, from social media, from the holiday to do list and give someone the most precious gift of all, your time. HOPE This year take the time to acknowledge the people within our communities that are struggling this December. Homelessness, isolation and illness effects thousands of people across the country and for many they are forced to endure these hardships alone. This Christmas help to remind the most vulnerable in our society that they are not alone by working and volunteering with one of the many registered charities and organizations that attempt to offer hope and support to those that need it most. CHARITY Just because you are attempting a more meaningful Christmas does not mean that gift giving is completely off the list. What is does mean is that what you give has more intention. For every Christmas treat you purchase why not donate an item to your local foodbank or for each new gift a child receives why not donate something to a Christmas toy drive in your area. In this way, we can all remember to be mindful of what we truly need and not just want we think we want. KINDNESS Random acts of Kindness is a phrase that most people will have probably heard. Wikipedia describes it as ‘… a selfless act performed by a person or persons wishing to assist or cheer up an individual… there will generally be no reason other than to make people smile, or be happier.’ We don’t think there could be any better reason than this to give the gift of kindness. From something as simple as a smile and pleasant word to assisting someone with a difficult task, this act is limitless. The best thing about these gifts is that you can give them year after year, month after month. Far from having a sell by date these gifts will last long after the Christmas decorations are packed away. In fact if you choose to, these gifts can last a lifetime. ‘I will honour Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year’ Charles Dickens. #meaningfulchristmas #christmasgiftguide #randomactofkindness
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AuthorThere's always room for one more on our Therapy couch... so whether you join us daily, weekly or just when you have time to stop by we hope that our therapy chatter allows you to take time out in your busy life, to unplug from your everyday stressors and simply breathe, listen and change! Archives
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