So, this Valentine’s Day (and each subsequent day of the year) I’d like to suggest practicing some self love, whether or not you are in a romantic relationship. And here are 6 easy ways to do so: Say “hello” to yourself and tell yourself “I love you.“ Then notice how that feels in your body. This seems like an easy enough task, but the first time I said “Hello Gianna. I love you,” I felt quite emotional. I think it’s because those  three simple words alerted me to the fact th

I was a bit apprehensive about doing a talk to the Sunday Assembly group about how to wire the brain for joy on the 15th November 2015, just two days after the terrific atrocities that happened in Paris. I was still feeling quite stunned and heavy hearted, as I know so many other people were too. But when I contemplated what my talk was fundamentally about – simple strategies that anyone can use to move their thoughts and feelings away from being stuck in stress and sadness a

Breaking news!! I am writing a short book that will encompass much of what I’ve learned on my journey thus far. It will contain a number of simple exercises designed to rewire the brain away from stress and towards joy, all backed a little bit by science. I am hoping that it will help others to live a bit more simply and mindfully. Here is a short excerpt from it: On a physical level, it is believed that suppressed and repressed feelings can lead to illnesses, ranging from ch

But the subject of exercise has come more into the forefront of my mind recently as I’ve been studying more about how the human brain works. Whilst doing so, I came across a gene called BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor); and if anything is going to get me exercising more, it’s the thought of what BDNF is doing in my brain. Most people are aware that exercise releases certain neurotransmitters in the brain that alleviate pain – but neuroscience is also uncovering that e